Leucopogon parviflorus

Leucopogon parviflorus
Leucopogon parviflorus at Point Lonsdale, Victoria.
Unripe Leucopogon parviflorus fruit at Palm Beach, NSW.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Leucopogon
Species:
L. parviflorus
Binomial name
Leucopogon parviflorus
Occurrence data from AVH
Synonyms
  • Leucopogon richei (Labill.) R.Br.
  • Styphelia richei Labill.
  • Styphelia parviflora Andrews

Leucopogon parviflorus, commonly known as coast beard-heath or native currant, is a shrub or small tree in the family Ericaceae.[2][3] It is native to all Australian states and territories excluding the Northern Territory and the ACT and also grows in New Zealand.[4] The species can grow to between 1 and 5 metres in height and has leaves that are 11 to 29 mm long and 2.4 to 7.5 mm in width, often with curved tips. The white flowers are around 15 mm long and are produced in spikes of 7 to 13.[3] These occur throughout the year.[3]

Leucopogon parviflorus can grow in many differing conditions, from sandy dunes to rocky cliff faces, in sheltered or exposed weather conditions. However, it does grow most efficiently in sandier areas, with sufficient shelter from the elements.[3] It is a significant food source to many Australian coastal birds and insects and relies on these animals for pollination and seed dispersion.[5] It is also commercially cultivated by landscapers and florists to be used in coastal gardens and floral arrangements.[6]

  1. ^ Bessen, E. (2022). "Leucopogon parviflorus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T198973280A198974217. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T198973280A198974217.en. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Leucopogon parviflorus". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
  3. ^ a b c d Powell, J.M. "Leucopogon parviflorus". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ "Home grown is best". The Islander. 30 April 2015.