Scientific Name: Sprengelia distichophylla Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: tiny swampheath

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Ericaceae

Form Description: Usually prostrate scrambling shrub with branches 2-5cm long.

Flowers: Solitary at ends of branches, white or pink.

Fruit: Capsule

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

Local in mountains of the west coast, south of Moore’s Lookout.

Site Tolerance

Moist

Soil Tolerance

Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

A well-composted soil is essential and care should be taken to prevent plants from drying out.

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
Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Capsules ripen in sequence up the stem. When the lower capsule has opened the capsules above can be collected. Shake small seeds from capsule when dry.

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 Treatment Notes

Difficult to grow from seed. Smoke treatment may improve results. The very small seedlings should be pricked out as soon as possible as they develop long fine roots.

Cutting & Division Information

Usually grown from cuttings which may be difficult to strike.