Micromyrtus vernicosa explained

Micromyrtus vernicosa is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae and is endemic to a south-eastern Queensland. It is a spreading shrub with overlapping lance-shaped leaves with the narrower end towards the base, and small white flowers arranged singly in leaf axils with 5 stamens in each flower.

Description

Micromyrtus vernicosa is a spreading shrub that typically grows up to high and wide and has more or less drooping branchlets. It has overlapping, lance-shaped leaves with the narrower end towards the base, long, wide on a petiole long. The leaves are glabrous and glossy with prominent oil glands. The flowers are wide and arranged singly in leaf axils on a peduncle long, with 2 translucent bracteoles about long at the base. There are 5 more or less round sepals lobes long and wide, and 5 white, elliptical petals long and wide. There are 5 stamens, the filaments about long and the style is long. Flowering has been observed in May and June.[1]

Taxonomy

Micromyrtus vernicosa was first formally described in 1997 by Anthony Bean in the journal Austrobaileya from specimens collected in Mount Walsh National Park.[2] The specific epithet (vernicosa) means "varnished", referring to the glossy leaves.

Distribution and habitat

This species of micromyrtus is endemic to Mount Walsh where it grows in rocky soils in heathland.

Conservation status

Micromyrtus vernicosa is listed as "vulnerable" under the Queensland Government Nature Conservation Act 1992.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Bean . Anthony R. . A revision of Micromyrtus Benth. (Myrtaceae) in Queensland. . Austrobaileya . 1997 . 4 . 4 . 469–470 . 30 March 2024.
  2. Web site: Micromyrtus vernicosa . APNI. 30 March 2024.
  3. Web site: Species profile—Micromyrtus vernicosa . Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science . 30 March 2024.