Scientific Name: Richea acerosa Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: slender candleheath
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Ericaceae
Form Description: Rigid shrub with leaves only on stems of current season’s growth.
Height (m): 0.6 – 1.2
Flowers: White, cream or light pink, in small spikes at ends of branches.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Locally frequent on flat damp ground on northern mountains. Also found on mountains of the Central Plateau and west.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
A well-composted soil is essential and care should be taken to prevent plants from drying out. Some overhead shade is desirable.
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
Collect the capsules just prior to opening, while they are still green.
Seed Treatment Method
Smoke Smoke treatment improves germination in some species. Smokey products, e.g. smokey vermiculite, can be purchased and applied to the sown seed, or sown seeds can be treated directly with smoke from a source such as a drum with a fire and hose.
Seed Storage Life
Short
Seed Treatment Notes
Seed should be sown very soon after collection. Smoke treatment improves results. Surface sow or light cover the very fine seed. Do not sow too thinly or thickly. The very small seedlings should be pricked out as soon as possible as they develop long fine roots.
Germination Time
6-9 months
Cutting & Division Information
Can be grown from cuttings – some species are difficult.