Callicarpa pedunculata (common name - velvet-leaf) is a shrub or small tree in the Lamiaceae family native to both Queensland and New South Wales.[1]
C. pedunculata is a shrub or small tree growing from 3 to 4 m high.[1]
The twigs, the petioles and the underside of the leaf blade have a covering of stalked stellate hairs, while the upper surface of the leaf has a covering of stellate and simple hairs which become sparse when older. The Leaf blades are about 6-18 x 3-6 cm, and there are small, pale yellow, glands on the underside of the leaf. The bottom part of the leaf has smooth margins but the remainder is toothed.[2]
The inflorescences are 2 to 3 cm long, and sometimes inserted a little above leaf axil. The flowers have stalks which are 0.5 to 1 mm long, while the calyx 1 to 1.5 mm long, and the purple or mauve corolla is 2 to 3 mm long.[1]
It produces whitish to purple berries that are drupes.[1]
It is grown as an ornamental shrub. The fruit is astringent and too acidic to be eaten by people.
It was first described by Robert Brown in 1810.[3][4]
Callicarpa pedunculata (common name - velvet-leaf) is a shrub or small tree in the Lamiaceae family native to both Queensland and New South Wales.