Calamphoreus


Calamphoreus inflatus is the only species of the flowering plant genus Calamphoreus in the family Scrophulariaceae. It is a shrub, formerly known as Eremophila inflata but unlike eremophilas, this species has twisted stamens and an urn-shaped petal tube which remains attached to the fruits after flowering.

Description

Calamphoreus inflatus is a shrub sometimes growing to a height of and spreading to wide with branches that are slightly sticky when young. The leaves are arranged alternately, mostly long, wide, thick, sticky and elliptic or narrow lance-shaped.
The flowers are arranged singly or in groups of up to 5 in the axils of leaves on a stalk long. There are 5 oblong sepals which are hairy, and after flowering develop a network of distinct veins. There are also 5 petals joined at their bases, forming an expanded bell-shaped tube. The petal tube is purple except inside the tube where it is white, spotted with purple. The tube is long with lobes that are rounded and of unequal lengths. There are 4 short stamens with twisted or curved filaments. Flowering occurs mainly in summer and is followed by densely hairy, oval-shaped fruits about long with the dried petal tube remaining on the outside.

Taxonomy and naming

Calamphoreus inflatus was first formally described in 1942 by Charles Gardner in Royal Society of [Western Australia|Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia] as Eremophila inflata from a specimen collected in the Coolgardie district near Mount Holland and Lake Cronin. The genus name is from the Ancient Greek words kalos meaning "beautiful" and amphoreus meaning "two-handled vase", "pitcher", "jar", "jug" or "cinerary urn" referring to the shape of the flowers. The specific epithet is a Latin word meaning "puffed up" or "swollen".

Distribution and habitat

Calamphoreus inflatus occurs from Lake King to Mount Holland and in nearby areas in the Coolgardie and Mallee biogeographic regions. It has also been recorded east of Hyden. It grows in gravelly loam on flats and disturbed sites.

Conservation

Calamphoreus inflatus is classified as "Priority Four" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife meaning that it is rare or near threatened.

Use in horticulture

Commonly cultivated as Eremophila inflata, this species grows well in most soils provided it is well drained and in a sunny position. It is most easily propagated from cuttings.