Scientific Name: Acrothamnus hookeri
Common Name: mountain beardheath
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Ericaceae
Form Description: Small shrub, usually erect and much-branched.
Height (m): 0.2 – 0.6
Flowers: White, the spreading lobes have bearded inner surfaces. 3-6 together in spikes.
Fruit: Drupe – fleshy, spherical, light yellow or reddish colour.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Locally frequent in upland grassland.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Not easily maintained in cultivation. It is suggested that most species require a well-drained, well-composted soil with cool root run of large flat stones or a thick mulch. Some shade is also considered beneficial. More experimental work is needed.
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Drupe ripens rapidly and falls before winter.
Seed Treatment Method
Storage Stratification at 3-5°C for up to 3 months may improve results. Place seed in a damp medium, lightly covered. Put moist seeds in a plastic bag and store in the fridge.
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 good results.
Germination Time
3-18 months
Cutting & Division Information
Usually grown from cuttings of barely firm young growth (which is rarely available).The percentage strike is generally low and the roots that are formed are very fine and easily damaged in repotting operations.