A spreading SHRUB to 1 m or so wide and about 0.5 m tall, hairless, the new growth often bluish. LEAVES 6-10 mm long, to 1.5 mm wide, flattened or cylindrical. FLOWERS forming groups towards the ends of the branches but each on a short stalk; late spring to summer. Sepals 1.5-2 mm long with 1 long hair-like projection. Petals to 1 mm long, yellow to reddish. Style longer than the petals by 4-8 mm.

H. papillatus N. Byrnes from Qld has been widely confused with H. flavescens but is distinguished, even vegetatively, by the numerous short hairs on the foliage (hand lens) and generally more waxy-blue foliage. H. darwinioides (Maiden & Betche) Cheel from NSW has calyx lobes with 5-10 long projections.

Qld, NSW.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Myrtaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.