Bellendena montana R.Br.

Scientific Nomenclature and Growth Form

Bellendena montana R.Br. is a low, spreading, multistemmed shrub.

Size Dimensions

It reaches 10 cm (3.9 in) to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) in height, and grows to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) across.

Leaf Shape and Structure

Its leaves are thick and variable in shape, ranging from oblanceolate to spathulate to wedge-shaped (cuneate), with recurved margins.

Leaf Size

They measure 1–6 cm (0.4–2.4 in) long and 0.2–2.2 cm (0.08–0.87 in) wide.

Geographic Leaf Variation

Plants from north-eastern Tasmania have narrower leaves than populations found elsewhere.

Altitudinal Leaf Variation

Populations growing at higher altitudes have smaller leaves and more tightly crowded foliage.

Inflorescence Characteristics

Flowers grow in terminal racemes that sit on short stems above the plant's foliage.

Fruit Characteristics

After flowering, the plant produces small, egg-shaped (obovate) bright red or yellow fruit, which ripen in late summer and autumn.

Altitudinal Range

This species is found at altitudes above 1000 m (3500 ft), and only rarely occurs as low as 400 m (1,300 ft).

Soil Preferences

It grows on well-drained, low-nutrient soils, most commonly formed from dolerite, and sometimes from quartzite or basalt.

Habitat Types

Its typical habitats include rocky outcrops, boggy areas, and alpine heathland.

Cultivation Status

Bellendena montana has attractive flowers, fruit, and foliage, but it is not commonly cultivated.

Cultivation Challenges

It is difficult to grow successfully at low altitudes, and propagation by either seed or cuttings is unreliable.