Pimelea arenaria
Family: Thymelaeaceae
What it is like
Pimelea arenaria is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Coastal dunes and hollows all over North, South and Chatham Islands.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit. The fruit is about 3mm in diameter. No more details are given.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
A fibre obtained from the stems is used as a tying material.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
How it is grown
Prefers a lime-free peaty well-drained loam in a sunny position. This species is not very hardy in Britain, the plants usually require greenhouse protection but could succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. A very ornamental plant but it is rather slow growing. Flowers are produced on the tips of the previous seasons growth. Plants may suffer from sudden die back. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: 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, July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings 5cm long in late spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist