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]
| Wilsonia humilis | |
|---|---|
| |
.jpg)
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus: | Wilsonia |
| Species: | W. humilis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Wilsonia humilis | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Frankenia cymbifolia Hook. | |
Description edit
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 edit
The species was first formally described in 1810 by botanist Robert Brown in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae.[1]
Distribution edit
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 edit
- ^ a b "Wilsonia humilis". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2009-09-07.
- ^ Corrick, M.G. & Fuhrer, B.A. (2001). Wildflowers of Victoria and adjoining areas. Australia: Bloomings Books. ISBN 1876473142.
- ^ a b c "Silky Wilsonia". Victorian Resources Online. Department of Primary Industries(Victoria). Retrieved 2009-09-07.
- ^ "Wilsonia humilis". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- ^ a b "Wilsonia humilis". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 2009-09-07.
- ^ "Wilsonia humilis" (PDF). Threatened Flora of Tasmania. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tasmania). Retrieved 2009-09-07.