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Common Name: Mallee Riceflower

General Information

Pimelea microcephala is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - all mainland states.

Habitat

Mainly on sandy soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.50 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a lime-free peaty well-drained loam[, ] in a sunny position[].
Rather slow growing[]. Flowers are produced on the tips of the previous seasons growth.
Plants may suffer from sudden die back.
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. No more details are given.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A tough fibre obtained from the stems is used as a tying material and for cordage[, ].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn if this is possible, otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Give the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, mid summer in a frame[].
Softwood cuttings 5cm long in late spring[].