Synaphea oligantha

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Synaphea oligantha

There are several species of Synaphea in the Esperance region with most being annoyingly difficult to identify, however Synaphea oligantha would be the easiest one to recognise due to its fine, much branched foliage. It can form compact leafy shrubs to 50 cm (1'6") in height (although 30 cm or 12" is more the norm), with slender flower spikes waving above the foliage sporting small widely spaced blooms.

Personally I find this small plant quite appealing, with its compact growth, divided foliage and rays of yellow flowering stems. The flowers although small and not particularly numerous, for me complete a bright finely balanced floral portrait. The new growth is quite red and although not then in flower, the color change from light green is yet another attractive and interesting feature.

Synaphea oligantha is a very common plant of deep (acid) sandy soils and some well-drained gravel ones. As these soil conditions tend to be more coastal, this species is more likely to be encountered there, although sandy rises also occur throughout the wheat growing district and even into mallee region, where it is also found. Normally this Synaphea flowers between July and October, but odd flowers can often be encountered a month or so outside this period.

Synaphea petiolaris subspecies petiolaris

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Synaphea petiolaris subsp. petiolaris

Common in the Perth and southwest districts, but less so in the Esperance region except on gravel soils where often encountered.  It is also recorded from Israelite Bay (180 km east of Esperance). There are two other subspecies, but they only occur in the southwest of the State and north to Perth, so a long way from Esperance.

Synaphea petiolaris subspecies petiolaris is an appealing tufted species to about half a metre (1'6") high with soft, broad divided foliage that is held upright on (to) 25 cm or 10" petioles (stalks) . The bright yellow flowers although small and spaced, are located on taller vertical stems and contrast well with the broad green foliage (red/brown when new). Locally they are to be found in eroded rocky habitats (over laterite or granite) and can be most attractive nestled at the base of exposed boulders.

The pollen presenter (stigma) of the flower, is distinctly horned and partly extended beyond the perianth (flower) opening, so easily seen. Flowering is recorded from July to December, but with such a widespread species it will vary slightly from district to district, particularly in years of unseasonable rainfall and rapidly drying habitats. Locally, flowering would be contained within the months from August to November.

Synaphea spinulosa subspecies major

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Synaphea spinulosa subsp. major

Attractive small shrubs usually with deeply divided foliage and bright yellow flowers, however they can be very tricky to positively identify. Most features on these plants can be highly variable and to the casual observer, one species can look very much like another. The only definite way to separate them is by the shape of the tiny pollen presenter (stigma like top to the style), which for most people will require an eye-glass or microscope.

Synaphea spinulosa has three subspecies, but the other two are a long way to the west and nowhere near the Esperance region. The local subspecies major, has a broad pollen presenter (although more narrow when dry) often with a constriction in the middle to produce two wide angled lobes, one either side at the top. It grows to around half a metre (1'6") and is taller than a similar looking species S. media. Also if you happen upon them during their main flowering period, most of the mature Synaphea spinulosa subsp. major plants, will have branched flowering stems, but at other times they may not and other features need to be investigated.

The Synaphea genus of plants seldom occur in large colonies, but more commonly as small groups within a suitable habitat, so you tend to stumble upon them. The Synaphea spinulosa subspecies major, favours sandy soils over laterite or granite, plus sandy rises around ephemeral swamps and flood plains; it flowers from August to November, although odd flowers can be found as late as January, but these are the result of late rains and are not the norm.