Description
Common names
Chinese Shrub, Sifton Bush, Chinese Scrub, Biddy Bush, Drooping Cassinia, Australian Tauhinu, Chinese Tea-scrub, Chinese-scrub, Chinese-shrub, Sifting Bush, Tear Shrub.
Scientific names
Cassinia arcuata.
Family
Asteraceae.
Genus
Cassinia.
Name origin
Cassinia, after French botanist Count Alexandre Henri Gabriel de Cassini (1781-1832).
Rainfall
400mm+.
Growth rate
Fast.
Growth height
Up to 2m.
Presence in Australia
Not as widespread as Common Cassinia (C. aculeata), but can be found throughout most of the region.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA, WA.
Habitat
Wide range of habitats and soils.
Habit
Small open aromatic shrub to 2m high. Small narrow leaves and white woolly long slender branches. Scattered plants or dense clumps.
Site preference
Well-drained soil. Open position in semi-shade. Tolerates moist soil, full sun and drought. Resents poor drainage.
Characteristics
Fast-growing. Strong curry smell and drooping plumes of brownish flowerheads. Declared noxious weed in Culcairn Shire due to colonising habit.
Flowering
Shiny pale-brown flowerheads, spring-autumn.
Seed collection
Early Feb to late Jun. Seeds released 3-14 days after maturity.
Propagation
From seed. Surface sow fine seed and cover lightly. Seedlings very small and may be difficult to handle. Direct sowing into pots recommended.
Regeneration
Germinates any time of year and grows rapidly.
Land protection
Readily colonises disturbed and bare soils. Useful for reclaiming gravel pits or mine dumps.
Wildlife
May be food source for native birds including the Red-rumped Parrot, Turquoise Parrot, Yellow Rosella and Eastern Rosella.
Ornamental
Attractive, graceful and easily grown. Remove old flowerheads to promote flowering and dense growth.
Other
Foliage suitable for cut flower arrangements.