Leucopogon
is one of the largest genera in the Australian flora (with over 400
species). Tasmania has 10
of the species. These are all native shrubs, but range in habit from only a
few cm (e.g. L. pilifer) to several metres tall, and range in
habitat from the alpine zone to dry sclerophyll woodlands and
coastal areas.
Species of Leucopogon have flowers with densely bearded
corolla lobes (the name means white beard in Latin), although
species of several other genera also have such hairs (e.g.
Pentachondra and
Androstoma).
Three species were previously called Leucopogon, but
are now classified as species of
Androstoma or Acrothamnus.
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