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

Common Name: rigid candleheath

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Ericaceae

Form Description: Shrub forming a compact rounded bush in exposed situations.

Height (m): 0.4 – 1.2

Flowers: Cream, in spikes at ends of branches. Petals form cap which does not open but falls away.

Fruit: Capsule

Municipality
Break O’DayCentral HighlandsCircular HeadDerwent ValleyDorsetHobartHuon ValleyKentishLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsWest Coast
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine Vegetation
Habitat Notes

Widespread and common on mountains, especially on rocky slopes.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Rocky, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Very similar to Richea procera but has wider more rigid leaves. 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 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.