About Howittia trilocularis F.Muell.
Howittia trilocularis F.Muell. is a spreading shrub that can reach up to 3 m (9.8 ft) in height. Its leaves are oval to oblong-oval, measuring 2.5–12 cm (0.98–4.72 in) long and 1.5–8 cm (0.59–3.15 in) wide, with smooth, scalloped, or slightly lobed margins. The upper leaf surface is dark green, while the lower surface is pale, appearing white, yellow, or brownish, and is irregularly covered in rusty or whitish star-shaped hairs.
Flowers of this species are whitish, lavender, or deep mauve, and are borne singly in leaf axils. They grow on a 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) long peduncle that is densely covered with long, matted hairs. Each flower has five petals that are 1–2.5 cm (0.39–0.98 in) long, attached to a 1.5–5 cm (0.59–1.97 in) long pedicel, and has yellow stamens. The calyx lobes are sharply pointed, 6–10 mm (0.24–0.39 in) long, rust-colored, and covered in soft, star-shaped hairs.
The seed capsule is rounded or indented and globular in shape, with a diameter of 5–10 mm (0.20–0.39 in), and is covered in soft, silky or star-shaped hairs. Flowering takes place from September to January. This species grows in sheltered gullies, rainforest margins, and eucalypt forests in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
