Homoranthus homoranthoides


Homoranthus homoranthoides is a plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae and is endemic to South Australia.

Description

Homoranthus homoranthoides is a distinctive species recognised by its low growing prostrate habit. A shrub with greyish green linear leaves, small pendulous cream coloured flowers which turn red as they age.

Taxonomy and naming

This species was first formally described in 1853 by Ferdinand von Mueller who gave it the name Schuermannia homoranthoides and published the description in the journal Linnaea. In 1991, Lyndley Craven and S.R.Jones changed the name to Homoranthus homoranthoides. The specific epithet refers to the similarity of this species to those in the genus Homoranthus. The ending -oides is a Latin suffix meaning "like", "resembling" or "having the form of".

Distribution and habitat

Homoranthus homoranthoides grows in heath and woodland on the southern part of the Eyre Peninsula. Grows on a variety of substrates in mallee heath and woodland.

Conservation status

Moderately restricted distribution although well reserved and often locally common.