Cryptandra exserta is a flowering plant in the family Rhamnaceae and is endemic to inland Western Australia. It is a shrub with narrowly oblong leaves and clusters of white, tube-shaped flowers.
| Cryptandra exserta | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus: | Cryptandra |
| Species: | C. exserta
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cryptandra exserta | |
Description
editCryptandra exserta is a shrub that typically grows to a height of up to about 50 cm (20 in), its young stems densely covered with matted hairs. The leaves are narrowly oblong, 2.3–2.5 mm (0.091–0.098 in) long and 0.5–0.7 mm (0.020–0.028 in) wide, on a petiole about 0.3 mm (0.012 in) long with stipules 0.6–1.0 mm (0.024–0.039 in) long at the base. The edges of the leaves are turned down or rolled under, sometimes concealing the hairy white lower surface. The flowers are borne in spike-like clusters of 2 to 5, sometimes up to 10, on the ends of branchlets. The flowers are surrounded by about 10 broadly egg-shaped to oblong bracts. The floral tube is about 2.5 mm (0.098 in) long, the sepals 2.0–2.5 mm (0.079–0.098 in) long and densely hairy. Flowering occurs from July to September.[2][3]
Taxonomy and naming
editCryptandra exserta was first formally described in 2007 by Barbara Lynette Rye in the journal Nuytsia from specimens collected north of Norseman in 2001.[2][4] The specific epithet (exserta ) means "protruding", referring to the flowers' protruding from the bracts.[2]
Distribution and habitat
editThis cryptandra mainly grows on plains in the Coolgardie and Mallee bioregions of inland Western Australia.[2][3]
Conservation status
editThis cryptandra is listed as "Threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,[3] meaning that it is in danger of extinction.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Cryptandra exserta". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
- ^ a b c d Rye, Barbara L. (2007). "New species and keys for Cryptandra and Stenanthemum (Rhamnaceae) in Western Australia" (PDF). Nuytsia. 16 (2): 363–364. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
- ^ a b c "Cryptandra exserta". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- ^ "Cryptandra exserta". APNI. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
- ^ "Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna" (PDF). Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife. Retrieved 16 November 2022.