About Platysace linearifolia (Cav.) C.Norman
Platysace linearifolia, commonly called carrot tops, is a slender shrub that grows on poor sandy soils in eastern Australia, occurring north of Jervis Bay. This species may form large colonies, and is easily visible in late summer and autumn when it is covered in small white flowers. It reaches a height between 40 cm and 1.5 metres. A defining characteristic of this plant is its linear leaves, which measure 10 to 25 mm in length and 0.5 to 1 mm in width. Its fruit is 2 mm long and wide, and bears tubercles. The species was first collected in Sydney, and formally described by Spanish botanist Antonio José Cavanilles in 1799. The generic name Platysace comes from Greek meaning "a flat shield", which refers to the shape of the plant's fruit. The specific epithet linearifolia refers to its straight, narrow leaves. The common name "carrot tops" comes from this plant being classified in the carrot family.
