Xylomelum

taxobox
name = "Xylomelum"


image_caption = "Xylomelum pyriforme"
regnum = Plantae
unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
unranked_classis = Eudicots
ordo = Proteales
familia = Proteaceae
genus = "Xylomelum"
genus_authority = Sm.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "Xylomelum angustifolium" "Xylomelum cunninghamianum" "Xylomelum occidentale" "Xylomelum pyriforme" "Xylomelum scottianum"|

"Xylomelum" is a genus of five species in the plant family Proteaceae. They are native to Australia, growing in the form of tall shrubs and trees. The genus includes at least two species with the common name woody pear, "Xylomelum pyriforme" in the eastern states of Australia, and "Xylomelum occidentale" in Western Australia.

Fruits

The fruits of Xylomelum are in the form of woody pears. These are thought to have evolved primarily as a defence against seed predation. However, these woody fruits also provide protection of the seeds from fire. It is therefore likely that this characteristic was reselected in evolution as fire became increasingly important.

Classification

Recent molecular studies have "Xylomelum" paired as a sister clade with "Lambertia".

Uses

Woody Pear is used in musical instrument making, as a top for the acoustic Stompbox and guitar inlays by Western Australian luthier Ellis Guitars.

External links

* [http://www.ellisguitars.com/stompbox_woody_pear_ash.html Xylomelum pyriforme in Musical Instruments: "Xylomelum pyriforme"]

References

Hoot, S.B. and Douglas, A.W. Phylogeny of Proteaceae based on atpB and atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer region sequences. Austral. Syst. Bot. 11 (1998), 301-320