Monotoca submutica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Monotoca
Species:
M. submutica
Binomial name
Monotoca submutica
(Benth.) Jarman

Monotoca submutica, commonly known as mountain broomheath,[1] is an endemic heath family shrub in the Epacridaceae family and is one of 17 species in the genus Monotoca. It is a widespread and locally common small to tall woody dense shrub found in the alpine/subalpine woodlands of southern and western mountains of Tasmania, Australia.[1][2][3]

Description

Monotoca submutica is an erect, dense and compact shrub, usually occurring as a small/medium shrub (1-3m high as a shrub) or when associated with wet sclorphyll forests it can grow as a small woody tree (up to 6m).[3] Leaves are suberect and shaped from elliptical through to oblong/obovate (6-12mm long and 2-3.5mm wide), leaf margins are slightly recurved with a green flat or slightly convex adaxial surface and glaucous abaxial surface.[3] The flowers are white and often solitarily arranged axillary, but can also be arranged in short spikes with 2-4 flowers.[3] In most cases individuals are dioecious, with the main difference between female and male flowers being that the male flowers have their anthers half exserted. Immature fruit is spherical/oval and green, matured drupe turns to red/orange.[1] Flowering occurs from September through to October.[3] A distinguishing feature of Monotoca submutica is that the leaf apex is mucronate and not sharp.

Distribution and habitat

Monotoca submutica is endemic to Tasmania. It is a widespread species in southern and western Tasmania,[4] where it is found in subalpine forests and woodlands as a small to medium shrub.[1][3] In wet sclerophyll forests that are associated with rainforests, it can occur as a small tree (up to 6m).[3] On the east coast of Tasmania in the Freycinet Peninsula, a more robust form of the typical Monotoca submutica is known to occur.[3]

Cultivation

Monotoca submutica is not a commonly grown and cultivated species, would do best in well drained, moist soil with moderate sunlight.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Howells, Christine (July 2021). Tasmania's Natural Flora. Australian Plants Society Incorporated. - Tasmania. ISBN 9780909830090.
  2. ↑ "EPACRIDACEAE Monotoca submutica". Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Jarman, S.J. (1978). "New species in the family Epacridacea". Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania. 112: 1–3. doi:10.26749/rstpp.112.1 – via University of Tasmania.
  4. ↑ Jordan, Greg. "Monotoca submutica (= M. scoparia var submutica; Ericaceae) 2:442". Retrieved 21 March 2022.
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