Thryptomene

Over the next few months, the delightful shrub Thryptomene will be flowering in the WA Botanic Garden, and near Zamia and Koorak Cafés. They are real eyecatchers, thanks to their abundance of small pink, mauve or white flowers that are very similar to – but much smaller and more delicate – than those of the closely related waxes, Chamelaucium species. The tiny flowers are carried in clusters amongst the leaves near the tip of the main stem and side branches.

They are usually compact shrubs with many slender, arching branches and small leaves densely packed in opposite pairs along the stem. Most species are upright or spreading shrubs but some are prostrate, spreading close to the ground. The genus Thryptomene is found throughout Australia and occurs in all states and mainland territories; however, most species (around fifty) are restricted to Western Australia, especially in the south-west and, of these, almost thirty are rare or endangered in the wild.

Flowers are produced over a prolonged period at a time of year when very few other plants are flowering so prolifically. Many are flowering now in the Botanic Garden, especially in the South-West Garden and Roe Gardens. There is also a fine display along the eastern side of the Conservation Garden that is easily seen from the Forrest Carpark. Elsewhere, there are excellent plantings in the display beds in May Drive Parkland near Zamia Café, and around Koorak Café at the Poolgarla Family Area.

These attractive, easy-to-grow plants have no common name but, instead, are referred to simply as thryptomenes. If you are wondering about this name, Thryptomene is from Greek and means ‘coy, broken or made small’, which probably refers to the plants’ small stature and tiny flowers. Perhaps they would be better known and more widely grown if they had a more distinctive common name!

Ask the Guides at the Visitor Information Centre for suggestions of the best places in Kings Park to see these special Western Australian plants or join one of our free daily guided walks to see what is flowering now.