Thomasia solanacea

Thomasia solanacea is an erect, bushy shrub that typically grows to 0.5–3 m (1 ft 8 in – 9 ft 10 in) high and 2–3 m (6 ft 7 in – 9 ft 10 in) wide, its new growth covered with scaly, star-shaped hairs. The leaves are egg-shaped with a heart-shaped base, 40–90 mm (1.6–3.5 in) long and 20–60 mm (0.79–2.36 in) wide on a petiole up to 40 mm (1.6 in) long with stipules up to 20 mm (0.79 in) long at the base. The leaves have irregular edges and are covered with star-shaped hairs. The flowers are arranged in racemes of 4 to 9 on a hairy peduncle about 40 mm (1.6 in) long, each flower on a pedicel 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) long with linear bracteoles at the base. The flowers are 8–14 mm (0.31–0.55 in) in diameter, the sepals white, cream-coloured or pink to purple, the petals, anthers and staminodes deep red. Flowering occurs from September to December.[2][3]

This species was first formally described in 1812 by Sims who gave it the name Lasiopetalum solaceum in the Botanical Magazine.[4][5] In 1821, Jaques Étienne Gay transferred the species to the genus Thomasia in the journal Mémoires du Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle.[6] The specific epithet (solanacea) means "Solanum-like".[7]

Thomasia solanacea usually grows as an undershrub in woodland and occurs between Denmark, the Stirling Range and Mount Manypeaks in the Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest and Warren bioregions of south-western Western Australia.[2][3]

Thomasia solanacea is listed as "Priority Four" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,[3] meaning that it is rare or near threatened.[8]