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| Family: |
Epacridaceae |
| Distribution: |
Sandstone areas of the upper Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. |
| Common Name: |
No generally accepted common name |
| Derivation of Name: |
Epacris....from Greek, epi, upon and acris, a summit, referring to the altitude where some species occur
reclinata....bent downwards, referring to the leaves |
| Conservation Status: |
Not considered to be at risk in the wild. |
General Description:
The genus Epacris consists of about 40 species of mainly small shrubs. Most are endemic to Australia but a few species can be found in New Zealand and New Caledonia. They occur in a variety of habitats from alpine areas to coastal heaths.
E.reclinata is usually a small shrub of less than a metre in height with an open, straggling habit of growth. It occurs in moist, protected locations among rocks. The branches are stiff and have small, heart-shaped leaves about 50mm long. The flowers are narrow and tubular, about 15mm long and occur in the leaf axils. They contain nectar and are frequented by honey-eating birds. The colour ranges from pink through to bright red. Flowering occurs from autumn through to spring.
Like other members of the genus, E.reclinata is a very desirable and attractive plant but it is not particularly easy to maintain in cultivation for long periods. It should be given a well drained position in semi shade or full sun and it is also a very attractive plant for a container.
Propagation of E.impressa is usually by cuttings of firm current season's growth. The species can be grown from seed but this is not readily available.
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Updated: Friday 9 November 2007.
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