Wilsonia humilis

Wilsonia humilis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Wilsonia
Species: W. humilis
Binomial name
Wilsonia humilis
R.Br.[1]
Synonyms

Frankenia cymbifolia Hook.

Wilsonia humilis, the silky wilsonia, is a species of perennial subshrub in the family Convolvulaceae. The species is endemic to Australia, occurring in coastal saltmarshes and also occasionally in inland saline areas, often colonising bare ground.[2] [3]

Description

Silky wilsonia is a low-growing mat forming species, growing to 10 cm tall. The plant is covered with short, white hairs imparting a silvery appearance. The small, crowded leaves are concave and overlapping and are 1.5 to 4 mm long and 2 to 3 mm long.[3] White flowers appear between September and December in the species native range.[4] These are followed by capsular fruits which are 3 mm long.[3]

Taxonomy

The species was first formally described in 1810 by botanist Robert Brown in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae.[1]

Distribution

The species is native to Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.[5] It has been recorded in New South Wales, but the record is regarded as doubtful.[5] In Tasmania, the species is rare, occurring near Pitwater, Dunalley and Cape Portland.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 "Wilsonia humilis". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2009-09-07.
  2. ↑ Corrick, M.G. and Fuhrer, B.A. (2001). Wildflowers of Victoria and adjoining areas. Australia: Bloomings Books. ISBN 1876473142.
  3. 1 2 3 "Silky Wilsonia". Victorian Resources Online. Department of Primary Industries(Victoria). Retrieved 2009-09-07.
  4. ↑ "Wilsonia humilis". FloraBase. Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia.
  5. 1 2 "Wilsonia humilis". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 2009-09-07.
  6. ↑ "Wilsonia humilis" (PDF). Threatened Flora of Tasmania. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tasmania). Retrieved 2009-09-07.
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