EPACRIDACEAE

Pandani, Giant Grass Tree

 

12.0m (1200cm) 

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

Capsule 

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

 

Montane Vegetation; Rainforest 

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

Exposed; Moist; Shady 

Hardy 

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

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

Capsules become reddish-brown when mature. collect capsules just prior to opening while they are still green 

Smoke 

Short 

 

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. 

6-9 months 

No 

 

 

No 

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.