Family: Amaranthaceae
Author: (R.Br.) Paul G.Wilson
Bibliography: Nuytsia 2: 22 (1975)
Year: 1975
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Maireana
Vegetable: False
Observations: Australia
Description
The Eastern cottonbush, scientifically known as Maireana brevifolia, is a perennial shrub belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. This robust plant is well-adapted to the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, where it is commonly observed.
Maireana brevifolia was formally described in the scientific literature more precisely in Nuytsia 2: 22 back in 1975, with its nomenclature credited to renowned botanist Paul G. Wilson, following an earlier classification by R. Brown.
Characterized by its distinctive cottony appearance, the Eastern cottonbush is a resilient species that thrives in harsh environmental conditions, making it a vital component of the native Australian flora. Its ability to withstand prolonged drought periods and poor soil quality highlights its importance in the ecosystem, contributing to soil stabilization and providing habitat and food for various wildlife species.
Due to its adaptability and ecological significance, Maireana brevifolia plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of its native landscapes. Its presence is not only a testament to its inherent durability but also an indicator of the diverse and complex nature of Australia’s plant life.
Common Names
Heb: me’irit kitzrat-alim, מ
Eng: eastern cottonbush, small-leaf bluebush
En: Eastern cottonbush, Small-leaf bluebush
He: Me’irit kitzrat-alim, מ
Synonyms
- Suaeda tamariscina (Lindl.)
- Kochia thymifolia (Lindl.)
- Enchylaena tamariscina ((Lindl.) Druce)
- Kochia tamariscina ((Lindl.) J.M.Black)
- Kochia brevifolia (R.Br.)
- Suaeda feliciana (A.J.Hoffm. & Teillier)
Distribution
- New South Wales (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Queensland (native)
- South Australia (native)
- Victoria (native)
- Western Australia (native)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- Chile North (introduced)
- Desventurados Is. (introduced)
- Palestine (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Daniel schefer (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Daniel schefer (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 10, 2020 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Rina Jeger (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/3756029)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:166087-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Maireana brevifolia (R.Br.) Paul G.Wilson)