The rules for posting are simple!

1. Every Friday post a photo that includes one or more flowers.
2. Please only post photos you have authority to use.
3. Include a link to this blog in your post - http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com/
4. Leave the link to your FloralFridayFoto post below on inlinkz.
5. Visit other blogs listed ... comment & enjoy!

When to Post:
inlinkz will be available every Thursday and will remain open until the next Wednesday.

Thursday 21 February 2013

FFF66 - CROWEA EXALATA

Crowea exalata, or Small Crowea, is a flowering plant in the family Rutaceae, which is native to the states of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria in Australia. It is a small shrub growing to 1 metre tall. It is named after James Crowe, an 18th-19th century surgeon and botanist. The specific name exalata means without wings, referring to the lack of ridges on the stems - this is not a definitive characteristic.

This species flowers during most months of the year, resting only in extremes of heat and cold, and with flushes in autumn and spring. Pointed buds open to five-petalled starry flowers 2 cm across, in clear tints of rose purple. They are of a solid waxy substance, and make a vivid display for the size of the plant. Before falling they close again to look like buds of deeper pink. Propagation by cuttings is easy using tip growth (which is very soft in character), at a half-ripe stage.

Nurseries dealing in native plants usually stock this small shrub and it should be planted in light, lime-free soil. A position with some shade is desirable - otherwise the soil should be shaded in some way from hot sun. This may be done by surrounding the plant with 5-10 cm of leaves, bush litter or compost. Rocks make an attractive setting, and in fact this is a beautiful rockery subject. Pruning should be done to maintain bushy growth, or a straggly plant with bare stems may develop. The end of winter is a good time to do this - or any time when sprigs of cut flowers are wanted, as these are dainty and long-lasting in water.

Join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below, and please leave a comment once you have done so!

8 comments:

  1. Glad to be back Nick...you have another beautiful flower that is new to me...thank you for it and for hosting.

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  2. I'm back on track....thanks for hosting this great challenge! Have a good day!

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  3. Beautiful flower. I love the colour.

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  4. Quite beautiful.
    Thanks for hosting this lovely meme.

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  5. Wonderful macro, love color and details ♥
    Wish you a nice weekend,
    moni

    Please, visit my blog:
    http://www.reflexionblog.de

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  6. Very lovely flower indded!!
    Every time you show one of your beautiful flowers
    I wonder if I can grow it in my garden.
    But again the flower is not suited for our climate.
    I believe it is also called Waxflower
    and it is used here in flower arrangements.
    - Cheers Gisela.

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