Leucochrysum molle
| Hoary sunray | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Leucochrysum |
| Species: | L. molle
|
| Binomial name | |
| Leucochrysum molle | |
Leucochrysum molle, commonly known as hoary sunray,[2] is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is a small, clumping perennial with grey leaves, yellow flower-heads and is endemic to Australia.
Description[edit]
Leucochrysum molle is a clumping, woolly annual or occasionally a perennial to 30 cm (12 in) high. The leaves are narrowly lance-shaped to narrow-oblong, woolly, up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long, 2–6 mm (0.079–0.236 in) wide, grey, rounded or tapering to a point at the apex. The flower heads 2–2.5 cm (0.79–0.98 in) in diameter, borne singly on a slim peduncle 15 cm (5.9 in) long. The outer bracts light brown, inner bracts triangular to oval-shaped or almost circular, yellow, arranged in rows and lamina 3–10 mm (0.12–0.39 in) long. Flowering occurs in spring and the fruit is a cypsela about 3 mm (0.12 in) long, brown and sometimes warty.[2][3]
Taxonomy and naming[edit]
This species was first described in 1838 as Helichrysum molle by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle from an unpublished description by Allan Cunningham.[4] In 1992 Paul G. Wilson changed the name to Leucochrysum molle and the description was published in Nuytsia.[5][6] The specific epithet (molle) means "soft".[7]
Distribution and habitat[edit]
Hoary sunray grows on a variety of soil types in woodlands, grasslands and sandplains in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.[2][3]
References[edit]
- ^ "Helichrysum molle". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
- ^ a b c Wilson, Paul. "Leucochrysum molle". PlantNET-NSW flora online. Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
- ^ a b Schaumann, M.; Barker, J.; Grieg, J. (1987). Australian Daisies. Sydney: Lothian Publishing. p. 174. ISBN 0850912911.
- ^ "Helichrysum molle". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
- ^ Wilson, Paul (1992). "Leucochrysum molle". Nuytsia. 8 (3): 445. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
- ^ "Leucochrysum molle". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
- ^ George, A.S; Sharr, F.A (2021). Western Australian Plant Names and their meanings (4th ed.). Kardinya: Four Gables. p. 262. ISBN 9780958034197.