Coastal Rosemary
Westringia fruticosa
Appearance
Short Description: Large shrub, up to 2m high and 5m wide.
Leaves: Dark green leaves with short hairs on the underside. Up to 2cm long, narrow and pointed, and close to the stem. Dense foliage
Flowers: Are 2cm across, forming a fan-shape around the stem. White or pale pruple with reddish and yellow spots near the throat.
What to Observe
•First fully open single flower
•Full flowering (record all days)
•End of flowering (when 95% of the flowers have faded)
•No flowering
ClimateWatch Science Advisor
We expect plants to start shooting and flowering earlier in the year as a result of climate change warming the Earth. They may also start appearing in new areas, as warmer temperatures enable them to live in environments that were previously too cold or unsuitable
Help scientists answer the question: "How are our animals, plants and ecosystems responding to climate change?"
When To Look
Starts flowering in summer and the plant can be seen all year round.
Note: ClimateWatch is looking for any changes in the timing of these events so remember to keep a lookout all year!
Where To Look
Coastal areas of NSW including cliffs and down to beach level.
Commonly planted in urban gardens
Note: ClimateWatch is looking for any changes outside of their known ranges so remember to keep a lookout beyond these regions too!
Westringia fruticosa distirbution GBIF
Sightings
References
Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2015 - https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp1/westringia-fruticosa.html
Botanic Gardens of South Australia - http://plantselector.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/Plants/Details/899
Botanic Gaedens of South Australia - http://plantselector.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/Plants/Details/903
Links
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What Else?
Creeping myoporum (Myoporum parvifolium) – Has thicker, broader leaves and flowers March-May and September-November.
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Did You Know?
A member of the mint family.
Rosemary refers to the shape of the plant and not the scent.
Once the plant reaches a mature age, it does not deteriorate quickly as some plants do.