Scientific Name: Orites diversifolius Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: variable orites

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Proteaceae

Form Description: An erect, rigid, slightly branched shrub.

Height (m): 1 – 3

Flowers: Candles of small cream flowers near the ends of branches, strongly honey scented.

Fruit: Woody seed follicle – boat shaped in loose clusters at the ends of branches. Seed has a large wing.

Municipality
Central HighlandsDerwent ValleyGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKingboroughLauncestonMeander ValleyWest Coast
Plant Communities
Dry Eucalypt ForestRainforest
Habitat Notes

Found in sub-alpine situations in the south and west. When growing on clay, the clay will be dolerite-derived.

Site Tolerance

Moist, Rocky, Shady

Soil Tolerance

Clay, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Difficult to grow in lowland situations. Leaf size varies; in rainforest it can be twice as large as the form found on kunanyi/Mt. Wellington.

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
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Follicles open and release seed immediately on ripening. Can be collected once follicle starts to turn from green to brown.

Seed Treatment Method

Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.

Seed Treatment Notes

May be propagated from fresh seed but difficult to grow in lowland situations.

Cutting & Division Information

Can be propagated from cuttings easily on heat and mist.