Richea scoparia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Richea scoparia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Richea scoparia flowering in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Richea |
| Species: | R. scoparia |
| Binomial name | |
| Richea scoparia | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Richea angustifolia | |
Richea scoparia is a species of plant endemic to Tasmania. The genus Richea, forms part of the Ericaceae (formerly Epacridaceae) family, which are commonly heath-like shrubs.[3][4] The name refers to the erect bushy growth habit, described as a broom-like shrub, most commonly referred to as the honey bush or simply scoparia to many bushwalkers.[5]
Hybrid
Richea scoparia is 1–3 m high and commonly grows in wind-swept regions of mountains. The leaves persist for a number of years, even when dead. Leaves are crowded, sharp pointed, linear-lanceolate with a broad sheathing base, 3–6 cm long.[3][6] Inflorescences are terminal spikes 4–12 cm in varying colours of orange, yellow, red, pink or white, flowering in January to March. Flowers with caps of joined petals, which are deciduous, exposing 5 mm long stamens and a short style.[6][3]
Richea scoparia forms a hybrid species with Richea pandanifolia. The hybrid species, Richea curtisiae is relatively common where both R. scoparia and R. pandanifolia occur, especially after a disturbance as a result of fire or a clearing.[7]
