Scientific Name: Baeckea leptocaulis Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: slender heathmyrtle

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Myrtaceae

Form Description: Shrub with slender erect branches.

Height (m): 0.5 – 2

Flowers: Petals white, almost orb-shaped, 5 stamens, irregularly spaced and not opposite petals.

Fruit: Capsule – small and cup-like, turn from green to pale brown when ripe. Fruits are not persistent and open to release seed from valves when ripe.

Municipality
BurnieCentral HighlandsDerwent ValleyHuon ValleyKentishMeander ValleyWaratah-WynyardWest Coast
Plant Communities
Heath
Habitat Notes

Locally abundant on wet heaths near the north-west, west and south-west coasts.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Loam, Nutrient-poor, Poorly-drained, Well-drained

General Notes

Susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Similar to Baeckea gunniana but has larger fragrant leaves and forms a less dense shrub. Likes semi-shade, a cool root run and abundant water during dry periods.

Propagation Calendar

  • 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, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Treatment Method

Surface Sow Sow seed finely on the surface of the potting mix and cover with just enough mix to hold the seed on the surface when watered.

Seed Treatment Notes

Seed is difficult to locate. Capillary watering may be useful.

Germination Time

2 weeks

Cutting & Division Information

Difficult from cuttings. Try half-hardened wood.