Treasure 4

This Treasure represents a plant group that is a little more inconspicuous to the passing eye as it’s subtle colours and delicate flower and foliage forms tend to blend into the landscape. Though, they are definitely a plant group that you would have seen (but maybe not recognised) walking around the Northern Beaches.

Brooch, pendant, stand alone sculptural piece, oxidised silver, stainless steel

Clues

This plant group contains around 28 different species which belong to the the Lamiaceae family.
These plants range from small (0.5m) to large (1.5m) shrubs.
These plants are very closely related to the plants from the well known Prostanthera/ mint (rosemary, basil, thyme, lavender…) family.
Visually, as a whole, the species within this plant group take on a compact bushy form which are made up of numerous small pointed leaves.
Like their relatives (rosemary, lavender, thyme) this plant group produce delicate little flowers that have 4 petals with the upper petal being distinctly divided into two lobes. These flowers can grow as a solitary form or in groups of 2 - 6
The one distinguishable difference is the flowers colour, which range from white (depending on the species) to varying shades of purple.
One of the common names for this plant group relates to a herb that is often used in cooking particularly with lamb.

**Flowers and foliage from one species**

While you are working out your answers keep in mind that the piece that you see before you is an artist (my) interpretation and is not a direct replica of the plants that it represents. I simplified various details and have enlarged some key features of the plant to emphasize their significance.

And remember, your answer should be submitted as the botanical name of the plant group, as opposed to its common name. For example, common name = Wattle and botanical name = Acacia.

Send your answers to rebeccahinwood@gmail.com