Dracophyllum sayeri F.Muell.

Ericaceae

Mueller, F.J.H. von (1887) The Australasian Journal of Pharmacy 2 : 85. Type: On Mount Bellenden-Ker, at elevations between 4500 and 5200 feet; W. Sayer.

A small tree seldom exceeding 30 cm dbh. Sapwood surface corrugated.

Leaf blades about 40 x 2 cm, clasping the twigs. Numerous fine longitudinal veins but no reticulate veins visible. Twigs marked by numerous horizontal leaf scars.

Flowers about 6-8 mm long. Disk consists of five +/- separate patelliform glands closely appressed to the base of the ovary. Styles inserted in a deep depression at the apex of the ovary.

Capsules small, about 3 mm diam. when fully mature (but before dehiscing).

Cotyledons elliptic, about 2-2.5 x 1 mm. At the tenth leaf stage: leaves linear, up to 8 mm long, apex acute, base sessile, clasping the stem; veins 3-5 +/- parallel to the blade margin. Seed germination time 28 days.

Endemic to Queensland, occurs in NEQ. A rare species restricted to the Bellenden Ker Range and the mountains west of Mossman. Altitudinal range from 1200-1500 m. Grows in stunted windswept rain forest on exposed ridges.

Dracophyllum sayeri var. reflexum F.M.Bailey, Comprehensive Catalogue of Queensland Plants : 296(1913), Type: .. on Bellenden-Ker,. Dracophyllum sayeri var. normale F.M.Bailey, Comprehensive Catalogue of Queensland Plants : 296(1913), Type: .. on Bellenden-Ker,. Dracophyllum sayeri F.Muell. var. sayeri, Comprehensive Catalogue of Queensland Plants : 296(1913).