Rhaphiolepis umbellata
Common name
sexton’s bride
Family
Rosaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Conservation status
Not applicable
Habitat
Terrestrial.
Features
Bushy shrub to about 3 m high. Leaves distributed along younger stems, petiole 10-15mm, with the upper part meeting a tapering lower leaf. Pale brown tomentose at first but becoming glabrous on both surfaces. Inflorecence an erect terminal, with c. 20 flowers. Sepals pilose, purplish or reddish. Petals white, filaments pink. (summary of Webb et al 1988)
Flowering
July, August, September, October, November, December
Flower colours
Red/Pink, White
Fruiting
March- April
Life cycle
Perennial. 6 months flowering, 6 months fruiting.
Year naturalised
1982
Origin
Japan, Korea
Reason for introduction
Ornamental
Tolerances
Can invade poor soils so is a species to watch (Ewen Cameron 1996)
Etymology
umbellata: Bearing flowers in umbels