Stenanthemum poicilum explained

Stenanthemum poicilum is a species of flowering plant in the family Rhamnaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is an erect or low-lying shrub with hairy young stems, broadly egg-shaped leaves with the narrower end towards the base, and clusters of densely hairy white flowers.

Description

Stenanthemum poicilum is a twiggy, erect or low-lying shrub that typically grows to a height of, its young stems hairy. The leaves are broadly egg-shaped with the narrower end towards the base, long and wide on a petiole long, with stipules at the base. Both surfaces of the leaves are covered with tiny, star-shaped hairs. The flowers are arranged in clusters wide, surrounded by hairy, egg-shaped bracts about long. The floral tube is long, the sepals long and densely hairy, and the petals long. Flowering occurs in September and October, and the fruit is a hairy schizocarp long.[1] [2]

Taxonomy and naming

Stenanthemum poicilum was first formally described in 1995 by Barbara Lynette Rye in the journal Nuytsia from specimens collected in 1992.[3] The specific epithet (poicilum) means "mottled", referring to the seeds.

Distribution and habitat

This species grows in heath and shrubland near Canna and on the Bremer Range in the Avon Wheatbelt and Yalgoo bioregions of south-western Western Australia.

Conservation status

Stenanthemum poicilum is listed as "Priority Three" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, meaning that it is poorly known and known from only a few locations but is not under imminent threat.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Rye . Barbara L. . New and priority taxa in the genera Cryptandra and Stenanthemum (Rhamnaceae) of Western Australia. . Nuytsia . 1995 . 10 . 2 . 299–300. 19 January 2023.
  2. Web site: Stenanthemum poicilum . Kellerman . Jurgen. Thiele . Kevin R.. Kodela . Phillip G. . Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: Canberra . 19 January 2023.
  3. Web site: Stenanthemum poicilum. APNI. 19 January 2023.
  4. Web site: Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna. Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife. 19 January 2023.