Hybanthus stellarioides

Hybanthus stellarioides, commonly known as spade flower is an annual herb of the genus Hybanthus, native to Australia.

Description
Hybanthus stellarioides is an annual herb to 30 cm high, with scattered, sparse hairs on the stem. The leaves are discolorous, recurved and can be entire or toothed. The leaves are 1-8 cm long and 2-8 mm wide.

Flowers are solitary with petals orange or yellow in colour. The prominent lower petal is spathulate. The upper and lateral petals are linear-oblong 3-5 mm long. The capsule is 5.5-7.5 mm long, enclosing 5-10 seeds. Flowering period is summer.

Taxonomy
Hybanthus stellarioides was described by K. Domin in 1928 as Hybanthus enneaspermus var. stellarioides, but in 1993 was named Hybanthus stellarioides by P.I. Forster.

Habitat and ecology
Hybanthus stellarioides is found in sandy areas in eucalypt dominated communities. It is widespread in New South Wales along the North coast and Central Coast. It is also found along the Queensland east coast.