Common fringe myrtle (Calytrix tetragona, Nov. Holl. pl. 2:8, t. 146. 1806)

Family: Myrtaceae

Author: Labill.

Bibliography: Nov. Holl. pl. 2:8, t. 146. 1806

Year: 1806

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Calytrix

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. & E. Australia

Description

The Common Fringe Myrtle, scientifically known as Calytrix tetragona, is a striking plant native to southern and eastern Australia. This notable member of the Myrtaceae family was first formally described in 1806 in the publication “Nov. Holl. pl. 2:8, t. 146.” by the botanist Labill., whose extensive work continues to be highly regarded in botanical circles.

Calyltrix tetragona is easily recognizable by its distinctive star-shaped flowers. These blossoms, which appear in a delicate array of colors including white, pink, and mauve, give the plant its common name, “fringe myrtle,” thanks to their elegant, fringe-like petals. The foliage of the Common Fringe Myrtle is equally remarkable, with small, needle-like leaves that densely cover the shrub, providing an evergreen presence in its natural habitat.

This species thrives in diverse environmental conditions across southern and eastern Australia, embodying the adaptability and resilience characteristic of native Australian flora. It is commonly found in regions ranging from coastal areas to inland locales, often favoring sandy soils and well-drained terrains. Its ability to withstand dry conditions makes it a favorable choice for gardeners and landscapers looking for drought-resistant plants with aesthetic appeal.

Apart from its ornamental use, Calytrix tetragona plays a significant ecological role. It supports various local wildlife, particularly pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are attracted to its vibrant flowers. This interaction underlines the plant’s importance within its ecosystem, contributing to the biodiversity and health of the landscapes it inhabits.

Thus, the beauty and adaptability of the Common Fringe Myrtle, Calytrix tetragona, make it a treasured plant within Australian flora, both in natural settings and cultivated gardens. Its scholarly documentation dating back to the early 19th century further cements its place in botanical history and highlights its enduring appeal and relevance.

Common Names

Eng: common fringe myrtle
En: Common fringe myrtle

Synonyms

• Calycothrix rosea (Miq.)
• Calycothrix monticola (Miq.)
• Calycothrix billardierei (S.Schauer)
• Calycothrix diversifolia (Turcz.)
• Calytrix curtophylla (A.Cunn.)
• Calytrix flavescens var. curtophylla ((A.Cunn.) Benth.)
• Calycothrix scabra var. minor (Schltdl.)
• Calytrix scabra (DC.)
• Calytrix virgata (A.Cunn.)
• Calycothrix glabra var. glaberrima (Hook.f.)
• Calycothrix tetragona ((Labill.) F.Muell.)
• Calycothrix glabra var. virgata ((A.Cunn.) Hook.f.)
• Calytrix billardierei (Benth.)
• Calycothrix scabra ((DC.) S.Schauer)
• Calycothrix virgata ((A.Cunn.) S.Schauer)
• Calycothrix muelleri (Miq.)
• Calycothrix schlechtendalii (Miq.)
• Calytrix behriana ((Schltdl.) Benth.)
• Calycothrix squarrosa (Miq.)
• Calycothrix curtophylla ((A.Cunn.) S.Schauer)
• Calytrix glabra (R.Br.)
• Calytrix brunioides (A.Cunn.)
• Calytrix ericoides (A.Cunn.)
• Calycothrix sullivanii (F.Muell.)
• Calytrix mitchellii (S.Moore)
• Calycothrix behriana (Schltdl.)
• Calytrix sullivanii ((F.Muell.) B.D.Jacks.)
• Calytrix diversifolia ((Turcz.) B.D.Jacks.)
• Calycothrix glabra var. ciliata (Hook.f.)
• Calycothrix brunioides ((A.Cunn.) S.Schauer)
• Calytrix pubescens (Sweet ex G.Don)
• Calycothrix leucantha (Miq.)
• Calycothrix glabra ((R.Br.) Hook.f.)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Western Australia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Birgitta Tittel (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2022 by Martin W (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Wayne Davis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Wayne Davis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

© 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/3184921)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:591959-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Calytrix tetragona Labill.)

Specifications

Growth