Calytrix flavescens

Calytrix flavescens, commonly known as summer starflower, is a species of plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae that is endemic to Western Australia.[1]

Calytrix flavescens
Seed head of summer starflower
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Calytrix
Species:
C. flavescens
Binomial name
Calytrix flavescens
Calytrix flavescens seed

Description

The shrub typically grows to a height of 0.3 to 0.8 metres (1 to 3 ft) and a width of 0.3 to 0.5 metres (1 to 2 ft).[2] It usually blooms between October and January producing yellow star-shaped flowers.[1] The plant is perennial and has a short lifespan. The foliage is evergreen with a dense open habit.[3]

Taxonomy

The species was first formally described by the botanist Allan Cunningham in 1834 in the journal Botanical Magazine.[4]

Distribution

Found on sand-plains, gentle slopes and sometimes in swampy areas in the Mid West, Wheatbelt, South West and Great Southern regions of Western Australia where it grows on sandy soils over granite, laterite or sandstone.[1]

Cultivation

It grows from seed[2] but an be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings. Grown in pots and gardens as a feature plant, it attracts bees when in flower and flowers can be cut. It is both drought resistant and frost tolerant.[3]

References
  1. "Calytrix flavescens". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.
  2. "Calytrix flavescens". Australian seed. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  3. "Calytrix flavescens – Summer Star Flower". Gardening with Angus. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  4. "Calytrix flavescens A.Cunn". Atlas of Living Australia. Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
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