Richea dracophylla

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Richea dracophylla
Richea dracophylla in Collinsvale, Tasmania
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Richea
Species:
R. dracophylla
Binomial name
Richea dracophylla
Synonyms

Cystanthe dracophylla (R.Br.) Kuntze

Richea dracophylla is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae. It is endemic to Tasmania.[2]

Description[edit]

Shrub growing in southern Tasmania

It is a tall, sparsely branched shrub which can grow to 5 metres high, but usually less.[2][3] The leaves are arranged spirally around the stems and are about 22 cm long and taper to a point.[3] Dense clusters of white flowers appear at the end of the branches in spring.[2]

Taxonomy[edit]

The species was first formally described by botanist Robert Brown in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, based on collections made at Mount Wellington.[1]

Cultivation[edit]

It has been cultivated in Tasmania, with propagation by seed more successful than by cuttings.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Richea dracophylla ". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
  2. ^ a b c d "Richea dracophylla ". Australian Native Plants Society (Australia) - ANPSA. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
  3. ^ a b "Richea dracophylla ". The Unique Flora of Tasmania. Hobart District Group of The Australian Plants Society - Tasmania Inc. Archived from the original on 2009-07-07. Retrieved 2009-11-29.