Diplolaena grandiflora

Location & distribution maps

Common name:         Wild Rose

Conservation status: . . .

Etymology:   

• The specific epithet of grandiflora meaning "large-flowered"

Flowers

• In a period between late autumn and spring, it produces showy, upright or pendant flowers

• These have a cluster of red stamens in the centre, surrounded by pinkish-red bracts

Fruit:                            

Leaves:         

• The leaves are ovate and are up to 5 cm in length and are dark green on the top and downy on the undersides

Stem & branches: 

Roots:         

Habit:        

• Grows to between 0.5 and 3 m high and has an erect habit

Habitat:   

• On limestone outcrops and ridges 

Distribution:                  

• Between Geraldton and North West Cape

Additional notes:    

• Taxonomy

  • Despite its common name of "wild rose", it is not closely related to the rose, but rather it is placed in the family Rutaceae

  • The first known scientific collection of the species was by William Dampier during a voyage to New Holland in 1699

  • The type specimen was collected in 1801 from Dirk Hartog Island during a French voyage of exploration captained by Jacques Hamelin and Nicholas Baudin

  • The specimen was brought back to France and described by René Desfontaines in 1817

• Cultivation

  • Propagation is by cuttings or from seed. It prefers good drainage and part shade and requires pruning to enhance flower production

Sources of information:

•  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplolaena_grandiflora (2024)