| Genus Pentachondra | Family Ericaceae
Subfamily Epacridoideae |
Description: Diffuse or prostrate shrubs.
Leaves crowded.
Flowers axillary, solitary or clustered, bisexual or in some species unisexual by abortion of pollen, then plants dioecious or sometimes female and bisexual flowers on some plants. Bracts several, small, the uppermost (above the one subtending the flower) with the rudiment of a second flower. Bracteoles close under calyx and ± investing it. Corolla tube very short or cylindrical and longer than calyx; lobes valvate in bud, recurved or revolute, bearded inside. Filaments inserted at the top of tube, [rather long and erect with anthers exerted, or] short with anthers ± enclosed within tube [or recurved with lobes]. Disc of distinct scales [or scales ± cohering]. Ovary 5–11-locular; ovules solitary and pendent within each loculus; style long or short with a small stigma.
Fruit drupe-like, mesocarp very pulpy with 5–11distinct pyrenes or fewer by abortion.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 4 or 5 species, Australia & New Zealand. Australia: 4 species (3 species endemic) N.S.W., Vic., Tas.
Text by B. Wiecek
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Leaves usually 3–5 mm long, 1–2 mm broad; flowers solitary, corolla tube much longer than sepals; fruits red, 6–8 mm diam., pyrenes 5–8 | Pentachondra pumila |
| Leaves usually 10–20 mm long, 3–5 mm broad; flowers 3–5 in short spikes, corolla tube slightly shorter than sepals; fruits whitish, 4.5–5 mm diam., pyrenes 8–11 | Pentachondra dehiscens |
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