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Image Credit: Rob Wiltshire – Natural Values Atlas
Scientific Name: Epacris obtusifolia
Common Name: bluntleaf heath
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Ericaceae
Form Description: Shrub with slender, erect branches, sometimes hairy.
Height (m): 0.2 – 1.2
Flowers: White or cream in spikes at ends of slender often unbranched stems 30cm-1m.
Fruit: Papery capsule
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Damp heaths and wet places.
Site Tolerance
Moist
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained
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
Difficult to grow from seed. When the lower capsule on the stem has opened the capsules higher on the stem are ready for collection. Sheds seed on maturity so requires monitoring. May need light threshing to extract seed.
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 of some species exhibits a dormancy which is reportedly overcome by storage in a dark place for 3- 6 months. 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.
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. Cuttings from cultivated plants or nursery stock can probably be taken any time of year if good material is available.