Prior names
Abutilon arenarium
Etymology
Abutilon from the Arabic 'aubutilun' used for mallow-like plant and quoted by the Arabian physician Avicenna as belonging to this or some allied genus. Macrum from the Latin 'macer' meaning lean, thin referring to its slender habit or narrow leaves.
Distribution and status
Found scattered in the northern part of South Australia, growing on red gravelly or sandy soil in rocky or gravelly ranges, hills or rises, plains, intermittent watercourses and run-on areas. Also found in Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales. Native. Common in South Australia. Common in the other states.
Herbarium regions: North Western, Lake Eyre, Gairdner-Torrens
NRM regions: Alinytjara Wilurara, South Australian Arid Lands
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)
Plant description
Erect slender shrub to 2 m high covered in short stellate hairs. Leaves on a short stalk, grey, narrow or broadly oblong to 2.5 cm long, hairy above and below, margin serrate. Inflorescence solitary on a long stalk with yellow-orange flower not much longer than the hairy calyx. Flowering between August and September. Fruits are hairy brown papery capsule to 6 mm diameter and 8 mm long with a truncate end and up to 10 segments, each containing 2 or 3 hairy seeds. Seed embryo type is folded.
Seed collection and propagation
Collect seeds between October and December. Collect mature capsules, those that are turning pale straw colour and contain dark hard seeds. Place the capsules in a tray and leave to dry for 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. This species has physical dormancy that needs to be overcome for the seed to germinate (e.g. nicking or softening the seed coat).
Location | No. of seeds (weight grams) | Number of plants | Date collected | Collection number Collection location | Date stored | % Viability | Storage temperature |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BGA | 1,650 (2.16 g) | 150+ | 19-Apr-2011 | KHB582 Flinders Ranges | 1-Nov-2012 | 92% | -18°C |