Boronia
The coral diamonds ( Boronia ) are a genus of flowering plants of the rue family ( Rutaceae ) and located almost exclusively in Australia. Is named the genus after the Italian plant collector Francesco Boron ( 1769-1794 ).
Features
The species are shrubs or perennial herbaceous plants that are evergreen or deciduous throwing. They contain essential oils. The nodes are uni- or trilakunär. The plants are mesophytes or xerophytes. The leaves are opposite or alternate, stalked, covered with glandular and aromatic. The leaf shape is simple or feathery split or divided.
The flowers appear singly or in inflorescences. The flowers are cruciform and mostly radial symmetry, rare crown and stamens are slightly asymmetrical. Calyx and corolla are cruciform and free, as well as the eight stamens in two whorls. In some species, the four stamens are converted to sterile staminodes. The gynoecium consists of four carpels and stands on a Gynophor ( the intrastaminalen discus ). The ovary is vierfächrig and having from one to five ( 50) ovules per subjects. The fragrant flowers are pollinated by insects.
The fruits are varied: fleshy or dry, split fruits or berries or drupes.
Dissemination
Boronia species are endemic to Australia, with the exception of a species that is endemic to New Caledonia. The species are concentrated in the heathland.
Use
Some species are cultivated as ornamental plants or for the perfume industry due to the fragrant flowers, about Boronia alata and the Fragrant coral diamond, Boronia megastiama. The Aborigines use the aromatic leaves of some species to pain treatment.
System
The genus was by J. E. Smith first described in 1798 ( Tracts Relating to Natural History: 288, t 4, 5, 6, 7. ). Are known from 100 to 140 species.
Sources and further information
- H.R. Coleman: Boronia. Flora Base - Flora of Western Australia
- Lutz Fehling Australia. Nature Guide. Horn -Verlag, Munich, 2003. ISBN 3-932084 25- X