AusBonsai

This another of my mystery collected plants, it has taken bare rooting, slaughtering and general neglect. It also responds well to a light feed of DL & seasol. Almost always has a flower or 3 on it and just nice to have amongst the little stuff in the bush house.
As an aside, I am having trouble with my digital camera, I can only take photos indoors with flash as any in natural light come out just wrong. If anyone can help with this I would be really thankful. Matt

Forgot to mention size. flowers approx 5mm wide leaves to 15mm long

Identification solved
By MattA - Boronia polygalifolia

Hi Matt,

The glands on the leaves lead me to believe it is in the Rutaceae family. It could be a Boronia or Phylotheca (previously Eriostemon). Then again, it could be a number of things. I'll have a better look sometime.

Joel

*EDIT* Im assuming it has a reasonably strong smell when crushed? Is it at all citrusy?

I concur on the Rutaceae but narrowing it beyond that I havent been able to do. There is an slight scent when crushed but I cant say what. It is local to me here in newcastle & i have seen it across south eastern Nsw & into Vic if that helps any.

Matt

I have just spent a very enjoyable hour in the rain at the Newcastle Wildflower nursery, lots of things I plan to add over time to my collection but the big bonus was being able to finally ID this baby after almost 3yrs with it.

It is Boronia polygalifolia YAY one less to ID.

Matt

Nice! Had any luck with boronias as bonsai? Ive heard they like stable root temperatures so small pots might be an issue.....

Joel

Hey Joel,

This is my first one and so far (3yrs) i have had no issue with it. It is growing in my shadehouse which is open on the east and half of the north side, with direct sun until about 10am in summer & till about 2pm in winter (its alittle off square to the compass). I think the small pot is no issue as it is crowded in with things all round so the pot temps stay fairly consistent with air temp.

Another club member has it growing as an understory plant in a casuarina forest, it really reinforces the image. I might have to have another chat to them about there experiences with it.

Matt

Thanks!