Description: Shrubs.
Leaves whorled, simple, margins entire [or spinose-toothed]. Conflorescences terminal [or in upper axils] of 7 [or 1] sessile flowers enclosed within an involucre of imbricate bracts.
Flowers actinomorphic [or zygomorphic]. Perianth tubular; tepals spirally revolute at anthesis. Anthers sessile on tepals and revolute with them. Hypogynous glands fused into a cup [or free or absent]. Ovary sessile; style filiform projecting beyond the perianth at anthesis, rigid, scarcely expanded apically into a pollen presenter.
Fruit a follicle, hard and woody, rough, with a short beak and a long horn on each valve.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 10 species, endemic Australia. Australia: 9 species W.A., 1 species N.S.W.
Text by G. J. Harden Taxon concept:
One species in NSW: Lambertia formosa |
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