Regelia ciliata
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Regelia ciliata | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Regelia |
| Species: | R. ciliata |
| Binomial name | |
| Regelia ciliata | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Melaleuca crossota Craven & R.D.Edwards | |
Regelia ciliata is a plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a rigid, spreading shrub with paper-like bark on the stems, tiny wedge shaped leaves and dense heads of mauve flowers in spring and summer.
Regelia ciliata is rigid, spreading shrub which grows to a height of 1.3–1.5 m (4–5 ft). The leaves are arranged in alternating pairs (decussate) so that they make four rows along the stems. They are broadly egg-shaped, about 6 mm (0.24 in) long and 4 mm (0.16 in) wide and fringed with short hairs.[2][3][4]
The flowers are mauve and arranged in dense heads 20–50 mm (0.8–2 in) across on the ends of branches which continue to grow after flowering. There are 5 sepals, 5 petals and 5 bundles of stamens. Flowering occurs over an extended period in spring and summer and is followed by fruit which are woody capsules in small, almost spherical clusters around the stem.[2][3][4]
Taxonomy and naming
Regelia ciliata was the first of its genus to be formally described. The description was written in 1843 by J.C.Schauer in the journal Linnaea: Ein Journal für die Botanik in ihrem ganzen Umfange.[5][6] The specific epithet (ciliata) is derived from the Latin word cilium meaning "eyelash"[7] in reference to the fringe of hairs on the leaves.[2]
Distribution and habitat
This regelia occurs in the Moore and Vasse River districts in the Avon Wheatbelt, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest and Swan Coastal Plain biogeographic regions.[8] It grows in sand in areas that are wet in winter.[9]
Ecology
Regelia ciliata is a shallow-rooted species, tolerant of water-logged soils. It occurs on the Gnangara Groundwater Mound but as water is removed from this mound to supply water for Perth, the populations of this species are in decline. A similar effect has been observed in Astartea fascicularis, Hypocalymma angustifolium and Pericalymma ellipticum.[10]