Flora of the Pilliga Forests: Maireana decalvans

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Maireana decalvans

Maireana decalvans - Black Cotton Bush in The Pilliga

Family - Chenopodiaceae

Common name - Black Cotton Bush

Description - An erect or spreading perennial shrub to 1m, but generally smaller. The fruiting structure is a flat, circular 'wing', pale green to pink, drying to black, with one radial slit. Leaves are up to 10mm long and succulent. It is widespread in dry open country.

Notice the one radial slit in the hairless fruiting perianth

Maireana decalvans - Black Cotton Bush

Maireana decalvans in its natural habitat in The Pilliga

The Pilliga Forest is the largest remaining continuous remnant of semi-arid woodland in NSW, consisting of about 500,000 hectares of public bushland. The environment changes from cypress pine to ironbark to scribbly gum to box, and back again, interspersed with expansive heaths and a network of sandy creeks. The Pilliga is recognised as one of the most important areas for biodiversity in eastern Australia and is home to more than 350 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs. To many who travel through the area, the woodlands might look monotonous, but if you drive the back roads slowly or wander amongst the vegetation, you will discover that The Pilliga is full of life and richness and wonder. It is truly a special place, and of huge significance to the survival of countless native plants and animals.