Prostanthera hirtula
F.Muell. ex Benth. Hairy Mint-bushSpreading shrub, 0.4–2 m high, to 2.5 m diam., strongly aromatic; branches densely covered with spreading hairs. Leaves narrowly ovate to narrowly elliptic, 10–30 mm long, 1.5–6 mm wide, mid-green, moderately to densely covered in c. spreading, coarse, rigid hairs on upper surface, densely glandular on lower surface, base shortly attenuate, margin entire, recurved to strongly revolute, apex subacute; petiole 0.5–2 mm long. Flowers in a terminal racemose inflorescence that is often leafy basally; bracteoles persistent, c. 2 mm long, 0.5–0.6 mm wide. Calyx 5–7 mm long, tube c. 3 mm long, adaxial lobe 2–4 mm long (slightly enlarged in fruit); corolla dark mauve, 8–10 mm long; anther appendage c. 0.5 mm long. Flowers spring.
VVP, GipP, Gold, CVU, GGr, EGL, EGU, HSF, HNF, VAlp. Scattered but uncommon, usually in elevated rocky sites in woodland and open-forest communities.
Apparent hybrids between P. hirtula and P. rhombea are known from the Wellington River valley, near Mt Margaret.
Conn, B.J. (1999). Lamiaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 4, Cornaceae to Asteraceae, pp. 418–459. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Spinning