Callicoma
| Callicoma | |
|---|---|
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| An 1895 illustration by Edward Minchen | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Oxalidales |
| Family: | Cunoniaceae |
| Genus: | Callicoma Andrews |
| Species: | C. serratifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Callicoma serratifolia Andrews |
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Callicoma, is a plant genus that contains just one species, Callicoma serratifolia (Black Wattle), a tall shrub or small tree which is native to Australia.
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[edit] Description
Black Wattle can grow up to 20 metres in height, though in cultivation it is more likely to reach a height of between 6 to 10 metres with a 3 metre spread. It has lanceolate or elliptic leaves that grow up to 12 cm long and 5 cm wide with coarsely serrate margins. The upper side of the leaves are dark green, while the lower sides are white due to the presence of fine, white hairs.The pale-yellow globular flower heads appear in late spring and early summer (November to December in Australia). These average 1.5 cm in diameter and have 1 to 2 cm long stalks.
[edit] Taxonomy
The first published description of the species, in 1809, is attributed to H.C.Andrews. Despite the common name of Blackwattle[citation needed], and a superficial resemblance to species in the genus Acacia, Callicoma is not closely related.
[edit] Distribution
It occurs within, and on the edges of, rainforest in near-coastal areas within New South Wales and south-east Queensland, mostly along drainage lines or near creeks.
[edit] Common names
Callicoma serratifolia is commonly known as Black Wattle, as it was used by early settlers in the Sydney area to construct wattle and daub buildings. The species has a number of other common names include Callicoma, Butterwood, Silver Leaf, Silver-leaf Butterwood and Wild Quince.
[edit] References
- "Callicoma Andrews". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/apni?taxon_id=41574.
- "Callicoma serratifolia Andrews". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/apni?taxon_id=41604.
- PlantNET: New South Wales Flora Online: Callicoma serratifolia
- Australian National Botanic Gardens: Callicoma serratifolia
