Leptecophylla parvifolia

It grows as an erect, compact, and rounded shrub, typically wider than it is high.[1] This species typically ranges in height from 50-150cm, rarely exceeding 2m.[2] L. parvifolia is common in open eucalypt woodlands and within rainforest communities.[1] It occurs throughout the southern, central and northeast highlands of Tasmania at altitudes above 500 metres and can form the dominant shrub layer in some locations (e.g. the Central Plateau).[1] In the southeast, its primarily found on rocky dolerite slopes but also can occur on Carboniferous-Devonian rock types[3]

The leaves of this species are small, hence the name ‘parvifolia’ which translates roughly to ‘small leaves’. The leaves are alternately arranged and smaller than other Leptecophylla species, often <7mm, dark green in colour and pungent.[1][4] They are linear-lanceolate while the margins are slightly recurved, the apex of the leaves comes to a sharp point. The abaxial surface is pale white and waxy which displays a distinct striate pattern. However, the venation is typically narrow palmate and gives the appearance of being parallel due to the curvature of the margins and small leaf size.[5]

This species bares small, white, bell shaped flowers that are smaller than then that of the other species in this genus.[1] It flowers from September to January and by late spring, has masses of small edible pink/red berries up to 8mm in diameter[6]

• 
  Abaxial surface of a leaf taken from the plant species Leptecophylla parvifolia showing the palmate venation pattern.