Scientific Name: Styphelia esquamata

Common Name: swamp beardheath

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Ericaceae

Threatened Species Status: Rare

Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.

Form Description: Small shrub with numerous erect branches.

Height (m): 0.3 – 0.6

Flowers: White, 2-3 together on short stalks. Disk lacking 5 scales typical of others in the species.

Fruit: Drupe – approximately 4 mm long, glabrous, brown, in 2-3 segments.

Municipality
Flinders
Plant Communities
No data available for this species
Habitat Notes

Local in central Flinders Island.

Site Tolerance

Moist

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Not easily maintained in cultivation. It is suggested that most species require a well-drained, well-composted soil with cool root run provided by large flat stones or a thick mulch. Some shade is also considered beneficial.

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 Treatment Method

Storage Stratification at 3-5°C for up to 3 months may improve results. Place seed in a damp medium, lightly covered. Put moist seeds in a plastic bag and store in the fridge.

Seed Storage Life

Short

Seed Treatment Notes

Storage of seed in a dark place for 3-6 months may promote germination. Sow in media inoculated with soil from around parent plant. Keep trays in partial shade. Stratification may reduce germination time. Bird-ingested seed has provided some very good results.

Germination Time

3-18 months

Cutting & Division Information

Usually propagated from cuttings of barely firm young growth. The percentage strike is generally low and the roots that are formed are very fine and easily damaged in repotting operations.