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Australian Native Plants

Looking for a plant

20 years ago

Hi! I hope someone there can help me. I recently saw a picture of an Australian native plant that my garden would love to have. It was this cute little plant that I seem to remember is a shade plant. The one I saw had these fuzzy little cat like tails. This particular one was two toned pink and white. The book did give it's name, but my brain was apparently too busy making goggly eyes at the plants picture. The closest looking plant I can find here is a foam flower or a tiarella. The Australian plant seemed to be ummm, I don't know, fuller? fuzzyier?

Does this plant sound familar to anyone there?

Thanks for your help.

Pam

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Comments (4)

gregaryb
20 years ago
I suspect the plant is a Ptilotus and possibly Ptilotus macrocephalus or Featherheads. Unfortunately this species is very rare, at least in Victoria Australia, and it is very difficult to obtain plants.

Although I am glad to say that I recently obtained some seeds and have at least one germinate. I need to experiment a bit to find the right conditions in a garden setting for them. I suspect they will require heavy clay soils with ample winter moisture.

Send me an email address and I will send you a photo of the plant. gregsplants@eftel.net.au

Just a general warning however. In Australia we have big problems with plants from overseas becoming environmental weeds (you could also call them environmental cancer) and pushing plants like Ptilotus to the brink of extinction. Similarly many Australian plants are now environmental weeds in other countries, including the USA, and causing similar problems. Just be mindful of what you import into your country and seek expert advice before doing so.
flingo
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks so much for your help! I found the plant listed in another book. What I was asking about turns out to be a Hebe. Now I just have to find out the name of the one I am searching for and then the hunt for it begins!
I appreciate your time.
Happy St. Patrick's Day :)
Pam
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User
20 years ago
Hi Pam Hebe are a native from New Zealand not Australia..
Have a look at the link below lots of photo's there.
Cheers...MM.

Here is a link that might be useful: New Zealand Native Plants.
flingo
Original Author
20 years ago
Hi Mistymorn,

Thanks for the link, it was most helpful. I went to our library and looked up hebes, several of the books (the older ones) had them being from Australia, only one had it correct! I have to admit that I was amazed at the misinformation. Wonder what else I think I know that is wrong wrong wrong. Well at least I know better now,
have a happy weekend,
Pam

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