Pimelea axiflora
Family: Thymelaeaceae
What it is like
Pimelea axiflora is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. 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): 3.5
Where it is found
Humid valleys.
Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A very tough fibre obtained from the stems is used as a tying material and for cordage.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this plant and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, but there is an alpine form that only grows about 50cm tall and it is likely that this form will succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. 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. 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