Calytrix flavescens | |
---|---|
Seed head of summer starflower | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Myrtales |
Family: | Myrtaceae |
Genus: | Calytrix |
Species: | C. flavescens |
Binomial name | |
Calytrix flavescens | |
Calytrix flavescens, commonly known as summer starflower, is a species of plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae that is endemic to Western Australia.[1]
Description
The shrub typically grows to a height of 0.3 to 0.8 metres (1 to 3 ft) and a width of 0.3 to 0.5 metres (1 to 2 ft).[2] It usually blooms between October and January producing yellow star-shaped flowers.[1] The plant is perennial and has a short lifespan. The foliage is evergreen with a dense open habit.[3]
Taxonomy
The species was first formally described by the botanist Allan Cunningham in 1834 in the journal Botanical Magazine.[4]
Distribution
Found on sand-plains, gentle slopes and sometimes in swampy areas in the Mid West, Wheatbelt, South West and Great Southern regions of Western Australia where it grows on sandy soils over granite, laterite or sandstone.[1]
Cultivation
It grows from seed[2] but can be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings. Grown in pots and gardens as a feature plant, it attracts bees when in flower and flowers can be cut. It is both drought resistant and frost tolerant.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 "Calytrix flavescens". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- 1 2 "Calytrix flavescens". Australian seed. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
- 1 2 "Calytrix flavescens – Summer Star Flower". Gardening with Angus. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
- ↑ "Calytrix flavescens A.Cunn". Atlas of Living Australia. Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 19 February 2017.