Pimelea microcephala
| Pimelea microcephala | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Evergreen Cross Pollinated | |
| Height: | 15' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Pimelea microcephala (common name: mallee riceflower)
Propagation: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn if this is possible, otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[1].
Softwood cuttings 5cm long in late spring[1].
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a lime-free peaty well-drained loam[2][1] in a sunny position[3].
Rather slow growing[1]. Flowers are produced on the tips of the previous seasons growth.
Plants may suffer from sudden die back.
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Range: Australia - New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria.
Habitat: Mainly on sandy soils[4].
Edibility: Fruit[5]. No more details are given.
Usage: A tough fibre obtained from the stems is used as a tying material and for cordage[4][6].
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Dioecious
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Ewart, Alfred. Recording Census of the Victorian Flora. 1923.
- ↑ Crowe, Andrew. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton, 1990.
- ↑ Cribb, Alan. Useful Wild Plants in Australia. William Collins, 1981.