Family:

Thymelaeaceae

Pimelea spp.

Rice Flower

Other Names:

First Nations Name(s):

Regional Subspecies:

Similar Species:

Curved Rice-flower: Pimelea curviflora var. sericea (15-30 cm high); Slender Rice-flower: Pimelea linifolia subsp. linifolia (prostrate to 1.5 m high); Rice- flower: Pimelea ligustrina subsp. ligustrina (1-3 m high); Erect Rice-flower: Pimelea stricta (to 1.5 m high).

Occurrence:

Regional:

Predominantly east of the Olympic Highway. Also noted in the areas: Walla Walla; Deadmans-Bungowannah-Long Flat; Long Plain-West Hume and Majors Creek.

Habitat:

Various habitats, including open woodland, forest, mallee or sandhills.

Habit:

Low growing shrubs, 15 cm to about 2 m high, with attractive, mainly pink flowers.

Site Preference:

Rice-flowers generally require reasonable drainage and flower best in full sun.

Flowering:

Generally late winter – spring.

Seed Collection:

Slender Rice-flower (P. linifolia subsp. linifolia): early Oct to early Mar.

Propagation:

From cuttings, which are slow to strike. Very difficult from seed.

VALUES:

Wildlife:

Good habitat, providing nectar for native butterflies and other insects.

Ornamental:

Ornamental – excellent for rockeries. May require regular pruning to maintain shape.

Other:

Ungrazed or toxic to stock.