Communities

Scientific Name

Epacris apsleyensis

Family Name

EPACRIDACEAE

Common Name

Apsley Heath

Status

Endangered

Height

0.5m -1.0m (50-100cm)

Flowers

White, bell shaped, anthers are enclosed within the tube.

Fruit

Capsule

Form

Municipalities

Break O'Day; Glamorgan-Spring Bay

Communities

Dry Eucalypt Forest and Woodland; Riparian

Habitat Notes

Tas. endemic. The Apsley river area. Dry dolerite rocky outcrops.

Site Tolerance

Dry; Moist; Shady

Frost Tolerance

Soil Tolerance

Fertile; Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Sandy; Well-drained

General Notes

Seed appears to have a dormancy period. Store seed in a cool, dark place for 3-6 months before sowing for best results. If using bog method seed should be spread over the surface of the propagation mixture. If the medium is then kept constantly moist germination should occur within 10-20 weeks. 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

When the lower capsule on the stem has opened, the capsules higher on the stem are ready for collection

Seed Treatment Method

Bog method

Seed Storage Life

Viable Seeds Per Gram

Seed Treatment Notes

Difficult to grow from seed. Smoke treatment has been found to significantly improve results for species with smaller seeds. Species with woody fruits and larger seeds are not responsive. The bog method and older seed may improve results.* See gen. notes.

Germination Time

10-20 weeks

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

Grown from tip cuttings, best taken in March and placed into individual tubes. This avoids problems in the growing on process due to the very fine root systems.