That additional photograph does assist in part – Hence this bush does look most like *Exocarpos strictus*, yet i'm having strict discipline for myself to access the evidence confirming this before i confirm an identification of this here.
An alternative quicker way is you may make a note from memory, in a comment or a note within this sighting (by editing it), about the flowers' structure, as per here in the Flora of NSW online PlantNet botanical key relevant step – we have to check : quotation : " 3 Flowers in elongated spikes; branches not rigid, slender → 4 [to E. sparteus and E. cupressiformis]
Flowers in short clusters or very condensed spikes; branches more or less rigid, sometimes more or less slender → 5 [to E. strictus and E. aphyllus] " .
For examples:
If you simply note that the flowers are in short clusters or very condensed spikes, then i'll confirm *Exocarpos strictus*.
If you simply note that the flowers are in elongated spikes then i'll confirm *Exocarpos cupressiformis* (even though this bush in these four photographs superfically does look like *Exocarpos strictus* ).
So the options are E. cupressiformis or E. strictus (both of which are found locally), as neither E. sparteus nor E. aphyllus are found in this region.
Well (clarifying), there's (always) some more options of related other genera and species, within this Santalaceae botanical family.: Omphacomeria, Exocarpos (again), Leptomeria, and Choretrum .
If you return to this bush and make some more notes and photographs, we need information (notes and photographs) of the foliage incl. branches, the leaves (or if they're absent) and these flowers and their structure (inflorescences).
Yes, thank you for the re-sighting and photograph of the flowers and branches close-up. Evidences provided to confirm this species – you have it right !
For future keeping a look out for both, if you don't already know them both, please compare these two species *Exocarpos strictus* and *Exocarpos acerbus* (formerly until 2023 Dec. *Omphacomeria acerba*) : • https://anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/apiiName2?name=Exocarpos+strictus • https://anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/apiiName2?name=Omphacomeria+acerba .
Describe how you intend to use these images and/or audio files and your request will be sent to the author for consideration.
Your request has been successfully submitted to the author for consideration.
2,196,610 sightings of 20,868 species in 9,248 locations from 12,664 contributors
CCA 3.0 | privacy
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.