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Rhytidosporum spp.
Marianth
Overview
Rhytidosporum is a small genus of evergreen shrubs in the family Pittosporaceae, endemic to eastern and southeastern Australia. The genus contains roughly three to four species, typically low, wiry, much-branched shrubs 8 in to 3 ft (20-90 cm) tall that grow in heathland, dry forest, and rocky understorey. The narrow leaves are 0.2-1 in (5-25 mm) long, alternate or clustered, with smooth or slightly toothed margins and a leathery texture. Small five-petalled white to cream flowers, each about 0.2-0.4 in (5-10 mm) across, open in spring, singly or in few-flowered clusters at the branch tips. These are followed by small two-valved capsules holding several seeds with a sticky coat typical of the family. Species grow on free-draining, often nutrient-poor sandy or rocky soils and tolerate seasonal dryness once established, but they are slow to recover from prolonged waterlogging. R. procumbens is the most widespread member, forming low spreading mounds in open woodland.
Native Range
Rhytidosporum is endemic to eastern and southeastern Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and parts of Queensland. Species grow in heath, dry sclerophyll forest, and rocky slopes on poor, free-draining soils.Suggested Uses
Used in native, rockery, and low-water gardens as a small evergreen filler, and in coastal and bushland-style plantings on poor soils. Low forms such as R. procumbens suit groundcover and embankment plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 4'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in spring, from about September to November in the native range, with scattered later flowers in some seasons. The small white to cream flowers are held at the stem tips and are followed by dry capsules that split to release the seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to creamFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Rhytidosporum grows in full sun to light shade on sharply drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils of low fertility. A soil pH of about 5.0-6.5 suits the genus, which is adapted to lean, acidic ground. Established plants tolerate summer dryness and light frost but fail on heavy, wet soils where the roots stay saturated. Like many Australian natives the genus is phosphorus-sensitive and performs poorly with high-phosphorus fertilisers. Watering is needed only during establishment and in extended drought.Pruning
A light trim after flowering keeps plants compact and encourages branching. Old or straggly stems are cut back to within the foliage, as the genus reshoots from younger wood rather than from bare old stems.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons