Plants of
South Australia
Stenopetalum velutinum
Brassicaceae
Velvety Thread-petal,
Velvet Thread-petal,
Downy Thread-petal
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Regional Species Conservation Assessments per IBRA subregion.
Least concern
Near threatened
Rare
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically endangered
Extinct
Data deficient
Adelaide
Arkaroola
Ceduna
Coober Pedy
Hawker
Innamincka
Marla
Marree
Mount Gambier
Oodnadatta
Renmark
Wudinna
Keith
Yunta
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Botanical art

Kath Alcock painting: 1

Common names

Velvety Thread-petal

Velvet Thread-petal

Downy Thread-petal

Etymology

Stenopetalum from the Greek 'stenos' meaning narrow and 'petalon' meaning petals; referring to the narrow petals. Velutinum from the Latin 'velutinus' meaning velvety; referring to velvety hairs on the plant.

Distribution and status

Found scattered in the northern part of South Australia, growing in sandy soil. Also found in all mainland states. Native. Common in South Australia. Presumed Extinct in New South Wales. Rare in Victoria. Common in then other states.
Herbarium regions: North Western, Lake Eyre, Nullarbor, Gairdner-Torrens, Flinders Ranges, Eastern
NRM regions: Alinytjara Wilurara, South Australian Arid Lands
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)

Plant description

Erect, annual woody herbs to 65 cm tall, densely hairy. Leaves lanceolate, to 7 cm long, entire or remotely dentate, reducing above. Inflorescence a terminal spike with yellow-green to brown flowers. Flowers throughout the year. Fruits are brown subglobose to oblong pod to 8 mm long, pedicels erect to slightly spreading. Seeds are brown reinform seed to 1.4 mm long and 0.8 mm wide, with a tuberculate surface. Seed embryo type is bent.

Seed collection and propagation

Collect seeds between January and December. Collect maturing pods those turning pale brown with brown seeds inside. Be gentle with the pods as they split open easily. Place the pods in a tray and cover with paper to prevent seeds from popping out and leave to dry for a week. Then rub the dried pods 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.