[[File:Philotheca pungens - habit.jpg|thumb|right|Philotheca pungens in flower.]] ''Philotheca pungens'' is a species of [[flowering plant]] in the family [[Rutaceae]] (the [[citrus]] family) and is [[endemic]] to [[Western Australia]]. It is typically an erect or spreading [[shrub]] with small, sharply pointed leaves and white or pale pink flowers arranged singly or in small groups in the [[leaf axil]]s.
Description
''Philotheca pungens'' is a small to medium-sized shrub, growing to a height of about 0.2 to 1.5 metres (0.7 to 4.9 ft) and often spreading. The branches are often covered with small, wart-like [[tubercles]] and are sometimes glandular. The leaves are typically linear or narrow-elliptic, 3 to 15 millimetres (0.1 to 0.6 in) long and 1 to 2 millimetres (0.04 to 0.08 in) wide, with a sharply pointed or "pungent" tip, giving the species its name. They are usually sessile or have a very short [[petiole]].The flowers are white, often tinged with pink, and are borne singly or in small groups of two or three in the [[leaf axil]]s, usually towards the ends of the branchlets. Each flower is on a slender [[pedicel]] 1 to 7 millimetres (0.04 to 0.28 in) long. The [[sepal]]s are triangular to egg-shaped, about 1 to 2 millimetres (0.04 to 0.08 in) long. The five [[petal]]s are elliptic to broadly egg-shaped, 3 to 7 millimetres (0.12 to 0.28 in) long, and covered with tiny oil glands. There are ten [[stamen]]s that are free or only slightly fused at the base. Flowering occurs mainly from late winter to early summer, typically between July and November. The fruit is a [[capsule]] about 2.5 to 3 millimetres (0.10 to 0.12 in) long.
Taxonomy
''Philotheca pungens'' was first formally described in 1845 by [[Friedrich Gottlieb Bartling]] in Lehmann's ''Plantae Preissianae'', where it was initially named ''Eriostemon pungens''. In 1998, Paul G. Wilson changed the name to ''Philotheca pungens'' in the journal ''Nuytsia'', following a taxonomic revision of the genus. The specific [[epithet]] ''pungens'' is [[Latin]] for "sharply pointed" or "prickly," referring to the tips of the leaves.Distribution and habitat
This species is widely distributed throughout the southern regions of Western Australia, from the [[Mid West]] and [[Wheatbelt]] to the [[Goldfields-Esperance]] region and the [[Great Southern]]. It typically grows in a variety of soils, including sand, loam, and gravel, often in heathlands, shrublands, or open woodlands. It is found in numerous [[biogeographic region]]s including Avon Wheatbelt, Coolgardie, Esperance Plains, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, Mallee, Murchison, and Warren.Ecology
Like many species in the Rutaceae family, ''Philotheca pungens'' likely benefits from well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Its small, tough leaves and woody habit suggest adaptation to dry, nutrient-poor conditions common in its native habitat.Cultivation
''Philotheca pungens'' is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant in native gardens, valued for its attractive white flowers and relatively hardy nature. It prefers a well-drained position and can tolerate a range of soil types once established. It is relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand light frosts.Conservation status
''Philotheca pungens'' is classified as "not threatened" by the [[Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife]].References
- Wilson, P.G. (1998) A taxonomic review of the genus ''Philotheca'' (Rutaceae: Boronieae). ''Nuytsia'' 12(2): 235-263.
- [[Florabase]] (the Western Australian Flora): ''Philotheca pungens'' (Bartling) Paul G. Wilson
- Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants (ASGAP): ''Philotheca pungens''