Pimelea ferruginea
Common name: Pink Rice Flower
Family: THYMELAEACEAE (50 Genera)
Origin of Scientific Name
Pimelea – Greek pimele = (soft) fat. Derivation is unclear, but may refer to either the fleshy cotyledons (seed leaves) or the oily seeds.
ferruginea – Latin ferrugineus = rust-coloured.
Description
Prolific and long-flowering, with many very small flowers appearing in dense, terminal heads. Typically pale to bright pink, deeper coloured forms are known, as are white forms.
Leaves are bright to deep green, oval and arranged in two rows of opposite pairs (decussate). Rarely exceeding 1 m in height, this is a low but erect, dense shrub.
Distribution
Very much a coastal plant, Pimelea ferrugineagrows in sand dunes and rocky headlands from Port Denison, (just south of Geraldton) in the north, to Israelite Bay, (east of Esperance) on the south coast.
Flowering Season
August to February.
Cultivation/Propagation
Can be grown from seed, but germination is unreliable. Cuttings from firm, new growth tend to strike well, particularly with the use of a rooting gel.
Prefers full sun, but will grow in partial shade. Tolerates varying soil types, but does require good drainage. An excellent choice for coastal gardens.
Pests and Diseases
None to mention.
View This Plant In Kings Park
At the entry to the Western Australian Botanic Garden (opposite Fraser’s Restaurant), in the floral clock and in the first garden bed west of the water garden, adjacent to Forrest Drive. To help locate this site, you may download the Western Australian Botanic Garden brochure via our brochures page.