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

Common Name: hybrid candleheath

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Ericaceae

Form Description: Small shrub with spreading branches, the tips crowded with a rosette of leaves. Has the appearance of a hybrid of Richea scoparia and Richea pandanifolia but has none of the usual indicators of hybridity. Richea curtisiae often occurs with dracophylla and milliganii, from which it can be distinguished by its wider leaves.

Height (m): 1.5 – 2

Flowers: Flower spike, erect at ends of branches.

Municipality
Central HighlandsDerwent ValleyHuon ValleyKentishMeander ValleyWest Coast
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationHeath
Habitat Notes

Alpine heath in the southwestern mountains.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Loam, Nutrient-poor, Poorly-drained, 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

  • 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

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.

Cutting & Division Information

Can be grown from cuttings – some species are difficult.