M. FAGG 
Calytrix 
sullivanii 
Calytrix is an interesting member of the 
family Myrtaceae. Commonly called fringe 
myrtles this genus of shrubs is found only 
in Australia and contains seventy-two 
species. Most of the species occur in 
south-west Australia where the variation 
of flower colour is more marked than in 
eastern species. 
Calytrix sullivanii is commonly called 
the Grampians fringe myrtle for it is 
confined to the Grampians area of Vic¬ 
toria. It is a neat, spreading shrub with 
numerous slender branchlets and grows 
to a height of 1.5 m. The fine crowded 
leaves are about 10 mm long tapering to 
a point, and fresh green in colour. They 
are borne alternately along the stems. The 
white flowers are sometimes tinged with 
pink and are produced in dense terminal 
clusters which cover the bush in spring. 
Individual flowers are 15 mm across and 
composed of 5 petals with pointed tips and 
numerous fluffy stamens. The 5 sepals 
bear small bristle-like extensions or awns 
and remain after the petals fall, colouring 
to a deep pink. The fruit is one-celled and 
usually contains a single seed. 
C. sullivanii is hardy and can withstand 
periods of drought and frost. It can be used 
effectively as a feature plant or as a low 
hedge or screen plant. It does best in a 
sunny or semi-shaded position in soil 
which has been lightened by the addition 
of coarse river sand and compost. It 
responds well to pruning which should be 
carried out after flowering in spring and 
in autumn. 
This plant is easily grown from cuttings 
although it can be grown from seed. Short 
tip cuttings should be taken in Febru¬ 
ary/March and treated with a rooting 
hormone’. 2000 ppm IBA (indole butyric 
acid) is recommended. 
342 
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