About Crowea saligna Andrews
Crowea saligna Andrews is a small shrub, typically growing between 1 and 1.5 metres (3 to 5 feet) in height, with noticeably angled branches. Its leaves are 30 to 60 millimetres (1 to 2 inches) long and 3 to 13 millimetres (0.1 to 0.5 inches) wide, shaped as narrow elliptic to lance-shaped. The leaves are dark green, shiny, dotted with oil glands, and have a clearly visible central mid-vein. Flowers grow from the axils of leaves, on a stalk that is 5 to 13 millimetres (less than 1/2 inch) long. This species has 5 short, broad sepals and 5 overlapping petals arranged in a star shape. Petals are most often pink, sometimes white, and measure 12 to 18 millimetres (1/2 to 1 inch) long. The stamens are hairy and surround the centre of the flower. Flowering occurs between January and June; after flowering, dry fruits develop that have 5 compartments, each opening to release 2 seeds. This species, commonly called willow-leaved crowea, is distributed in Sydney between Woy Woy and Yerrinbool, and on the adjacent Blue Mountains. It grows in sheltered locations on sandstone. Crowea saligna is widely cultivated in horticulture because of its attractive flowers, which bloom when most other plant species are dormant. It grows best in a well-drained position in full sun or semi-shade. It prefers moist soils, but will tolerate extended dry periods once it is well established.
