Stylidium semaphorum

Taxobox


image_caption =
status = R
status_system = DECF
status_ref = Spooner, Amanda. (2006). [http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/17410 "Stylidium semaphorum" Lowrie & Kenneally] FloraBase, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia. Accessed online: 28 September 2007.]
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Asterales
familia = Stylidiaceae
genus = "Stylidium"
subgenus = "Forsteropsis"
species = "S. semaphorum"
binomial = "Stylidium semaphorum"
binomial_authority = Lowrie & Kenneally 1997

"Stylidium semaphorum" is a species that belongs to the genus "Stylidium" (family Stylidiaceae). The specific epithet "semaphorum" is Greek for "sign bearing" and refers to the flower shape, which appears to have to be positioned in a V-shape, a semaphore code for "attention". It is an herbaceous perennial that grows from 5-18 cm tall and has divided stems covered with tile-like leaves that are arranged in a spiral formation around the stem. The narrowly ovate leaves are basifixed and held closely against the stems. The leaves are around 2.0-2.3 mm long and 0.5-0.7 mm wide. The terminal inflorescences are spike-like racemes and produce flowers that are pale pink or white and bloom from September to October in their native range. "S. semaphorum" is only known from its type location in south-western Western Australia. The only population recoreded is within the bounds of a nature reserve. Because of its small population levels, the government has declared this species to be rare in the wild, which is similar to a status of threatened, vulnerable, or endangered. Its habitat is recorded as being laterite gravel soils on a hill summit in the company with "Banksia sessilis". "S. semaphorum" is distinct within its subgenus because it possesses sepals with short brownish apical mucro.Lowrie, A. and Kenneally, K.F. (1997). A taxonomic review of "Stylidium" subgenus "Forsteropsis" (Stylidiaceae). "Nuytsia", 11(3): 353-364.]

See also

* List of "Stylidium" species

References