General Description:

The plant family Ericaceae (heaths and heathers) is widespread in many parts of the globe, particularly Europe and South Africa. It contains a number of widely cultivated plants such as Erica, Rhododendron and Pieris.

Like most of Australia’s members of the Ericaceae, Epacris belongs to the subfamily Epacridoideae, which was formerly classified as a separate family, the Epacridaceae. Epacris consists of about 40 species of mainly small shrubs. Most are endemic to Australia but a few species can be found in New Zealand and New Caledonia. They occur in a variety of habitats from alpine areas to coastal heaths.

Epacris microphylla is a small, erect shrub up to 1 metre high. The small, concave leaves are small, oval to circular in shape and about 5 mm long and 2-4 mm wide with an acute apex.  The white flowers are about  up to 4-6 mm long and 1.5-4 mm wide and occur in a massed display from the leaf axils, mainly along the upper branches . They contain nectar and are frequented by honey-eating birds. Flowering occurs mainly in winter and spring.

The species is well known in cultivation and is suited to temperate and sub-tropical areas. It prefers a well drained position in semi shade and should not be allowed to dry out. It is also a very attractive plant for a container.

Propagation of E.microphylla is usually by cuttings of firm current season’s growth. Like most epacrids, the roots are very fine and easily damaged during transplanting. Cuttings are probably best placed into individual small pots or tubes to minimise root disturbance. The species can be grown from seed but this is not readily available.