Crowea saligna

Crowea saligna is a small shrub usually growing to a height of about 1–1.5 metres (3–5 ft) with conspicuously angled branches. The leaves are 30–60 millimetres (1–2 in), 3–13 millimetres (0.1–0.5 in) wide and are narrow elliptic to lance-shaped. They are also dark green, shiny, dotted with oil glands and there is a distinct mid-vein.[2][3][4]

The flowers develop in the axils of leaves on a stalk 5-13 millimetres (<1/2 inch) long. There are 5 short, broad sepals and 5 overlapping petals forming a "star" shape. The petals are pink, sometimes white and are 12-18 millimetres (1/2-1 inch) long. The stamens are hairy and enclose the centre of the flower. The flowers appear from January to June and the fruits that follow are dry and have 5 compartments which open to release 2 seeds each.[2][3][4]

Crowea saligna was first formally described in 1800 by Henry Cranke Andrews. The description was published in The Botanist's Repository for New, and Rare Plants.[5][6] The specific epithet (saligna) is a Latin word meaning " of willow".[7]

Willow-leaved crowea occurs in Sydney between Woy Woy and Yerrinbool and on the adjacent Blue Mountains. It grows in sheltered locations on sandstone.[2][3]

Crowea saligna is widely cultivated due to its attractive flowers that appear when most other species are dormant. It prefers a well-drained position in sun or semi shade. It grows best in moist soils but will tolerate extended dry periods once established.[4][8]