Scientific Name: Comesperma ericinum

Common Name: heath milkwort

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Polygalaceae

Form Description: Small shrub, leaves, crowded, to 1.5 cm long with strongly recurved margins and apex.

Height (m): 0.5 – 1.5

Flowers: Small, borne in short racemes, profuse, pink to purple.

Fruit: Capsule – up to 0.8cm long, wedge-shaped.

Municipality
Break O’DayDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayKentishKingboroughLatrobeNorthern MidlandsWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Coastal VegetationHeath
Habitat Notes

Local in sandy heaths near the east and north coasts.

Site Tolerance

Dry, Exposed, Moist, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Moderate

General Notes

Occurs naturally in a wide range of soil types, prefers well-drained soils, with dappled shade or partial sun. Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi.

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 Collection

May be grown from seed which has good results. Viability is low if the seed is not fully mature when collected.

Seed Treatment Method

Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.

Seed Treatment Notes

The first seedlings should emerge in 5-8 weeks.

Germination Time

5-8 weeks

Cutting & Division Information

Can be grown from cuttings.