Scientific Name: Philotheca verrucosa
Common Name: fairy waxflower
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Rutaceae
Form Description: Small shrub, sprawling or erect. Extremely variable.
Flowers: White or pink, 5+ petals, 1.5cm across, solitary on numerous leaf axils near end of branch.
Fruit: Capsule – dry; separates into one-seeded parts which are dehiscent. Smooth, black seeds are released on maturity.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Found in the eastern part of the state mainly on rocky hillsides or sandy areas in heath or eucalyptus forest.
Site Tolerance
Dry, Rocky, Shady
Soil Tolerance
Clay, Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
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 Information
Seed Collection
Only 1-2 weeks between ripening of first and last seeds. Monitor seeds closely or bag fruits. Dry and sieve.
Seed Treatment Method
Leaching Some species require extended time in nature weathering prior to germination as chemical inhibitors are broken down in the seed coat. Replicate this process by flushing away the inhibitor with frequent washing e.g. place the seeds in a stocking in a toilet cistern and drape it over the top for easy handling.
Seed Treatment Notes
Use dry heat or nick seed before hanging in running water for 7-14 days, or light a fire over seed bed, burn 5 minutes, cool, then water.
Cutting & Division Information
Propagate from cuttings, which can be slow to form roots.