Archeria serpyllifolia is a dense, compact, low growing shrub, that is endemic to Tasmania, Australia, inhabiting the undisturbed alpine areas of southern and south-west Tasmania.[1] This plant is commonly referred to by Australasian naturalists as thyme archeria.
The Archeria genus is a part of the Ericaceae family, a family of flowering plants that is commonly referred to as the heath family. Archeria serpyllifolia is one of six species under the Archeria genus.[2] This shrub is characteristically woody and rigid, ranging from approximately 15–25 cm in height, and exhibiting fasciculate, ascending branches, that are somewhat glabrous in appearance. The leaves have a high resemblance to those of Epacris serpyllifolia, which are small (up to 5 mm long), suberect, elliptical-ovate in shape, very thick and coriaceous and exhibit a minutely serrate edge.[3] Leaves also display a few veins on their light green under surface and are generally blunter than those of the similar species Archeria comberi, which also differs in having solitary flowers.[1] The flowers are crowded on a short, erect terminal, with six to eight flowered racemes. The peduncles bracteate at the base, and pedicels have one bracteole at their insertion.[3]
Habitat and Distribution
Archeria serpyllifolia is endemic to south-western Tasmania.[1] It is largely found on acidic soils and grows in montane environments at higher altitudes in shrublands and forests.[2] This alpine shrub often inhabits areas of mainly unburnt vegetation.[1]
↑[3] Morton, C.V. and Allan, H.H. (1967) Flora of New Zealand, volume I, indigenous Tracheophyta (Psilopsida, Lycopsida, Filicopsida, Gymnospermae, dicotyledones), American Fern Journal, 57(2), p. 93.