Grevillea synapheae, commonly known as catkin grevillea,[2] is species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. It is a prostrate to erect shrub usually with divided leaves with 3 to 7 triangular to more or less linear lobes, and clusters of white to creamy yellow flowers.
Grevillea synapheae | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Proteales |
Family: | Proteaceae |
Genus: | Grevillea |
Species: | G. synapheae
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Binomial name | |
Grevillea synapheae |
Grevillea synapheae is a prostrate to erect, lignotuber-forming shrub that typically grows to a height of 0.2–1.5 m (7.9 in – 4 ft 11.1 in), its branches glabrous to sparsely woolly-hairy. The leaves are variable but mostly wedge-shaped with 3 to 7 triangular to more or less linear lobes 10–25 mm (0.39–0.98 in) long and 2–12 mm (0.079–0.472 in) wide. The flowers are arranged in clusters with up to 6 branches, each branch cylindrical on a rachis 10–60 mm (0.39–2.36 in) long. The flowers are white to creamy yellow, the pistil 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long. Flowering occurs from July to October, and the fruit is a wrinkled, elliptic to oval follicle 8–13 mm (0.31–0.51 in) long.[2][3][4]
This grevillea is closely related to G. trifida, G. muelleri and G. prominens.[2]
Grevillea synapheae was first formally described by botanist Robert Brown in 1830 in Supplementum primum Prodromi florae Novae Hollandiae from specimens collected in the Swan River Colony by Charles Fraser.[5][6] The specific epithet (synapheae) refers to similarity of the leaf shape and flower colour to the genus Synaphea.[7]
The names of 5 subspecies are accepted by the Australian Plant Census:
All 5 subspecies of G. synaphaea occur in the south-west of Western Australia.
Subspecies A,[10] latiloba[13] and minyulo[16] are listed as "Priority One" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, meaning that they are known from only one or a few locations which are potentially at risk.[23] but subsp. pachyphylla[19] and synapheae[22] are listed as "not threatened".
Catkin grevillea is sold commercially[24] and is recommended for use as a low ornamental shrub that is suitable for wide verges, median strips, open locations as well as reserves and parks. When planted is numbers it makes low hedge or barrier or groundcover. It can tolerate drought and a medium frost and soils with a high lime content. It does require well drained soil and part shade to full sun. The plant is a good bird attractor which is used for food and habitat. It can cause skin irritations.[25]