Plants of
South Australia
Calandrinia reticulata
Montiaceae
Mesh-seed Parakeelya
Display all 17 images
Regional Species Conservation Assessments per IBRA subregion.
Least concern
Near threatened
Rare
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically endangered
Extinct
Data deficient
Adelaide
Arkaroola
Ceduna
Coober Pedy
Hawker
Innamincka
Marla
Marree
Mount Gambier
Oodnadatta
Renmark
Wudinna
Keith
Yunta
Enlarge Map
Copy Map
Copy Map
Display IBRA region text

Prior names

Parakeelya reticulata

Etymology

Calandrinia named after Jean-Louis Calandrini (1703-1758), a Swiss scientist, professor of mathematics and philosophy. Reticulata from the Latin 'reticulum' meaning a small net, referring to the texture of its seeds.

Distribution and status

Found in the central and north-western part of South Australia growing on sandplains and low sandy rises, dunefields, and mulga-dominated sandy red earth plains. Also found in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Native. Common in South Australia. Common in the other States.
Herbarium regions: North Western, Lake Eyre, Gairdner-Torrens
NRM regions: Alinytjara Wilurara, South Australian Arid Lands
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)

Plant description

Annual herb with branched basal stems and an erect flower stem to 30 cm high arising from separate leaf clusters. Leaves in clusters at each node, sessile, linear to linear-lanceolate,to 60 mm long and 5 mm wide. Inflorescence singular, large dark-pink to purple flower on a long stem. Flowering between August and October. Fruits are pale brown ovoid capsule to 8 mm long, with 3-valves, exceeding the usually long. spreading sepals Seeds are shiny red-brown reniform-ovoid seed to 0.5 mm long and 0.4 mm wide, with a faint reticulate surface. Seed embryo type is peripheral.

Seed collection and propagation

Collect seeds between October and December. Collect mature capsules, those that are turning a brown colour and contain dark seeds. Place the capsules in a tray and leave to dry for one to two weeks. Then rub the capsules gently by hand to dislodge the seeds. Use a sieve to separate the unwanted material. Store the seeds with a desiccant such as dried silica beads or dry rice, in an air tight container in a cool and dry place.