Micromyrtus minutiflora explained

Micromyrtus minutiflora is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family and is endemic to New South Wales. It is a slender, spreading shrub with oblong to egg-shaped leaves and white flowers arranged singly in leaf axils.

Description

Micromyrtus minutiflora is a slender, spreading shrub that typically grows to height of up to tall. The leaves are oblong to egg-shaped, long and wide with hairy edges. The flowers are arranged singly in leaf axils, sometimes in clusters at the ends of branches, on a peduncle up to long, with 2 bracteoles about long at the base. The sepals are membrane-like and about long and the petals white and about long. There are 5 stamens, the filaments up to long. Flowering occurs in spring and the fruit is a nut.[1] [2] [3] [4]

Taxonomy and naming

Micromyrtus minutiflora was first formally described in 1867 by George Bentham in Flora Australiensis.[5] [6] The specific epithet (minutiflora) means "tiny-flowered".

Distribution and habitat

This species grows in the western part of the Cumberland Plain where it grows on old alluvial soils. It is similar to M. ciliata that only grows on sandstone.

Conservation status

This species of myrtle is listed as "vulnerable" under the Australian Government Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and as "endangered" under the New South Wales Government Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Threats to its existence include urban expansion, habitat loss, weed invasion, human recreation and the dumping of rubbish.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wilson . Peter G. . Micromyrtus minutiflora . Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney . 24 December 2023.
  2. Book: Robinson . Les . Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sdney . 1991 . Kangaroo Press . Kenthurst, N.S.W. . 0864171927 . 60.
  3. Web site: Approved Conservation Advice for Micromyrtus minutiflora . Australian Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water . 24 December 2023.
  4. Web site: Micromyrtus minutiflora (a shrub) - endangered species listing . New South Wales Government, Department of Planning and Environment . 24 December 2023.
  5. Web site: Micromyrtus minutiflora . APNI. 23 December 2023.
  6. Book: Bentham . George . Flora Australiensis . 1867 . 3 . Lovell Reeve & Co. . London . 65 . 24 December 2023.
  7. Web site: Micromyrtus minutiflora (a shrub) - endangered species listing . New South Wales Government, Department of Planning and Environment . 24 December 2023.