Micromyrtus vernicosa is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae and is endemic to a south-eastern Queensland. It is a spreading shrub with overlapping lance-shaped leaves with the narrower end towards the base, and small white flowers arranged singly in leaf axils with 5 stamens in each flower.
| Micromyrtus vernicosa | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Micromyrtus |
| Species: | M. vernicosa
|
| Binomial name | |
| Micromyrtus vernicosa | |
Description
editMicromyrtus vernicosa is a spreading shrub that typically grows up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) high and wide and has more or less drooping branchlets. It has overlapping, lance-shaped leaves with the narrower end towards the base, 1.5–2.5 mm (0.059–0.098 in) long, 0.5–0.6 mm (0.020–0.024 in) wide on a petiole 0.25 mm (0.0098 in) long. The leaves are glabrous and glossy with prominent oil glands. The flowers are 1.9–2.1 mm (0.075–0.083 in) wide and arranged singly in leaf axils on a peduncle 0.5–1.0 mm (0.020–0.039 in) long, with 2 translucent bracteoles about 0.7 mm (0.028 in) long at the base. There are 5 more or less round sepals lobes 0.3–0.4 mm (0.012–0.016 in) long and 0.5–0.6 mm (0.020–0.024 in) wide, and 5 white, elliptical petals 0.8–1.0 mm (0.031–0.039 in) long and 0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in) wide. There are 5 stamens, the filaments about 0.4 mm (0.016 in) long and the style is 0.3 mm (0.012 in) long. Flowering has been observed in May and June.[2]
Taxonomy
editMicromyrtus vernicosa was first formally described in 1997 by Anthony Bean in the journal Austrobaileya from specimens collected in Mount Walsh National Park.[3] The specific epithet (vernicosa) means "varnished", referring to the glossy leaves.[2]
Distribution and habitat
editThis species of micromyrtus is endemic to Mount Walsh where it grows in rocky soils in heathland.[2]
Conservation status
editMicromyrtus vernicosa is listed as "vulnerable" under the Queensland Government Nature Conservation Act 1992.[4]
References
edit- ^ "Micromyrtus vernicosa". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ a b c Bean, Anthony R. (1997). "A revision of Micromyrtus Benth. (Myrtaceae) in Queensland". Austrobaileya. 4 (4): 469–470. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ "Micromyrtus vernicosa". APNI. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ "Species profile—Micromyrtus vernicosa". Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science. Retrieved 30 March 2024.