Family:
Lamiaceae
Prostanthera lasianthos
Mint Bush
Other Names: Victorian Christmas Bush
First Nations Name(s):
Name Origin:
Prostanthera — from Greek prostheke, appendage, and enthera, anther, alluding to spur-like anther appendage.
lasianthos — from Greek lasios, woolly, and anthera, anther, referring to woolly anthers.
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Noted in the areas: Bowna-Jindera; Yambla and Upper Gilmore. Probably also in similar country in surrounding areas.
Australia:
Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas.
Habitat:
Rainforest, sclerophyll forest and subalpine woodland, mainly along watercourses and moist gullies.
Habit:
Shrub to small tree, usually 1-6 m high. Bushy crown of aromatic leaves 4-12 cm long.
Site Preference:
Moist, well-drained soil in shady areas. Tolerates frost.
Characteristics:
Fast-growing.
Flowering:
White to pale-mauve with purple spots, Nov-Mar.
Seed Collection:
Early to late Jan. Monitor closely as seeds shed immediately or 1-2 days after maturity.
Propagation:
From cuttings of short laterals with heels, Feb to July, or from fresh seed which may give erratic results. Cuttings may be slow to strike. Mist may rot cuttings.
Regeneration:
From seed.
VALUES:
Wildlife:
Flowers food for native bees and wasps.
Timber:
Hard and tough. Saplings used for fishing rods.
Ornamental:
Attractive ornamental. Spectacular in flower. Useful screen, although requires protection from strong wind. Benefits from mulching, summer watering and pruning after flowering.