Scientific Name: Zieria arborescens subsp. arborescens

Common Name: stinkwood

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Rutaceae

Form Description: Tall shrub. Crushed leaves had a strong unpleasant smell.

Height (m): 3 – 4

Flowers: Each flower has 4 pink or white petals. They grow in clusters near the ends of branches.

Fruit: Papery capsule – 2 seeded.

Municipality
Break O’DayBrightonBurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsCircular HeadDerwent ValleyDevonportDorsetGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSorellSouthern MidlandsTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Wet Eucalypt Forest
Habitat Notes

Common throughout the main island and on some Bass Strait Islands from sea level to about 1100 m. Usually found amongst the shrubby understorey of tall forest. Seems to do well after fires.

Site Tolerance

Moist, Shady

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Moderate flammability. Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi.

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

Clip branch ends or seed heads into bags. Seed falls readily once dry.

Seed Treatment Method

Hot Water Hot water is used to soften the hard seed case of some species. This replicates the weathering process. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the seeds and allow them to soak for 4-12 hours.

Seed Treatment Notes

Smoke treatment has also been successful.

Cutting & Division Information

Fairly easy from cuttings. Soft wood – Jan/Feb from non-fruiting stems; semi-hardwood – Mar/Apr/May.