Duma florulenta: Difference between revisions
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|name = Tangled |
|name = Tangled lignum |
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|image = Lignum.jpg |
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|image_caption = ''Muehlenbeckia florulenta'' |
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'''''Muehlenbeckia florulenta''''', commonly known as ''' |
'''''Muehlenbeckia florulenta''''', commonly known as '''tangled lignum''' or often simply '''lignum''', is a plant native to inland [[Australia]]. It is associated with wetland habitats, especially those in arid and semiarid regions subject to cycles of intermittent flooding and drying out. The [[Wiradjuri language|Wiradjuri]] name for the plant is '''gweeargal'''.<ref name=wp/> |
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==Description== |
==Description== |
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[[File:Lignum foliage.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Foliage]] |
[[File:Lignum foliage.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Foliage]] |
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Lignum often appears leafless as the leaves are produced on younger growth but soon die off, especially in dry conditions. New leaves and shoots are rapidly produced in response to rainfall or flooding.<ref name=wp>Wetland Plants.</ref> The plant has a very deep root system, penetrating the soil to at least 3 m in depth. It is highly tolerant of [[salinity]] and [[drought]] and may be used as an indicator of [[salinity in Australia|dryland soil salinity]].<ref name=vro>Victorian Resources Online.</ref> Because of its densely tangled growth habit, it provides protected breeding habitat for native wildlife such as [[waterbird]]s, though it can also provide refuge for pest species such as [[feral pig]]s, [[ |
Lignum often appears leafless as the leaves are produced on younger growth but soon die off, especially in dry conditions. New leaves and shoots are rapidly produced in response to rainfall or flooding.<ref name=wp>Wetland Plants.</ref> The plant has a very deep root system, penetrating the soil to at least 3 m in depth. It is highly tolerant of [[salinity]] and [[drought]] and may be used as an indicator of [[salinity in Australia|dryland soil salinity]].<ref name=vro>Victorian Resources Online.</ref> Because of its densely tangled growth habit, it provides protected breeding habitat for native wildlife such as [[waterbird]]s, though it can also provide refuge for pest species such as [[feral pig]]s, [[red fox|fox]]es and [[European rabbit|rabbit]]s.<ref name=wp/> |
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==Distribution and habitat== |
==Distribution and habitat== |
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Lignum occurs in all of Australia’s mainland states, as well as the Northern Territory. The plant’s preferred habitats include [[floodplain]]s, [[swamp]]s, [[gilgai]]s and other intermittently flooded areas. In southern Australia it is often associated with stands of [[Eucalyptus camaldulensis| |
Lignum occurs in all of Australia’s mainland states, as well as the Northern Territory. The plant’s preferred habitats include [[floodplain]]s, [[swamp]]s, [[gilgai]]s and other intermittently flooded areas. In southern Australia it is often associated with stands of [[Eucalyptus camaldulensis|river red gum]] and [[Eucalyptus largiflorens|black box]].<ref name=vro/> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 02:24, 7 December 2015
| Tangled lignum | |
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| Muehlenbeckia florulenta | |
| Scientific classification | |
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| Species: | M. florulenta
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| Binomial name | |
| Muehlenbeckia florulenta | |
| Synonyms | |
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Muehlenbeckia florulenta, commonly known as tangled lignum or often simply lignum, is a plant native to inland Australia. It is associated with wetland habitats, especially those in arid and semiarid regions subject to cycles of intermittent flooding and drying out. The Wiradjuri name for the plant is gweeargal.[1]
Description
Lignum is a perennial, monoecious shrub, growing to 2.5 m in height, with its multitude of thin, intertwined and tangled branches and branchlets forming dense thickets to the exclusion of other species. Its thin, narrow leaves are 15–70 mm long and 2–10 mm wide.[2] The grey-green stems often end in a sharp point. The flowers are small and cream to yellowish, solitary or clustered along the branchlets and occurring through most of the year. The fruit is top-shaped, dry, and about 5 mm long.[3]
Lignum often appears leafless as the leaves are produced on younger growth but soon die off, especially in dry conditions. New leaves and shoots are rapidly produced in response to rainfall or flooding.[1] The plant has a very deep root system, penetrating the soil to at least 3 m in depth. It is highly tolerant of salinity and drought and may be used as an indicator of dryland soil salinity.[3] Because of its densely tangled growth habit, it provides protected breeding habitat for native wildlife such as waterbirds, though it can also provide refuge for pest species such as feral pigs, foxes and rabbits.[1]
Distribution and habitat
Lignum occurs in all of Australia’s mainland states, as well as the Northern Territory. The plant’s preferred habitats include floodplains, swamps, gilgais and other intermittently flooded areas. In southern Australia it is often associated with stands of river red gum and black box.[3]
References
Notes
Sources
- "Lignum". Victorian Resources Online. Department of Primary Industries, Victoria. Reviewed 2010-10-19. Retrieved 2011-03-31.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - "Lignum" (PDF). Wetland Plants. Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority. Retrieved 2011-03-31.
- Wilson, K.L. "Muehlenbeckia florulenta Meisn". New South Wales Flora Online. PlantNET. Retrieved 2011-03-31.