Rhagodia baccata

Taxobox
name = Berry Saltbush


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regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Caryophyllales
familia = Amaranthaceae
subfamilia = Chenopodioideae
genus = "Rhagodia"
species = "R. baccata"
binomial = "Rhagodia baccata"
binomial_authority = (Labill.) Moq.

"Rhagodia baccata", commonly known as Berry Saltbush, is a species of shrub endemic to Western Australia.

Description

It is a spreading shrub up to two metres high, with elliptical leaves, and flowers that occur in a panicle. It bears red berries.cite encyclopedia | author = Wilson, Paul G. | title = Chenopodiaceae | encyclopedia = Flora of Australia | volume = IV | pages = 170–172]

Taxonomy

It was first published in 1805 by Jacques Labillardière as "Chenopodium baccatum". In 1810, Robert Brown transferred it into "Rhagodia" as "Rhagodia billardierei", but this name was illegal, as there were no grounds for the specific epithet to be to overturned. In 1849, Alfred Moquin-Tandon transferred the species into "Rhagodia" as "R. baccata", and this name remains current to date.APNI | name = "Rhagodia baccata" (Labill.) Moq. | id = 56514]

Two subspecies are currently recognised: the autonym "R. baccata" subsp. "baccata", and "R. baccata" subsp. "dioica", which was demoted from specific rank by Paul G. Wilson in 1983. These two subspecies intergrade in areas where they co-occur.

Distribution and habitat

It mainly occurs along the coast of southwestern Western Australia, ranging from Geraldton, south to Cape Leeuwin, and east along the south coast as far as Cape Arid. There are also some outlying populations: it has been confirmed as occurring as far north as North West Cape, and well inland near Wiluna.FloraBase | name = "Rhagodia baccata" (Labill.) Moq. | id = 2578] It does, however, appear to be endemic to Western Australia; alleged collections of this plant from other states have now been shown to be specimens of the similar "Rhagodia candolleana".

References