Conospermum scaposum explained

Conospermum scaposum is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a low, erect shrub with linear leaves and dense spikes of blue, tube-shaped flowers covered with long, silky hairs.

Description

Conspermum scaposum is a low, erect shrub that typically grows to a height of up to when in flower, otherwise to . Its leaves are linear, long, wide on a petiole long. The leaves are glabrous, sometimes covered with velvety hairs. The flowers are arranged in panicles with few branches, each branch on a peduncle long, forming a dense spike on the ends of branches. The bracteoles are creamy brown, long and wide and covered with velvety white hairs. The flowers are blue and form a tube long, covered with long, silky hairs. The perianth tube is long, the upper lip long and wide, the upper lobe long and wide, the lower lip long and wide. Flowering occurs in August, January and February.[1]

Taxonomy

Conospermum scaposum was first formally described in 1870 by George Bentham in his Flora Australiensis from specimens collected by James Drummond.[2] [3] The specific epithet (scaposum) means 'abounding in flower stalks'.[4]

Distribution and habitat

This species of Conospermum grows in low, swampy areas and on road verges from Mogumber to Lancelin and Toolibin in the Avon Wheatbelt, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest and Swan Coastal Plain bioregions of south-western Western Australia.

Conservation status

Conospermum scaposum is listed as "Priority Three" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions meaning that it is poorly known and known from only a few locations but is not under imminent threat.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bennett . Eleanor M. . Conospermum scaposum . Flora of Australia. Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: Canberra . 25 October 2024.
  2. Web site: Conospermum scaposum . Australian Plant Name Index . 25 October 2024.
  3. Book: Bentham . George . Flora Australiensis . 1870 . Lovell Reeves & Co. . London . 5 . 369 . 25 October 2024.
  4. Book: Sharr . Francis Aubi . George . Alex . Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings . 2019 . Four Gables Press . Kardinya, WA . 9780958034180 . 302 . 3rd.
  5. Web site: Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna. Government of Western Australia Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. 25 October 2024.