Phebalium obovatum

Phebalium obovatum is a species of spreading shrub that is endemic to Western Australia. It has thick, egg-shaped or elliptical leaves densely covered with silvery scales on the lower side and white flowers arranged in umbels with silvery or rust-coloured scales on the back.

Description
Phebalium obovatum is a spreading shrub that typically grows to a height of 0.2–1.0 m. The leaves are thick, egg-shaped to elliptical, about 5 mm long and 1.5–2 mm wide. The leaves are glossy on the upper surface, covered with silvery scales on the lower surface. The flowers are borne in umbels, each flower on a scaly pedicel 1.5–2.5 mm long. The five sepals are 2–2.5 mm long, joined for half their length and covered with silvery to rust-coloured scales on the outside. The petals are white, elliptical, about 4 mm long with silvery to rust-coloured scales on the back. Flowering occurs from September to December.

Taxonomy
This species was first formally described in 1970 by Paul Wilson in the journal Nuytsia, and was given the name Phebalium lepidotum var. obovatum. In 1998, following "field studies over the past thirty years", Wilson raised the variety to species status as Phebelium obovatum.

Distribution and habitat
Phebalium obovatum grows in heath or mallee woodland in the Ravensthorpe district.

Conservation status
This phebalium is classified as "not threatened" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife.