Zieria verrucosa Warty Zieria

Are you familiar with the native plant Genus – Zieria? These are shrubs in the RUTACEAE family, also referred to as sandfly bushes. They are generally small to medium sized shrubs which can be quite long-lived. I have a Zieria that has received little attention and it is 15 years old now. Over 36 species occur in Queensland with at least 11 of these being Rare and Threatened.

Most have white or pink 4-petalled flowers which are not very large but are produced in profusion. Zieria plants contain essential oils such as safrole which has insect-repelling properties – crush the leaves and smell. Given a well-lit position and well-drained soil, they are easy to grow and respond well to a light prune occasionally.

Enthusiasts attending the Autumn Plants Market found the following species on the Grower #25 stall: Zieria collina and Z. verrucosa (classified as Vulnerable), Z. exsul and Z. bifida (classified as Endangered) and Z. vagans, Z. scopulus and Z. furfuracea subsp. gymnocarpa (classified as Critically Endangered). One lucky person even brought a Zieria that may be as yet an unnamed species from Springbrook!

For low-priced native plants and expert advice come along to our Spring Native Plants Market —click here to sign up for event updates.