Astrotricha longifolia Benth. APNI* Description: Erect to spreading shrub to 3 m high, usually branched, younger stems sometimes glabrescent and purplish on sunward surfaces.
Leaves narrow-elliptic to oblong-elliptic, usually 4–15 cm long, 0.3–2.6 cm wide with breadth variable in different forms, apex acute or rarely narrow-obtuse; margins entire; upper surface smooth, lateral veins sometimes evident, reticulum usually obscure; lower surface with a dense indumentum, the midvein and usually lateral veins evident in relief; petiole 4–14 mm long.
Inflorescence either to 25 cm long and hairy throughout with the pale stem surfaces obscured, or to 60 cm long and glabrescent with the axes variably purplish beneath the indumentum. Petals white to cream.
Fruit not winged.
Distribution and occurrence: in a variety of habitats; north from Goulburn.
NSW subdivisions: NC, CC, NT, CT, ST, NWS, CWS, NWP, SWP
Other Australian states: Qld
This is a variable species with 3 informal forms recognized in N.S.W.; these may prove to be distinct taxa at a higher level.
Text by M. J. Henwood & R. O. Makinson Taxon concept: Flora of NSW 3 (1992)
Taxa not yet included in identification key
Astrotricha longifolia f. 'Coastal',
Astrotricha longifolia f. 'Inland'
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data ***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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