Municipalities

Scientific Name

Richea sprengelioides

Family Name

EPACRIDACEAE

Common Name

Rigid Candle Heath

Status

Height

1.2m (120cm)

Flowers

Cream, in spikes at ends of branches. Petals form cap which does not open but falls away.

Fruit

Capsule

Form

Shrub forming a compact rounded bush in exposed situations.

Municipalities

Break O'Day; Central Highlands; Circular Head; Derwent Valley; Dorset; Hobart; Huon Valley; Kentish; Launceston; Meander Valley; Northern Midlands; West Coast

Communities

Montane Vegetation

Habitat Notes

Tas. endemic. Widespread and common on mountains, especially on rocky slopes.

Site Tolerance

Exposed; Moist; Rocky; Windy

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

Soil Tolerance

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

General Notes

Very similar to R.procera but has wider more rigid leaves. 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

Collect the 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 possible as they develop long tap roots. Plants require plenty of moisture.

Germination Time

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.