Backhousia angustifolia F.Muell.

Mueller, F.J.H. von (1858) Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae 1: 79. Type: In virgultis ad flumen Dawson.

Usually a small tree less than 30 cm dbh, often multistemmed.

Crushed leaves emit a strong odour resembling that of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum). Stipules filiform, about 0.9-1 mm long usually about 3 or 4 on each side of the petiole. Leaf blades about 20-50 x 3-7 mm, apex ending in a sharp hard point, petioles about 1.5-3 mm long. Lateral veins not or scarcely visible on the underside of the leaf blade.

Individual flowers sessile, produced in heads (usually three flowers per head). Calyx lobes +/- orbicular, about 2-2.5 mm diam., sometimes petaloid. Hypanthium about 1-2 mm long, hairs and oil glands numerous. Anthers about 0.3 mm long, filaments about 6 mm long. Style about 5-6 mm long.

Fruits about 2.5-3 mm diam, excluding the dry persistent calyx lobes. Seeds about 1.5 x 1 mm.

Features not available.

Endemic to Australia, occurs in NEQ (rarely), CEQ and southwards as far as north-eastern New South Wales. Altitudinal range in NEQ from about 600-1000 m. Grows in monsoon forest and vine thickets.