Ptilotus appendiculatus
| Ptilotus appendiculatus | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: | Ptilotus |
| Species: | P. appendiculatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Ptilotus appendiculatus Benl[1]
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Ptilotus appendiculatus is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae and is endemic to the north of Western Australia. It is a prostrate perennial herb with egg-shaped leaves and spikes of pink flowers.
Description
Ptilotus appendiculatus is a prostrate perennial herb that typically grows up to 4–15 cm (1.6–5.9 in) high. Its leaves are egg-shaped, 7–100 mm (0.28–3.94 in) long, 3–25 mm (0.12–0.98 in) wide and hairy. The flowers are borne in oval or cylindrical spikes 10–35 mm (0.39–1.38 in) long and 12–33 mm (0.47–1.30 in) wide, the flowers densely clustered. There are hairy bracts 4.0–5.5 mm (0.16–0.22 in) long and hairy bracteoles mostly 5.3–7.7 mm (0.21–0.30 in) long with a prominent midrib. The tepals are pink, the outer tepals 11.3–13.4 mm (0.44–0.53 in) long and the inner tepals 10.8–12.7 mm (0.43–0.50 in) long. There are two fertile stamens and three staminodes, the ovary is hairy and the style is 2.5–4.5 mm (0.098–0.177 in) long. Flowering occurs in July and August.[2]
Taxonomy
Ptilotus appendiculatus was first formally described in 1959 by Gerhard Benl in the journal Muelleria from specimens collected on Globe Hill Station in 1905.[3][4] The specific epithet (appendiculatus) means 'appendiculate', referring to the tips of the tepals.[5]
Distribution
This species of Ptilotus grows in the Carnarvon, Gascoyne and Pilbara bioregions of northern Western Australia.[2]
Conservation status
Ptilotus appendiculatus is listed as "not threatened" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.[2]
See also
References
- ^ a b "Ptilotus appendiculatus". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- ^ a b c "Ptilotus appendiculatus". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- ^ "Ptilotus appendiculatus". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- ^ Benl, Gerhard (1959). "New species and varieties of Ptilotus R.Br. (Amaranthaceae)". Muelleria. 1 (2): 102–103. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- ^ Sharr, Francis Aubi; George, Alex (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (3rd ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 135. ISBN 9780958034180.