Hypocalymma xanthopetalum, commonly known as yellow myrtle,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae, and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a low-growing to erect or sprawling shrub with sessile, oblong leaves, and pale to bright yellow flowers with 80 to 135 stamens.
| Hypocalymma xanthopetalum | |
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| In Maranoa Gardens | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Hypocalymma |
| Species: | H. xanthopetalum
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| Binomial name | |
| Hypocalymma xanthopetalum | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Description
editHypocalymma verticillare is a low-growing to erect or sprawling shrub that typically grows to 0.15–1 m (5.9 in – 3 ft 3.4 in) high and 0.15–1.2 m (5.9 in – 3 ft 11.2 in) wide with densely hairy young stems that are round in cross section. Its leaves are sessile, usually more or less oblong, 12–25 mm (0.47–0.98 in) long, 2–9 mm (0.079–0.354 in) wide. The edges of the leaves are curved down, and the lower side of the leaves has many oil glands. The flowers are arranged in pairs in up to sixteen leaf axils on a short peduncle with bracteoles 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) long. Each flower is sessile, 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 in) in diameter, the floral tube 1.5–2 mm (0.059–0.079 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide. The sepals are egg-shaped, 1.5–2.0 mm (0.059–0.079 in) long and 2.3–2.8 mm (0.091–0.110 in) wide. The petals are pale to bright yellow, 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long and there are 80 to 135 stamens, the same colour as the petals, the longest filaments 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long. Flowering mainly occurs from July to September and the fruit is a capsule 2.5–3.5 mm (0.098–0.138 in) long and 3.5–4.0 mm (0.14–0.16 in) in diameter.[2][3][4][5]
Taxonomy
editHypocalymma xanthopetalum was first formally described in 1860 by Ferdinand von Mueller in his Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae from specimens collected by Augustus Oldfield.[6][7] The specific epithet (xanthopetalum) means 'yellow-petalled'.[8]
Distribution and habitat
editYellow myrtle grows in sandplains in heath, shrubland or woodland between Geraldton and north of Muchea in the Avon Wheatbelt, Geraldton Sandplains and Swan Coastal Plain bioregions of south-western Western Australia.[2][3]
Use in horticulture
editThis species can be maintained as a well-rounded bush in cultivation and is suitable for growing in a container. It requires excellent drainage and prefers a position in full sun or partial shade. It has a degree of frost-resistance.[9]
References
edit- ^ a b "Hypocalymma xanthopetalum". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ a b c Rye, Barbara L.; Keighery, Gregory J. Wege, Juliet Ann; Ely, C.J. (eds.). "Hypocalymma xanthopetalum". Flora of Australia. Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: Canberra. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ a b "Hypocalymma xanthopetalum F.Muell". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- ^ Rye, Barbara L. (2017). "Reinstatement of Hypocalymma linifolium and lectotypification of H. xanthopetalum (Myrtaceae: Chamelaucieae)". Nuytsia. 28: 319–320. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Strid, Arne K.; Keighery, Gregory J. (2003). "A taxonomic review of the genus Hypocalymma (Myrtaceae)". Nordic Journal of Botany. 22 (5): 554–556.
- ^ "Hypocalymma xanthopetalum". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ von Mueller, Ferdinand (1860). Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae. Melbourne: Victorian Government Printer. p. 29. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Sharr, Francis Aubi; George, Alex (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (3rd ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 341. ISBN 9780958034180.
- ^ Greig, D. (1987). The Australian Gardener's Wildflower Catalogue. Australia: Angus & Robertson. ISBN 0207154600.