Rhodanthe anthemoides

Rhodanthe anthemoides, commonly known as chamomile sunray, is a perennial species of the daisy family Asteraceae. It is endemic to Australia.[2] Plants have multiple stems rising from the base which reach up to 40 cm high and spread to 60 cm wide.[2][3][4] The leaves are about 10 mm long and 0.5 to 2 mm in width.[2]

Rhodanthe anthemoides
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Asterids
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Asteraceae
Tribe:
Inuleae
Genus:
Rhodanthe
Species:
R. anthemoides
Binomial name
Rhodanthe anthemoides
Synonyms
  • Argyrocome anthemoides (Spreng.) Kuntze
  • Helichrysum anthemoides Sieber ex Spreng.
  • Helipterum anthemoides (Spreng.) A.Cunn. ex DC
  • Roccardia anthemdoides (Sieber ex Spreng.) Voss

A central cluster of pale yellow flowers is surrounded by petal-like white, papery bracts. These appear between September and February in the species' native range.[3] These are followed by small dry achenes that have silky hairs.[3]

The species occurs in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.[2] Although a widespread species on the mainland, in Tasmania it is listed as "rare" under the TSP Act. It is found in mountainous regions growing in sandy soil.[2]

Cultivation

The species is commonly cultivated, preferring a well drained, lightly shaded situation. Cutting back after flowering prevents plants from becoming straggly.[4] Plants are well suited to being grown in containers.

Propagation is from seed or cuttings, named cultivars requiring the latter method to be true to type.[4]

Cultivars include:

  • 'Annan Star'[1]
  • 'Chamomile Cascade'[1]
  • 'Milky Way'[1]
  • 'Paper Baby' - a form with red buds[4]
  • 'Paper Cascade' - a form with red buds[4]
  • 'Paper Moon' ('Rhomoon')
  • 'Paper Star' - compact form[4]
  • 'Paper Trail' ('Rhotrail')[1]
  • 'Southern stars'[1]
  • 'Sunray Snow'[1]

References
  1. "Rhodanthe anthemoides". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 6 April 2011.
  2. Wilson, Peter G. "Rhodanthe anthemoides". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 6 April 2011.
  3. "Rhodanthe anthemoides" (PDF). Threatened Flora of Tasmania. Department of Primary Industries. Retrieved 6 April 2011.
  4. "Rhodanthe anthemoides". Australian Plants Society (Australia). Retrieved 6 April 2011.
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