Prostanthera linearis

Prostanthera linearis, commonly known as narrow-leaved mint-bush[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae and is endemic to eastern Australia. It is an erect, faintly aromatic shrub with glabrous, narrow egg-shaped to linear leaves and white flowers that are oftern tinged with pinkish-mauve.

Narrow-leaved mint-bush
In Lane Cove National Park
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Prostanthera
Species:
P. linearis
Binomial name
Prostanthera linearis
Occurrence data from AVH

Description

Prostanthera linearis is an erect shrub that typically grows to a height of 1–3 m (3 ft 3 in–9 ft 10 in) and is faintly aromatic. It has glabrous narrow egg-shaped to linear leaves that are 15–45 mm (0.59–1.77 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) wide on a petiole less than 2 mm (0.079 in) long. The flowers are arranged in leaf axils near the ends of branchles with bracteoles 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) long at the base. The sepals are 5.5–6 mm (0.22–0.24 in) long forming a tube 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) long with two lobes, the upper lobe 2.5–3 mm (0.098–0.118 in) long. The petals are 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in) long and white, often with tinged with pinkish-mauve.[2][3]

Taxonomy

Prostanthera linearis was first formally described in 1810 by Robert Brown in his book Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae.[4] The specific epithet (linearis) refers to the shape of the leaves.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Narrow-leaved mint-bush grows in eucalyptus forest, often by streams in sandy or gravelly clay soils and occurs in Queensland and from Sydney, south to Milton.

Conservation status

This mintbush is classified as of "least concern" under the Queensland Government Nature Conservation Act 1992.[5]

References
  1. "Prostanthera linearis". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  2. Conn, Barry J. "Prostanthera linearis". Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  3. Robinson, Les (2003). Field guide to the native plants of Sydney (Rev. 3rd ed.). East Roseville, NSW: Kangaroo Press. p. 181. ISBN 978-0-7318-1211-0.
  4. "Prostanthera linearis". APNI. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  5. "Species profile—Prostanthera linearis (Lamiaceae)". Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
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