Typhonium praetermissum explained

Typhonium praetermissum is a species of plant in the arum family that is endemic to the Northern Territory of Australia. In 2022, Hay and others resurrected the genus, Lazarum, and renamed the species as Lazarum praetermissum[1] (a name accepted by Plants of the World Online).[2]

Description

The species is a geophytic, perennial herb, which resprouts annually from a corm. The leaves vary from oval in shape to deeply divided, up to 4.5 cm long, on a stalk up to 5.5 cm long. The flower is enclosed in a brown and maroon spathe 4 cm long. The small fruits appear in November and December.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the tropical Top End of the Northern Territory, with a range limited to the vicinity of Darwin and the Litchfield shire including Middle Arm, Virginia, Karama, Noonamah, the Palmerston escarpment and Mandorah.[4] Many sub-populations are under increasing pressure from development and weed incursion.[5]

It is found mainly in open woodland habitats with red-brown clay or lateritic soils, typically in Eucalyptus miniata woodland on well drained soils, and on the margins of plateaus.

Conservation status

NT Flora lists the species as "vulnerable".[6]

Notes and References

  1. Hay, A., Barrett, M. D., Hetterscheid, W. L. A., & E2, R. N. B. . 2022. New combinations in resurrected Lazarum A. Hay (Araceae–Areae). Aroideana. 45. 133–137.
  2. Web site: Lazarum praetermissum (A.Hay) M.D.Barrett, A.Hay & Hett. Plants of the World Online Kew Science . 2024-01-12 . Plants of the World Online . en.
  3. Web site: Typhonium praetermissum. John Westaway & Ian Cowie . 2012. Threatened Species of the Northern Territory. Northern Territory Government . 3 October 2021.
  4. Book: Holmes . Jarrad . A Guide to Threatened, Near Threatened and Data Deficient Plants in the Litchfield Shire of the Northern Territory . Bisa . Deborah . Hill . Audrey . Crase . Beth . May 2005 . WWF-Australia . 2005 . 1-87594185-1 . Ultimo, Australia . May 2005 . 6.
  5. Web site: July 2016 . Threatened Species of the Greater Darwin Region - Typhonium praetermissum . 12 January 2023 . Northern Territory Government.
  6. Web site: NT Flora factsheet: Typhonium praetermissum. efloraNT.gov.au. 12 January 2024.