Citation: A.J. Scott, Reprium nov. Spec. Regni veg. 89:113 (1978).

Synonymy: Bassia longicuspis F. Muell., Iconogr. Austral. Salsolac. Pl. t. 74 (1891).

Common name: Long-spined poverty-bush.

Description:
Rounded glabrous perennial to 60 cm high; leaves slender, trigonous in cross section, 2-3 cm long.

Flowers solitary; perianth glabrous outside, woolly within; stamens 5.

Fruiting perianth glabrous outside; attachment broad and expanded, the base somewhat spreading around the branch; tube cylindrical, narrowing towards the apex, c. 5 mm high and wide at the base; wall very thick, somewhat spongy on the outside, woody within; limb conical, c. 2 mm high, erect or inflexed at the tip; spines 2 (rarely to 4) + 1 (rarely 2), slender, ascending; lateral pair 20-30 mm long; adaxial radicular pair with one 5-10 mm long, the other minute or up to 2 mm long (or the longer radicular spine absent); 1 or 2 long abaxial spines sometimes present or these represented by a small tubercle.

	Scleroleana longicuspis fruit
Image source: fig. 170g in Jessop J.P. & Toelken H.R. (Ed.) 1986. Flora of South Australia (4th edn).

Published illustration: Cunningham et al. (1982) Plants of western New South Wales, p. 254.

Distribution:  Frequently found on hills in stony soil. S.Aust.: NW, LE, GT, FR, EA.   N.T.; Qld; N.S.W. Conservation status: native Flowering time: Flowers and/or fruits: March — Nov.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available