Hyalosperma simplex

Hyalosperma simplex
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Genus:	Hyalosperma
Species:	H. simplex
Binomial name
Hyalosperma simplex (Steetz.) Paul G.Wilson[1]

Hyalosperma simplex is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is an upright, annual herb with stems branching from the base and yellow or white flowers and is endemic to Western Australia.

Description

Hyalosperma simplex is an upright, annual herb up to 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) high with simple stems or sparingly branched from the base with a cottony appearance. The leaves are arranged opposite, rounded on one side, flat on the other, about 10 mm (0.39 in) long, pointed, occasional cottony hairs to smooth. The single yellow or white flower heads are at the end of branches and up to 2 cm (0.79 in) in diameter. The involucral bracts are in several rows, outer bracts ellitic-shaped, dry, light brown with occasional wooly hairs at the base. Flowering occurs from September to December and the fruit is an achene oblong to egg-shaped, 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) long, surface rough with small, rounded protuberances or smooth, red-brown and about 15 mm (0.59 in) in diameter.[2][3]

Taxonomy and naming

This species was first described 1845 by Joachim Steetz who gave it the name Helipterum simplex.[4] In 1989 Paul Graham Wilson changed the name to Hyalosperma simplex and the change was published in the journal Nuytsia.[2][5] The specific epithet (simplex) means "simple, not divided" referring to the stems.[6]

Distribution and habitat

Hyalosperma simplex grows on sandy clay, loam or clay in wet locations including swamps and winter wet areas near and south of Perth in Western Australia.[3]

References

1. "Hyalosperma simplex". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
2. Wilson, Paul (1989). "Hyalosperma simplex". Nuytsia. 7 (1): 94. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
3. Spooner, Amanda. "Hyalosperma simplex". Florabase-the Western Australian Flora. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
4. "Helipterum simplex". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
5. "Hyalosperma simplex". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
6. George, A.S; Sharr, F.A (2021). Western Australian Plant Names and their meanings (4th ed.). Kardinya: Four Gables. p. 317. ISBN 9780958034197.