Scientific Name: Richea dracophylla Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: pineapple candleheath
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Ericaceae
Form Description: Erect slightly branched shrub.
Height (m): 1.5 – 5
Flowers: White in large dense terminal spikes 13cm long with large brown bracts protruding from head.
Fruit: Tiny 5-segmented capsule, splitting when dry.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Locally frequent in Alpine and Sub-alpine forests.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Shady, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, 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 before opening.
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
May be grown from fresh seed. Surface sow or lightly cover. Do not sow too thinly or thickly. Smoke treatment may improve results. The very small seedlings should be pricked out as soon as possible as they develop long fine roots. A well-composted soil is essential and care should be taken not to let plants dry out. Some overhead shade is desirable.
Cutting & Division Information
Can be grown from cuttings, although some species are difficult.