Communities

Scientific Name

Acrothamnus hookeri

Family Name

EPACRIDACEAE

Common Name

Mountain Beard-heath

Status

Height

0.2m - 0.6m (20-60cm)

Flowers

White, the spreading lobes have bearded inner surfaces. 3-6 together in spikes.

Fruit

Berries or drupes

Form

Small shrub, usually erect and much-branched.

Municipalities

Communities

Grassy Vegetation

Habitat Notes

Locally frequent in upland grassland.

Site Tolerance

Exposed; Moist; Windy

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile; Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Well-drained

General Notes

Suitable below powerlines.

Propagation Details

Propagation Calendar

Flowering Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seed Collecting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sowing Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Cutting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Fruit, a fleshy, spherical, light yellow or reddish colour drupe which ripens rapidly and falls before winter

Seed Treatment Method

Storage

Seed Storage Life

Viable Seeds Per Gram

Seed Treatment Notes

Storage of seed in a dark place for 3-6 months may promote germination. Sow in media inoculated with soil from around parent plant. Keep trays in partial shade. Stratification may reduce germination time. Bird-ingested seed has provided some good results.

Germination Time

3-18 months

Suitable for Direct Seeding

Cuttings

Expected Time to Take Root

Expected Time to Plant Out

Propagation by Division N.B. Transplant only from nearby to avoid disease.

Cutting Notes

Usually grown from cuttings of barely firm young growth (which is rarely available).The percentage strike is generally low and the roots that are formed are very fine and easily damaged in repotting operations. Not easily maintained. It is suggested that most species require a well-drained, well-composted soil with cool root run of large flat stones or a thick mulch. Some shade is also considered beneficial. More experimental work is needed.