General Description:

Aluta is a small genus of 5 species which are closely related to Thryptomene.  Four of the species were previously classified in that genus.   They are generally small shrubs of about 1.5 metres high or less and are found in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Aluta maisonneuvei is a small shrub up to 1.5 metres high.  The small leaves are oval shaped and about 2.5 mm long by about 1 mm wide.  Like many members of the myrtle family, the leaves contain aromatic oils. The small, pink flowers have 5 petals and 5 stamens and are about 6 mm diameter..  They appear in the leaf axils mainly in autumn to spring but flowers will sometimes be seen at other times of the year. Two subspecies are recognised which differ in the size of the leaves and the arrangement of oil glands.

A. maisonneuvei does not appear to be widely cultivated.  Based on experiences with the closely related Thryptomene, the plant can be expected to be hardy in well drained soils in a sunny or lightly shaded location.  It would also be expected to be tolerant of moderate frosts and respond well to pruning to develop a well-shaped and attractive bush.  Like other related species, it would be expected to be an excellent cut flower.

Propagation from seed is unreliable. However, cuttings of hardened, current seasons growth should strike readily.