Grevillea rudis

Summary

Grevillea rudis is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a loose, spreading to erect shrub with divided leaves, the end lobes more or less triangular to oblong and sharply pointed, and more or less cylindrical clusters of cream-coloured flowers, the style turning pink as it ages.

Grevillea rudis

Priority Four — Rare Taxa (DEC)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Grevillea
Species:
G. rudis
Binomial name
Grevillea rudis
Habit near Jurien Bay

Description edit

Grevillea rudis is a loose, spreading to erect shrub that typically grows to a height of 20–90 cm (7.9–35.4 in). Its leaves are mostly 15–30 mm (0.59–1.18 in) long, 5–20 mm (0.20–0.79 in) wide and divided with 3 to 5 broadly triangular to oblong lobes sometimes divided again, the end lobes or teeth more or less triangular to oblong, sharply pointed and 5–10 mm (0.20–0.39 in) long. The lower surface of the leaves is scaly at first, later glabrous. The flowers are arranged above the foliage in a more or less cylindrical cluster 30–120 mm (1.2–4.7 in) long. The flowers are cream-coloured, the style creamy white, the pollen presenter turning pinkish as it ages, and the pistil is 5.0–6.5 mm (0.20–0.26 in) long. Flowering occurs sporadically throughout the year with a peak in spring, and the fruit is an oval follicle 11–12 mm (0.43–0.47 in) long.[2][3][4]

This grevillea is similar to G.althoferorum but has less deeply divided leaves, the flowers held above the foliage.[2]

Taxonomy edit

Grevillea rudis was first formally described in 1855 Carl Meisnerin Hooker's Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany from specimens collected by James Drummond.[5] The specific epithet (rudis) means "rough" or "wild", referring to the leaves and branches.[3][6]

Distribution and habitat edit

This grevillea grows in well-drained laterite between Eneabba, Jurien Bay and Watheroo in the Coolgardie, Geraldton Sandplains and Swan Coastal Plain bioregions of south-western Western Australia.[2][4]

Conservation status edit

Grevillea rudis is listed as "Priority Four" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,[4] meaning that it is rare or near threatened.[7]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Grevillea rudis". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "Grevillea rudis". Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: Canberra. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  3. ^ a b Wrigley, John W.; Fagg, Murray A. (1991). Banksias, waratahs & grevilleas : and all other plants in the Australian Proteaceae family. North Ryde, NSW, Australia: Angus & Robertson. p. 324. ISBN 0207172773.
  4. ^ a b c "Grevillea rudis". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
  5. ^ "Grevillea rudis". APNI. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  6. ^ Sharr, Francis Aubi; George, Alex (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (3rd ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 299. ISBN 9780958034180.
  7. ^ "Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna" (PDF). Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife. Retrieved 9 January 2023.