Scientific Name: Epacris barbata Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: bearded heath

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Ericaceae

Threatened Species Status: Endangered

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

Form Description: A shrub, usually branched near the base with long erect branches.

Flowers: Large white flowers about 1cm in diameter. Floral bracts and sepals tinged red, covered with silky hairs.

Fruit: Papery capsule

Municipality
Glamorgan-Spring Bay
Plant Communities
Coastal Vegetation
Habitat Notes

Found only in the vicinity of Freycinet Peninsula.

Site Tolerance

Moist

Soil Tolerance

Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained

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
Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Difficult to grow from seed. When the lower capsule on the stem has opened the capsules higher are ready for collection. Dry until they open then lightly thresh to extract seed. Clean by sieving.

Seed Treatment Method

Bog Method The seeds of many wetland species need to be kept wet to germinate. Punch a hole in the side of a recycled polyfoam box so that it holds water to the required depth. Sit the tubes in the box to germinate. Once germinated, punch holes in the bottom of the box to allow drainage.

Seed Treatment Notes

Smoke treatment has been found to significantly improve results for species with smaller seeds. Species with woody fruits and larger seeds are not responsive. Seed appears to have a dormancy period. Store seed in a cool, dark place for 3-6 months before sowing for best results. The bog method and older seed may improve results. If using bog method seed should be spread over surface of propagation mixture. If the medium is then kept constantly moist, germination should occur within 10-20 weeks.

Germination Time

10-20 weeks.

Cutting & Division Information

Grown from tip cuttings, best taken in March and placed into individual tubes. This avoids problems in the growing on process due to the very fine root systems.