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Image Credit: K and D Storey – Natural Values Atlas
Scientific Name: Leionema montanum Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: spreading waxflower
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Rutaceae
Form Description: Much branched, spreading shrub; decumbent or prostrate.
Height (m): 0.2 – 0.6
Flowers: Solitary flowers in axils of upper leaves; white or pinkish petals, may be crimson-tipped.
Fruit: Woody capsule
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Well-drained alpine heath of north and eastern mountains and on the Western Tiers.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Windy
Soil Tolerance
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
Very difficult to grow from seed. Capsule splits on maturity ejecting the seeds. Closely monitor or bag nearly mature fruits. Only 1-2 weeks between ripening of first and last seeds. Dry fruit to extract seed and sieve to clean.
Seed Treatment Method
Leaching Some species require extended time in nature weathering prior to germination as chemical inhibitors are broken down in the seed coat. Replicate this process by flushing away the inhibitor with frequent washing e.g. place the seeds in a stocking in a toilet cistern and drape it over the top for easy handling.
Seed Treatment Notes
Seeds require nicking, then leaching in running water for 10 days, or treated by fire: cover seed box with small twigs and dry leaves to depth of 2-3 cm, then set fire to the litter, bring the soil surface temperature to 93°C.
Cutting & Division Information
Best grown from cuttings.