Micromyrtus mucronulata explained

Micromyrtus mucronulata species of the family Myrtaceae and is endemic to the Western Australia. It is a shrub with linear to narrowly egg-shaped leaves with the narrower end toward the base, and white flowers in diameter.

Description

Micromyrtus mucronulata is a shrub that typically grows to high and has erect leaves densely arranged on its smaller branchlets. Its leaves are linear to narrowly egg-shaped with the narrower end towards the base, long and wide on a petiole long. The flowers are in diameter, and arranged in between 6 and 17 upper leaf axils on a peduncle long. The sepals are egg-shaped, long and wide and the petals are white, broadly egg-shaped with the narrower end towards the base and long. The anthers are long and the style is wide. Flowering occurs between April and November and the fruit is long and about wide, containing a single seed.[1]

Taxonomy

Micromyrtus mucronulata was first formally described in 2010 by Barbara Lynette Rye in the journal Nuytsia from specimens collected in the Paynes Find by John Stanley Beard in 1973.[2] The specific epithet (mucronulata) means "having a small, sharp point on the leaves".

Distribution and habitat

This species grows on the summit or lower slopes of a hill in the Yalgoo bioregion of Western Australia.

Conservation status

Micromyrtus mucronulata is listed as "Priority One" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, meaning that it is known from only one or a few locations which are potentially at risk.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Rye . Barbara L. . A revision of the Micromyrtus racemosa complex (Myrtaceae: Chamelaucieae) of south-western Australia. . Nuytsia . 2010 . 20 . 47–49 . 29 December 2023.
  2. Web site: Micromyrtus mucronulata . APNI. 29 December 2023.
  3. Web site: Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna. Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife. 4 April 2023.