Euryops walterorum
| Euryops walterorum | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Euryops |
| Species: | E. walterorum |
| Binomial name | |
| Euryops walterorum | |
Euryops walterorum is a species of plant in the family Asteraceae that is endemic to Namibia.
Taxonomy and history
The first herbarium specimens of E. walterorum were collected in 1891, but it would not be formally described until 1955. Hermann Merxmüller named this new species in honour of German botanists Erna and Heinrich Walter.[2]
Distribution and habitat
E. walterorum is known only from the summit plateau of Gamsberg Mountain, where it grows in clay soils at altitudes of 2,000–2,334 m (6,562–7,657 ft).[3] It grows in the shrublands along the northern, eastern, and southern parts of the plateau, but is not found in the central grasslands.[2]
Description
E. walterorum is an erect shrub growing to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall. The stems are covered with brownish or grey bark and are mostly hairless. The stiff, leathery leaves are broadly lanceolate to ovate or obovate in shape and measure 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) by 5–7 mm (0.20–0.28 in). Conspicuous hairs give the leaves a rough texture. The flower heads are bowl shaped, lacking ray florets, and measure 4–9 mm (0.16–0.35 in) in diameter.[3]
Conservation status
A 2004 assessment for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List categorised E. walterorum as least concern.[1] However, a 2021 paper reassessing the species assigned a preliminary status of critically endangered under criteria B1ab(iii,iv) and B2ab(iii,v), based on the small area of occupancy, small number of locations at which this species is present, the continuing decline in habitat quality, and the continuing decline in the number of mature individuals within the population.[2]
References
- ^ a b Craven, P. (2004). "Euryops walterorum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T46762A11075149. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T46762A11075149.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Treichel, C; Strohbach, BJ; Carr, S; Loots, S; Neckel, A (2021). "Euryops walterorum, a declining restricted-range endemic of the Greater Gamsberg". Namibian Journal of Environment. 5: 25–38. ISSN 2026-8327.
- ^ a b Loots, Sonja (2005). Red Data Book of Namibian Plants. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network report. Vol. 38. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network. p. 34. ISBN 1-919976-16-7. OCLC 61730546 – via ResearchGate.