Scientific Name: Pimelea milliganii Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: silver riceflower
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Thymelaeaceae
Threatened Species Status: Rare
Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.
Form Description: Low, much-branched silvery shrub. When looked at from above leaves form a cross.
Height (m): 0.3 – 1
Flowers: Heads to about 1.5cm across, few-flowered. Flowers white, exterior densely hairy.
Fruit: Nut
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Occasional in alpine heath at altitudes of 900m to 1250m near the west coast.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Rocky, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Nutrient-poor, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Not usually cultivated and plants may not flower well at low altitude. Best results are likely to be achieved in well-drained acidic soils, sunny or semi-shaded sites. Hardy to most frosts and snowfalls. 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 to grow from seed. Seed releases very quickly when ripe especially in hot weather. Allow fruit to mature in warm place. Rub over screens to remove outer covering.
Seed Treatment Notes
Some success has been reported with the burning of small twigs and leaf litter on top of the seed, although results are very erratic. The seed may respond to a combination of heat and smoke treatment.
Cutting & Division Information
Can be grown from cuttings of barely firm young growth which should strike readily. Care should be taken not to strip back the young bark.