Callistachys lanceolata Vent.

Taxon Naming and Growth Habit

Callistachys lanceolata Vent. is an erect evergreen tree or shrub that usually grows 1.5 to 7 meters (4 feet 11 inches to 23 feet 0 inches) tall, and has young stems covered in silky hairs.

Leaf Texture and Arrangement

Its leaves are leathery, arranged in whorls (most often three leaves per whorl), and generally have a regular shape, with pointed tips.

Leaf Dimensions

Leaves range from 40 mm (1.6 in) to 170 mm (6.7 in) long and 4 mm (0.16 in) to 30 mm (1.2 in) wide.

Flowering Characteristics

It produces conspicuous, attractive inflorescences made up of racemes of yellow flowers, and flowers from September to January.

Native Distribution

This species is native to the southwestern corner and south coast of Western Australia, where it grows best in damp sandy areas, especially along watercourses, swamps, and culverts.

Horticultural Seed Collection

For horticultural use, seeds can be collected from the plant, but the seed-containing pods must be left to dry on the plant before being broken open.

Seed Sowing Preparation

Seeds should be scarified before sowing.