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PROTEA acaulos
Ground Sugarbush
Family: Proteaceae
Characteristics: Ground covering shrub to 30 cm spread 1 m
Seed per packet: 5
Sold by seed count
Protea belongs to the ancient plant family Proteaceae, which split into two subfamilies, Proteoideae and Grevilleoideae, before the separation of the Gondwanaland continent around 140 million years ago.
Protea aulos is a low-growing shrub that can reach a maximum height of 7-30 cm and a width of up to 1 meter. It produces flowers in spring.
The branches are underground, and the plant grows as densely packed tufts of leaves poking out of the ground. The thick roots form an underground lignotuber and will re-sprout if the plant is destroyed.
It is a very long-lived species; each generation of plants is thought to last from 50 to 100 years.
The plant is monoecious, with both sexes in each flower.
The best time to sow is usually autumn or spring when the temperature range is between 16-22°C, and there is a difference of day and night temperatures of around 12°C.
If your summers are hot and dry and winter is moderate and wet, autumn is the best time to sow.
In colder climates with less harsh summers, it is usually better to sow in spring.
- The growing medium should be well draining but should remain damp between watering.
- Sow the seed equal to its side deep. Vermiculite is an excellent medium to cover the surface as it helps retain moisture and controls the temperature.
- Keep moist but not too wet, as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out.
- Germination should occur in 30-60 days, depending on the temperature and conditions.
Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended:
Members of the Proteaceae family are responsive to smoke pre-treatment. Although germination will often occur without smoke treatment, it has proved beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species of the Proteaceae family.
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken by soaking the seed overnight or applying it to the surface after sowing; both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.
*Please note:
- Please do not be too hasty in discarding seeds that do not germinate; seeds will often lay dormant until conditions are like their natural germination requirements.
- All seeds must have adequate water to germinate; keep them moist but not too wet.
- These growth notes are provided as guidance only and do not guarantee successful germination.
- Customers should do their due diligence and ensure they are suited to their region.
Importing to Tasmania Prohibited