Balaustion polyandrum
Balaustion polyandrum is a species of flowering plant in the family Myrtaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is usually a shrub with egg-shaped leaves, the narrower end towards the base, and white flowers with about 30 stamens.Description
Balaustion polyandrum is a shrub that typically grows to high, the flowering branchlets with one pair of flowers. Its leaves are egg-shaped with the narrower end towards the base, long and wide, the lower surface narrowly keeled with one or two rows of oil glands each side of the midvein. The flowers are in diameter on a peduncle long, each flower on a pedicel long. The floral tube is long and wide, the sepals egg-shaped, long, about wide and deep reddish with a whitish border, and the petals are white, long, with about 30 stamens. Flowering has been recorded in October.Taxonomy
Balaustion polyandrum was first formally described in 2022 by Barbara Lynette Rye in the journal Nuytsia from specimens collected on Jaurdi Station in 1999. The specific epithet means 'many males' referring to the many stamens.Distribution and habitat
This species of Balaustion grows in yellowish sand in low woodland and Acacia heath and is only known from the type location east of Koolyanobbing in the Coolgardie bioregion of Western Australia.Conservation status
Balaustion polyandrum is listed as "Declared [Rare and Priority Flora List|Priority One]" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and [Attractions (Western Australia)|Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions], meaning that it is known from only one or a few locations where it is potentially at risk.