Acrotriche depressa

Acrotriche depressa is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae. It is endemic to Australia, specifically in the states of New South Wales and Victoria. The plant is commonly known as the 'depressed ground-berry'.

Description

Acrotriche depressa is a small, prostrate shrub that typically grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.3 meters. The leaves of the plant are linear to lanceolate in shape, measuring 5 to 15 mm in length and 1 to 2 mm in width. The flowers are tubular, greenish-yellow in color, and appear in clusters at the leaf axils.

Distribution and Habitat

Acrotriche depressa is found in heath and dry sclerophyll forest habitats. It is distributed in the coastal and near-coastal regions of southern New South Wales and eastern Victoria.

Cultivation

Acrotriche depressa is not commonly cultivated but can be grown from seed or cuttings. It prefers a well-drained soil and a position in full sun or partial shade. The plant is frost hardy and can tolerate dry conditions once established.

Taxonomy

The species was first formally described by botanist Robert Brown in 1810. The genus name Acrotriche is derived from the Greek words 'akros' meaning 'top' and 'trichos' meaning 'hair', referring to the tuft of hairs at the tip of the corolla tube. The species name 'depressa' is Latin for 'depressed', referring to the prostrate habit of the plant.

References

• Flora of New South Wales, Volume 2, Gwen J. Harden (1991)
• Encyclopedia of Australian Plants Suitable for Cultivation, Volume 2, W. Rodger Elliot and David L. Jones (1982)