About Rhodanthe anthemoides (Spreng.) Paul G.Wilson
Rhodanthe anthemoides, commonly called chamomile sunray, is an upright to ascending, bushy perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm (12 in) high and up to 60 cm (24 in) wide. Its leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, and are sometimes crowded. They are thick, linear or lance-shaped, measuring 4–15 mm (0.16–0.59 in) long and 0.5–2 mm (0.020–0.079 in) wide. Leaves are mostly smooth, with occasional glandular hairs on the margins and midrib. Flower heads are borne singly at the end of slender stems that grow from the plant's base. The inner involucral bracts are white, papery, and elliptic shaped, reaching about 6 mm (0.24 in) long. Each flower head holds 30 to 40 yellow florets. Flowering occurs from September to February. The fruit is a small, dry achene about 2 mm (0.079 in) long that is covered with silky hairs. This species has a widespread distribution, growing in sandy, rocky, and alpine herb fields across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. While it is widespread across the Australian mainland, it is listed as "rare" under Tasmania's Threatened Species Protection Act. Rhodanthe anthemoides is commonly cultivated. It prefers a well drained, lightly shaded growing position. Cutting back the plant after flowering prevents it from becoming straggly. It grows very well in containers. It can be propagated from either seed or cuttings. Named cultivars must be propagated from cuttings to retain their characteristic traits.
