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PROTEA susannae | Stink Leaf Sugarbush

PROTEA susannae

Stink Leaf Sugarbush
Red List of South African Plants: Near Threatened

SKU: B 53
Stock: In Stock

Family: Proteaceae
Characteristics: Robust shrub 2-3 metres

Seed per packet: 5
Sold by seed count

Qty:
$8.25 AUD Excl. GST

Protea susannae is a sturdy, upright shrub that grows up to 2-3 meters tall and spreads across 3-4 meters. It has a single stem up to 15 cm in diameter. The flower heads are cup-shaped, with pink-brown involucral bracts covered with a sticky brown layer. They are 8-10 cm long and can open up to 11 cm wide. You can find these flower heads mainly in autumn-winter (May to July), but sometimes they can be found from autumn until spring (April to September).

The leaves are oval, wavy, and 8-16 cm long. They curl upwards and have an unpleasant, sulphurous smell when crushed. The young leaves are covered with minute soft hairs, which fall off as they mature and become leathery.

Protea susannae is currently Near Threatened, meaning that it may become in danger of extinction in the near future. Due to urban expansion, invasive alien plants, protea farming, and thatch harvesting practices, it has lost nearly 30% of its population. Additionally, the loss of 25% of its distribution range has caused a decline in its population due to a dense infestation of alien acacias, contributing to this decline.

However, Protea susannae is one of the easiest proteas to grow. It can thrive in various soils, from acidic to alkaline soil, and can be grown in any well-drained soil. It is particularly suitable for deep sandy soil.
Occurs naturally in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Red List of South African Plants: Near Threatened

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.

  1. The growing medium should be well draining but should remain damp between watering.
  2. 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. 
  3. Keep moist but not too wet, as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out. 
  4. Germination should occur in 30-60 days, depending on the temperature and conditions. 

Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended:
Members of the Proteaceae are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination will often occur without smoke treatment, it has proved to be 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 to discard seeds that do not germinate; seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural germination requirements.
  • As with all seeds, they must have adequate water to keep them moist but not too wet.
  • These growth notes are provided as guidance only and do not guarantee successful germination.

If you are uncertain about the requirements for importing seeds into your country, do not hesitate to contact our Export Manager at Australian Seed.

Being a registered Export Establishment, we can provide a full export service from obtaining a Phytosanitary certificate (if required) to delivering your parcel to the transport company of your choice.

It is important to note that the buyer is responsible for clearing the goods through customs and paying all associated charges, including import fees and taxes. Please note that we cannot accept returns due to Australian quarantine restrictions.
You can find the complete International terms and conditions by clicking on this link

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