EPACRIDACEAE

Western Small-leaved Heath

 

0.5m (50cm) 

White, solitary in leaf axils towards ends of branches. 

Capsule 

Much branched shrub recognisable by its tiny leaves closely appressed to each other. 

Break O'Day; Central Highlands; Derwent Valley; Huon Valley; Kentish; West Coast 

Heath; Montane Vegetation 

Tas. endemic. Found in a few very exposed situations in the south-western mountains. Most common in bolster heath in mountain saddles. 

Exposed; Moist; Windy 

Hardy 

Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Poor; Well-drained 

Seed of some species exhibits a dormancy which is reportedly overcome by storage in a dark place for 3- 6 months. If using bog method seed should be spread over surface of propagation mixture. If the medium is then kept constantly moist, germination should occur within 10-20 weeks. Suitable below powerlines. 

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

Bog method 

 

 

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. 

10-20 weeks 

No 

 

 

No 

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.