Cryptandra amara

Cryptandra amara
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Rhamnaceae
Genus:	Cryptandra
Species:	C. amara
Binomial name
Cryptandra amara Sm.

Cryptandra amara, commonly known as bitter cryptandra, is a shrub species in the family Rhamnaceae native to eastern Australia.^[1]

Distribution and habitat[]

Cryptandra amara is found in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.^[2] It is found in extremely dry, rocky areas; and its habitat ranges from near-riverine rockplates to grasslands, grassy woodlands and healthy forests.^[3][4]

Description[]

Cryptandra amara is a small woody shrub, and is upto 0.5-1 m high. It is often extensively branched, the branches tending to be rigid and covered in tiny hairs. The leaves, 2-6 mm long and roughly oblong in shape, are often clustered. White tubular flowers, usually 3-4 mm long, occur singly or clustered at the end of branchlets. Their bracts are broad and obtuse. The fruit of Cryptandra amara is a capsule, which divides into single-seeded fruitlets. The seeds are reddish-brown in colour, with a short aril.^[5][6]

Cryptandra amara is easily recognized when it is flowering, although its distinct habit and foliage means it can be identified at any time of the year.^[7]

References[]

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