Prostanthera aspalathoides
| Prostanthera aspalathoides | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Prostanthera aspalathoides 'Bright Spark' | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Prostanthera |
| Species: | P. aspalathoides |
| Binomial name | |
| Prostanthera aspalathoides A.Cunn. ex Benth. [1] | |
Prostanthera aspalathoides, commonly known as scarlet mint-bush, is a shrub that is native to south-eastern Australia [2] It has a compact habit, growing to between 0.3 and 1 metre high. The aromatic leaves are terete to linear-elliptic in shape and are 1.5 to 6 mm long and 0.5 to 1 mm wide.[2][3] Flowers occur throughout the year, but are most profuse in late spring.[3] These are solitary and axillary, forming a tube that is 8 to 11 mm long and may be coloured red, pink-red, orange or yellow.[2]
The species was formally described by botanist Allan Cunningham in 1834 based on plant material collected in the vicinity of the Lachlan River in New South Wales[1] It occurs in New South Wales and Victoria and South Australia.[1] The specific epithet alludes to a similarity to plants of the genus Aspalathus.[4]
Prosthanthera aspalthioides is best adapted to cultivation in dry conditions with low humidity. Plants prefer a position in full sun or partial shade with good drainage and withstand moderate frost.[3][4]
Cuttings are the preferred propagation method, as seed germinates slowly. Plants may also be grafted on roostocks of the hardier species Prostanthera nivea.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 "Prostanthera aspalathoides". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
- 1 2 3 "Prostanthera aspalathoides". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
- 1 2 3 Greig, D. (1987). The Australian Gardener's Wildflower Catalogue. Australia: Angus & Robertson. ISBN 0207154600.
- 1 2 3 "Prostanthera aspalthoides". Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Retrieved 1 June 2012.