Tasmannia purpurascens

Tasmannia purpurascens
Tasmannia purpurascens near Mount Barrington, Australia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Magnoliids
Order: Canellales
Family: Winteraceae
Genus: Tasmannia
Species: T. purpurascens
Binomial name
Tasmannia purpurascens
(Vickery) A.C.Sm.
Synonyms

* Drimys purpurascens (Vickery)

Tasmannia purpurascens, known as the broad-leaved pepperbush or purple pepperbush is a shrub only growing in the Barrington Tops and Ben Halls Gap region of Australia.

Despite being considered rare, it is locally abundant in a restricted sub alpine habitat. Occurring at an altitude of 1300 to 1550 metres with a high rainfall. Frost or snow can occur at least as early as Easter. The habitat is eucalyptus woodland, often in the ecotone in association with the Antarctic Beech.

The genus Tasmannia is of interest to scientists as these plants are some of the most primitive of all angiosperms.[1] Particularly because of the primitive flowering structure. And the wood being without vessels, similar to conifers.

Description

Usually one to three metres tall, with a woody stem. Purplish red coloured branchlets and new growth make identification fairly easy.

Leaves are up to 20 cm long, 2 to 7 cm wide, thicker at the far end, with a pointed tip. The red coloured flattened base of the leaf tapers gradually to the branchlet, with almost no leaf stem. The midrib is raised on the upper surface. Cream for most of the midrib, becoming reddish towards the base of the leaf.

Creamy white flowers form in November, on umbels, around 25 mm across. Flowers are either male or female, but occur on the same plant. The fruit is a fleshy purple black berry around 10 to 15 mm long, seen around Easter time. Regeneration from fresh seed is difficult. Though cuttings prove more successful, particularly in autumn.

Uses

Leaves have a high level of the molecule polygodial, similar to other plants in this genus. The leaves, colourful stems, flowers and fruit make this an appealing indoor plant.

References

  1. ↑ New South Wales Rainforests - The Nomination for the World Heritage List, Paul Adam, 1987. ISBN 0-7305-2075-7 page 77
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