Trithuria austinensis


Trithuria austinensis is a species of aquatic plant in the family Hydatellaceae endemic to Western Australia.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Trithuria austinensis is an annual herb with green to red, 20–40 mm long, linear leaves.

Generative characteristics

It is a dioecious species and in large populations male and female plants occur at equal rates. The peduncles of the reproductive units are 10–50 mm long. In male plants, the 2-8 reproductive units consist of 2-4 4.2–7.2 mm long, and 1.0–3.0 mm wide bracts, and 3-15 stamens. In female plants, the up to 30 reproductive units are composed of 3-4 bracts, and 17-22 carpels. The bracts of the female reproductive units exhibit two different shapes.

Taxonomy

Trithuria austinensis D.D.Sokoloff, Remizowa, T.D.Macfarl. & Rudall was published by Dmitry Dmitrievich Sokoloff, Margarita Vasilyena Remizowa, Terry Desmond Macfarlane & Paula J. Rudall in 2008. The type specimen was collected by N. Gibson and M. Lyons in Austin Bay Nature Reserve, Australia on the 16th of November 1995.

Etymology

The specific epithet austinensis refers to the type locality.

Ecology

Habitat

It has some tolerance towards salty water.

Conservation

It is not threatened. It is known from several populations.