XYLOMELUM angustifolium

A small erect tree with narrow stiff leaves and showy cream bottlebrush flowers in spring followed by large woody pear shaped fruit. An ideal drought tolerant small tree for any hot dry situation. Responds well to heavy pruning.

Endemic to Western Australia.

Prefers a light to medium well-drained soil in an open sunny position, drought resistant but frost tender when young.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C for this species.

1. Soak seed overnight in water
2. Sow seed at a depth of 3mm in a seed raising mix.
3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Place in a warm shaded or semi shaded position to avoid dying out.
5. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 21-28 days in the right condition.

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.