Crinklebush (Lomatia silaifolia, Trans. Linn. Soc. London 10: 199 (1810))

Family: Proteaceae

Author: (Sm.) R.Br.

Bibliography: Trans. Linn. Soc. London 10: 199 (1810)

Year: 1810

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lomatia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Queensland to NE. New South Wales

Description

Crinklebush, known scientifically as Lomatia silaifolia, is a fascinating and resilient member of the Proteaceae family. First documented by Robert Brown in 1810, Crinklebush has since been recognized for its unique characteristics and ecological significance.

This evergreen shrub is native to a range extending from southeastern Queensland to northeastern New South Wales in Australia. Its adaptability to various environments within this region highlights its hardiness.

Crinklebush is easily identifiable by its intricately lobed, dark green leaves which give it a ‘crinkled’ appearance, hence the common name. The foliage provides a unique texture to the plant, making it a desirable choice for gardeners and landscapers seeking to add contrast and interest to their collections.

The plant’s flowers, while not the largest or most conspicuous, contribute significantly to its charm. Blooming predominantly from late spring to early summer, the small, creamy-white flowers are arranged in clusters, attracting a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies. This not only aids in the plant’s reproduction but also supports the surrounding ecosystem by promoting biodiversity.

In its native habitat, Crinklebush plays an essential role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion due to its robust root system. It thrives in poor soils where many other plants would struggle, making it an ideal candidate for rehabilitation projects in disturbed or degraded landscapes.

Caring for Crinklebush in cultivation is relatively straightforward. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant, reflecting its adaptation to the often harsh Australian climates.

Overall, Lomatia silaifolia, with its distinctive foliage and hardiness, is a valuable plant both ecologically and horticulturally. Its ability to enhance garden aesthetics while supporting local wildlife makes it a superb addition to any Australian native plant collection.

Common Names

Eng: crinklebush, fern-leaf lomatia, parsleybush, wild parsley
En: Crinklebush, Fern-leaf lomatia, Wild parsley, Parsleybush
Fa: آب‌چکان کریمه‌ای

Synonyms

• Tricondylus sinuatus ((R.Br.) Kuntze)
• Tricondylus silaifolius ((Sm.) Knight)
• Lomatia silaifolia var. latifolia (R.Br.)
• Lomatia silaifolia var. induta (Benth.)
• Lomatia silaifolia var. typica (Domin)
• Lomatia silaifolia var. divaricata (Domin)
• Lomatia elegantissima (Hend. ex R.Hogg)
• Lomatia silaifolia f. angustifolia ((R.Br.) Domin)
• Lomatia silaifolia var. stenoloba (Domin)
• Lomatia silaifolia var. angustifolia (R.Br.)
• Lomatia silaifolia f. pinnata ((R.Br.) Domin)
• Embothrium crithmifolium (Steud.)
• Grevillea silaifolia ((Sm.) Donn)
• Lomatia sinuata (R.Br.)
• Lomatia silaifolia var. pinnata (R.Br.)
• Lomatia silaifolia f. latifolia ((R.Br.) Domin)
• Embothrium herbaceum (Cav.)
• Embothrium silaifolium (Sm.)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 29, 2022 by Michal Svit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Birgitta Tittel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2019 by Andrew McNamara (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 13, 2022 by Alan Johnson (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7287007)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:705172-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lomatia silaifolia (Sm.) R. Br.)

Specifications

Growth