Rulingia hermanniifolia

	Family:	Sterculiaceae
	Distribution:	Eastern central New South Wales, mostly on sandstone cliffs or along gullies.
	Common Name:	No generally accepted common name.
	Derivation of Name:	Rulingia... After Dr Johann Philipp Rueling, an 18th century German botanist. hermanniifolia... Having foliage similar to the genus Hermannia.
	Conservation Status:	Not considered to be at risk in the wild.

General Description:

Rulingia is a genus of about 25 species with about 20 being found in Australia, most occurring in Western Australia. Rulingia hermanniifolia is a prostrate or trailing shrub which spreads to about 1-1.5 metres. The leaves are oblong to lance-shaped, 5 - 20 mm long and often lobed lobed with recurved margins. The upper surface is strongly wrinkled and the under surface is hairy. The small, starry flowers are white, aging to pale pink, and occur in spring.

Rulingia hermanniifolia Photo: Brian Walters

Rulingia hermanniifolia is a popular plant and has been in cultivation for many years. It has proven to be hardy in a range of climates in most reasonably drained soils and is tolerant of at least moderate frost. In full sun it provides a dense ground cover - in shadier areas the foliage may be more sparse.

Propagation can be carried out from seed which does not require pre-treatment. Cuttings of hardened, current season's growth also strike readily.