Fuchsia heath (Epacris longiflora)
Description
Epacris longiflora is an erect to spreading shrub which grows to a height of 50–200 cm (20–80 in) and has stems with prominent short, broad leaf scars. The leaves are egg-shaped, 5.6–17 mm (0.2–0.7 in) long, 3–6.6 mm (0.1–0.3 in) wide with a pointed tip. The leaves are thin, flat and have margins with minute teeth. The flowers are red with a white tip, sometimes all red and have a peduncle up to 2 mm (0.08 in) long. There are five petals which are fused to form a tube with five lobes at the end. The tube is 12–27 mm (0.5–1 in) long, 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) in diameter and the lobes are 2.4–4.4 mm (0.09–0.2 in) long. At the base of the petal tube there are whorls of bracts and five sepals 4.5–6 mm (0.18–0.24 in) long. Within the petal tube there is a central style with the stigma at its tip and an ovary at its base. The stamens are hidden inside the tube. Flowering occurs throughout the year, although there are fewer flowers in summer. The fruits are capsules 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long containing small, light seeds
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum:
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Ericales
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Family: Ericaceae
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Genus: Epacris
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