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Leucopogon
Scientific Name: Leucopogon
Family: Epacridaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Leucopogon: A Diverse Genus of Australian Shrubs
Leucopogon is a genus encompassing approximately 150-160 species of shrubby flowering plants. They are native to Australia and belong to the family Ericaceae.
Considerations for Pets
- Several species, such as Leucopogon juniperinus (prickly beard-heath), are characterized as shrubs.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Leucopogon R.Br.
- Family: Ericaceae (formerly treated as a separate section within Ericaceae)
- Synonyms: Includes names such as Epacris fasciculate, Cyathodes fasciculate, Styphelia fasciculate, Leucopogon brevibarbis, Cyathodes parviflora, Leucopogon lanceolatus R.Br. (nom. illegit .), Leucopogon richei (Labill.) R.Br., and Styphelia parviflora
- Etymology: The name Leucopogon is derived from the Greek words "leucos" (white) and "pogon" (beard), referring to the hairy corolla of the flowers.
Common Names
- Coast beard-heath (Leucopogon parviflorus)
- Native currant (Leucopogon parviflorus)
- Prickly beard-heath (Leucopogon juniperinus)
- Pink Beard-heath (Leucopogon ericoides)
- White beard heath
- Lance-leaved beard heath
Distribution and Habitat
- Leucopogon is a predominantly Australian genus, considered one of the largest in the Australian flora.
- Tasmania has 10 native Leucopogon species.
- Leucopogon juniperinus is common in eastern Australia and found on a variety of soil types and habitats.
- Leucopogon ericoides is a common shrub found in southeastern Australia.
- Leucopogon obtectus is found in kwongan vegetation in Western Australia.
- Leucopogon fasciculatus (Mingimingi) is found in scrublands and beech forests.
Morphological Characteristics
- Leucopogon species are generally shrubs or small trees.
- Leucopogon parviflorus has longer, narrower leaves and red, fleshy fruit.
- Leucopogon microphyllus (Small-leaved White Beard) is named for its tiny white 5 petalled flowers.
Quirky Facts
- The name "beard-heath" refers to the hairy corolla, giving the flower a "bearded" appearance.
Further Information
- Specimen information and photos of Leucopogon R.Br. may be available.
- The Plant List includes a list of scientific plant names for the genus Leucopogon.
- Commonwealth Conservation Advice is available on Leucopogon spectabilis (Ironstone Beard-heath).