Sannantha similis

Sannantha similis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Sannantha
Species: S. similis
Binomial name
Sannantha similis
A.R.Bean
Synonyms

Sannantha similis is a flowering shrub or small tree species in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae.[1] It is endemic to Australia. Plants grow to 4 metres high. White flowers appear in groups of 3 to 7 between October and January in the species native range.[2] These have 5 rounded petals surrounding 8 to 15 stamens. The fruits are 2.5 to 3.5 mm in diameter.[2]

Taxonomy

The species was first formally described in 1997 as Babingtonia similis and in 2007 it was placed in the newly created genus Sannantha.[3] For many years the name Baeckea virgata was misapplied to this species. Baeckea virgata, currently Sannantha virgata, is endemic to New Caledonia.[4]

Distribution

The species occurs from Port Stephens in New South Wales, northwards to Queensland.[2]

Cultivation

The species has been cultivated for many years under various names. Cultivars include:

References

  1. Wild Plants of Victoria (database). Viridans Biological Databases & Department of Sustainability and Environment. 2009.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Sannantha similis (F.Muell.) Peter G.Wilson". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 8 January 2012.
  3. "Sannantha similis". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 7 January 2011.
  4. "Baeckea virgata = Sannantha spp.". James Cook University. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  5. "'Babingtonia similis' 'Howie's Feathertips'". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.