Stenanthemum poicilum

Stenanthemum poicilum is a species of flowering plant in the family Rhamnaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is an erect or low-lying shrub with hairy young stems, broadly egg-shaped leaves with the narrower end towards the base, and clusters of densely hairy white flowers.

Description
Stenanthemum poicilum is a twiggy, erect or low-lying shrub that typically grows to a height of 15–50 cm, its young stems hairy. The leaves are broadly egg-shaped with the narrower end towards the base, 2.5–7 mm long and 2.5–6 mm wide on a petiole 0.5–1 mm long, with stipules at the base. Both surfaces of the leaves are covered with tiny, star-shaped hairs. The flowers are arranged in clusters 5–12 mm wide, surrounded by hairy, egg-shaped bracts about 3 mm long. The floral tube is 2.5–3.7 mm long, the sepals 1.3–1.6 mm long and densely hairy, and the petals 0.7–1 mm long. Flowering occurs in September and October, and the fruit is a hairy schizocarp 2.0–2.5 mm long.

Taxonomy and naming
Stenanthemum poicilum was first formally described in 1995 by Barbara Lynette Rye in the journal Nuytsia from specimens collected in 1992. The specific epithet (poicilum) means "mottled", referring to the seeds.

Distribution and habitat
This species grows in heath and shrubland near Canna and on the Bremer Range in the Avon Wheatbelt and Yalgoo bioregions of south-western Western Australia.

Conservation status
Stenanthemum poicilum is listed as "Priority Three" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, meaning that it is poorly known and known from only a few locations but is not under imminent threat.