Wilsonia humilis

Wilsonia humilis, the silky wilsonia, is a species of perennial subshrub in the family Convolvulaceae. The species is endemic to Australia, occurring in coastal saltmarshes and also occasionally in inland saline areas, often colonising bare ground.[2][3]

Wilsonia humilis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Wilsonia
Species:
W. humilis
Binomial name
Wilsonia humilis
Synonyms

Frankenia cymbifolia Hook.

Description

Silky wilsonia is a low-growing mat forming species, growing to 10 cm tall. The plant is covered with short, white hairs imparting a silvery appearance. The small, crowded leaves are concave and overlapping and are 1.5 to 4 mm long and 2 to 3 mm long.[3] White flowers appear between September and December in the species' native range.[4] These are followed by capsular fruits which are 3 mm long.[3]

Taxonomy

The species was first formally described in 1810 by botanist Robert Brown in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae.[1]

Distribution

The species is native to Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.[5] It has been recorded in New South Wales, but the record is regarded as doubtful.[5] In Tasmania, the species is rare, occurring near Pitwater, Dunalley and Cape Portland.[6]

References
  1. "Wilsonia humilis". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2009-09-07.
  2. Corrick, M.G. & Fuhrer, B.A. (2001). Wildflowers of Victoria and adjoining areas. Australia: Bloomings Books. ISBN 1876473142.
  3. "Silky Wilsonia". Victorian Resources Online. Department of Primary Industries(Victoria). Retrieved 2009-09-07.
  4. "Wilsonia humilis". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
  5. "Wilsonia humilis". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 2009-09-07.
  6. "Wilsonia humilis" (PDF). Threatened Flora of Tasmania. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tasmania). Retrieved 2009-09-07.
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