Callistachys

For a taxonomic synonym of a genus of sedges, see Carex.

Callistachys
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Genus:	Callistachys Vent.[2]
Species:	C. lanceolata
Binomial name
Callistachys lanceolata Vent.[1]
Synonyms[1]
Callistachys lancifolia F.Cels nom. illeg. Chorizema callistachys F.Muell. nom. illeg. Chorozema callistachys F.Muell. orth. var. Oxylobium callistachys Benth. nom. illeg. Oxylobium lanceolatum (Vent.) Daveau nom. illeg. Oxylobium lanceolatum (Vent.) Ostenf. isonym Oxylobium lanceolatum (Vent.) Domin isonym Oxylobium lanceolatum (Vent.) Domin isonym Pultenaea lanceolata (Vent.) Dum.Cours. Pultenaea lanciolata Dum.Cours. orth. var.

Habit

Callistachys lanceolata, commonly known as the wonnich, native willow,[3] or greenbush[4] is the sole species in the genus Callistachys. It is a species of erect shrub or small tree that is native to the south-west of Western Australia and is naturalised in some other Australian states.

Description

Callistachys lanceolata is an erect evergreen tree or shrub that typically grows to a height of 1.5–7 m (4 ft 11 in – 23 ft 0 in) and has silky-hairy young stems.[5] The plant has conspicuous and attractive inflorescence composed of racemes with yellow flowers. The plant flowers from September to January.[6] The leaves of the plant are leathery and are arranged in whorls, most typically with three leaves per whorl. The leaves are generally regular in shape between 40 mm (1.6 in) to 170 mm (6.7 in) in length and 4 mm (0.16 in) to 30 mm (1.2 in) in width and have pointed tips.[7]

Distribution and habitat

Callistachys lanceolata occurs in the South West corner and South Coast of Western Australia. It grows well in sandy soils in areas that are damp, particularly along watercourses, swamps and culverts.[5]

Taxonomy

The genus Callistachys[8] and Callistachys lanceolata[9] were first formally described in 1805 by Étienne Pierre Ventenat in his book, Jardin de la Malmaison.[10] The genus name, Callistachys means 'beautiful flower spike',[11]: 66  and the species epithet (lanceolata) means lanceolate.[11]: 234 

Use in horticulture

Seeds can be collected from the plant but the pods the seeds are found in should be left to dry on the plant before they are broken open. The seeds should be scarified before sowing.[12]

References

1. "Callistachys lanceolata". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
2. "Callistachys". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
3. Corrick, Margaret G.; Fuhrer, Bruce A. (2009). Wildflowers of Southern Western Australia. Dural N.S.W.: Rosenberg Publishing P/L. p. 58. ISBN 9781877058844.
4. Jeanes, Jeff A.; Stajsic, Val. "Callistachys lanceolata". Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
5. "Callistachys lanceolata". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
6. "Australian National University - School of Botany and Zoology". 2008. Archived from the original on 14 September 2007. Retrieved 5 April 2008.
7. "WRC/CALM - Native Vegetation of Freshwater Rivers and Creeks in south Western Australia" (PDF). 1997. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 July 2008. Retrieved 5 April 2008.
8. "Callistachys". APNI. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
9. "Callistachys lanceolata". APNI. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
10. Ventenat, Étienne P. (1805). Jardin de la Malmaison. Vol. 2. Paris. p. 115. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
11. Sharr, Francis Aubi; George, Alex (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (3rd ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. ISBN 9780958034180.
12. "Dave's Garden - PlantFiles Callistachys lanceolata". 2008. Retrieved 17 April 2008.