Scientific Name: Pimelea axiflora subsp. axiflora
Common Name: bootlace bush
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Thymelaeaceae
Threatened Species Status: Endangered
Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.
Form Description: Small to medium shrub with few, slender branches.
Height (m): 1 – 3
Flowers: White to cream, exterior hairy, in few-flowered clusters in axils.
Fruit: Dry, nut-like
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Local on the islands of Bass Strait. Usually found in moist habitats from the coast to inland mountain ranges.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Loam, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Moderate
General Notes
Plants grow best in moisture retentive, moderately well-drained, acidic soils in semi-shade or dappled shade. Hardy to most frosts and light snowfalls. Hard pruning promotes bushy growth. Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi.
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
Very difficult from seed. Seed releases very quickly once ripe. Slightly immature fruit can be harvested and allowed to mature in a warm position. Rub on wire screens to remove outer coverings.
Seed Treatment Method
Cold Some species require exposure to cold before they germinate. These species are best sown in early winter and left to germinate in a shade house.
Seed Treatment Notes
May respond to a combination of heat and smoke treatment or stratification may be useful. Secure seeds in a plastic bag with a mixture of wet sand and peat and hold in frig at 2°C for at least six weeks. If germination does not occur within 30 days seed can be stratified for another 3 weeks.
Cutting & Division Information
Usually grown from cuttings which are slow to strike. Care should be taken not to strip back the young bark.