Decaspermum humile
Decaspermum humile | |
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Silky myrtle | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Myrtales |
Family: | Myrtaceae |
Genus: | Decaspermum |
Species: | D. humile
|
Binomial name | |
Decaspermum humile (
A.J.Scott | |
Synonyms | |
Decaspermum humile, commonly known as the silky myrtle, is a tree from
Taxonomy
First described as Nelitris humilis by Scottish botanist George Don in 1832,[1] it gained its current name in 1980 when reclassified in the genus Decaspermum.[2] Decaspermum refers to "ten seeds" as is often the case with this plant. Humile refers to small or lowly, as it is often seen as a bush or small tree. However, this is not always the case, as some examples of Decaspermum humile can reach 25 metres (80 ft) tall.[3]
Description
A shrub or small tree, occasionally reaching 25 metres (80 ft) in height and a stem diameter of 45 cm (18 in). The trunk is often angled, crooked or fluted. Larger specimens may be slightly buttressed at the base. The bark is rough and brown, but with light papery vertical scales. Small branches are covered with silvery hairs, which later become fibrous and have a red brown colour.[3]
Leaves
The leaves are 2 to 8 cm (0.8–3.6 in) long, and 1.5 to 3 cm (0.6–1.2 in) wide.
Oil dots are tiny and hard to determine. The leaf stalk is between 3 and 7 mm long. Leaf venation is generally unclear apart from the midrib, being raised on both sides. However, the lateral veins are practically invisible. Net veins are not seen, although there is an indistinct intra-marginal vein around the edge of the leaf.[3]
Flowers, fruit & regeneration
The white or pale mauve flowers form in
Distribution and habitat
The habitat is the drier rainforests, usually on shallow rocky soils of a volcanic origin. Common Australian associate species are the
Cultivation
The attractive furrowed bark, glossy foliage and fragrant flowers give the species horticultural potential. It is suitable as an
References
- ^ "Nelitris humilis G.Don". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
- ^ "Decaspermum humile (G.Don) A.J.Scott". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-958943-67-3. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
- ^ "Decaspermum humile". PlantNET – NSW Flora Online. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
- ^ ISBN 0-85091-167-2.