Agapetes meiniana

	Family:	Ericaceae (subfamily Vaccinioideae)
	Distribution:	Rainforests of north Queensland above about 1200 metres.
	Common Name:	No generally accepted common name
	Derivation of Name:	Agapetes...From Greek agapetos, beloved; derivation uncertain. meiniana...After G.Mein.
	Conservation Status:	Not currently listed as threatened under the EPBC Act*. Regarded as rare in the wild and classified as 2RC- under the ROTAP * system.

General Description:

The plant family Ericaceae (heaths and heathers) is widespread in many parts of the globe, particularly Europe and South Africa. It contains a number of widely cultivated plants such as Erica, Rhododendron and Pieris.

Most of Australia's members of the Ericaceae belong to the subfamily Styphelioideae, which was formerly classified as a separate family. the Epacridaceae. Agapetes, however belongs in the subfamily Vaccinioideae and is one of only three genera in that subfamily that are found in Australia, the other two being Gaultheria and Pernettya.

Agapetes comprises 80 or so species but A.meiniana is its sole Australian member.

Tubular shaped flowers of Agapetes meiniana Photo: Brian Walters

Agapetes meiniana is a shrubby, semi-climber with glossy, oval to lance-shaped leaves up to 70 mm long. The leaves have a pinkish tinge when new. The red or pink tubular flowers occur in the leaf axils and may occur at any time of year in its natural habitat. They have a waxy appearance and are bell shaped to about 30 mm long.

The species has proven to be very hardy even in cool climates but can be difficult to flower successfully in such areas. It is best grown in a semi shaded moist location protected from full sun. Its attractive foliage make it an excellent container plant and it can be grown successfully indoors.

Propagation is relatively easy from cuttings. Like all members of the Ericaceae, A.meiniana forms very fine roots which can be easily damaged on repotting. Striking cuttings in individual small tubes is recommended. Information on propagation from seed is not available.

* EPBC Act = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999;
  ROTAP = Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and Leigh, 1988)
  For further information refer the Australian Plants at Risk page