About Conospermum tenuifolium R.Br.
Conospermum tenuifolium R.Br., commonly known as sprawling smoke-bush, is a low shrub that typically grows up to 60 cm (24 in) high and 4 m (13 ft) wide. Its leaves are mostly arranged at the base of the plant, and are linear to lance-shaped with the narrower end towards the base. The leaves measure 40–200 mm (1.6–7.9 in) long, 0.5–4.2 mm (0.020–0.165 in) wide, and are round or slightly flattened in cross section. The flowers are arranged in panicles or in a spike on the ends of branches, and grow on hairy peduncles 20–35 mm (0.79–1.38 in) long. The bracteoles are egg-shaped, 1.5–2.9 mm (0.059–0.114 in) long and 1.5–2.8 mm (0.059–0.110 in) wide. The perianth is pinkish white to mauve, forming a tube 1.5–4 mm (0.059–0.157 in) long. The upper lip of the perianth is egg-shaped, 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long, 1.5–1.8 mm (0.059–0.071 in) wide and hairy. The lower lip is joined for 2.6–3.5 mm (0.10–0.14 in), with oblong to broadly oblong lobes 0.5–1 mm (0.020–0.039 in) long and 0.5–0.6 mm (0.020–0.024 in) wide. Flowering occurs in spring, and the fruit is a nut 2.0–2.2 mm (0.079–0.087 in) long and 1.4–2.0 mm (0.055–0.079 in) wide, covered in white hairs. This species often grows in damp places in heath and woodland on ridges, slopes and creek banks. It is widespread on the Central Coast of New South Wales, near Nowra on the South Coast, and on the Blue Mountains.
