mountain-lilac

Prostanthera lasianthos Labill.

Prostanthera lasianthos, commonly known as mountain-lilac, is a shrub or small tree in the Lamiaceae family. Native to Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, it grows in wet sclerophyll forests, often near creeks. It can reach 10 m in height, though is usually smaller. The plant produces fragrant, toothed leaves 4 to 12 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Its flowers, appearing in late spring and summer, are 2 cm long, white or pale lilac, with purple and orange markings in the throat. It is known as the Victorian Christmas bush due to its flowering around Christmas time in that region.

Description

Prostanthera lasianthos, also known as coranderrk, is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is native to several regions in Australia. It typically grows in wet sclerophyll forests and is often found near creeks. The plant's leaves are fragrant, toothed, and measure between 4 and 12 cm in length. The flowers, which bloom in late spring and summer, are arranged in dense clusters and feature white or pale lilac petals with purple and orange markings in the throat. The species was first described in 1806 by Labill. It is commonly associated with the Victorian Christmas season due to its flowering period around that time.