Flora of the Pilliga Forests: Leucopogon biflorus

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Leucopogon biflorus

Leucopogon biflorus

Family - Ericaceae

Common name - There does not appear to be a common name for this species of Leucopogon, but Leucopogons are collectively often known as Beard-heath or White-beard.

Flowers - Tubular flowers are solitary or two together, often bunched at ends of branches, white, and the 5 points of the tube are rolled back and fluffy. Sepals white. This is a very showy shrub in it's natural habitat. Flowers July to October.

Leaves and stems - Alternate green leaves are stiff with a spike at the tip, and striate/veined underneath. Stems are reddish-brown with very fine hairs.

Habit and habitat - Erect to spreading shrub to 2m high. Grows in sclerophyll woodland, skeletal sandy soils and rocky outcrops.

Plentiful flowers of Leucopogon biflorus - note the white sepals

Notice the pointed leaves

Spreading twigs of Leucopogon biflorus

Leucopogon biflorus is a showy shrub

The Pilliga Forest is the largest remaining continuous remnant of semi-arid woodland in NSW, consisting of about 500,000 hectares of public bushland. The environment changes from cypress pine to ironbark to scribbly gum to box, and back again, interspersed with expansive heaths and a network of sandy creeks. The Pilliga is recognised as one of the most important areas for biodiversity in eastern Australia and is home to more than 350 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs. To many who travel through the area, the woodlands might look monotonous, but if you drive the back roads slowly or wander amongst the vegetation, you will discover that The Pilliga is full of life and richness and wonder. It is truly a special place, and of huge significance to the survival of countless native plants and animals.