Cockies’-tongue (Templetonia retusa, W.T.Aiton, Hortus Kew. 4: 269 (1812))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Vent.) R.Br.

Bibliography: W.T.Aiton, Hortus Kew. 4: 269 (1812)

Year: 1812

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Templetonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Western Australia to South Australia

Description

Templetonia retusa, commonly known as Cockies’-tongue, is a captivating and resilient member of the Fabaceae family. First described by W.T. Aiton in “Hortus Kew.” published in 1812, and later attributed to the author (Vent.) R.Br., this plant has secured its place in the rich tapestry of Australian flora.

Cockies’-tongue is notably endemic to the varied landscapes of Western Australia and South Australia. It thrives in these regions, contributing to the biodiversity and natural beauty of its native habitats. The plant’s resilience and adaptability make it a noteworthy species for both botanists and horticulturists.

Distinguished by its unique tongue-shaped flowers, Templetonia retusa is not only a botanical curiosity but also a striking ornamental plant. Its blooms exhibit vibrant hues, often ranging from red to pink, adding splashes of color to the arid and semi-arid environments it inhabits. The plant’s aesthetic appeal is complemented by its practical benefits, as it plays a significant role in the ecosystem, fostering pollination through its interactions with native fauna.

As a member of the Fabaceae family, Cockies’-tongue shares many characteristics with other legumes, including the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, thus enhancing soil fertility and supporting the growth of neighboring plants. This ecological role underscores the importance of conserving Templetonia retusa and its natural habitats, ensuring that it continues to flourish and contribute to the environment.

In summary, Templetonia retusa or Cockies’-tongue is a remarkable plant whose beauty and ecological significance make it a subject of interest in botanical studies and conservation efforts. Its presence from Western Australia to South Australia highlights the rich botanical diversity of these regions and the importance of preserving such unique species for future generations.

Common Names

Eng: cockies’-tongue, coralbush, templetonia
En: Cockies’-tongue, Coralbush, Templetonia
: Cockies tongue

Synonyms

• Templetonia glauca (Sims)
• Rafnia retusa (Vent.)
• Templetonia retusa var. angustifolia (Regel)

Distribution

• South Australia (native)
• Western Australia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Michal Svit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Michal Svit (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5360129)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:520359-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Templetonia retusa (Vent.) R.Br.)

Specifications

Growth