Andersonia bifida is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a compact shrub with linear leaves with a sheathing base, and white, cream-coloured or yellow flowers.
| Andersonia bifida | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Andersonia |
| Species: | A. bifida
|
| Binomial name | |
| Andersonia bifida | |
Description
editAndersonia bifida is a compact shrub that typically grows to a height of up to about 30 cm (12 in). Its leaves are linear with a sheathing base, 2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) long and 0.5–1 mm (0.020–0.039 in) wide. The flowers are arranged in groups of 2 to 6 with bracts similar to the leaves and shorter, keeled bracteoles. The sepals are linear, 8–16 mm (0.31–0.63 in) long and usually hairy. The petals are white, cream-coloured or yellow, 2.5–4.5 mm (0.098–0.177 in) long and form a tube with lobes about half as long as the petal tube. The stamens are slightly longer than the petal tube, the anthers equal in length or longer than the filaments.[2][3]
Taxonomy
editAndersonia bifida was first formally described in 1962 by Leslie Watson in the Kew Bulletin from specimens collected by Arthur Dorrien-Smith in 1910.[2][4] The specific epithet (bifida) means 'forked', referring to the anthers.[5]
Distribution and habitat
editThis species of Andersonia grows in loamy soils on granite outcrops in the Avon Wheatbelt and Jarrah Forest bioregions of south-western Western Australia.[3]
Conservation status
editAndersonia bifida is listed as "Priority Two" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,[3] meaning that it is poorly known and from one or a few locations.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Andersonia bifida". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
- ^ a b Watson, Leslie (1962). "A taxonomic revision of the genus Andersonia R.Br. (Epacridaceae)". Kew Bulletin. 16 (1): 111–112. doi:10.2307/4120354. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
- ^ a b c "Andersonia bifida". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- ^ "Andersonia bifida". APNI. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
- ^ Sharr, Francis Aubi; George, Alex (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (3rd ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 146. ISBN 9780958034180.
- ^ "Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna" (PDF). Government of Western Australia Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Retrieved 15 October 2024.