Brachyscome scapigera

Brachyscome scapigera
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Genus:	Brachyscome
Species:	B. scapigera
Binomial name
Brachyscome scapigera (Sieber ex Spreng.) DC.
Synonyms
Senecio scapiger[1]

Brachyscome scapigera, commonly known as tufted daisy, is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae.^[2] The species is endemic to south-eastern Australia.^[2]

Description

This species has an erect growth habit, growing to 40 cm high. The basal leaves are linear to oblanceolate and up to 19 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The solitary flowerheads are about 12 mm in diameter with yellow centres and ray florets that are white or mauve.^[2] The main flowering period is between November and March in its native range.^[2]

Taxonomy

The species was formally described in 1826 in Systema Vegetabilium and named Senecio scapiger. It was transferred to the genus Brachyscome in 1838.^[1]

Distribution

Brachyscome scapigera frequently occurs in swampy areas in forests in Queensland, New South Wales the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. In the latter state it occurs at altitudes above 600 metres and is associated with Eucalyptus pauciflora.^[3]

References

1. "Brachyscome scapigera". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
2. "Brachyscome scapigera". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
3. Wild Plants of Victoria (database). Viridans Biological Databases & Department of Sustainability and Environment. 2009.