Aristotelia peduncularis, also known as Heartberry[1], is a shrub in the family Elaeocarpaceae, endemic to the wet forests of Tasmania[2]

Aristotelia peduncularis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Elaeocarpaceae
Genus: Aristotelia
Species:
A. peduncularis
Binomial name
Aristotelia peduncularis
Synonyms[2]

Description

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Aristotelia peduncularis is a straggly woody shrub with slender arching branches, reaching up to 1.5 metres in height[3]

Leaves vary in size from 2 to 7 centimetres and are generally ovate to lanceolate with toothed margins, though they may occasionally be deeply lobed[3]. They are held opposite, alternate, or in whorls of three[4].

Flowers occur in summer and are white and campanulate, held singly (or sometimes in a group of 2-3) from long peduncles at axils[3]. Each petal is triple-lobed, forming a fringe, and the inside of the flower may have some pink-purple markings[3].

The fruit is a fleshy, roughly heart shaped berry, ranging in colour from deep purple-black through to red, pink and white[1][3].

Distribution

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This species is found only, but is widespread, within Tasmania[5], and occurs in relative abundance in the understorey of wet forests where conditions are consistently moist and shady.[1][3].

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Key to Tasmanian Dicots". www.utas.edu.au. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  2. ^ a b c "Vascular Plants". biodiversity.org.au. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Howells, Christine, ed. (2012). Tasmania's Natural Flora. Hobart, Tasmania: Australian Plants Society Tasmania Inc., Hobart Group. p. 120. ISBN 9780909830663.
  4. ^ "Species information: Aristotelia peduncularis". www.utas.edu.au. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  5. ^ "Communities". www.understorey-network.org.au. Retrieved 2019-12-11.