English: Styphelia capillaris previously called Leucopogon sp. Flynn is an erect, spreading, compact shrub to around 70 cm high by 120 cm wide with small grey-green leaves and white tube flowers barely 3 mm long. These shrubs flower from mid spring through summer and into autumn. Occasional flowers can be found during other times of the year. Flowers produce unusual fruit resembling a flattened leaf.

The genus Leucopogon generally includes the white flowering 'beard heaths' - leucos is Greek for white, pogon is Greek for beard. These are currently being studied and many Leucopogon may readily be included with Styphelia - Greek styphelos as tough, harsh referring to plants with stiff and prickly leaves. Leucopogon sp. Flynn was first collected by Fred and Jean Hort December 1999 from Wandoo National Park, York while studying Stylidium species with Allen Lowrie at the same location. Leucopogon sp. Flynn is an undescribed (un-named) shrub that is conventionally accepted as being unique. It is listed by Department of Parks and Wildlife WA as a rare plant found only to occur in a restricted location.

Photos: Fred and Jean Hort

7 July 2020

The name of Styphelia capillaris is given for its very fine sepal tips.