Scientific Name: Richea gunnii Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: bog candleheath

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Ericaceae

Form Description: Shrub with widely diverging branches.

Height (m): 0.3 – 1

Flowers: Flowers, usually white, 3-5 together on lateral branches.

Fruit: Capsule

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieCentral HighlandsDerwent ValleyDorsetGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsWaratah-WynyardWest Coast
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationSedgeland and Wetland
Habitat Notes

Dominates bog in eastern and central mountains.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Waterlogged, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Nutrient-poor, Poorly-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

  • 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, Cuttings

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

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 tap roots.

Cutting & Division Information

Can be grown from cuttings, although some species are difficult.