Botanical art
Prior names
Calandrinia polyandra var. polyandra
Talinum polyandrum
Parakeelya polyandra
Common names
Many-stamens Parakeelya
Parkilypa
Parakeelya
Etymology
Calandrinia named after Jean-Louis Calandrini (1703-1758), a Swiss scientist, professor of mathematics and philosophy. Polyandra from the Greek 'poly' meaning many and 'andros' meaning male; referring to its numerous stamens.
Distribution and status
Found in the northern part of South Australia growing on sand and loam in floodplains and stony plains. Also found in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. Native. Common in South Australia. Common in the other States.
Herbarium regions: North Western, Lake Eyre, Nullarbor, Gairdner-Torrens
NRM regions: Alinytjara Wilurara, South Australian Arid Lands
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)
Plant description
Decumbent annual herb with erect flowering stems to 50 cm long. Leaves basal and on lower parts of the flower stems; sessile, linear to oblanceolate to 8 cm long and 1 cm wide. Inflorescence a loose erect panicle with large dark-pink to purple flowers; sepals broad-ovate, persistent; petals 5, obovate;, stamens numerous;, stigmas 3. Flowering between August and November. Fruits are pale brown ovoid capsule to 6.5 mm long with 3-valves just exceeding the usually spreading sepals. Seeds are orange-brown reniform seed to 0.6 mm long and 0.5 mm wide, with a reticulated surface. Seed embryo type is peripheral.
Seed collection and propagation
Collect seeds between October and January. Collect mature capsules, those that are turning a brown colour and contain dark seeds. Place the capsules in a tray and leave to dry for one to two weeks. Then rub the capsules gently by hand to dislodge the seeds. Use a sieve to separate the unwanted material. Store the seeds with a desiccant such as dried silica beads or dry rice, in an air tight container in a cool and dry place.