Andersonia bifida

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Andersonia bifida
Status DECF P2.svg
Priority Two — Poorly Known Taxa (DEC)
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Andersonia
Species:
A. bifida
Binomial name
Andersonia bifida

Andersonia bifida is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a compact shrub with linear leaves with a sheathing base, and white, cream-coloured or yellow flowers.

Contents

Description

Andersonia bifida is a compact shrub that typically grows to a height of up to about 30 cm (12 in). Its leaves are linear with a sheathing base, 2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) long and 0.5–1 mm (0.020–0.039 in) wide. The flowers are arranged in groups of 2 to 6 with bracts similar to the leaves and shorter, keeled bracteoles. The sepals are linear, 8–16 mm (0.31–0.63 in) long and usually hairy. The petals are white, cream-coloured or yellow, 2.5–4.5 mm (0.098–0.177 in) long and form a tube with lobes about half as long as the petal tube. The stamens are slightly longer than the petal tube, the anthers equal in length or longer than the filaments. [2] [3]

Taxonomy

Andersonia bifida was first formally described in 1962 by Leslie Watson in the Kew Bulletin from specimens collected by Arthur Dorrien-Smith in 1910. [2] [4] The specific epithet (bifida) means 'forked', referring to the anthers. [5]

Distribution and habitat

This species of Andersonia grows in loamy soils on granite outcrops in the Avon Wheatbelt and Jarrah Forest bioregions of south-western Western Australia. [3]

Conservation status

Andersonia bifida is listed as "Priority Two" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, [3] meaning that it is poorly known and from one or a few locations. [6]

References

  1. "Andersonia bifida". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  2. 1 2 Watson, Leslie (1962). "A taxonomic revision of the genus Andersonia R.Br. (Epacridaceae)" . Kew Bulletin. 16 (1): 111–112. doi:10.2307/4120354 . Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 "Andersonia bifida". FloraBase . Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
  4. "Andersonia bifida". APNI. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  5. Sharr, Francis Aubi; George, Alex (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (3rd ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 146. ISBN   9780958034180.
  6. "Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna" (PDF). Government of Western Australia Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Retrieved 15 October 2024.