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

Common Name: southport 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: Small shrub, leaves very shortly stalked, blades flat, rounded, entire margin, lower surface 1-3 ribbed.

Height (m): 0.4 – 1

Flowers: White, forming loose clusters along the upper parts of the branches.

Fruit: Papery capsule

Municipality
Huon Valley
Plant Communities
Coastal VegetationHeath
Habitat Notes

Known only from type material collected at Southport in the south. Found on top of steep seaward slope in shallow loam on dolerite.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, 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
Impractical Propagation material is too difficult to collect or conditions for propagation or cultivation are too specialized.

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Difficult to grow from 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.