- Source: Guichenotia seorsiflora
Guichenotia seorsiflora is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a low, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub with linear to narrowly egg-shaped leaves and white flowers arranged singly in upper leaf axils.
Description
Guichenotia seorsiflora is a spreading, multistemmed shrub that typically grows to 30–45 cm (12–18 in) high and 30–55 cm (12–22 in) wide, its new growth covered with white, star-shaped hairs. Its leaves are linear to narrowly egg-shaped, 8–20 mm (0.31–0.79 in) long and 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) wide on a petiole 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) long with linear to narrowly egg-shaped stipules two-thirds as long as the leaves, at the base. The edges of the leaves are rolled under, and the upper surface is covered with white, star-shaped hairs. The flowers are arranged singly in upper leaf axils with a bract 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long at the base, the pedicel 12–18 mm (0.47–0.71 in) long, with a bracteoles 1–4 mm (0.039–0.157 in) long at the base, on a peduncle 10–25 mm (0.39–0.98 in) long. The petal-like sepals are pink in the bud stage, later white, joined at the base and covered with white, star-shaped hairs. There are tiny, dark red petals but no staminodes. Flowering occurs from July to September.
Taxonomy and naming
Guichenotia seorsiflora was first formally described in 2003 by Carolyn F. Wilkins and the description was published in Australian Systematic Botany. The specific epithet (seorsiflora) means "separate-flowered", referring to the flowers arranged singly.
Distribution and habitat
This species of guichenotia usually grows on breakaways in heath and open woodland in scattered locations near Youndegin, Corrigin and Kellerberrin in the Avon Wheatbelt bioregion in the south-west of Western Australia.
Conservation status
Guichenotia seorsiflora is listed as "Threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, meaning that it is in danger of extinction.
