About Prostanthera linearis R.Br.
Common Name and Growth Form
Prostanthera linearis, commonly known as narrow-leaved mint-bush, is an erect, faintly aromatic shrub that usually grows 1 to 3 meters (3 feet 3 inches to 9 feet 10 inches) tall.
Leaf Shape and Size
Its leaves are hairless, ranging from narrowly egg-shaped to linear, and measure 15 to 45 millimeters (0.59 to 1.77 inches) long and 2 to 3 millimeters (0.079 to 0.118 inches) wide.
Petiole Length
Each leaf grows on a stalk (petiole) that is less than 2 millimeters (0.079 inches) long.
Flower Arrangement and Bracteoles
The flowers grow in the axils of leaves near the ends of branchlets, with 2 to 3 millimeter (0.079 to 0.118 inch) long bracteoles at their base.
Sepal Structure
The sepals are 5.5 to 6 millimeters (0.22 to 0.24 inches) long, forming a tube 2 to 3 millimeters (0.079 to 0.118 inches) long with two lobes; the upper lobe is 2.5 to 3 millimeters (0.098 to 0.118 inches) long.
Petal Characteristics
The petals are 8 to 12 millimeters (0.31 to 0.47 inches) long, white, and often tinged with pinkish-mauve.
Habitat
This species grows in eucalyptus forest, frequently near streams, in sandy or gravelly clay soils.
Distribution
It is found in Queensland, Australia, and along the New South Wales coast from Sydney south to Milton.
