As the species described contains a number of varieties, only the one most relevant to the population in consideration is here described. This is the type variety as most likely described by Robert Brown in Prodromus from "(J.) v.v.", his code for the vicinity of the Port Jackson part of the British colony. The description in the Final Determination (para 2) is for the species overall, and the determination makes note (para 4) that there are 'complex morphological variations'. Both should be consulted in confirming any identifications.
The plant is a much branched, slender, prostrate to erect shrub, 0.1 - 0.8 m high with purplish branches which may be hairless or up to moderately covered with white hairs (flattened upwards against the stem) and sessile glands. Leaf blade is light green, sometimes tinged purple, narrow-elliptic to narrow-ovate, 3-7 mm long, 1-2 mm wide (2.2 to 3.7 length-breadth ratio) with ablunt tip and base that gradually draws in to the stem. The edges of the leaf are smooth (entire), flat to slightly incurved, surfaces hairless or sparsely covered with white hairs flattened against the surface and sessile glands. The leaf stem (petiole) (if present) is short - 0–1 mm long. Leaves are generally scattered, opposite, decurrent on the stem.
Flowers are borne in the leaf axils. Bracteoles are persistent, 1–2 mm long. The calyx is 4–5 mm long. The calyx tube is 2–2.5 mm long, with an upper lobe 2-2.5 mm long, the calyx becoming slightly enlarged when in fruit. The calyx is sparsely to densely covered in white spreading hairs, especially on the tube and lower lobe. The petals (corolla) are 8–12 mm long, mauve, fused into a flared tube as is typical in Prostanthera. Anthers have an appendage 0.5–0.8 mm long.
Distribution
Primarily in Eucalypt forest, heath and low shrubland, often in damp or moist sites. This population is restricted to the named local government areas (Liverpool and Sutherland) in the southern to south-western parts of Sydney. Recorded occurrences are mainly between Holsworthy station and Sutherland station, north from Lucas Heights and south of the Georges River. However, the population may extend beyond this into the adjacent parts of the relevant LGAs within the region (including the military reserve lands and the Royal and Heathcote National Parks).
Habitat and ecology
- Eucalypt forest and heath in association with Hakea dactyloides, Brachyloma daphnoides, Banksia spinulosa, Baeckea brevifolia, Epacris pulchella, Acacia myrtifolia and Acacia ulicifolia.
- Closed heath in association with Allocasuarina nana and Lepidosperma viscidum.
- Heathy woodland of Angophora hispida, Eucalyptus squamosa and Corymbia gummifera, as a 'major component of the ground flora'.
- Rocky ridges and areas of outcrop.
Regional distribution and habitat
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