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Leaves appressed (at least at apex) to stem, white tomentose.

Unique in that it occurs all along the coast of Southern Australia, even crossing the Nullarbor plain.

Only species in genus, however many different forms exist.

It is highly tolerant of prevailing winds, sea spray, drought and frost and grows on predominantly sand or sandstone derived soil. It can survive well on highly alkaline soil such as limestone. This could be how it is able to tolerate the Nullarbor plain, which is limestone.

L. brownii contains sesquiterpene lactone pseudoivalin, calocephalin and tomentosin, which were confirmed to be sensitizers. Sensitizers are chemicals with the potential to become allergens. It’s hard to predict which chemicals will be sensitizers, who is likely to be vulnerable to them, and how much exposure will induce a reaction. A renewed interest in calocephalin and related sesquiterpene lactones of cushion bush arose when a case of occupational sensitization to the plant and calocephalin in a Swedish gardener was published in 2004.

Pink apparent 'petals' are actually sepals, the petals are less than 1 mm long, red and somewhat glandular, found alternating between anthers (see last photo). Distinguished from Lasiopetalum by having stipules. Rare in Vic, restricted to Wilsons Prom in the east.

Style inserted in depression between carpels, diagnostic of Epacris. Leaves keeled (small ridge) underneath. Rare. Known only from Lake Mountain, the Baw Baw Plateau and the summit area of Mt Howitt, but often locally plentiful in subalpine heathland of the margins of pools, in bogs and in frost hollows.