Drooping velvet bush facts for kids

Lasiopetalum schulzenii, commonly known as drooping velvet bush, is a common shrub of the mallow family. It was first described in the genus Corethrostylis by botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in a paper presented before the Royal Society of Victoria; that genus was treated as a section of Lasiopetalum by George Bentham in his 1863 Flora Australiensis, resulting in the current name. The species was named after the 19th century botanist Ludwig F. Schulzen.

Lasiopetalum schulzenii is a spreading many-stemmed densely foliaged shrub to 2 m (6.6 ft) in height and 2.5 m (8.2 ft) across. The grey-green foliage is covered in fine hair, which is particularly prominent on new growth. The leaves are heart-shaped (cordate), and measure 2–7 cm (1–3 in) long and 1.5–5 cm (0.59–1.97 in) wide with recurved margins. Flowering occurs September to February, the cymes bearing from five to twelve five-pointed star-shaped flowers. 1.5 cm (0.59 in) in diameter, the calyces are whitish, and densely covered with fine hair on the outside, and less so or smooth on the inside. The five tiny petals are a dark red-brown around the centre of the flower. Flowering is followed by round hairy fruit 0.4 cm (0.16 in) in diameter.

It is found in South Australia, and in coastal areas of south-western Victoria, where it is rare. It grows on alkaline sands, and is associated with Eucalyptus diversifolia subsp. megacarpa.

Lasiopetalum schulzenii has potential in horticulture, the compact foliage and flowering are features. It tolerates well-drained soils in sun or part-shaded aspect. It is frost hardy and can tolerate extended dry periods. Propagation is by seed or cutting. It has also been classified as somewhat fire retardant.