Description
Common names
Silky Lomatia, Forest Lomatia, Tree Lomatia, The Tree Lomatia.
Scientific names
Lomatia fraseri.
Family
Proteaceae.
Genus
Lomatia.
Name origin
Lomatia, from Greek loma, fringe or border, referring to leaf stalk-border around seed wing. Fraseri, after Charles Fraser (1788-1831), first Superintendent of Sydney Botanic Gardens.
Rainfall
900mm+.
Growth height
Up to 8m.
Presence in Australia
Areas east of the Hume Highway with higher rainfall.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas.
Habitat
Margins of cool and warm temperate rainforest in mountain areas. Also forests, open woodlands and exposed heaths up to 1500m altitude.
Habit
Shrub or small tree to 8m high. Grey to grey-brown bark and stiff leathery leaves 6-12cm long, the upper surface green and the lower silky.
Site preference
Deep, moist well-drained soil in sun or shade. Tolerates some wetness, most frost, limited dry periods and most soils and aspects.
Characteristics
Very variable, particularly leaf shape.
Flowering
Creamy white, summer.
Seed collection
Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity. Large quantities produced in leathery black fruit.
Propagation
From seed or cuttings. Germinates readily from fresh seed. May be suitable for sowing directly into pots or into field. Seedlings grow slowly.
Wildlife
Good habitat.
Ornamental
Very attractive ornamental. Interesting foliage and seed follicles. Mulch with well-rotted compost and prune lightly.