Communities

Scientific Name

Richea pandanifolia

Family Name

EPACRIDACEAE

Common Name

Pandani, Giant Grass Tree

Status

Height

12.0m (1200cm)

Flowers

Red or pink flowers in dense stalked heads in leaf axils. Caps of petals shed to show stamens

Fruit

Capsule

Form

Tree, usually unbranched with lower trunk bare or clothed with dead leaves.

Municipalities

Communities

Montane Vegetation; Rainforest

Habitat Notes

Tas. endemic. Frequent in wet montane forests and gullies, extending in a stunted form to mountain plateaux at altitudes of c1200m

Site Tolerance

Exposed; Moist; Shady

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

Soil Tolerance

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

General Notes

Susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi, Old leaves are used by modern basket weavers contributing interesting curling effects. Not 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

Capsules become reddish-brown when mature. collect 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

May be grown from fresh seed. Surface sow or lightly cover. Do not sow too thinly or thickly. Smoke treatment may improve results. The very small seedlings should be pricked out as soon as possibe as they develop long tap roots.

Germination Time

6-9 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

Also grown from cuttings although 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.