Communities

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Scientific Name

Richea Xcurtisiae

Family Name

EPACRIDACEAE

Common Name

Curtis's Candle Heath

Status

Height

Flowers

Flower spike, erect at ends of branches.

Fruit

Capsule

Form

Small shrub with spreading branches, the tips crowded with a rosette of leaves. *(seegeneral notes)

Municipalities

Communities

Heath; Montane Vegetation

Habitat Notes

Tas. endemic. Alpine heath in the southwestern mountains.

Site Tolerance

Exposed; Moist; Windy

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

Soil Tolerance

Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Poor; Poorly-drained; Well-drained

General Notes

Has the appearance of a hybrid of R.scoparia and R.pandanifolia but has none of the usual indicators of hybridity. R. curtisiae often occurs with Dracophyllum milliganii, from which it can be distinguished by its wider leaves. 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

Collect the capsules just prior to opening, while they are still green

Seed Treatment Method

Smoke

Seed Storage Life

Short

Viable Seeds Per Gram

Seed Treatment Notes

Seed should be sown very soon after collection. Smoke treatment improves results.Surface sow or light cover the very fine seed. Do not sow too thinly or thickly. Very small seedling should be pricked out as soon as possible as they develop long tap roots.

Germination Time

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

Also grown from cuttings - some species are difficult.Particular care should be taken when handling the minute seedlings because they develop long, fine roots. A well-composted soil is essential and care should be taken not to let plants dry out. Some overhead shade is desirable.