Trichodesma zeylanicum

Trichodesma zeylanicum, commonly known as camel bush or cattle bush, is a herb or shrub native to Australia.

Trichodesma zeylanicum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Boraginales
Family: Boraginaceae
Genus: Trichodesma
Species:
T. zeylanicum
Binomial name
Trichodesma zeylanicum

Description

It grows as an erect herb or shrub up to two metres high, with a well-developed taproot. Flowers are blue, or rarely white.[1][2]

Taxonomy

This species was first published as Borago zeylanica by Nicolaas Laurens Burman in 1768. In 1810, Robert Brown transferred it into Trichodesma, but this was retained only until 1882, when Ferdinand von Mueller transferred it into Pollichia. In 1891, Otto Kuntze transferred it into Boraginella, and in 1898 William Philip Hiern transferred it into Borraginoides. Despite these many later transfers, it is Brown's placement that is currently accepted.[3][4]

Varieties

Three varieties are recognised:

  • T. zeylanicum var. grandiflorum
  • T. zeylanicum var. latisepalum
  • T. zeylanicum var. zeylanicum

Distribution and habitat

It is fairly widespread in Australia, occurring in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.[2][4]

References
  1. "Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm.f.) R.Br". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.
  2. (Burm.f.) R.Br. "New South Wales Flora Online: Trichodesma zeylanicum". Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney, Australia.
  3. "Borago zeylanica Burm.f." Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
  4. "Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm.f.) R.Br". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
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