Calectasia gracilis

Calectasia gracilis, commonly known as Blue tinsel lily is a plant in the family Dasypogonaceae growing as a spreading, tufted, woody, perennial herb. It is similar to the other species of Calectasia and has only been recognised as a separate species since a review of the genus in 2001. It is distinguished from the others mainly by having a more slender growth habit, lack of a rhizome and leaves which are glabrous, smaller than those of other Calectasia species and sometimes lacking a sharp tip.

Description

Calectasia gracilis is an undershrub with stilt roots but without a rhizome. It grows to a height of about 20–50 cm and to 50 cm wide, with many very short side branches. Each leaf blade is 5.2–7.2 x 0.5–0.6 mm, glabrous and usually tapering to a short, sharp point on the end. The base of the petals (strictly tepals) forms a tube 5.7–6.9 mm long, while the outer parts spread outwards to form a blue, papery star-like pattern which fades to pale blue with age. In the centre of the star are six yellow stamens forming a tube which turns orange-red with age. The thin style extends beyond the stamens.^[1] Flowers appear from August to October.^[2]

Taxonomy and naming

Calectasia gracilis is one of eleven species in the genus Calectasia. It was described as a new species in 2001 by K.W. Dixon and R.L. Barrett from a specimen collected near Cape Riche, Western Australia.^[3] The specific epithet (gracilis) is from the Latin gracilis meaning "slender".^[1]

Distribution and habitat

This species of blue tinsel lily occurs from Albany and Stirling Range National Park east to Hopetoun. It is scattered in the Stirling Range, Fitzgerald River and Frank Hann national parks, growing on quartzite sands, in mallee woodland or heath often over laterite or granite.^[1]

Conservation status

Calectasia gracilis is uncommon but widespread and is classified as not threatened.^[2]

References