Sandfly Bush
Zieria smithii

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

Zieria smithii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is in leaf all year, in flower in April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.8

Where it is found

Sandy forests or cleared areas near the coast, also in humid forest valleys to elevated mountain ravines.

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Relieves headaches, though in concentration it can cause headaches.

Other

Rating: 3

An essential oil obtained from the leaves has similar properties to rue, Ruta graveolens. The yield is about 0.4%. The essential oil from rue is used in perfumery and as a food flavouring. Rue was also formerly used as a strewing herb. A yellow dye is obtained from the bark. Wood - tough, yellow.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country, especially if plants are obtained from the colder provenances of its range. See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a warm greenhouse in the 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. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings. We have no information but suggest trying cuttings of almost ripe wood, August in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Z. arborescens. Z. lanceolata.