Calytrix similis


Calytrix similis is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a glabrous shrub with linear to elliptic or lance-shaped leaves and purple flowers with about 45 to 50 stamens in several rows.

Description

Calytrix similis is a glabrous shrub that typically grows to a height of up to and grows from the tips of the flowering stems. Its leaves are linear, narrowly elliptic, elliptic or lance-shaped with the narrower end towards the base, long and wide on a petiole long, with stipules up to long at the base of the petiole. The flowers are arranged singly or in scattered small groups on a peduncle long with elliptic lobes long. The floral tube is spindle-shaped, long and has ten ribs. The sepals are egg-shaped, long, wide with an awn up to long. The petals are purple and there are 45 to 50 stamens in three or four rows. Flowering occurs from January to May.
This shrub is superficially similar to C. tenuiramea.

Taxonomy

Calytrix similis was first formally described in 1987 by Lyndley Craven in the journal Brunonia from specimens collected by Alex George west of Bremer Bay in 1964. The specific epithet means 'similar to' Calytrix tenuirama.

Distribution and habitat

This species of Calytrix grows in mallee heath on sand over laterite in the Stirling Range-Porongorup Range-Boxwood Hill districts, in the Esperance Plains and Jarrah Forest bioregions of south-western Western Australia.

Conservation status

Calytrix similis is listed as "not threatened" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.