Botanical art
Prior names
Baeckea diffusa
Baeckea ramosissima ssp. ramosissima
Common names
Rosy Baeckea
Etymology
Euryomyrtus from the Greek 'eurys' meaning broad or wide and the genus Myrtus, presumably referring to the relationship of the two genera. This genus was formerly classified as Baeckea but is now generally distinguished from Baeckea by the 3-celled ovary and reniform seeds. Ramosissima from the Latin 'ramosus' meaning many branches and the suffix '-issimus' meaning greatest degree; referring to the very branched habit of the species.
Distribution and status
Found on Kangaroo Island, southern Mount Lofty Ranges and the lower South-east in South Australia, growing in heathland, woodland and dry sclerophyll forests on sandy or loamy soils. Also found in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Native. Common in South Australia. Common in the other states.
Herbarium regions: Southern Lofty, Kangaroo Island, South Eastern, Green Adelaide
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)
Plant description
Small semi-prostrate shrub to 60 cm high, sparsely branched to densely matted. Leaves linear-lanceolate or narrowly ovate to 14 mm long and 3 mm wide, leathery. Inflorescence solitary, rarely 2, with white to deep pink flowers to 15 mm across. Flowering between August and January. Fruits are reddish brown globular capsule to 4.5 mm diameter. Seeds are dark brown reniform seed to 2 mm long and 1.1 mm wide, covered in small tubercules.
Seed collection and propagation
Collect seeds between November and March. Collect mature capsules, those that are turning reddish brown, fat, hard with non-open valves. Maturing fruits need to be observed as most will naturally release their seed. Place the capsules in a tray and leave to dry for a week or two. Then rub the dried fruit gently to dislodge the seeds. Use a sieve to separate the unwanted material. Store the seeds with a desiccant such as dried silica beads or dry rice, in an air tight container in a cool and dry place. Seeds are non-dormant, viable seed should germinate readily.