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The Butterfly Bush (Petalostylis cassioides) is closely related to the cassias and occurs only in Australia, found growing widely in the dry inland parts of Australia. It is a spreading shrub growing to about 1-1.5 metres high. It has hairy covering which is sparse to dense.
Leaves: pinnate – the leaves have many small leaflets (23-55), which are mostly notched and sometimes hooked.
Flowers: flowers appear in clusters of 1-3, with 5 petals , spreading, a deep yellow with red marking that appear like ‘eyebrows’, taken together sometimes ‘heart shape’ in appearance, on the upper petals. The 3 stamens in the centre and the style projects like a boat-shaped petal.
Aborigines rubbed the crushed leaves on the skin to treat various ailments1.
Butterfly Bush (Petalostylis cassioides) Butterfly Bush (Petalostylis cassioides) Butterfly Bush (Petalostylis cassioides) Butterfly Bush (Petalostylis cassioides)