Description
Common names
Urn Heath, Honey-gland Heath.
Scientific names
Melichrus urceolatus, Styphelia urceolatus.
Family
Epacridaceae.
Genus
Melichrus.
Rainfall
400mm.
Growth height
0.2-1.5m.
Presence in Australia
Common predominantly east of the Olympic Highway.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic.
Habitat
Dry sclerophyll forest, Cypress Pine woodland and wattle scrub on skeletal sandy or loamy soils.
Habit
Upright, stiffly-branched shrub 20-150cm high with prickly leaves and downy branches.
Flowering
Crowded white, cream or yellow-green urn-shaped flowers, Mar-Nov.
Seed collection
Collect fruit when ripe. Wash off or eat fruit pulp and store or sow seed.
Propagation
From cuttings of relatively soft young growth. May be difficult to strike. Very difficult from seed.
Regeneration
Regenerates from a lignotuber.
Wildlife
Good habitat.
Ornamental
Attractive in gardens. Prune moderately.
Other
Edible fruit.