Calectasia hispida

Calectasia hispida is an undershrub without stilt roots but with a short rhizome from which it is able to form clones. It grows to a height of about 45 cm with many very short side branches. Each leaf blade is 3.9–10.3 x 0.4–0.7 mm tapering to a short, sharp point on the end and hispid (that is, covered with rigid, bristly hairs). The base of the petals (strictly tepals) form a tube 6.8–9.0 mm long, which, unlike most others in the genus, is glabrous. The outer part of the petals spread outwards to form a blue, papery, star-like pattern which fades to pale blue with age. In the centre of the star are six yellow stamens forming a tube which turns orange-red with age. The thin style extends beyond the stamens.[1] Flowers appear from May to June or September.[2]

Calectasia hispida is one of eleven species in the genus Calectasia. It was described as a new species in 2001 by R.L. Barrett and K.W. Dixon from a specimen collected on Coalara Road, 28.8 kilometres north of Watheroo Road in the Watheroo National Park.[3] The specific epithet (hispida) refers to the hairy covering of the leaf blades.[1]

This species of blue tinsel lily is relatively common between Gillingarra (near New Norcia) and Eneabba and common in Watheroo and Alexander Morrison national parks. It usually grows in shallow white or grey sand over laterite on kwongan slopes.[1]

Calectasia hispida is classified as not threatened,[2]