General Description:

Pembertonia is a monotypic genus comprising just the single species P.latisquamea, which was previously classified as Brachyscome latisquamea¹.  It is usually a climbing plant that will scramble over adjacent vegetation but can be shrub-like if isolated from other plants. The leaves are linear to narrowly oval-shaped, up to 70-80 mm long and 10-12 mm wide.  The large and conspicuous “daisy”-type flowers are about 50 mm in diameter and usually mauve or purple in colour  (occasionally white).  Contrary to popular belief, a daisy “flower” is not a single flower but a cluster of small flowers surrounded by petal-like ray florets.  Flowering occurs during winter and spring but sometimes extends into summer.

Although not common in cultivation, Pembertonia latisquamea is an attractive plant that would be suited to gardens in dry climates.  It may be more difficult to maintain in wetter, humid areas. Although a climber, its moderate growth is highly unlikey to overwhelm adjacent plants. It would require a sunny or lightly shaded position in well drained soils.

Propagation can be readily achieved from seed which is sometimes available from commercial suppliers. Cuttings can be expected to strike readily.

1. Short, P. S. (2004). Three new genera of Australian Astereae (Asteraceae). Muelleria. 20: 64-65 (2004).