Family:
Thymelaeaceae
Pimelea linifolia
Slender Rice-flower
Other Names: Granny’s Bonnet, Queen of the Bush, Queen-of-bush, Flax-leaf, and Native Candy-tuft
Regional Subspecies:
P. l. subsp. caesia, P. l. subsp. collina, P. l. subsp. linifolia, P. l. subsp. linoides
HABIT:
Prostrate or erect shrub to 1.5 m high. Narrow leaves, dark green on upper surface, 4-29 mm long. White, pink or rarely yellow flowers (June-Jan).
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
Mainly on gravelly soil on hillslopes and ridges. Generally requires reasonable drainage and flowers best in full sun. Prefers from 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Collect seed early Oct-late Mar. Monitor closely as mature seeds shed quickly. Propagate from cuttings, which are slow to strike. Very difficult from seed. Slow growth rate.
VALUES & USES:
Provides good habitat and an important nectar source for native butterflies and other insects. Ornamental and excellent for rockeries. Best planted in groups. Not grazed by stock.