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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
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Image Credit: Anna Povey – with permission
Scientific Name: Monotoca elliptica
Common Name: tree broomheath
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Ericaceae
Form Description: Tall shrub, much-branched or sometimes a small tree.
Height (m): 2 – 5
Flowers: White, often profuse.
Fruit: Drupe – oval, orange-red, fleshy, about 4mm long.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Local on coasts in the north and east. Common component of coastal forest, heathland and dunes. Drought tolerant.
Site Tolerance
Dry, Exposed, Shady, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Moderate
General Notes
Responds well to pruning and can be used for hedging.
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
Difficult to grow from seed.
Seed Treatment Method
Fermentation Collect fleshy fruits in a plastic bag, mash up and allowed to ferment to replicate digestion by a bird.
Seed Treatment Notes
Bird-ingested seed or acid treatment might improve results. Never discard seedling trays within 18 months of sowing as germination can be very slow.
Germination Time
Up to 18 months
Cutting & Division Information
Propagate from cuttings of fairly soft young growth. Particular care should be taken when handling because they develop long, fine roots. A well-composted soil is essential and care should be taken not to let plants dry out.