Andersonia bifida explained

Andersonia bifida is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a compact shrub with linear leaves with a sheathing base, and white, cream-coloured or yellow flowers.

Description

Andersonia bifida is a compact shrub that typically grows to a height of up to about . Its leaves are linear with a sheathing base, long and wide. The flowers are arranged in groups of 2 to 6 with bracts similar to the leaves and shorter, keeled bracteoles. The sepals are linear, long and usually hairy. The petals are white, cream-coloured or yellow, long and form a tube with lobes about half as long as the petal tube. The stamens are slightly longer than the petal tube, the anthers equal in length or longer than the filaments.[1]

Taxonomy

Andersonia bifida was first formally described in 1962 by Leslie Watson in the Kew Bulletin from specimens collected by Arthur Dorrien-Smith in 1910.[2] The specific epithet (bifida) means 'forked', referring to the anthers.[3]

Distribution and habitat

This species of Andersonia grows in loamy soils on granite outcrops in the Avon Wheatbelt and Jarrah Forest bioregions of south-western Western Australia.

Conservation status

Andersonia bifida is listed as "Priority Two" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, meaning that it is poorly known and from one or a few locations.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Watson . Leslie . A taxonomic revision of the genus Andersonia R.Br. (Epacridaceae). . Kew Bulletin . 1962 . 16 . 1 . 111–112 . 10.2307/4120354 . 15 October 2024.
  2. Web site: Andersonia bifida . APNI . 15 October 2024.
  3. Book: Sharr . Francis Aubi . George . Alex . Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings . 2019 . Four Gables Press . Kardinya, WA . 9780958034180 . 146 . 3rd.
  4. Web site: Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna. Government of Western Australia Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. 15 October 2024.