Micromyrtus rotundifolia explained

Micromyrtus rotundifolia is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae and is endemic to a south-eastern Queensland. It is a shrub with more or less round leaves, and small white flowers arranged singly in leaf axils with 5 or 6 stamens in each flower.

Description

Micromyrtus rotundifolia is a shrub that typically grows to a height of and wide. Unlike others in the genus, its leaves do not overlap, but are more or less round, long, wide and sessile. The leaves are glabrous with a few oil glands. The flowers are wide and arranged singly in leaf axils on a peduncle long, with 2 bracteoles long at the base. There are 5 or 6 sepals lobes long and wide, and 5 or 6 white, egg-shaped to more or less round petals long and wide. There are 5 or 6 stamens, the filaments long and the style is long. Flowering has been observed in February, August and September.[1] [2]

Taxonomy

Micromyrtus rotundifolia was first formally described in 1997 by Anthony Bean in the journal Austrobaileya from specimens collected near Lake Buchanan.[3] The specific epithet (rotundifolia) means "round leaf", alluding to the almost circular outline of the leaves.

Distribution and habitat

This species of micromyrtus grows in shallow, sandy soils in shrubland or woodland on breakaways between Lake Buchanan and Alpha, although it is rare throughout its range.

Conservation status

Micromyrtus rotundifolia is listed as "vulnerable" under the Queensland Government Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Notes and References

  1. Bean . Anthony R. . A revision of Micromyrtus Benth. (Myrtaceae) in Queensland. . Austrobaileya . 1997 . 4 . 4 . 460–462 . 8 February 2024.
  2. Web site: Species profile—Micromyrtus rotundifolia . Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science . 9 February 2024.
  3. Web site: Micromyrtus rotundifolia . APNI. 9 February 2024.