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

Common Name: alpine heath

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Ericaceae

Form Description: Stout, bushy shrub prostrate when growing in exposed alpine and sub-alpine situations.

Height (m): 0.5 – 1

Flowers: White, bell-shaped, solitary but crowded in short, dense, terminal heads.

Fruit: Papery capsule

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieCentral HighlandsCircular HeadDerwent ValleyDorsetGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsWaratah-WynyardWest Coast
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationHeath
Habitat Notes

Widespread in alpine and sub-alpine heaths and bogs throughout the mountains of the state.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Waterlogged, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Poorly-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 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.