Scientific Name: Cryptandra amara

Common Name: pretty pearlflower

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Rhamnaceae

Threatened Species Status: Endangered

Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.

Form Description: Small, wiry shrub with rigid branches often ending in a fine spine. Young branches are covered in tiny star-shaped hairs. Leaves are thin and blunt, 2-6mm long.

Height (m): 0.15 – 0.3

Flowers: Solitary or in clusters of 2-3, the oldest flowers are at the base and the youngest towards the top of the stem.

Fruit: Capsule

Municipality
BrightonCentral HighlandsGlamorgan-Spring BayLauncestonNorthern MidlandsSouthern MidlandsWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Dry Eucalypt ForestHeath
Habitat Notes

Grazed dolerite paddocks, rocky dry sclerophyll forests, heathy woodlands along roadsides, dry, north-facing dolerite outcrops and on rock plates near rivers. Midlands, north and east coast.

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

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Difficult to grow from seed, although seed seems to have high viability.

Seed Treatment Method

Soaking Soak seed in water for 8-12 hours, changing the water 2-3 times.

Seed Treatment Notes

Smoke treatment does not appear to increase germination; soaking in warm or hot water may improve results.