Westringia brevifolia
Westringia brevifolia Benth., commonly referred to as Greater Shortleaf Westringia is member of the Lamiaceae family, subfamily, Prosterantheroideae and one of four Westringia species native Tasmania, Australia. This evergreen shrub somewhat resembles rosemary and is similar in appearance to another Tasmanian species , but can be distinguished by its shorter calyx lobes
Description
The leaves are a medium green, either elliptic-lanceolate or oblong on shape with a softly pointed tip and shortly revolute margins. They are usually 6-8mm long by 1.2-3mm wide, emerging from white stems in whorls of four, with a silver-white abaxial surface and densely appressed hairs covering the leaves and stems. Conspicuous, insect attracting flowers appear late Winter to Summer with white to mauve petals and medium pink markings on the throat. Influences are asymmetric and pedicellate, with solitary flowers emerging in the axils of new growth. The corolla consists of five fused petals that are twice as long as the calyx and covered in sparse hairs. The lobes are narrow with two slightly wider petals at the top of the flower forming the upper lip and three narrower ones forming the lower lip. Calyxes are persistent and narrow-triangular with a tapered end, 5-6mm in length and over half as long as the tube. The fruit consists of four, reticulate-rugose nutlets encased in a dry schizocarp, appearing after flowering, usually still encased by the calyx. Reproductive parts consist of four stamens, with slightly pink-brown anthers, and a white pistil. The upper two stamens are fertile, while the lower two stamens are infertile, or staminode.