Erect shrub 1-3 m high, or sometimes a low, multistemmed lignotuberous shrub to 1 m. Leaves entire, linear, (3-) 5-12 (-15) cm long, 1-2 mm wide, or some, rarely most, leaves 2-4 (-7)-lobed; lobes entire, linear, 5-9 cm long; margins smoothly revolute; lower surface obscured, 2-grooved. Conflorescence usually axillary or cauline on old stems, rarely terminal, erect, shortly pedunculate; unit conflorescence regular, shortly cylindrical, lax, basipetal; rachis 5-30 mm long, subsericeous. Flowers basiscopic. Flower colour: perianth and style (including tip) red or pinkish red. Perianth with both appressed biramous and erect simple glandular hairs outside, pilose inside. Pistil 36-40 (-47) mm long, glabrous; ovary with 2 prominent wrinkled outgrowths on either flank. Follicles 7-15 mm long, erect, with prominent ridge-like outgrowths on ventral side, the remainder irregularly tuberculate.
Grows usually in well-drained light soils, rarely in heavy clays, often on lateritic, granitic or limestone outcrops, in mallee woodland or shrubland.
Home