Common name: Pink Rice Flower

Family: THYMELAEACEAE

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Origin of Scientific Name

Pimelea – (Greek) pimele – fat. Derivation is unclear, but may refer to either the fleshy cotyledons (seed leaves) or the oily seeds.

ferruginea – (Latin) ferrugineus – rust-coloured.

Description

Pimelea ferruginea is a low but erect, dense shrub that rarely exceeds 1 metre in height. Its oval leaves are bright to deep green and arranged in two rows of opposite pairs.

It is a prolific and long-flowering plant with many very small flowers appearing in dense, terminal heads from August to December. These flowers are typically pale to bright pink; however, deeper coloured forms are known as are white forms.

Very much a coastal plant, Pimelea ferruginea grows 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.

Horticultural tips

• Best propagated from cuttings from firm new growth, particularly with the use of a rooting hormone 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.
• Plant with a range of colour forms of varying ages.

For more horticultural tips view our Plant Notes section.

View in Kings Park

Visit Kings Park to see Pimelea ferruginea at the entry to the Western Australian Botanic Garden, in the floral clock and in the South Coast Garden on Forrest Drive.

Want more information?

Refer to the profile for this plant on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' FloraBase online herbarium.