Calytrix chrysantha is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a glabrous shrub usually with oblong to linear leaves and clusters of yellow flowers with about 45 to 55 yellow stamens in several rows.
| Calytrix chrysantha | |
|---|---|
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| Calytrix chrysantha at Kings Park | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Calytrix |
| Species: | C. chrysantha
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| Binomial name | |
| Calytrix chrysantha | |
Description
editCalytrix chrysantha is a glabrous shrub that typically grows to a height of up to 0.3–1.33 m (1 ft 0 in – 4 ft 4 in). Its leaves are oblong to linear, 1.25–4 mm (0.049–0.157 in) long, 1.0–1.25 mm (0.039–0.049 in) wide on a petiole 0.2–0.75 mm (0.0079–0.0295 in) long. There are stipules up to 0.25 mm (0.0098 in) long at the base of the petioles. The floral tube is 7.5–10 mm (0.30–0.39 in) long and has 10 to 12 ribs. The sepals are joined for up to 0.3 mm (0.012 in) at the base, the lobes broadly egg-shaped with the narrower end towards the base, 1.5–1.76 mm (0.059–0.069 in) long and wide with an awn up to 10 mm (0.39 in) long. The petals are yellow, egg-shaped to lance-shaped, 6.5–7.0 mm (0.26–0.28 in) long and 2.75–3.5 mm (0.108–0.138 in) wide with 45 to 55 yellow stamens with filaments 2.0–6.5 mm (0.079–0.256 in) long. Flowering occurs from December or January to February.[2][3]
Taxonomy
editCalytrix chrysantha was first formally described in 1987 by Lyndley Craven in the journal Brunonia from specimens collected about 7 km (4.3 mi) south of the rail crossing on Eneabba South Road in 1978.[2][4] The specific epithet (chrysantha) means 'gold-flowered'.[5]
Distribution and habitat
editThis species of Calytrix is found on flats in the Eneabba district in the Avon Wheatbelt and Geraldton Sandplains bioregions of south-western Western Australia.[2][3]
Conservation status
editThis star flower is listed as "Priority Four" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,[3] meaning that is rare or near threatened.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Calytrix chrysantha". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
- ^ a b c Craven, Lyndley (1987). "A taxonomic revision of Calytrix Labill. (Myrtaceae)". Brunonia: 90–92.
- ^ a b c "Calytrix chrysantha". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- ^ "Calytrix chrysantha". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
- ^ George, Alex; Sharr, Francis (2021). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (4th ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 163. ISBN 9780958034180.
- ^ "Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna" (PDF). Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife. Retrieved 26 July 2024.