Leptomeria
(from leptos, slender, and meris, a part; referring to the slender and almost leafless shoots). ORD. Santalaceae. A genus comprising fourteen species of greenhouse shrubs, limited to Australia. Flowers minute, in little terminal or lateral spikes, racemes, or clusters. Branches numerous, slender, or rigid, apparently leafless. Leptomerias thrive in a compost of sandy peat and fibry loam, to which may be added a few pieces of charcoal. Propagated by cuttings of firm young shoots, placed in sand, under a bell glass. In all probability, the species described below is the only one yet introduced. L. Billardieri (Labillardiere's). fl. white, very minute, disposed in numerous spikes. fr. greenish-red, fleshy, edible. Branches erect, very slender. h. 6ft. 1823.