Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Goodeniaceae
- Genus: Goodenia
- Species: Goodenia crenata
- Authority: Carolin
Description
Goodenia crenata is an erect, perennial herb or subshrub that typically attains a height of up to 0.5 m. The plant bears simple, opposite leaves that are usually sessile; the leaf margins are crenate (scalloped), a characteristic reflected in the specific epithet “crenata.” The inflorescences are terminal racemes bearing bright yellow, bilabiate corollas typical of the genus. Flowers possess the characteristic fan‑shaped lower corolla lobes and a prominent indusium. The fruit is a cylindrical to slightly flattened capsule containing several seeds.
Distribution and Habitat
This species is endemic to the south‑west of Western Australia. It occurs in a limited range within the Avon Wheatbelt and Jarrah Forest biogeographic regions, where it grows on sandy or loamy soils over laterite, often in open woodland or heathland environments.
Ecology
Goodenia crenata flowers from September to November, coinciding with the austral spring. Pollination is presumed to be mediated by native bees, as is common for many Goodenia species, though specific pollinator observations are not documented.
Conservation Status
According to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Western Australia), Goodenia crenata is listed as “Priority 2” (poorly known taxa from one or a few locations) in the Western Australian conservation codes, indicating that it is known from few populations and may be at risk, but comprehensive assessments are lacking.
Etymology
The specific epithet crenata derives from Latin crenatus, meaning “scalloped” or “notched,” referring to the distinct crenate margins of the leaves.
References
- Carolin, R.C. (1990). “Goodenia (Goodeniaceae) in Western Australia.” Nuytsia 6(3): 317‑342.
- Western Australian Herbarium (2023). “FloraBase – Goodenia crenata.” Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Government of Western Australia.
Note: All presented information reflects currently available peer‑reviewed botanical literature and official regional flora databases.