Scientific Name: Monotoca scoparia
Common Name: prickly broomheath
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Ericaceae
Form Description: Much-branched with compact growth habit, dwarf to medium shrub. Has blackish bark and leaves end in a prickly point.
Height (m): 0.2 – 1.2
Flowers: Sometimes solitary but often 2-4 crowded in very short spike. Creamy white sweetly fragrant.
Fruit: Drupe – oval, dull yellowish in colour.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Locally frequent in sandy coastal heaths in the north-west and east. Withstands extended dry periods.
Site Tolerance
Dry, Exposed
Soil Tolerance
Loam, Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained
General Notes
Takes many years to reach maximum height. Responds well to pruning and coppicing. Good for background planting. A well-composted soil is essential and care should be taken to prevent plants from drying out.
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 using bird-ingested seed or acid treatment may improve results. Never discard seedling trays within 18 months of sowing as plants are very slow to germinate.
Germination Time
Up to 18 months
Cutting & Division Information
Can be propagated from cuttings. Rooting hormones can be beneficial. Particular care should be taken when handling because they develop long, fine roots.