Keraudrenia
is an Australian genus consisting of around 10 species. It belongs to the
Sterculiaceae family and the similarities with the Guichenotia and Thomasia
genera are very obvious.
Few of the species have found their way into cultivation but many delight
visitors to WA where desert species contribute to the fabulous wildflower
display in winter and spring.
Perhaps the best known of the species is Keraudrenia integrifolia
(Common or Purple Firebush). This small shrub to 1.5m is native to inland areas
in all states except Victoria and Tasmania. It has rusty coloured stems and
narrow leaves with a rusty felt. The pendant buds are mauve and very hairy. They
open out into star shaped flowers with mauve calyx lobes instead of petals. They
require a sunny location with sandy soil and excellent drainage. These plants
are tolerant of frost.
Keraudrenia hermannifolia is a West Australian species with blue/purple
flowers and lobed, hairy green leaves. You can see a picture at
Some of the West Australian Keraudrenias are endangered species.
Keraudrenia corrolata, commonly called Velvet Flower, is native to
eastern Australia from north of Sydney to the brigalow belt of Central
Queensland. The variety K. corrolata var. denticulata is regarded
as an endangered species in the Hawkesbury region and other parts of northern
NSW. Keraudrenia lanceolata is commonly called Queensland Velvet Flower
and is native to central Queensland.
While Keraudrenia's beauty is subtle, its drought tolerance means that it is
the kind of plant that may have garden potential in the future with careful
selection and research. Let's hope that all the genetic diversity will still be
available when that time comes.
Keraudrenia
is an Australian genus consisting of around 10 species. It belongs to the
Sterculiaceae family and the similarities with the Guichenotia and Thomasia
genera are very obvious.