Trithuria occidentalis


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

Description

Vegetative characteristics

It is an annual, 2-3 cm tall, aquatic herb with 2-3 cm long, and 1 mm wide, red, linear leaves. The midveins of the leaves are prominent.

Generative characteristics

It is a dioecious species with unisexual reproductive units. It exhibits sexual dimorphism in respect to the number of bracts present in the reproductive units. The male reproductive units consist of 3 mm long, erect stalks with 2 lanceolate, 7-8 mm long bracts, as well as 8-10 stamens. The stamens consist of linear, 3 mm long, faintly yellow anthers, and 1 cm long filaments. The female plants produce smaller reproductive units with 8–9 1.5-2.2mm long bracts enclosing 8-10 carpels. The dehiscent fruit bears seeds, which are sculptured.

Distribution

It is endemic to Western Australia, where it is restricted to a small area north-east from Perth.

Taxonomy

Trithuria occidentalis Benth. was first described by George Bentham in 1878. Later synonyms include Juncella occidentalis Hieron. and Hydatella dioica D.A.Cooke. The type specimen was collected by James Drummond in Swan River, Western Australia. It is placed in Trithuria sect. Trithuria.
The description of Hydatella dioica D.A.Cooke was based on a male individual of Trithuria occidentalis Benth.

Etymology

The specific epithet occidentalis means western.

Conservation

It is a threatened species. Under the Western Australian Wildlife [Conservation Act 1950|Wildlife Conservation Act] of 1950, it is declared as Rare Flora. According to the IUCN criteria, it is classified as Critically Endangered. It is classified as endangered both under the Environment [Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999] and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. In 1982, about 1000 plants were recorded. By 2007, the number of recorded individuals had dropped below 200 plants.

Ecology

It occurs in seasonal swamps, and shallow, winter-wet claypans.