Mirbelia rubiifolia Heath Mirbelia Endemic
Normally a prostrate shrub no more than about 30 cm tall, the most striking feature of this member of the Fabaceae family apart from the flowers, is the distinctly reticulate (net-veined) leaves. It was indeed at one time quite logically named Mirbelia reticulata but that was deemed an illegal name for some reason. However rubiifolia means "leaves like a member of the Rubus or Blackberry family" which is interesting only in that they are absolutely nothing like the leaves of most Rubus species I have ever seen being nearly linear, reticulate and mucronate (pointed tip).
Mirbelia rubiifolia is found near the coast in Sclerophyll forest or heath land in Eastern Australia in New South wales and further north in Queensland. Most Mirbelia species are found in south Western Australia.
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| Mirbelia rubiifolia Heath Mirbelia |
Heathland in Blue Mountains, Eastern Australia 21st October 2015
Added on 3rd November 2015