Beyeria is a genus of shrubs and small trees in the family Euphorbiaceae (order Malpighiales), commonly known as turpentine bushes. The genus was first formally described in 1844 and comprises approximately 15 species, all of which are endemic to Australia and found across all Australian States.
Plants in the genus are dioecious or monoecious shrubs or small trees with alternate, entire leaves that are frequently viscid (sticky) and often white-tomentose on the underside. Leaf margins may be flat or recurved, and leaves are nearly sessile with no stipules. The viscid, resinous quality of the foliage gives rise to the common name "turpentine bush."
Flowers are axillary: male flowers are often clustered on recurved peduncles, while female flowers are solitary. Sepals are usually five, broad, and sometimes petaloid; petals are occasionally absent. Male flowers bear numerous stamens with short filaments crowded on a hemispherical receptacle. Female flowers have a 3-lobed ovary with a sessile stigma. The fruit is an ovoid capsule, 1–3-seeded, borne on an erect, angular peduncle that widens beneath the fruit; seeds are oblong, smooth, shining, and carunculate.
Beyeria belongs to the large and diverse family Euphorbiaceae, which includes spurges, cassavas, and rubber trees. Some species formerly placed in Beyeria have since been transferred to the related genera Bertya and Shonia.
Distribution
Beyeria is entirely endemic to Australia, with species recorded across all Australian States. The genus comprises approximately 15 species adapted to Australian conditions, often growing in dry or open habitats where their viscid, resinous foliage is characteristic.
Taxonomy Notes
Beyeria was first described as a genus in 1844 and is placed in the family Euphorbiaceae, order Malpighiales. Several species formerly assigned to Beyeria have been reclassified into the related genera Bertya (B. virgata → Bertya virgata) and Shonia (B. bickertonensis → Shonia bickertonensis; B. tristigma → Shonia tristigma).
