Pimelea linifolia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Pimelea linifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Thymelaeaceae
Genus: Pimelea
Species: P. linifolia
Binomial name
Pimelea linifolia
Sm.

Pimelea linifolia is an Australian shrub, variously known as Queen-of-the-bush and the Slender or Flax-leafed Riceflower. It is widespread throughout the south and east of the continent and is toxic to livestock.[1] [2]

The bark can be processed into fine strong thread for catching Agrotis infusa, the Bogong moth. This string, called a 'Bushman's bootlace', is produced by a traditional method that involves wetting, drying, beating and rolling the material.[3]

[edit] Description

The plant is prostrate or 1.5 m high. The leaves of the species are narrow or oblanceolate, 2-7 mm, and may be up to 30mm long. Up to 60 white flowers form brachteate heads on glabrous peduncles, bracts are 4 or 8. It was first published in 1793 by James Edward Smith, in his A Specimen of the Botany of New Holland.

[edit] Distribution

It is endemic to south-eastern Australia, occurring in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Harden, G. J.. "Pimelea linifolia Sm.". New South Wales Flora Online. PlantNET. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Pimelea~linifolia. Retrieved 2007-07-13. 
  2. ^ "Australian Plant Common Names Database". http://www.anbg.gov.au/common.names/. Retrieved 2007-07-13. 
  3. ^ "2. Riceflower Pimelea linifolia". Aboriginal Plant Use in South-Eastern Australia. Australian National Botanic Gardens - Education Service. http://www.anbg.gov.au/aborig.s.e.aust/pimelea-linifolia.html. Retrieved 2007-07-13. "We know the bark of the Riceflower as 'Bushman's Bootlace', but here's how to make string: Strip the bark, dry it, place in a stream for about one week, dry in sun, soften by chewing/beating with sticks and stones, roll on the thigh and spin into fine, strong thread." 
Personal tools
Namespaces

Variants
Actions
Navigation
Interaction
Toolbox
Print/export