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 muelleri is a small shrub to about 0.3 to 1 metre high with an erect growth habit. The small leaves are elliptical, about 2 to 5 mm long and 0.5 to 2.5 mm wide.  The white or cream flowers are about 5 to 7 mm in diameter and occur in clusters along the upper branches . They contain nectar and are frequented by honey-eating birds. Flowering occurs mainly in spring and early summer.

The species is not often seen in gardens but based on its natural distribution in the upper mountains to the west of Sydney, it should be suited to areas with cool summers. It would require a well drained position in semi shade and should not be allowed to dry out. It would also be suited to growing in a container.

Based on experience with other Epacris species, propagation should be possible 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.