Astroloma conostephioides

(Sond.)Benth.

Flame heath

Ericaceae Edible: Fruit

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Astroloma conostephioides is a hermaphroditic species growing in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils. It tolerates mildly acidic to basic pH ranges, grows in semi-shade or full sun, and prefers moist soil.

Description

A stiff shrub. It grows to 1 m high and spreads to 60 cm wide. The stems are hairy. The leaves are very narrow and 1-2 cm long. The edges are rolled under. They end in a sharp point. They are grey. The flowers are bright red. They are like tubes and 2 cm long. They occur singly in the axils of leaves and hang down. The fruit are pulpy berries.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It can grow in subtropical, temperate and semiarid regions. It grows in heath and open forest. It can grow in moist well drained or dry soils. It can tolerate heavy frosts.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from cuttings. These are difficult to root. New growth cuttings grown under mist is suitable.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses

Notes

There are about 20 Astroloma species.

Synonyms

Styphelia behril J.Black

References (12)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 115
Cronin, L., 1989, The Concise Australian Flora. Reed. p 24
Dashorst, G.R.M., and Jessop, J.P., 1998, Plants of the Adelaide Plains & Hills. Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and State Herbarium. p 116
Greig, D., 1996, Flowering Natives for Home Gardens. Angus & Robertson. p 58
Grieg, D., 2002, A photographic guide to Wildflowers of South-eastern Australia. New Holland. p 31

Show all 12 references

Heyne, G. & P., 1985, Australian Plants for your Garden. Lothian. p 35
Holliday, I., 1979, A Field Guide to Australian Native Shrubs. Rigby. p 18
Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 149
Low, T., 1991, Wild Food Plants of Australia. Australian Nature FieldGuide, Angus & Robertson. p 132
Low, T., 1992, Bush Tucker. Australia’s Wild Food Harvest. Angus & Robertson. p 42
Molyneux, B & Forrester, S., 1997, The Austraflora A-Z of Australian Plants. Reed. p 46
Morley, B.D., & Toelken, H.R., (Eds), 1983, Flowering Plants in Australia. Rigby. p 114