Comesperma ericinum, commonly known as heath milkwort, pink matchheads or pyramid flower, is a slender shrub of the family Polygalaceae. It grows to between 1 and 1.5 metres high and branches out vertically. The leaves are 5 to 25 mm long and 1 to 4 mm wide. Purple, lilac-pink or white "winged" flowers are produced in clusters at the end of the stems from October to January.The species was first formally described by Swiss botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis in 1824, and given the name Comesperma ericina, which was later amended to the current name.The species occurs in the states of South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland in Australia.
How to keep Comesperma Ericinum.
Pruning
To encourage dense foliage and vibrant flowers, it's important to prune heath milkwort in early spring. Start by trimming away any dead or weak stems, and cut back healthy growth by one-third. Regular pruning not only enhances flowering but also prevents the plant from becoming too leggy, ensuring it remains healthy and visually appealing.
Botanical profile.
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Comesperma
- Family
- Polygalaceae
Other names.
