Leucopogon infuscatus explained

Leucopogon infuscatus is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a shrublet with many branches, egg-shaped to lance-shaped leaves, and light brown, densely bearded flowers.

Description

Leucopogon infuscatus is a shrublet that typically grows to a height of and has many spreading branches. Its leaves are egg-shaped to lance-shaped, long and wide on a petiole about long. The flowers are arranged in leaf axils in a spike long with up to 12 flowers with broad, more or less overlapping brown bracts long and slightly smaller bracteoles. The sepals are oblong, about long, the petals light brown and joined at the base to form a tube about long, the lobes long and densely bearded on the inside. Flowering mainly occurs in August and September.[1]

Taxonomy and naming

Leucopogon infuscatus was first formally described in 1986 by Arne Strid in the journal Willdenowia from specimens he collected near Ravensthorpe along the road to Esperance in 1982.[2] The specific epithet (infuscatus) is derived from the Latin word infusco, meaning "to darken", referring to flower parts which darken and dry as they age.[3]

Distribution and habitat

This leucopogon grows on ridgetops and flats in the Esperance Plains bioregion of south-western Western Australia.

Conservation status

Leucopogon infuscatus is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Notes and References

  1. Strid . Arne K. . New Species of Leucopogon and Conostephium (Epacridaceae) from SW Australia. . Willdenowia . 1986 . 16 . 173–174.
  2. Web site: Leucopogon infuscatus. APNI. 28 May 2022.
  3. Book: Sharr . Francis Aubi . George . Alex . Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings . 2019 . Four Gables Press . Kardinya, WA . 9780958034180 . 224 . 3rd.