Scientific Name: Leucopogon australis

Common Name: spike beardheath

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Ericaceae

Form Description: Shrub with erect non-hairy branches.

Height (m): 1 – 2

Flowers: White, with a strong sweet scent in solitary spikes crowded at the ends of branches .

Fruit: Drupe – spherical, somewhat flattened, fleshy and amber-yellow in colour.

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsCircular HeadClarenceDevonportDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayHuon ValleyKentishKing IslandKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Coastal VegetationHeath
Habitat Notes

Local in sandy coastal heaths in the east and north.

Site Tolerance

Dry, Exposed

Soil Tolerance

Loam, Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained

General Notes

Most species require a well-drained, well-composted soil with cool root run which can be provided by large flat stones or a thick mulch. Further experimental work is necessary.

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 Treatment Method

Storage Stratification at 3-5°C for up to 3 months may improve results. Place seed in a damp medium, lightly covered. Put moist seeds in a plastic bag and store in the fridge.

Seed Treatment Notes

Storage of seed in a dark place for 3-6 months may help germination. Sow in media inoculated with soil from around parent plant. Some growers have had success with bird-ingested seed which provided very good results. Stratification may reduce germination time. Keep seed trays in partial shade.

Germination Time

3-18 months

Cutting & Division Information

Usually grown from cuttings but the percentage strike is usually low.