Calytrix depressa
Encyclopedia
Calytrix depressa is a species
of shrub
in the family Myrtaceae
, endemic to the south-west of Western Australia
.
are linear to cylindrical and usually around 1 cm in length. The leaves have a flattened base, which is alluded to in the Latin specific epithet depressa. Numerous flower
s, each about 1 to 1.3 cm in diameter, cover the plant in summer . Northern forms have pink to light purple colouring on the outer petals and a contrasting yellow centre, while all-yellow forms are found in the south. The petals are wider than many other Calytrix
species. As with most species in the genus, the calyx lobes have prominent awns that extend well-beyond the extent of the petals.
The species may be propagated from cuttings or seed, the latter resulting in stronger plants although difficult to germinate. Plants may sometimes be affected by root rot in hot, humid climates, or scale.
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of shrub
Shrub
A shrub or bush is distinguished from a tree by its multiple stems and shorter height, usually under 5–6 m tall. A large number of plants may become either shrubs or trees, depending on the growing conditions they experience...
in the family Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
The Myrtaceae or Myrtle family are a family of dicotyledon plants, placed within the order Myrtales. Myrtle, clove, guava, feijoa, allspice, and eucalyptus belong here. All species are woody, with essential oils, and flower parts in multiples of four or five...
, endemic to the south-west of Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
.
Description
The species can grow up to 2 metres in height, but is usually between 0.2 and 1 metre high in its native range. The leavesLeaf
A leaf is an organ of a vascular plant, as defined in botanical terms, and in particular in plant morphology. Foliage is a mass noun that refers to leaves as a feature of plants....
are linear to cylindrical and usually around 1 cm in length. The leaves have a flattened base, which is alluded to in the Latin specific epithet depressa. Numerous flower
Flower
A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants . The biological function of a flower is to effect reproduction, usually by providing a mechanism for the union of sperm with eggs...
s, each about 1 to 1.3 cm in diameter, cover the plant in summer . Northern forms have pink to light purple colouring on the outer petals and a contrasting yellow centre, while all-yellow forms are found in the south. The petals are wider than many other Calytrix
Calytrix
Calytrix is a genus of shrubs in the family Myrtaceae. They are commonly known as Starflowers.Calytrix are endemic to Australia, occurring in all of its states.Species include:...
species. As with most species in the genus, the calyx lobes have prominent awns that extend well-beyond the extent of the petals.
Cultivation
This species requires a moist but well-drained position, with filtered sunlight.The species may be propagated from cuttings or seed, the latter resulting in stronger plants although difficult to germinate. Plants may sometimes be affected by root rot in hot, humid climates, or scale.