Monotoca submutica
 | This article, Monotoca submutica, has recently been created via the Articles for creation process. Please check to see if the reviewer has accidentally left this template after accepting the draft and take appropriate action as necessary.
Reviewer tools: Inform author |
| This article, Monotoca submutica, has recently been created via the Articles for creation process. Please check to see if the reviewer has accidentally left this template after accepting the draft and take appropriate action as necessary.
Reviewer tools: Inform author |
Monotoca submutica, commonly known as mountain broomheath,[1] is an endemic heath family shrub in the Epacridaceae family and is one of 17 species in the genus Monotoca. It is a widespread and locally common small to tall woody dense shrub found in the alpine/subalpine woodlands of southern and western mountains of Tasmania, Australia.[1][2][3]
| Monotoca submutica | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae
|
| (unranked): | Angiosperms
|
| Order: | Ericales
|
| Family: | Epacridaceae
|
| Genus: | Monotoca
|
| Species: | M. submutica
|
Description
Monotoca submutica is an erect, dense and compact shrub, usually occuring as a small/medium shrub (1-3m high as a shrub) or when assocaitated with wet sclorphyll forests it can grow as a small woody tree (up to 6m).[3] Leaves are suberect and shaped from elliptical through to oblong/obovate (6-12mm long and 2-3.5mm wide), leaf margins are slightly recured with a green flat or slightly convex adaxial surface and glaucous abaxial surface.[3] The flowers are white and often solitarily arranged axillary, but can also be arranged in short spikes with 2-4 flowers.[3] In most cases individuals are dioecious, with the main difference between female and male flowers being that the male flowers have their anthers half exserted. Unmature fruit is spherical/oval and green, matured drupe turns to red/orange.[1] Flowering occurs from September through to October.[3] A distinguishing feature of Monotoca submutica is that the leaf apex is mucronate and not sharp.
Distribution and Habitat
Monotoca submutica is endemic to Tasmania. It is a widespread species in southern and western Tasmania,[4] where it is found in subalpine forests and woodlands as a small to medium shrub.[1][3] In wet sclerophyll forests that are associated with rainforests, it can occur as a small tree (up to 6m).[3] On the east coast of Tasmania in the Freycinet Peninsula, a more robust form of the typical Monotoca submutica is known to occur.[3]
Cultivation
Monotoca submutica is not a commonly grown and cultivated species, would do best in well drained, moist soil with moderate sunlight.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e Howells, Christine (July 2021). Tasmania's Natural Flora. Australian Plants Society Incorporated. - Tasmania. ISBN 9780909830090.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ "EPACRIDACEAE Monotoca submutica". Retrieved 21/03/2022.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - ^ a b c d e f g h Jarman, S.J. (1978). "NEW SPECIES IN THE FAMILY EPACRIDACEAE". Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania. 112 – via University of Tasmania.
- ^ Jordan, Greg. "Monotoca submutica (= M. scoparia var submutica; Ericaceae) 2:442". Retrieved 21 March 2022.