Family: Dilleniaceae
Common Name: Guinea Flower

These hardy, decorative evergreens are among the best known of the native genera of the east-ern coast of Australia. Though mostly shrub-like, there are some climbing species. They have shiny, dark green foliage and open, starry flow­ers, similar to the buttercup, ranging in colour from golden yellow to apricot. A cluster of yellow stamens appears in the centre of the five loose petals.

Species

Not all of the following are available outside their country of origin.

H. astrotricha, trailing guinea flower, has a spreading or trail­ing habit, densely packed, fine leaves and bright yellow, spring flowers. It grows to a height of 1 m (3 ft) and a spread of 2 m (6 ft).

H. bracteata is a low-growing, branching shrub, to 35 cm (14 in), with yellow flowers.

H. dentata is a low-growing species which sends out twining runners and bears yellow flower's, 2 cm (1 in) across.

H. montana is a low shrub, with yellow flowers in early spring.

H. obtusifolia, to 30-90 cm (12-36 in), has small, shiny, grayish green leaves and large, cup-shaped, yellow flowers.

H. procumbens has a mat-like habit and produces bright yellow flowers.

H. scandens is a vigorous climbing plant, sometimes growing up to 4 m (13 ft) high, though it can be equally well be trained as a groundcover. It has smooth, dark green foliage and bright golden yellow flowers which are sometimes fragrant. The capsule-shaped fruit has scarlet seeds.

H. stellaris, from Western Australia, is fairly rare in the wild and very difficult to cultivate. This is a pity as it is one of the most beautiful of the species, having fine, bronze-tipped foliage, and a profusion of lovely, deep apricot to orange flowers which bloom over a long period.

H. stricta has a pros­trate habit and grows to 30 cm (12 in). The yellow flowers have hairy brown bracts.

Cultivation

In climates prone to frost, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Use a soil-based potting compost and ensure good light but shade from direct sun. Plants like a reason-ably humid atmosphere. Prune lightly after flowering. Outdoors grow in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. Propagate from
semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, rooting them with bottom heat.

Climate

Zone 10.