Myoporum petiolatum

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Sticky boobialla
Myoporum petiolatum.jpg
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Myoporum
Species:
M. petiolatum
Binomial name
Myoporum petiolatum

Myoporum petiolatum, commonly known as sticky boobialla, [2] is a plant in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae, and is endemic to the south-east of continental Australia. For many years this species has been confused with the much less common species Myoporum viscosum from which it can be distinguished by its thinner, noticeably petiolate and non-odorous leaves. [3]

Contents

Description

Myoporum petiolatum is a shrub which usually grows to between 0.5 and 2.0 metres (2 and 7 ft) in height. Its leaves are arranged alternately and have a distinct petiole 5–13 millimetres (0.2–0.5 in) long. The leaves are mostly 30–63 millimetres (1–2 in) long, 10–27 millimetres (0.4–1 in) wide, elliptic to egg-shaped and with the upper surface dark green and shiny compared to the lighter lower surface. The leaf margins have tiny serrations. [3] [4]

The flowers are borne in leaf axils in clusters of 2 to 5 on stalks 4.6–8 millimetres (0.2–0.3 in) long. There are 5 narrow triangular sepals and 5 petals forming a tube with spreading lobes on the end. The petals are white with a slight lilac flush and purple spots on the lobes and in the tube. The tube is 3–4.5 millimetres (0.1–0.2 in) long and the lobes are 4.4–6.7 millimetres (0.2–0.3 in) long. The fruit is a succulent, rounded, yellow-green drupe about 5 millimetres (0.2 in) in diameter. [3] [4]

Taxonomy and naming

Myoporum petiolatum was first formally described by taxonomist Bob Chinnock in Eremophila and allied genera: a monograph of the plant family Myoporaceae in 2007 from a specimen collected in the Waitpinga Conservation Park. The specific epithet is from the Latin petiolatum, 'with a petiole', referring to the leaves. [2] [3]

Distribution and habitat

Myoporum petiolatum occurs in South Australia and Victoria. It is found in and between the Flinders Ranges, the Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island and the ranges around Melbourne. It often grows in exposed parts of woodland. [3]

Related Research Articles

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<i>Myoporum betcheanum</i> Species of shrub

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<i>Myoporum oppositifolium</i> Species of flowering plant

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<i>Myoporum velutinum</i> Species of flowering plant

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<i>Eremophila phyllopoda</i> Species of flowering plant

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<i>Eremophila reticulata</i> Species of flowering plant

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Eremophila setacea is a flowering plant in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae and is endemic to Western Australia. It is an erect shrub with narrow, glabrous leaves, hairy sepals and light blue to purple petals.

Eremophila simulans is a flowering plant in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae and is endemic to Western Australia. It is an erect shrub with broad, serrated leaves and violet to purple flowers.

<i>Eremophila stenophylla</i> Species of flowering plant

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<i>Eremophila warnesii</i> Species of flowering plant

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References

  1. "Myoporum petiolatum". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
  2. 1 2 "Myoporum petiolatum". APNI. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Chinnock, R.J. (Bob) (2007). Eremophila and allied genera : a monograph of the plant family Myoporaceae (1st ed.). Dural, NSW: Rosenberg. pp. 123–125. ISBN   9781877058165.
  4. 1 2 "Myoporum petiolatum". Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, VicFlora. Retrieved 26 November 2015.