Leucopogon lanceolatus: is a member of the Epacridaceae family and is commonly known as the Lance-beard Heath.
Leucopogon lanceolatus is a small to medium, bushy shrub. Young growth is pale green or bronze. Adult leaves are up to nine centimetres long and linear-elliptical in shape. They are dark green above and slightly paler beneath. The leaves, of all members the Epacridaceae family, have parallel veins.
The flowers are carried in racemes (simple unbranched inflorescences with stalked flowers). Blooms are small, white and tubular. The petal lobes are very hairy (hence the common name). Flowers are usually carried for many months of the year. Foliage and flowers are attractive features. Native bees and other insects are frequent visitors to the flowers.
Leucopogon lanceolatus is widely distributed in New South Wales and also occurs in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
The Lance-beard Heath would be an attractive addition to native shrubberies. Unfortunately this species, together with other members of the family, is difficult to propagate from either seed or cuttings. In the past someone had the propagation answer because the species was cultivated in England in the 1790’s.
The plant illustrated is growing in the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve. This specimen is in full bud and the parallel veins, in the leaves, are clearly visible as is the colour of the new growth.

Plants