Cheiranthera alternifolia E.M.Benn.

Species Nomenclature and Growth Form

Cheiranthera alternifolia E.M.Benn. is a small, scrambling, perennial understory shrub that grows up to 50 cm (20 in) tall, with smooth stems.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves are linear, 7–60 mm (0.28–2.36 in) long and 0.75–1.5 mm (0.030–0.059 in) wide, arranged alternately, usually evenly spaced along the stems, with rolled-under margins.

Flower Arrangement and Stamens

Flowers can grow singly or in clusters of 2 to 11, borne on 17–55 mm (0.67–2.17 in) long peduncles and 4–25 mm (0.16–0.98 in) long pedicels, and each flower has five yellow stamens.

Petal Morphology and Color

The petals are lanceolate, 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in) long and 5–8 mm (0.20–0.31 in) wide, and range in color from pale to deep bluish-purple.

Fruit Characteristics

The flattened fruit capsules are roughly oblong to egg-shaped, and 12–18 mm (0.47–0.71 in) long.

Flowering Period

This species flowers from October to November.

Common Name and Distribution

Commonly called finger-flower, Cheiranthera alternifolia is a common endemic species restricted to southern regions of South Australia, occurring from the southern Eyre Peninsula to the state's south-east and Kangaroo Island.

Regional Extinction Status

While it previously occurred in Victoria, it is now presumed extinct there.