Dampiera linearis

The prolific botanist Robert Brown described Dampiera linearis in his 1810 work Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.[3] Its species name is the Latin adjective linearis "linear".[4] He described a D cuneata at the same time,[3] which has been synonymised with D. linearis.[1] Plants sold commercially were mislabeled as D. cuneata for many years.[4] Dutch botanist Willem Hendrik de Vriese described two further plants—D. azurea and D. eriophora—from the Swan River and Perth environs in the 1845 work Plantae Preissianae,[5] which are also now considered D. linearis.[1]

An erect shrub, Dampiera linearis grows to between 15 and 60 cm (6 in–2 ft) in height,[2] with a suckering habit. New growth is hairy and becomes smooth with maturity.[4] The leaves are obovate to elliptical and can be entire or lobed,[2] measuring 1–4 cm long by 1–10 mm wide.[4] It produces flowers between July and December in its native range.[2] These are 1.5–2 cm wide, and light blue to purple with a yellow or white centre. The outer- or undersurface of the flowers is covered with fine hair. The flowers arise in groups of 1 to 3 from a peduncle that is also covered in hair.[4]

Dampiera linearis is found across the southwest corner of Western Australia from Geraldton in the north to Esperance in the south east. It grows on sand- or clay-based soils over laterite, on ridges, or flat areas.[2]

Plants of Dampiera linearis can survive bushfire and resprout and put on new growth quickly.[6]

Fieldwork on the Swan Coastal Plain indicated it was probably resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi.[7]

Some forms of Dampiera linearis are cultivated and sold for their colourful flowers, while others have attractive grey foliage.[4] In cultivation, the species prefers a well-drained situation in full sun or light shade. It tolerates some dryness and moderate frost.[8] It does not tolerate waterlogged soils.[4] It makes an attractive plant for hanging baskets.[4]

Dampiera linearis is readily propagated by cuttings;[4] trials at Kings Park indicate that semi-hardened material is best and the average time to strike is 48 days.[9]