Grevillea iaspicula

Grevillea iaspicula
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Grevillea
Species: G. iaspicula
Binomial name
Grevillea iaspicula
McGill.[1]

Grevillea iaspicula, also known as Wee Jasper Grevillea, is an endangered shrub species that is endemic to southern New South Wales in Australia.

Description

Grevillea iaspicula grows to between 1.2 and 2.5 metres in height. Leaves are between 2 and 3 cm in length and have recurved margins. The branched, pendant inflorescences appear from late autumn to late spring. Perianths are green or cream coloured, flushed with light pink and the styles are pink or red. These are followed by hairy follicles.[2]

Taxonomy

The species was first formally described by botanist Donald McGillivray in 1986.[3] The type specimen was found on private property in Wee Jasper in 1980.[1] The specific epithet aspicula is derived from the Latin words iaspis (jasper) and ul (small) referring to the type locality.[4]

In the Flora of Australia (1999), the species was positioned within the genus Grevillea by means of a hierarchical tree as follows:[3]

Grevillea (genus)

Floribunda Group
Rosmarinifolia Subgroup
Grevillea iaspicula
Grevillea jephcottii
Grevillea lanigera
Grevillea baueri
Grevillea rosmarinifolia
Grevillea divaricata

Distribution

Grevillea iaspicula occurs in a restricted area in Wee Jasper and near Lake Burrinjuck among limestone-based rocky outcrops.[5] Many populations are on private land.[5]

Ecology

The species is believed to be pollinated by birds.[5]

Conservation status

Grevillea iaspicula is listed as "critically endangered" at national level (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) and "endangered" at state level (Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW)). Potential threats include grazing, weeds, fire and drought. It is believed that survival of the species in the wild is unlikely without human intervention to artificially increase populations.[5][6]

Cultivation

The species has only been brought in to cultivation in recent times and plants are not yet widely available beyond specialist nurseries. It exhibits a number of qualities which make it a suitable candidate for many gardens including adaptibility to a range of soil types, responsiveness to pruning, and resistance to heavy frost. Plants may be propagated from cuttings.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 "Grevillea iaspicula McGill.". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
  2. ↑ "Grevillea iaspicula McGill.". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  3. 1 2 "Grevillea iaspicula". Flora of Australia Online. Department of the Environment and Heritage, Australian Government.
  4. 1 2 "Grevillea alpina". Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Wee Jasper Grevillea - profile". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. threatened species - species, populations & ecological communities of NSW. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  6. ↑ "Approved Conservation Advice for Grevillea iaspicula (Wee Jasper Grevillea)" (PDF). 26 March 2008. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
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