Anopterus glandulosus

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Tasmanian laurel
Anopterus glandulosus.jpg
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Escalloniales
Family: Escalloniaceae
Genus: Anopterus
Species:
A. glandulosus
Binomial name
Anopterus glandulosus

Anopterus glandulosus, commonly known as native laurel or Tasmanian laurel, is a species of shrub or small tree in the family Escalloniaceae. Endemic to south and southwestern Tasmania, A. glandulosus is widespread in the moist understoreys of Tasmanian temperate rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests from sea level to mountainous regions below 1,200 metres (3,937 ft) above sea level. [2] [3]

Contents

Taxonomy

The name Anopterus comes from the Ancient Greek words ano (upwards) and pteron (wing), referring to its characteristic winged seeds, while glandulosus refers to the glandular tips present at the end of each leaf serration. [2] The signature 'Labill' often appears after the Latin name of this species as it was first described by Jacques Labillardière in 1805. It is one of two Tasmanian plants in the ancient Gondwanan family Escalloniaceae, the other plant being Tetracarpaea tasmanica . [2] [3]

Anopterus is an endemic Australian genus and Anopterus glandulosus is one of two species in the genus. [2] [4] The other species, Anopterus macleayanus or ‘Queensland Laurel’/ ‘Macleay Laurel’ is found in subtropical, warm and cool temperate forests near the coast in New South Wales and Queensland. [3]

Description

Anopterus shrub Anopterus glandulosus, Snug River, southern Tasmania (2539416426).jpg
Anopterus shrub

Anopterus glandulosus usually grows as small understorey shrub ranging from 2 to 4 metres (6 ft 7 in to 13 ft 1 in) in height and 2 to 3 metres (6 ft 7 in to 9 ft 10 in) in width, however, can be grow as a small canopy tree up to 10 metres (33 ft). [2] In shaded understorey conditions its growth habit is often straggly with branches forming layers resulting in coppiced growth. [3] [5] Leaves are large, 7 to 17 centimetres (3 to 7 in) in length and 2 to 4 centimetres (0.79 to 1.57 in) in width. Leaves are thick, dark green with a glabrous surface and glossy appearance. [2] Leaf margins are serrated with blunt tips and a black gland at the apex of each serration. [2] [3] Leaf shape ranges from lanceolate elliptical to oblanceolate with an acute apex and leaf base which narrows into a short petiole. [4]

Flowering occurs in late spring and often again in autumn. [2] [5] The flower heads, known as inflorescences, are borne in terminal racemes which are about the same length as the leaves. [2] [3] Flowers are bell shaped and approximately 2 centimetres (0.79 in) in diameter, occurring on slender pedicels which are often recurved. [2] The flowers are composed of six ovate petals, 10 to 12 millimetres (0.39 to 0.47 in) in length which overlap and are colored white or pink flushed. [4] [5] Flowers usually have six sepals, which are joined at the base with spreading lobes, and six stamens opposite the sepals, which are filamentous and shorter than petals. [2] ) Each flower has two large joined carpels which are bright green in colour. [2] The ovary is superior and conical, tapering to a short style and bifid stigma. [2]

Similar species

The foliage arrangement and habit of Anopterus glandulosus are similar to Cenarrhenes nitida (Port Arthur/ native plum) with opposite leaves arranged in apparent spreading whorls. [2] [6] A. glandulosus can be distinguished from Cenarrhenes nitida by a tendency for leaves to occur in clusters at the ends of branches. [6] [3] [2] Cenarrhenes nitida can also be distinguished by the absence of glands at leaf tips and an unpleasant foetid odour when leaves are crushed. [3] [5]

Ecology and distribution

Anopterus glandulosus is a slow growing shrub to small tree which occurs in wet sclerophyll forest and rainforests, in the south and west of Tasmania at elevations below 1200 m. [2] A. glandulosus prefers cool, moist conditions in partly shaded conditions with well drained soils, from loamy to sandy and highly organic soils. [3] More seedlings of this species germinate and grow on rotting fallen logs than soil. [7] It most commonly occurs as an understorey shrub often under a canopy of Nothofagus cunninghamii (myrtle beech). [3] It is susceptible to the plant disease Phytophthora cinnamomi , which causes ‘root rot’ or ’dieback’, and does not tolerate excess phosphorus. [3] However, this species is highly adaptable and tolerates harsh conditions including to frost and snow. [5] Due to its rainforest habitat it is also adapted for continuous regeneration and regenerates well after disturbance, often undergoing rapid regrowth to form thickets in response to mechanical damage. [3] The attractive and strongly scented flowers produce large amounts of nectar, attracting insects and birds and birds that feed on both nectar and insects such as honeyeaters. [5]

Status

The species was listed as not threatened and present in state reserves by the National Parks and Wildlife service Tasmania in 1997 and remains widespread and non-threatened today. [3] [4]

Cultivation

Anopterus glandulosus is an attractive and easily cultivated plant, making it an excellent for gardens. [2] [3] Successful cultivation can be achieved by germination of fresh seed or propagation from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in March or April. [2] Germination from seed can take 4–5 months, [3] and requires constant moisture. [2]

This species tolerates full sun to shade and is easily grown in a semi- protected environment, against a wall or fence, and grows particularly well as a container plant. [3] [4] It requires ample water in summer and benefits from application of non-phosphate based organic fertilisers along with manure and mulch. [3] This species also responds well to annular pruning, and its attractive evergreen foliage can be harvested for floriculture. [3]

Related Research Articles

Tasmanian temperate rainforests

The Tasmanian temperate rain forests are a temperate broadleaf and mixed forests ecoregion in western Tasmania. The ecoregion is part of the Australasian realm, which includes Tasmania and Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, New Caledonia, and adjacent islands.

<i>Lomatia tasmanica</i> Tasmanian shrub from the family Proteaceae

Lomatia tasmanica, commonly known as King's lomatia, is a shrub of the family Proteaceae native to Tasmania. Growing up to 8 metres (26 ft) tall, the plant has shiny green pinnate (lobed) leaves and bears red flowers in the summer, but yields neither fruit nor seeds. King's lomatia is unusual because all of the remaining plants are genetically identical clones. Because it has three sets of chromosomes and is therefore sterile, reproduction occurs only vegetatively: when a branch falls, that branch grows new roots, establishing a new plant that is genetically identical to its parent.

<i>Nothofagus cunninghamii</i> Species of tree

Nothofagus cunninghamii, the myrtle beech, is an evergreen tree native to Tasmania and Victoria, Australia. It grows mainly in the temperate rainforests, but also grows in alpine areas. It is not related to the Myrtle family. It is often referred to as Tasmanian myrtle within the timber industry. N. cunninghamii was proposed to be renamed Lophozonia cunninghamii in 2013. There has been some controversy over the change in name from Nothofagus to Lophozonia.

<i>Anodopetalum</i>

Anodopetalum biglandulosum is a Tasmanian endemic shrub or small tree species that is a common component of Tasmania's cool temperate rainforests. It is commonly known as horizontal scrub because of its habit of growth. It is the sole species in the genus Anodopetalum.

<i>Eupomatia laurina</i> Species of plant

Eupomatia laurina, commonly named bolwarra or sometimes native guava or copper laurel, is a species of shrubs to small trees, of the Australian continent ancient plant family Eupomatiaceae. They often grow between 3 and 5 m tall, larger specimens may attain 15 m (50 ft) and a trunk diameter of 30 cm (12 in). They grow naturally in eastern Australia and New Guinea. In Australia, they grow as far south as Nowa Nowa in the humid forests of the warm temperate east of the state of Victoria through eastern New South Wales and Queensland north to tropical Cape York Peninsula. They are one of the ancient lineages of flowering plants, usually growing as part of an understorey in rainforests or humid Eucalypt forests.

<i>Anopterus macleayanus</i> Species of tree

Anopterus macleayanus, commonly known as Queensland laurel or Macleay laurel, is a shrub or small tree in the family Escalloniaceae. It is native to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.

<i>Gaultheria hispida</i>

Gaultheria hispida, commonly known as the copperleaf snowberry, is an endemic eudicot of Tasmania, Australia. It is an erect multi-branched shrub, that can be found in wet forests and alpine woodlands. Its berries appear snowy white and leaves are tipped with a copper tinge, hence the common name.

<i>Richea pandanifolia</i>

Richea pandanifolia, the pandani or giant grass tree, is a distinctive endemic Tasmanian angiosperm. It is dicot of the family Ericaceae and is found in central, western and south west Tasmania. It is a favourite among hikers and nature lovers.

<i>Leptospermum lanigerum</i>

Leptospermum lanigerum, commonly known as the woolly teatree, is a small tree or medium shrub from the plant family Myrtaceae. Its common name derives from the conspicuously hairy capsules produced as fruit, along with the fine, silky hairs present on branches and leaves. L. lanigerum is widespread in many habitats, particularly in waterlogged areas such as moist, sandy coastal heaths, on river banks, riparian scrub, woodlands and on the fringe of montane grasslands. This species is endemic to Australia, with native populations occurring in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

<i>Cryptocarya laevigata</i> Species of tree

Cryptocarya laevigata, known as the glossy laurel or red-fruited laurel, is a rainforest plant growing in eastern Australia. The natural range of distribution is rainforest understorey on fertile soils, from the Richmond River, New South Wales to Cairns in tropical Queensland. Often seen in association with the White Booyong.

<i>Telopea oreades</i> A large shrub or small tree in the family Proteaceae native to southeastern Australia

Telopea oreades, commonly known as the Gippsland-, mountain- or Victorian waratah, is a large shrub or small tree in the family Proteaceae. Native to southeastern Australia, it is found in wet sclerophyll forest and rainforest on rich acidic soils high in organic matter. No subspecies are recognised, though a northern isolated population hybridises extensively with the Braidwood waratah (T. mongaensis). Reaching a height of up to 19 metres, T. oreades grows with a single trunk and erect habit. It has dark green leaves with prominent veins that are 11–28 centimetres (4.3–11 in) long and 1.5–6 cm (0.6–2.4 in) wide. The red flower heads, known as inflorescences, appear in late spring. Each is composed of up to 60 individual flowers.

<i>Gahnia grandis</i> Species of plant

Gahnia grandis is a tussock-forming perennial plant found in southeastern mainland Australia and Tasmania.

<i>Eucalyptus amygdalina</i> Species of eucalyptus

Eucalyptus amygdalina, or black peppermint, is a species of Eucalyptus which is endemic to Tasmania, Australia. It was first described by Labillardiere in 1806. It is one of the most common eucalypts in the state, where it is often a tree in sclerophyll forest or a shrub in open scrub and heath. It is known to integrate with E. nitida and E. pulchella.

<i>Persoonia muelleri</i>

Persoonia muelleri, commonly known as Mueller’s geebung, is a shrub endemic to Tasmania. It forms a shrub in open areas of wet forests in the west and northeast of the state. It is occasionally confused with P. gunnii though it has larger flowers and longer, straighter leaves.

<i>Cenarrhenes</i> Monotypic genus of plants in the family Proteaceae

Cenarrhenes is a monytypic genus in the family Proteaceae containing the single species Cenarrhenes nitida, known as the Port Arthur plum or native plum. Cenarrhenes nitida is an evergreen shrub to small tree endemic to the rainforests and scrublands of western Tasmania. It bears white flowers in late spring followed by the development of fleshy fruit.

<i>Monotoca scoparia</i> Species of tree

Monotoca scoparia, commonly known as prickly broom heath, is a widespread native species across south-eastern Australia. Monotoca scoparia was formerly in the family Epacridaceae but now belongs to the family Ericaceae. Monotoca is an endemic Australian genus with 17 described species occurring in all states.

<i>Hakea lissosperma</i> Species of plant in the family Proteaceae from south eastern Australia

Hakea lissosperma, commonly known as needle bush and mountain needlewood, is a species of Hakea native to parts of south eastern Australia.

<i>Orites diversifolia</i>

Orites diversifolia (=diversifolius), commonly known as variable orites, is a member of the family Proteaceae and is endemic to Tasmania. The common name stems from the variable form of the leaves, which range from entire and linear to serrated and ovate. It is a common shrub in lowland rainforest, subalpine woodland and scrub.

Monotoca glauca, known as goldy wood, is a heath family shrub endemic to Tasmania, Australia and is one of 17 described Monotoca species. It is a widespread and abundant understory species found on the margins of wet eucalypt forests and logged areas.

<i>Aristotelia peduncularis</i>

Aristotelia peduncularis, also known as heartberry, is a shrub in the family Elaeocarpaceae, endemic to the wet forests of Tasmania

References

  1. "Anopterus glandulosus". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Curtis WM & Morris DI 1993, The student’s flora of Tasmania, 2nd edn St David’s Park publishing, Hobart, Tasmania.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Department of Primary Industries and Water. "Anopterus glandulosus" (PDF). Flora of Tasmania. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 March 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Howells, C (eds), Whiting J, Roberts J, Reeves R, Tayler F & Tayler V 2015, Tasmania’s natural flora, 2nd edn, Australian Plants Society Inc., Hobart Group, Hobart, Tasmania.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Warren, Ian (18 December 2003). "Anopterus glandulosus". Growing Native Plants. Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  6. 1 2 Wiltshire R & Jordan 2009,“TreeFlip, Life-size guide to the trees of Tasmania”, School of Plant Science University of Tasmania & CRC for Forestry
  7. Kirkpatrick, J.B.; McKenny, H.J.A. (1999). "The Role of Fallen Logs in the Regeneration of Tree Species in Tasmanian Mixed Forest". Australian Journal of Botany. 47 (5): 745–53. doi:10.1071/BT98001.