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Image Credit: Rob Wiltshire – Natural Values Atlas
Scientific Name: Monotoca empetrifolia Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: mat broomheath
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Ericaceae
Form Description: Small shrub with spreading, almost prostrate branches, densely foliaged.
Height (m): 0.15 – 0.3
Flowers: 2-3 together in short spikes.
Fruit: Drupe – pale greenish-yellow, almost spherical.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Widespread in alpine heath in the eastern and central mountains above 900m and often associated with rocky sites.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Rocky, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Nutrient-poor, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Infrequently cultivated. Should do well in a well-drained position and makes a good container plant or bonsai. Responds well to pruning which promotes colourful new growth.
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 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
Difficult to grow from seed but bird-ingested seed or using acid treatment may improve results. Do not 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 using soft young growth. Use of rooting hormones can be beneficial. 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.