Scientific Name: Epacris petrophila

Common Name: central snowheath

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Ericaceae

Form Description: Erect, sparingly branched shrub with leaves closely appressed to the stems.

Height (m): 0.2 – 0.4

Flowers: White bell-shaped, in the axils of uppermost leaves and with narrow triangular lobes.

Fruit: Capsule

Municipality
Central HighlandsKentishMeander ValleyNorthern Midlands
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationGrasslandHeath
Habitat Notes

Local at altitudes of about 1000m on the Western Tiers and in alpine and sub-alpine shrubby grassland near Arthur’s Lake.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

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 on the stem are ready for collection.

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 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.

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.