Brachyloma daphnoides

Family:

Ericaceae

Daphne Heath

Other Names:

Regional Subspecies:

Brachyloma daphnoides subsp. glabrum; B. d. subsp. daphnoides (not common)

Occurrence:

Regional:

Widespread in hilly country east of the Olympic Highway.

Habitat:

Heath, dry sclerophyll forest and woodland on sand, sandy loams or occasionally more clayey soils.

Habit:

Upright shrub 40-150 cm high with bristly branchlets and small dull grey-green leaves.

Characteristics:

Requires well-drained soil in dappled shade or partial sun. Frost tolerant. Slow-growing.

Flowering:

Creamy honey-scented flowers, mainly Aug-Dec.

Propagation:

From cuttings of fresh new growth. Prune or burn parent plants to obtain growth for cuttings. Difficult from seed, although smoking may improve results.

VALUES:

Wildlife:

Good wildlife habitat. Nectar-rich flowers are food for birds, particularly honeyeaters.

First Nations:

Raw fruits eaten.

Ornamental:

Attractive garden ornamental.