Alyxia squamulosa
| Alyxia squamulosa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Alyxia |
| Species: | A. squamulosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Alyxia squamulosa C.Moore & F.Muell. | |
Alyxia squamulosa, commonly known as Alyxia Vine, is a species of shrub in the Apocynaceae family. It is endemic to Australia’s subtropical Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea. The specific epithet derives from the many bracteoles, or ‘scales’ (Latin: squamae, with the diminutive suffix -ulus) that subtend the flowers.[1]
Description
The plant has a tendency to climb. Its leaves grow in whorls of five and are 2–5 cm long, 1.5–2.5 cm wide. The fetid white flowers are about 7 mm long, clustered in dense, rounded, terminal inflorescences 2–4 cm in diameter. The fruits are drupaceous, blue-black and about 2 cm long.[1]
Distribution and habitat
The plant is found at the upper levels of the islands two prominent peaks, Mounts Lidgbird and Gower. It is closely related to Alyxia lindii, also endemic to Lord Howe, which is found on the lower hills of the island.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 "Alyxia squamulosa C.Moore & F.Muell.". Flora of Australia Online (Data derived from Flora of Australia Volume 49 (1994)). ABRS. Retrieved 2014-01-22.