General Description:

Bonamia is a genus of about 65 species of small shrubs or vines occurring in mainly tropical areas of the world including North and South America. 16 species occur in Australia and are found in all mainland states except Victoria.

Bonamia erecta is a small, perennial shrub with erect stems to 60 cm high. The leaves are oblong to elliptical in shape and are covered in fine hairs.  They are about 15 mm long and 10-12 mm wide.  The white or cream flowers are about 15 mm in diameter and occur singly or in pairs from the leaf axils. Flowering occurs mainly in winter, extending into spring.

Bonamia erecta is not common in cultivation but would be well suited to gardens in arid and semi-arid areas.  It will tolerate extended dry conditions once established and can be lightly pruned if necessary to promote a bushy shape.  It requires soils with good drainage and prefers an open, sunny position.

Propagation can be carried out from cuttings of hardened, current season’s growth. Propagation from seed is also possible but the seed has a hard, woody coat which needs to be ‘nicked’ to allow moisture to reach the embryo so that germination can occur.  Soaking seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours may assist germination.