Styphelia prostrata | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Ericaceae |
Genus: | Styphelia |
Species: | S. prostrata
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Binomial name | |
Styphelia prostrata | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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Styphelia prostrata is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a low, spreading or prostrate shrub with linear leaves and red, tube-shaped flowers that are bearded inside.
Styphelia prostrata is a low, spreading or prostrate shrub that has many ascending or erect branches that are covered with soft hairs. Its leaves are linear to lance-shaped, less than 12 mm (0.47 in) long, tapering to a short, fine point. The flowers have bracteoles less than 2 mm (0.079 in) long the base. The sepals are 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long, the petals red and joined at the base, forming a tube about 8.5 mm (0.33 in) long, with lobes 4 mm (0.16 in) long and bearded inside.[2]
This species was first formally described in 1810 by Robert Brown, who gave it the name Astroloma prostratum in his Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.[3][4] In 1882, Ferdinand von Mueller transferred the species to Styphelia as S. prostrata in his Systematic Census of Australian Plants. The specific epithet, prostrata means "prostate" or "lying along the ground".[5]
This styphelia is found in the Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest and Mallee bioregions of southern Western Australia.[6]
Styphelia prostrata is listed as "not threatened", by the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.[6]