Acrotriche orbicularis

Acrotriche orbicularis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Ericaceae
Genus:	Acrotriche
Species:	A. orbicularis
Binomial name
Acrotriche orbicularis Hislop[1]

Acrotriche orbicularis is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae and is endemic to a restricted area near Ravensthorpe in the south-west of Western Australia. It is a compact, spreading shrub, with broadly egg-shaped or broadly elliptic leaves, and green, tube-shaped flowers.

Description

Acrotriche orbicularis is a compact, spreading shrub that typically grows up to 60 cm (24 in) high and 80 cm (31 in) wide. Its leaves are usually broadly egg-shaped or broadly elliptic, 4.8–8.2 mm (0.19–0.32 in) long and 3.8–8.0 mm (0.15–0.31 in) wide on a petiole 0.8–1.3 mm (0.031–0.051 in) long. The flowers are arranged in groups of 3 to 7 in leaf axils with bracts and bracteoles 0.9–1.2 mm (0.035–0.047 in) long, the sepals egg-shaped, 1.3–1.5 mm (0.051–0.059 in) long. The petals are green and joined at the base forming a cylindrical tube 1.9–2.5 mm (0.075–0.098 in) and 0.9–1.0 mm (0.035–0.039 in) wide, with lobes much shorter than the tube, 0.6–0.9 mm (0.024–0.035 in) long and 0.5–0.6 mm (0.020–0.024 in) wide. Flowering has been observed in September.[2][3]

Taxonomy

Acrotriche orbicularis was first formally described in 2010 by Michael Clyde Hislop in the journal Telopea from specimens collected east of Ravensthorpe in 2008.[3][4] The specific epithet (orbicularis) means 'orbicular', referring to the shape of the leaves.[3][5]

Distribution and habitat

This species is found in the understorey of low woodland on Bandalup Hill east of Ravensthorpe in the Esperance Plains bioregion of south-western Western Australia.[2][3]

Conservation status

This species is listed as "threatened" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, meaning that it is in danger of extinction.[2][6]

References

1. "Acrotriche orbicularis". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
2. "Acrotriche orbicularis". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
3. Hislop, Michael C. (2010). "A new locally endemic species of Acrotriche (Ericaceae: Styphelioideae: Styphelieae) from the Ravensthorpe area". Nuytsia. 20: 21–23. doi:10.58828/nuy00586. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
4. "Acrotriche orbicularis". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
5. George, Alex; Sharr, Francis (2021). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (4th ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 266. ISBN 9780958034180.
6. "Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna" (PDF). Government of Western Australia Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Retrieved 11 July 2024.