Prostanthera decussata

Prostanthera decussata, commonly known as dense mintbush, is a shrub that is native to south-eastern Australia.

Prostanthera decussata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Prostanthera
Species:
P. decussata
Binomial name
Prostanthera decussata

Description

It has a compact habit, growing up to 2 m (7 ft) high. The strongly aromatic leaves are ovate in shape and 4–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 1–3.5 mm (0.04–0.1 in) wide dark green on top and paler on the underside. Mauve, violet and sometimes pink flowers occur from October to March in the species' native range.[2]

Taxonomy and naming

The species was formally described in 1859 by Victorian Government Botanist Ferdinand von Mueller, based on plant material collected in mountainous country near the Macalister River in Victoria.[1] The specific epithet (decussata) is from the Latin decussatus meaning "formed crosswise like the letter X".[3]

Distribution and habitat

Prostanthera decussata occurs in New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.[1]

References
  1. "Prostanthera decussata". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  2. "Prostanthera decussata". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  3. Brown, Roland Wilbur (1956). The Composition of Scientific Words. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. p. 239.
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