Description
Common names
River Lomatia, Long-leaf Lomatia, Long Leaf Lomatia, Long-leaf Lomatia., Mountain Beech.
Scientific names
Lomatia myricoides, Lomatia longifolia.
Family
Proteaceae.
Genus
Lomatia.
Name origin
Lomatia, from Greek loma, fringe or border, referring to leaf stalk-border around seed wing. Myricoides, from Greek Myrica and oides, similar to, referring to resemblance Myrica species, the Wax Myrtles.
Rainfall
900mm+.
Growth height
2-5m.
Presence in Australia
Noted in the areas Paddy"s River-Burra Valley and Tooma. Probably also in surrounding areas in similar country.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: NSW, ACT, Vic.
Habitat
Often along watercourses or in sclerophyll forest, at altitudes up to 1000m.
Habit
Open shrub or small tree 2-5m high. Narrow leaves 5-20cm long, with toothed margins.
Site preference
Shaded cool positions in moist well-drained soil. Tolerates most frost, and dry periods once established. Tolerates short periods of wetness.
Characteristics
Very attractive river bank shrub.
Flowering
Usually creamy (sometimes pink), summer. Fragrant. Flowers regularly except during drought.
Seed collection
Early to late Jul, when follicle becomes dark and splits. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity. Large quantities produced.
Propagation
From seed or green hardened cuttings. Germinates readily from fresh seed. Grow young plants in pots for 12 months before planting out. Seedlings from seed and cuttings slow-growing.
Regeneration
From seed.
Shade and shelter
May be useful low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land protection
Useful in controlling streambank erosion due to soil-binding fibrous roots. Tolerates floods.
Wildlife
Probably food source for insect and nectar-feeding birds, and stream habitat for fish.
Ornamental
Attractive for screening or informal hedges. Flowers well with summer watering. Lightly prune regularly to promote bushiness. Grows in full sun if ample moisture available.
Other
Flowers suitable for indoor decoration.