Grevillea iaspicula

Grevillea iaspicula, also known as Wee Jasper grevillea, is species of endangered shrub that is endemic to southern New South Wales.

Wee Jasper grevillea
Grevillea iaspicula in Bowral

Critically endangered  (EPBC Act)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Grevillea
Species:
G. iaspicula
Binomial name
Grevillea iaspicula
habit

Description

Grevillea iaspicula is a shrub that grows to a height of 1.2–2.5 m (3 ft 11 in–8 ft 2 in) and has leaves that are between 20–30 mm (0.79–1.18 in) long with have recurved margins. The branched, pendant inflorescences appear from late autumn to late spring. The perianths are green or cream coloured, flushed with light pink and the styles are pink or red. The fruit is a hairy follicle.[2]

Taxonomy

Grevillea iaspicula was first formally described in 1986 by Donald McGillivray in his book, New Names in Grevillea (Proteaceae).[3][4] The type specimen was found on private property in Wee Jasper in 1980.[3] The specific epithet iaspicula is a latinised form of Wee jasper, the area where this species occurs.[5]

In the Flora of Australia (1999), the species was positioned within the genus Grevillea by means of a hierarchical tree as follows:[4]

Grevillea (genus)

Floribunda Group
Rosmarinifolia Subgroup
Grevillea iaspicula
Grevillea jephcottii
Grevillea lanigera
Grevillea baueri
Grevillea rosmarinifolia
Grevillea divaricata

Distribution

Grevillea iaspicula occurs in a restricted area in Wee Jasper and near Lake Burrinjuck among limestone-based rocky outcrops.[6] Many populations are on private land.[6]

Ecology

The species is believed to be pollinated by birds.[6]

Conservation status

Grevillea iaspicula is listed as "critically endangered" under the Australian Government Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and "endangered" under the New South Wales Government Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Potential threats include grazing, weeds, fire and drought. It is believed that survival of the species in the wild is unlikely without human intervention to artificially increase populations.[6][7]

Use in horticulture

The species has only been brought in to cultivation in recent times and plants are not yet widely available beyond specialist nurseries. It exhibits a number of qualities which make it a suitable candidate for many gardens including adaptibility to a range of soil types, responsiveness to pruning, and resistance to heavy frost. Plants may be propagated from cuttings.[8]

References
  1. "Grevillea iaspicula". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  2. "Grevillea iaspicula McGill". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  3. "Grevillea iaspicula". APNI. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  4. "Grevillea iaspicula". Flora of Australia Online. Department of the Environment and Heritage, Australian Government.
  5. "Grevillea iaspicula". APNI. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  6. "Wee Jasper Grevillea - profile". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. threatened species - species, populations & ecological communities of NSW. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  7. "Approved Conservation Advice for Grevillea iaspicula (Wee Jasper Grevillea)" (PDF). 26 March 2008. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  8. "Grevillea iaspicula". Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Retrieved 13 November 2013.
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