Family:
Myrtaceae
Callistemon pityoides
Alpine Bottlebrush
(syn. C. sieberi)
Other Names:
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Noted in the areas: Ournie and Talmalmo-Murray. Probably also occurs in similar country surrounding these areas.
Australia:
Qld, NSW, Vic.
Habitat:
Boggy areas. Often peaty granite heathland or shallow water in open sites. Alpine and subalpine areas and tablelands.
Habit:
Shrub to 3 m high with silvery-grey new growth. Narrow, almost cylindrical leaves, mostly 1-2 cm long.
Site Preference:
Periodically wet ground in partial or full sun. Tolerates frost. Drought sensitive.
Characteristics:
???
Flowering:
Golden yellow or cream, Nov-Feb, and sporadically throughout year.
Seed Collection:
Any time, as seeds generally retained for many years. Seeds not usually released until plant meets with adversity such as injury, drought or fire. Collect from older wood.
Propagation:
From seed (± 300 viable seeds per gram) or tip cuttings which strike readily.
Regeneration:
From seed in seasonally inundated sites.
VALUES:
Shade & Shelter:
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks on moist sites.
Land Protection:
Useful in controlling gully erosion as fibrous roots bind soil.
Wildlife:
Excellent bird attractant due to nectar (for honeyeaters) and foliage, refuge for small birds. Flowers are a pollen source for native butterflies and moths.
Ornamental:
Attractive. Withstands hard pruning.