Premna acuminata

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Premna acuminata
Premna acuminata.jpg
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Premna
Species:
P. acuminata
Binomial name
Premna acuminata

Premna acuminata, commonly known as the firestick tree, or ngalinginkil in the Bardi language, is a species of plant in the mint family. It is native to Northern Australia where it occurs from Western Australia through the Northern Territory to Queensland. [2]

Contents

Description

It grows as a shrub or spreading tree up to 6 m in height. The bark is pale, corky and fissured. It produces cream-green and brown-orange flowers from December to July, followed by black fruits. [2] The wood was traditionally used for making spears and firesticks. [3]

Distribution and habitat

It occurs on sandy and loamy soils, on rocky slopes, coastal flats, flood plains and pindan. In Western Australia it is found in the Central Kimberley, Dampierland, Northern Kimberley, Ord Victoria Plain and Victoria Bonaparte IBRA bioregions. [2]

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References

  1. Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) & IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group (2019). "Premna acuminata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2019: e.T146624798A146624800. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 "Premna acuminata". FloraBase . Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
  3. Kane, Brian. "Premna acuminata (Firestick tree)". Bush Trees and Fruits of Broome. Retrieved 18 June 2014.