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Description
Eriostemon Australasius, also known as waxflower, is a flowering plant native to Australia. This shrub belongs to the Rutaceae family and is known for its clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom in spring and summer. It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has a dense, bushy habit. Its leaves are narrow, glossy, and dark green. The fruit of the Eriostemon Australasius is a woody capsule that contains several seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Eriostemon |
| Species | Eriostemon Australasius |
Appearance
The Eriostemon Australasius has a compact and bushy habit. Its leaves are lance-shaped, glossy, and dark green, measuring about 2-5 cm long and 2-8 mm wide. The plant’s white, fragrant flowers appear in clusters of 5-10 and can grow up to 2 cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals and numerous stamens. The fruit of the Eriostemon Australasius is a woody capsule that measures about 6-8 mm long and contains several seeds.
Care Guide
To keep your Eriostemon Australasius healthy and thriving, you need to provide it with the right care. Here are some tips:
Water: Water your Eriostemon Australasius regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize your Eriostemon Australasius every spring with a balanced fertilizer. Use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid burning the roots.
Soil: The Eriostemon Australasius prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. You can add organic matter like compost to improve the soil quality.
Sunlight: The Eriostemon Australasius needs full sun to thrive. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Hardiness Zones: Eriostemon Australasius is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. If you live in a colder region, you can grow it in a container and move it indoors during winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Eriostemon Australasius is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and caterpillars. To control these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet, so make sure to avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Eriostemon Australasius is native to Australia, where it grows in scrublands and woodlands. It prefers well-draining, sandy soil and full sun exposure. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Eriostemon Australasius in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Eriostemon Australasius in a container. Make sure to use well-draining soil and move the plant indoors during winter if you live in a colder region.
Q: How often should I fertilize Eriostemon Australasius?
A: You should fertilize Eriostemon Australasius once a year in spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Q: How tall does Eriostemon Australasius grow?
A: Eriostemon Australasius can grow up to 1.5 meters tall.
Q: Does Eriostemon Australasius attract bees?
A: Yes, Eriostemon Australasius is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Eriostemon Australasius:
- Eriostemon myoporoides
- Eriostemon buxifolius
- Eriostemon virgatus
References
- “Eriostemon Australasius.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), 2021, https://anpsa.org.au/e-aus.html.
- “Eriostemon Australasius.” Gardening Australia, 2021, https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/erostemon/9427580.
- “Eriostemon Australasius.” PlantNET – The Plant Information Network System of the Botanic Gardens Trust, 2021, https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Eriostemon~australasius.
