General Description:

Persoonia is a genus of about 100 species and, with the exception of one species in New Zealand and another in New Caledonia, they occur only in Australia. They can be found in all States but are absent from semi arid and arid zones. Persoonias are known generally as “geebungs” in the eastern States and “snottygobbles” in the west. They are shrubs or small trees.

Persoonia chamaepitys is a prostrate shrub less than about 0.3 metres high with a spread of up to 2 metres. The bright green, pine-like leaves are moderately hairy when young and are up to 15 mm long and 1 mm wide with revolute margins. The small yellow flowers are borne in the leaf axils at the ends of the branches and are seen during spring and summer. The flowers are followed by fleshy fruits which are cream with reddish markings and about 10 mm in diameter.

Persoonia chamaepitys is a very attractive and desirable garden plant. Its fresh, green foliage is attractive at all times of the year and the flowers, although small, are well displayed and contrast well against the fresh, green foliage. The species is native to altitudes above about 400 metres and may not be suitable for warm and humid, low altitude locations. It prefers a situation in full sun or part shade in well drained soils and, once established, it can withstand periods of dry weather. Despite the difficulty in propagation (see below), plants are sometimes available through specialist Australian plant nurseries.

Persoonias, generally, have proven to be difficult to propagate from both seed and cuttings and, unfortunately, P.chamaepitys is no exception.