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.