Family:

Myrtaceae

Baeckea utilis

Mountain Baeckea

Other Names:

Name Origin:

Baeckea — after A. Baeck (1713-1795), Swedish naturalist.

utilis — meaning useful.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted only in the Munderoo district, but probably occurs in similar country surrounding Munderoo.

Australia:

NSW, Vic, Tas.

Habitat:

Heath or sclerophyll forest in wet places.

Habit:

Slender shrub to 3 m high.

Site Preference:

Semi-shade in wet or poorly drained soil. Tolerates frost.

Characteristics:

Hardy in moist situations.

Flowering:

White, summer.

Seed Collection:

Monitor closely as mature seeds soon released.

Propagation:

From fresh seed or cuttings. Best sown thinly and given light covering. Capillary watering may benefit. May take 8-10 weeks to germinate.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Low-level cover in windbreaks.

Land Protection:

Useful for stabilising soil.

Ornamental:

Attractive.