Family Index

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Scientific Name

Leucopogon esquamatus

Family Name

EPACRIDACEAE

Common Name

Swamp Beard-heath

Status

Rare

Height

0.3m - 0.6m (30-60cm)

Flowers

White, 2-3 together on short stalks. Disk lacking 5 scales typical of others in the species.

Fruit

Berries or drupes

Form

Small shrub with numerous erect branches.

Municipalities

Flinders Island

Communities

Habitat Notes

Local in central Flinders Island.

Site Tolerance

Moist

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile; Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Well-drained

General Notes

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

Drupe with 2-3 segments

Seed Treatment Method

Storage

Seed Storage Life

Short

Viable Seeds Per Gram

Seed Treatment Notes

Storage of seed in a dark place for 3-6 months may promote germination. Sow in media inoculated with soil from around parent plant. Keep trays in partial shade Stratification may reduce germination time. Bird-ingested seed has provided some very good results.

Germination Time

3-18 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

Usually propagated from cuttings of barely firm young growth. The percentage strike is generally low and the roots that are formed are very fine and easily damaged in repotting operations. Also, they are not easily maintained. It is suggested that most species require a well-drained, well-composted soil with cool root run provided by large flat stones or a thick mulch. Some shade is also considered beneficial.