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.