Persoonia elliptica R.Br.

Nomenclature and Growth Form

Persoonia elliptica R.Br. is an erect shrub or small, robust tree, usually growing with a single trunk to a height of 5–8 m (20–30 ft). The bark on its trunk is grey and corky.

Leaf Arrangement and Shape

Its leaves are arranged alternately, shaped from lance-like to egg-shaped with the narrower end at the base. Leaves are 50–110 mm (2–4 in) long and 9–50 mm (0.4–2 in) wide, soft and flexible, the same color on both surfaces, with a prominent midvein on the lower surface.

Inflorescence Arrangement

Flowers grow in groups of 4 to 25 at branch ends or in leaf axils. Each flower sits at the end of a hairy pedicel that is 2.5–7 mm (0.1–0.3 in) long.

Tepal Characteristics

The flower has four glabrous or slightly hairy tepals 8–12.5 mm (0.3–0.5 in) long, which are fused at the base with their tips rolled back.

Anther and Style Structure

The central style is surrounded by four greenish-yellow anthers that are also joined at the base with rolled-back tips, so the structure looks like a cross when viewed end-on.

Flowering Period and Fruit

Flowering occurs between October and February, and is followed by smooth green drupe fruit, 8.5–13.5 mm (0.3–0.5 in) long and 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide.

Common Name and Habitat

Commonly called snottygobble, this species usually grows as an understorey shrub in forest dominated by jarrah or marri. It often occurs alongside Persoonia longifolia, and can be distinguished from that species by its single trunk, large leaves with a narrow base, and compact grey bark.

Distribution Range

It is found near the coast between Perth and Albany, within the Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest, Swan Coastal Plain and Warren biogeographic regions of southwestern Australia.