CARYOPHYLLACEAE

Hard Cushion Plant

Rare 

0.005m (0.5cm) 

Small, cream, solitary; petals; none, sepals; usually 5. 

Capsule 

Dwarf cushion plant, forming a dense mat. Leaves to 0.5cm rigid, spreading, ending in a sharp point. 

Central Highlands; Derwent Valley; Huon Valley; Meander Valley; West Coast 

Montane Vegetation 

Alpine habitats. 

Exposed; Moist; Windy 

Hardy 

Fertile; Phosphorous intolerant; Well-drained 

There has been some success in establishing cushion plants in cultivation by providing constant moisture in the area of the root system. This can be done by preparing a cone-shaped hole about 1m deep, diameter about 2m. The hole is then lined with heavy-duty back plastic sheeting and drainage holes provided at about 0.5m deep. Place peat moss in the hole to just above the drainage holes and then fill the hole with a mixture of equal parts good quality loam, sand and peat moss. Regular watering may be required in hot weather. Bog gardens can also provide suitable conditions. Suitable below powerlines. 

Fruit - a capsule opening by valves as many as there are sepals. seeds numerous 

Standard 

 

 

Not known in cultivation. May be grown from seed. 

 

No 

 

 

Yes 

May also be propagated from cuttings and possibly by division.