| This small shrub of about 1 metre has stout woolly branches and rounded dull green leaves. Its green flowers resemble a bird attached by its beak to the central stalk of the flower head. Flowering occurs from winter to spring, and sometimes in autumn. The fruit is a club-shaped pod, about 4-5cm long, which is swollen, hard and velvety. A native of central Australia it prefers light, well-drained soils in an open, sunny position. Drought and frost resistant. 10 seeds Germination: 5-15 days Pre-treatment: Pour just-boiled water over seeds in a container and soak for 24 hours. Sow swollen seeds, re-treat others. Sowing: Depth of seed, keep warm and moist, but not wet. |