Family:
Ericaceae
Brachyloma daphnoides
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.