24 April 2009

Needle-leaved Chorizema - Chorizema aciculare subsp. aciculare

Click image to enlarge

Needle-leaved Chorizema - Chorizema aciculare subsp. aciculare

A very common small shrub to around 50 cm (1'6") or less in height, often leaning against other vegetation or trailing close to the ground. Like most shrubs from the genus Chorizema, the flowers are large and spectacular, but with this species the foliage is fine, curved and prickly and scarcely noticed unless in bloom.

The Needle-leaved Chorizema can be found in sandy heath, around granite outcrops and in a variety of soils, but the region it is most common is on stabilised calcareous tertiary dunes, particularly after fire. Flowering is from July to October and can be relied upon to provide a decent show.


Chorizema aciculare subsp. aciculare is the only subspecies in the Esperance district, the the other subspecies (laxum) occurs along the west coast.