Lasiopetalum schulzenii

Lasiopetalum schulzenii, commonly known as drooping velvet bush, is a common shrub of the mallow family. It was first described in the genus Corethrostylis by botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in a paper presented before the Royal Society of Victoria; that genus was treated as a section of Lasiopetalum by George Bentham in his 1863 Flora Australiensis, resulting in the current name.^[1] The species was named after the 19th century botanist Ludwig F. Schulzen.^[2]

Lasiopetalum schulzenii is a spreading many-stemmed densely foliaged shrub to 2 m (7 ft) in height and 2.5 m (8 ft) across. The grey-green foliage is covered in fine hair, which is particularly prominent on new growth. The leaves are heart-shaped (cordate),^[3] and measure 2–7 cm (0.8-2.8 in) long and 1.5–5 cm (0.6-2 in) wide with recurved margins. Flowering occurs September to February, the cymes bearing from five to twelve five-pointed star-shaped flowers. 1.5 cm (0.6 in) in diameter, the calyces are whitish, and desnely covered with fine hair on the outside, and less so or smooth on the inside.^[2] The five tiny petals are a dark red-brown around the centre of the flower. Flowering is followed by round hairy fruit 0.4 cm (0.2 in) in diameter.^[3]

It is found in South Australia, and in coastal areas of south-western Victoria, where it is rare.^[4] It grows on alkaline sands,^[2] and is associated with Eucalyptus diversifolia subsp. megacarpa.^[3]

Lasiopetalum schulzenii has potential in horticulture, the compact foliage and flowering are features. It tolerates well-drained soils in sun or part-shaded aspect. It is frost hardy and can tolerate extended dry periods. Propagation is by seed or cutting.^[2] It has also been classified as somewhat fire retardant.^[5]

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