Lagunaria

Norfolkeibisch ( Lagunaria pater sonia )

The Norfolkeibisch ( Lagunaria pater sonia, Syn: Hibiscus patersonius Andrews, Laguna squamea, Solandra squamea ) is the only species of the genus Lagunaria and is in the subfamily of the silk-cotton tree crops ( Bombacoideae ) within the family (Malvaceae ) classified.

Description

The Norfolkeibisch mostly pyramidal (hence one of the English common name " Pyramid tree" ) grows as evergreen, small tree and can reach stature heights of 10 to 15 meters. The alternate, stalked leaves are ovate. You are oberseits olive green and gray-green on the underside of hair. The leaf blade is 4 to 12 long and 2.5 to 5 cm wide. The petiole is 1 to 3 cm long.

The flowers are solitary, rarely in pairs, on short ( 1-2 cm long ), thick stalks in the leaf axils. The hermaphroditic, five petals have a diameter of about 4 to 8 centimeters. The five hairy sepals are fused and campanulate only one third as long as the petals. The five large petals are waxy, pale pink to mauve and 3 to 4.5 cm long. The many stamens are golden to orange. There are five carpels present. The pen is white to creamy white; it divides at the top to five lobes. The stamens form a tubular Columna to the stylus.

They form fünffächerige capsule fruits that are 2-4 cm long and hairy. They are filled inside with hair and is smooth and there are bean-shaped seeds. These hairs in the fruits itch on the skin (hence one of the English common name " Cow Itch Tree" ).

Dissemination

The Norfolkeibisch is native to Australia; the deposits are confined to the Norfolk Island, eastern Queensland and Lord Howe Island.

As an ornamental plant, this plant species and their varieties is now common practice in suitable climates worldwide.

System

The species was first described in 1803 by Henry Charles Andrews under the name Hibiscus patersonius. George Don arranged them in 1831 into the genus Lagunaria thus abandoning the currently accepted name. The specific epithet honors the British explorer William Paterson ( 1755-1810 ).

Within the species, two subspecies are distinguished:

  • Lagunaria pater sonia subsp. bracteata ( Benth. ) PSGreen: Occurrence in Queensland.
  • Lagunaria pater sonia ( Andrews ) G.Don subsp. pater sonia: Occurrence on Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.

Cultivated forms

  • ' Royal Purple': With purple flowers.

Swell

  • Description from malvaceae.info. (English)
  • Short description in the Flora of South Australia. (English)
Ludwig Reichenbach Column (botany) William Paterson (explorer)
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