About Cryptandra tomentosa Lindl.
Cryptandra tomentosa Lindl. is a small shrub that can be straggling, erect, or low-lying, and typically grows 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in) tall. Its branchlets sometimes end in a spine. The species has cylindrical leaves, most 2–5 mm (0.079–0.197 in) long and around 0.5 mm (0.020 in) wide. Leaves are borne on a short petiole 0.6–0.8 mm (0.024–0.031 in) long, with stipules up to 1.5 mm (0.059 in) long at the leaf base. The edges of the leaves are rolled under, usually hiding most of the lower leaf surface. Flowers are arranged in sessile, spike-like clusters that hold a small number of flowers, with broadly egg-shaped bracts up to 1 mm (0.039 in) long at the base of each cluster. The floral tube is broadly bell-shaped, 1.5–2.5 mm (0.059–0.098 in) long, and white when new, changing to pink or red as it ages. The sepals are approximately the same length as the floral tube, and the petals are about 0.5 mm (0.020 in) long. Flowering takes place from May to October. This species, commonly called prickly cryptandra, grows in heath and woodland habitats. It occurs west of Port Phillip Bay in Victoria, and in south-eastern South Australia, including Kangaroo Island.
