Homoranthus melanostictus

Homoranthus melanostictus is a prostrate, glabrous shrub to 0.1 m (0.3 ft) high with branches that arch upwards at the apex. The leaves are needle-shaped to flattened, green, mostly 3.5–7 mm (0.14–0.28 in) long, 0.3–0.8 mm (0.012–0.031 in) wide, thick, and dark distinct oil spots. The yellow flowers are in groups of one to six on branches, peduncles 1.5–2.5 mm (0.059–0.098 in) long, bracteoles 2.5–4 mm (0.098–0.157 in) long that fall off as the flower opens. The floral tube is narrowly conical, 5 ribbed, 2.8–3.5 mm (0.11–0.14 in) long, smooth, petals broadly egg-shaped, 0.5–1 mm (0.020–0.039 in) long and the style exceeding the petals by 3–7 mm (0.12–0.28 in). [2][3]

Homoranthus melanostictus was first formally described in 1991 by Lyndley Craven and S.R Jones and the description was published in Australian Systematic Botany.[4] The specific epithet (melanostictus) is derived from the Ancient Greek words melas meaning "black" or "dark"[5]^: 149 and stiktos meaning "punctured", "dappled" or "spotted".[5]^: 743

Widely spread in south-eastern Queensland from north west of Taroom to south of Tara. Grows on sandy soils in shrubby woodland and heath.[3]

A widespread and sometimes common species. Poorly reserved, ROTAP conservation code 3RC using Briggs and Leigh (1996).[3]

• The Australasian Virtual Herbarium – Occurrence data for Homoranthus melanostictus