Sclerolaena birchii, commonly known as galvanised burr, is a perennial shrub native to inland Australia.
Description
Sclerolaena birchii grows to around 1 m in height and diameter, branches are hairy with obovate to narrow-obovate leaves that can grow from 5- 15mm long. Leaves are shortly petiolate, flat and long. Persistent hair bases cause the base of the spine creates a rough texture; seed is erect. == Distribution and habitat ==
Distribution and habitat
Sclerolaena birchii can be found as isolated individuals or dense stands, where there are coarse sandy soils, or duplex soils. The galvanised burr often occurs near a few vegetation communities such as: bimble box, mulga and cypress pine. == Taxonomy ==
Taxonomy
Sclerolaena birchii is a member of Caryophyllales order which is estimated to contain around 12,500 species. A number of Caryophyllales species are characterised by extreme drought and cold tolerance. The relationship between the Chenopodiaceae and Amaranthaceae remains unclear. The plant belongs to the genus Sclerolaena, which comprises low shrubs and herbs and has around 66 species that occur in semi-arid regions of Australia. File:Sclerolaena birchii - Galvinized Burr NWP 8.jpg|alt=|Sclerolaena birchii branch File:Sclerolaena birchii - Galvinized Burr NWP 1.jpg|alt=|Sclerolaena birchii shrub ==References==