Cheiranthera alternifolia, commonly known as finger-flower,[2] is a flowering plant in the family Pittosporaceae. It is a small shrub with deep bluish-purple flowers, yellow stamens and dull green linear shaped leaves. It is found growing in South Australia.
| Finger-flower | |
|---|---|
| |
| Cheiranthera alternifolia | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Pittosporaceae |
| Genus: | Cheiranthera |
| Species: | C. alternifolia
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cheiranthera alternifolia | |
Description edit
Cheiranthera alternifolia is a small understory, scrambling, perennial shrub to 50 cm (20 in) with smooth stems. The leaves are linear 7–60 mm (0.28–2.36 in) long, 0.75–1.5 mm (0.030–0.059 in) wide, arranged alternately, usually evenly spaced along stems and margins rolled under. The flowers may be single or in clusters of 2-11, peduncles 17–55 mm (0.67–2.17 in) long, pedicels 4–25 mm (0.16–0.98 in) long, stems and 5 yellow stamens. The petals may be pale to deep bluish-purple, lanceolate, 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in) long and 5–8 mm (0.20–0.31 in) wide. The fruit capsules are more or less oblong to egg-shaped, 12–18 mm (0.47–0.71 in) long and flattened. Flowering occurs from October to November.[2]
Taxonomy and naming edit
The species was first formally described in 1978 by Eleanor Marion Bennett and the description was published in Nuytsia.[3] The specific epithet (alternifolia) is derived from the Latin alternus meaning "alternate" and -folius meaning "leaved".[4]
Distribution edit
Finger-flower is a common, endemic species in southern locations of South Australia, from the southern parts of the Eyre Peninsula to the south-east and Kangaroo Island. It was previously found in Victoria but is now presumed extinct in that State.[5]
References edit
- ^ "Cheiranthera alternifolia". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
- ^ a b "Cheiranthera liners". eFlora of South Australia. Department of Environment & Water, South Australia. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
- ^ "Cheiranthera alternifolia". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
- ^ Sharr, Francis Aubie; George (ed), Alex (2019). Western Australian Names & their meanings. Kardinya, Western Australia: Four Gables Press. p. 130. ISBN 9780958034180.
{{cite book}}:|last2=has generic name (help) - ^ "Cheiranthera alternifolia". Seeds of South Australia. Royal Botanic Gardens South Australia. Retrieved 4 March 2020.