Atalaya brevialata

Atalaya brevialata is a species of plant in the soapberry (Sapindaceae) family. It is native to northern Australia where it occurs in the Northern Territory.

Description

This species of Atalaya has a perennial woody base with annual herbaceous parts growing to 45 cm above ground. It looks grass-like, but the leaves have pinnate venation.

Taxonomy

Atalaya brevialata was first described in 2012 by Ian Cowie and Benjamin Stuckey. The species epithet, brevialata, or "short-winged", refers to the short wing of the samara.

Distribution and habitat

The species is known only from the Elizabeth River valley in Darwin, where it is found near Virginia and west to north-west of Noonamah. It grows in woodland to open woodland on sandy soils amongst Eucalyptus tectifica and Corymbia foelscheana. A map showing where it has been collected is given by .