Tetratheca stenocarpa

Long pink-bells
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Eudicots
Clade:Rosids
Order:Oxalidales
Family:Elaeocarpaceae
Genus:Tetratheca
Species: T. stenocarpa
Binomial name
Tetratheca stenocarpa

Tetratheca stenocarpa, commonly known as long pink-bells, is a small shrub in the family Elaeocarpaceae. It is endemic to Victoria in Australia.[1]

Description

It is a prostrate or weeping small shrub which grows to between 1 and 1.5 metres high and 0.5 to 1 metre wide. The leaves are triangular to rounded with toothed edges.[1] These are 5 to 12 millimetres long and wide and are reduced to scales on flowering stems and are often only seen on young growth.[2] The pale to deep lilac-pink (rarely white) bell-shaped flowers appear between July and January in their native range.[1][2] These occur in clusters of 1 to 3 on petioles with dense, gland-tipped hairs.[1]

It is similar in appearance to Tetratheca ciliata, but the latter has petioles with only a few gland-tipped hairs.[1]

Taxonomy

The species was first formally described by James Hamlyn Willis in The Victorian Naturalist in 1957.[3] He discovered the species in 1952 near Gembrook.[1]

Distribution

The species has a restricted distribution, occurring in damp forests in hilly country to the east of Melbourne, on French Island and in a separate population in Gisborne.[4] The species is classified as rare in Victoria.[4] It adapts well to disturbed sites, and is often found on exposed road cuttings.[4]

Cultivation

The species is free-flowering and is suitable for moist shady positions. It can be situated under established trees or at the top of retaining walls, or used in a cottage garden setting.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Tetratheca stenocarpa". Yarra Ranges Local Plant Directory. Shire of Yarra Ranges. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
  2. 1 2 Corrick, M.G. & Fuhrer, B.A. (2001). Wildflowers of Victoria and adjoining areas. Australia: Bloomings Books. ISBN 1-876473-14-2.
  3. ↑ "Tertratheca stenocarpa". Australian Plant Name Index, IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
  4. 1 2 3 "A rare plant near where a botanist lives – Rare plants of Victoria". Viridans Biological Databases. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
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