Family: Sterculiaceae
Common Name: Paper Flower

The 30 species in this genus of small, long-lived shrubs are natives of Western Australia, with one extending to the eastern states. The leaves are soft and velvety, and papery, bell-shaped flowers are produced over long periods, mainly in late winter and spring in the plants' natural habitats. The blooms range from white to deep pink and purple. The genus is unlikely to be available outside Australia.

Species

T. grandiflora is a spreading shrub, less than 1 m (3 ft) high, but 1.5 m (5 ft) wide. It has small, dark green, crinkly leaves. The pinkish purple, mostly pendent flowers have black cen­ters and appear from late winter to late spring.

T. macrocarpa, large-fruited thomasia, is a spreading shrub with felty, heartshaped leaves, which are toothed at the margins. A profusion of mauve to purple flowers appears throughout spring.

T. petalocalyx is native both to western and eastern Australia. It grows 60 cm (24 in) high and has small, oblong leaves, wavy around the margins. Small sprays of lilac-pink flowers with dark anthers are most abundant in early spring.

T. sarotes grows to only 60 cm (24 in) high, with a spread to 1 m (3 ft). It has soft, dull blue-green leaves, rolled at the margins. From late winter through to spring, spikes of purple flowers appear on the branch tips. In its native habitat, it flowers for much of the year.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in a cool to intermediate greenhouse or conserva­tory in pots of sandy, well-drained, soil-based potting compost. Ensure good light, but shade plants from direct, strong sun. Water in moder­ation during the growing period, but sparingly when resting. Outdoors thomasias need deep, sandy, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Propagate from seed soaked in boiling water and allowed to stand for 24 hours. Germinate in a heated propagating case. They can also be propagated from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, rooted with bottom heat.

Climate

Zone 10.