Callistemon rugulosus

Scarlet Bottlebrush
Callistemon macropunctatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Myrtales
Family:	Myrtaceae
Genus:	Callistemon
Species:	C. rugulosus
Binomial name
Callistemon rugulosus (D.F.K.Schltdl. ex Link) DC.
Synonyms
Metrosideros macropunctata Dum.Cours. Metrosideros rugulosa Willd. ex Link Callistemon laevifolius (Miq.) Cheel Callistemon macropunctatus (Dum.Cours.) Court [1]

Callistemon rugulosus, also known as Scarlet Bottlebrush is a shrub in the family Myrtaceae. It is native to the states of South Australia and Victoria in Australia.

Description

Scarlet Bottlebrush grows up to 4 metres in height and has stiff, sharply pointed leaves which are 3 to 5 cm long and 4 to 7 mm wide. The flower spikes are 5 to 8 cm in length and about 4 to 5 cm in diameter occur between November and February (mid spring to late summer) in their native range. The stamens are rosy-red with yellow anthers imparting a golden-speckled appearance.^[1][2]

Distribution

This species occurs in mallee scrubs and low open woodland in the northern Grampians, the Big Desert, the Little Desert, and the Mount Lofty Ranges. Within these areas it is found in sandy depressions and near watercourses in soils that are seasonally moist. ^[2]

Cultivation

This species prefers light, moist soils but can withstand periods of drought. It also exhibits a degree of frost and salt tolerance. Compact growth is encouraged by pruning after flowering. ^[3]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Callistemon rugulosus". Electronic Flora of South Australia Fact Sheet. State Herbarium of South Australia. http://www.flora.sa.gov.au/cgi-bin/texhtml.cgi?form=speciesfacts&family=Myrtaceae&genus=Callistemon&species=rugulosus. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Costermans, L. (1981). Native Trees and Shrubs of South-eastern Australia. Australia: Rigby. ISBN 072701403x. 
3. ^ Greig, D. (1987). The Australian Gardener's Wildflower Catalogue. Australia: Angus & Robertson. ISBN 0207154600. 

External links

"Callistemon rugulosus". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/apni?taxon_id=43692.