Leucochrysum graminifolium explained

Leucochrysum graminifolium, commonly known as pagoda rock daisy,[1] is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is a small perennial with narrow leaves, yellow flower-heads and is endemic to New South Wales.

Description

Leucochrysum graminifolium is upright, small, tufted perennial herb to high with a woody rootstock. The leaves are greyish-green, thread-like, crowded, up to long, edges rolled, upper surface smooth, lower surface woolly. The single daisy-like yellow flowers are on slender peducles about long, the bracts are spreading, in diameter, arranged in multiple rows. The outer bracts are light brown, the inner bracts pale yellow and the edges of the bracts are woolly at the base. Flowering occurs from October to March and the fruit is long and bristly.[1] [2] [3]

Taxonomy and naming

In 1960, Paul G.Wilson described a new variety of Helipterum albicans that he gave the name var. graminifolium in Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia.[4] [5] In 1992 Wilson raised the variety to species status as Leucochrysum graminifolium in the journal Nuytsia.[6] [7] The specific epithet (graminifolium) means "grass leaf".[5]

Distribution and habitat

Pagoda rock daisy grows on sandy soil in exposed places between the Lithgow district, Newnes and the Wolgan Valley in New South Wales.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wilson . Paul . Leucochrysum graminifolium . PLANT NET-NSW FLORA ONLINE . Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney . 15 July 2024.
  2. Book: Fairley . Alan . Seldom Seen Rare Plants of Greater Sydney . 2004 . Louise Egerton . 1876334991 . 126.
  3. Book: Fairley . Alan . Moore . Philip . Native Plants of the Sydney Region . 2010 . Jacana Books . 978-1-74175-571-8. 459.
  4. Web site: Helipterum albicans var. graminifolium . Australian Plant Name Index . 16 July 2024.
  5. Wilson . Paul G. . A consideration of the species previously included within Helipterum albicans (A.Cunn) DC. . Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia . 1960 . 83 . 171 . 17 July 2024.
  6. Web site: Leucochrysum graminifolium . Australian Plant Name Index . 16 July 2024.
  7. Wilson . Paul . Leucochrysum graminifolium . Nuytsia . 1992 . 8 . 3 . 444 . 16 July 2024.