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STIRLINGIA latifolia
Blueboy
Family: Proteaceae
Characteristics: Small shrub to 70cm
Seed per packet: Approx 50
Seed per gram: Approx. 90
An erect small shrub typically with numerous upright stems that occur from underground and are approximately 70 cm tall. Leathery leaves up to 10 centimetres long
Yellow to yellow-brown or red-brown flowers occur in loose branching clusters above the foliage from August to October. Flowers are followed by attractive fluffy blue-grey coloured seed heads.
Prefers light to medium well-drained soil in a sunny position, drought resistant but frost tender.
Occurs naturally in the coastal regions of the Eremaean and South-West Provinces of Western Australia between Geraldton and Albany.
The seed of this species generally has a low viability of 20-40%
Grow note:
Seed is usually best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination of this genus is around 15-23°C
Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended for this species.
- Sow seed on the surface of a porous seed-raising mix. The seed will lodge in the pores of the mix once watered.
- Sprinkle a light covering of the seed-raising mix over the seed. Do not bury the seed deeply.
- Water with a fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
- Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
- Keep warm & moist, and avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
- Germination should occur in 21-42 days depending on the temperature and conditions.
Pre-treatment of smoke.
Research has shown that many members of this genus are responsive to the pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination may occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates of this species.
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying it to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.
General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.
Image by Margaret Donald 2.5 Australia (CC BY 2.5 AU)
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Importing to Tasmania Prohibited