Leucopogon parviflorus, commonly known as coast beard-heath or native currant, is a shrub or small tree in the family Ericaceae.

[3] It is a significant food source to many Australian coastal birds and insects and relies on these animals for pollination and seed dispersion.

[7] It was then later reclassified in 1832 by John Lindley, under a new genus, and the accepted name of Leucopogon parviflorus in his book The Botanical Register: 18.

[8] Common names of Leucopogon parviflorus include "coastal bearded heath" and "coast beard-heath" among other variations.

[4] They are flat or slightly curved and oblanceolate (longer than it is wider, with the widest part being near the tip) to elliptic (oval, broadest at the middle) in shape.

The shrub thrives in sandy dunes and flats, rocky cliff faces and headlands, and among coastal scrub and does best in soils that are a neutral pH.

[4][15] Since the 1970s studies have shown the shrub growing less in cliff and plateau environments, with an increase of growth in coastal habitats.

It thrives best in dune scrub or low-open forests behind beaches, surrounded by other shrubs such as Acacia Sophorae.

It can grow in full sun exposure as well as in mid-shaded areas and is tolerant to strong coastal winds.

[3] Leucopogon parviflorus is a perennial shrub that has multiple prolonged flowering sessions during the winter, spiring, and autumn months followed by a fruit bearing period in the summer.

The life span of L. parviflorus ranges from 20 to 100 years depending on growing conditions and environmental factors such as fire and drought.

The main pollination vectors for the species are flying insects, notably honey bees and hover-flies.

[17] The bright white, sweet tasting berries of the L. parviflorus have been noted to supplement the diets of many coastal Australian birds, such as the yellow-faced honeyeater, the satin bowerbird, and the silver gull.

[18][19] These birds are vital aid in the continuation and dispersion of the species as they spread the seeds that are contained inside the berries by excreting them in their droppings along the coast.

The more aggressive species of grass Ammophila arenari threatens the shrub in some areas of the island where the soil is particularly sandy.

Chrysanthemoides monilifera competes aggressively with surrounding native species such as L. parviflorus and in some parts on NSW has completely eliminated them.

[4] Leucopogon parviflorus’ fruit is safe for humans to eat as a sweet food source once fully ripened.