Scientific Name: Pimelea cinerea Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: grey riceflower
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Thymelaeaceae
Form Description: Straggling shrub, branches and lower surfaces of leaves covered with long hairs.
Height (m): 1 – 1.5
Flowers: White to greenish-white, about 0.5cm long, exterior hairy, bisexual.
Fruit: Dry, nut-like – black.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Known from scattered localities in the south, west and north. Grows in the understorey of rainforest and wet forest at all altitudes.
Site Tolerance
Moist, Shady
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Should adapt well to free-draining soils with good moisture retention. Likes semi-shaded aspect, is hardy to most frosts and tolerates snowfalls. It has potential as a cut foliage crop and as a hedging plant. 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 fridge 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 of very young growth. Care should be taken not to strip back the young bark.