Australian Heaths
Brian Walters
It's a considerable source of irritation to those who appreciate the native plants of Australia to hear exotic names applied to them. It's understandable, I suppose, that early European settlers would describe the local flora in familiar terms. But that was over 200 years ago!!! So why do we persist with names like "Native Fuchsia", "Native Frangipani" and "Native Daphne"? It would be understandable if most of these names were appropriate, but I've yet to see any native species remotely resembling a fuchsia, for example!
The name "Australian Heaths" is also a bit irritating. These are members of the Epacris family (Epacridaceae) and they have a superficial similarity to the heaths (mainly Erica) of Europe and Africa. Some botanists even believe that the Australian heaths should be transferred to the Erica family (Ericaceae), so I suppose we can live the the term 'heath" being applied to the Australian plants.
Epacris (generally pronounced with the accent on the middle syllable) is the principal genus in the family, but other members include Styphelia, Leucopogon, Sprengelia, Woolsia and Richea. Collectively these are called "epacrids" but only relatively few are well known, even to native plant enthusiasts.
"Heath" is actually a type of vegetation that usually occupies exposed coastal or mountain ridges. It's characterized by low-growing plants, usually having small leaves to prevent desiccation in drying winds, with perhaps a few small trees emerging here and there. The plants of heathland are diverse and come from many different genera and families. However, almost invariably present are the epacrids. These are not restricted entirely to heathland, of course, and can be found in open forests and, occasionally, rainforests.
Most of the epacrids are small shrubs which produce an attractive, massed display during the winter/spring months. They are essentially Australian (about 75% of the species occur here). One solitary species is found in South America, a relic of when the southern continents were joined as Gondwana.
It's rare to find members of the Epacris family available for sale in garden centres. In fact the South African and european Ericas are undoubtedly more familiar to Australian gardeners.
All this is a little surprising, particularly as Epacris was one of the first Australian species introduced into cultivation in England. The genus was apparently quite popular in those early years and several hybrids were developed.
Due to the scarcity of plants, I don't intend to describe many of the species. This will just serve as an introduction and perhaps stimulate you to keep a look out for them on your next winter bushwalk.
The two most widely grown species (Epacris impressa and E.longiflora) are also two of the most attractive. So let's look at those two first.
Epacris impressa
This is known as the "Common Heath", a name that does so little to describe the beauty of the plant, it borders on the insulting! The species has the distinction of being the first to be adopted by an Australian state as a floral emblem. It was declared Victoria's emblem in 1958...which should be reason enough for those in the garden state to grow it. But the plant is so spectacular that the rest of us shouldn't let floral parochialism deter us. Actually the species occurs in Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales as well as in Victoria but it probably has more diversity of form in the latter state.
This plant has small leaves, typical of the "heaths", and the long, tubular flowers may be pink, red or white. It grows to about 0.5 metres in height with flowering generally commencing in the winter months and continuing through to late spring.
There are several different forms available and they differ in their adaptability to garden conditions. One form that has been successful in many districts is the red flowered "Bega" form which obviously can be found in the bushland around that town, but it's fairly widespread along the far south coast of New South Wales.
Another interesting form (but, unfortunately not as hardy as "Bega") is the variety "grandiflora". As the name suggests, it has larger flowers. A double flowered form is also in cultivation.
Epacris longiflora
This is another very spectacular species that is common in moist, sandstone areas around Sydney. It also occurs in southern Queensland.
The flowers are similar to E.impressa although often longer (to about 3-4 cm) and are usually red with white tips. An all-white form is available in nurseries. The plant often has a sprawling or arching habit of growth which, I think, adds to its appeal. It's not neat! But you can keep it trimmed if you must....
This plant goes by the unfortunate common name of "Fuchsia Heath". I've sometimes heard a few people call it "Cigarette Flower" - which makes one wonder what sort of cigarettes they've been smoking....
Epacris reclinata
Some regard this as the most beautiful of the Epacris species and it's hard to argue with that view when you see it in its natural habitat in the higher parts of the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.
The flowers are similar in shape to the previous species and are generally a beautiful deep pink or red in colour. The plant rarely exceeds about 1 metre in height but, in cultivation, it performs best in colder districts.
Epacris obtusifolia
This is a fairly widely distributed species which has a growth habit and general appearance similar to a number of other epacrids. It can be found in damp heathlands in all of the eastern states. It is a compact plant with white, tubular flowers to about 1 cm long.
Leucopogon lanceolatus
The genus Leucopogon consists of about 160 species, mostly Australian but some are also found in New Zealand and in islands to the north of Australia.
L.lanceolatus is a medium to large bushy shrub, usually 2 to 3 metres high but occasionally higher. Flowering is usually in spring and the small, white flowers are about 4 mm long, occurring in racemes of up to 10 or more flowers. As is typical of the genus, the flowers have hairy lobes.
Lissanthe strigosa
Lissanthe is a small genus of about six species all endemic to eastern Australia.
L.strigosa is the most widely distributed member of the genus and it occurs in a range of habitats. It is a small, stiff shrub to about a metre in height but often smaller. The white to pink flowers are tubular and about 25 mm long, occurring in clusters in the leaf axils towards the ends of the branches.
| Photos: Jill Dark; Brian Walters |
Richea pandanifolia
The genus Richea consists of about 10 species, all but one of which are endemic to Tasmania.
R.pandanifolia is a tall palm-like species which grows from 2 to 12 metres high. It is reportedly the largest heath plant in the world. Anyone who has walked around Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain in Tasmania will have seen this species looming out the forest along the route.
The plant usually grows on a single stem but may be occasionally branched. It has tapering leaves with "sheathing" bases i.e. the base of the leaf wraps completely around the stem. The white or deep pink flowers occur on panicles (a branched inflorescence) up to 25 cm long. They arise from the leaf axils and are often hidden among the leaves.
Sprengelia incarnata
Sprengelia is a small genus of 4 species all endemic to eastern Australia. They are small, wiry shrubs usually found in moist, protected locations.
S.incarnata occurs over a wide range and is sometimes cultivated by enthusiasts. It is an erect shrub up to a metre high and about 0.5 metres wide. The stem-clasping leaves wrap around the stems and overlap (sheathing). The pale pink, star-shaped flowers occur in elongated clusters from the ends of the branches.
Styphelia tubiflora
The Styphelias are an interesting group. The flowers are similar to Epacris but have the ends of the petals rolled back. They are also sometimes called "Five Corners" because of the shape of the fruit.
S.tubiflora is a native of coastal and mountain areas of New South Wales. It may have yellow, green or red flowers but is rarely cultivated due to the lack of availability of plants. If you can obtain one (or any other Styphelia for that matter), you will find it very rewarding.
Woolsia pungens
While very similar to many of the Epacris in general appearance, Woolsia has distinctive flowers with the tips of the petals curving backwards slightly. The flowers occur in terminal spikes and are usually white but pink forms exist.
W.pungens is the only species in the genus Woolsia and it can be found in coastal and mountain areas of New South Wales and Southern Queensland.
Growing Conditions
While generalisations are always dangerous, most of the epacrids appreciate moist (but not wet or boggy) soils. Well drained sandy loam would be ideal. The plants seem to perform best with some protection from full sun but not heavy shade. There is no need to apply regular applications of fertiliser; a small quantity of a slow-release type at planting time is adequate for several seasons.
If the straggling habit developed by some species is undesirable, plants may be given a light regular pruning after flowering.
Most of the epacrids are particularly suited to growing in containers. The sight of Epacris longiflora with its arching branches covered with red and white bells is truly spectacular!
Growing Your Own
Propagation of Epacris and its relatives is not recommended for the beginner. It's not that they are impossible to propagate, it's just that there are better ways to gain a bit of confidence...like banging your head against a brick wall, for example. No! No! I'm exaggerating! But seed is not readily available and success with cuttings can be unpredictable.
Sometimes, though, excellent results can be obtained using methods that have consistently failed previously. For example, Dracophyllum secundum (a beautiful species with dramatic, sheathing leaves and racemes of pink flowers) is a notoriously difficult species to propagate. However, a few years ago I managed a 50% strike, a feat I'd never achieved previously (or since, for that matter). It just goes to show that we still have a lot to learn about the mysteries of our native flora.
Cuttings seem to strike best with the use of hormone solutions to promote root growth. In my experience a solution comprising a mix of Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) works better with this group of plants than a single hormone. 1000 mg/L IBA/500 mg/L NAA has given good results with some species. The problem for amateur growers is obtaining supplies. One product known as "Esi-Root" has a combination of these two substances and would be worth trying (provided you can find a supplier and provided you can keep a straight face when asking for it!). Another product that I've used successfully with Epacris longiflora is "Clonex" - this seems widely available and the "purple" variety is probably best.
One point to remember with any of these products is that their effectiveness deteriorates over time. They should be stored in a refrigerator when not being used.
Oh,...and if you do have some success in striking cuttings, be very careful potting them up. They have very fine and fragile roots which are easily damaged.
Based on an article published in the September/October 1993 issue of "Gardens and Backyards" magazine
Australian Plants online - 2009
Australian Native Plants Society (Australia)
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