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Tropicbelle

Lomandra hystrix ‘LHCOM’ PBR            

By Nathan Dutschke

Tropicbelle is the new improved slightly more compact form of the common Lomandra hystrix. In the past many people have been reluctant to use Lomandra hystrix because of its tall and un-uniformed height and they have generally preferred to use Lomandra longifolia varieties. The only problem with using Lomandra longifolia varieties is that they do not cope very well in excessively irrigated areas and depressed areas where they can get wet feet for prolonged periods of tim e. This is where Tropicbelle excels, coping with poor drainage and even occasional flooding. Tropicbelle will also maintain a uniform growing height, which most people desire especially in mass plantings.

After extensive breeding it was found that Tropicbelle will grow 15 to 25% more compact compared to the taller common Lomandra hystrix. Tropicbelle will grow to approximately 700mm to 1.1m in height in drier climates as opposed to the common form’s height of up to 1.3m in height. In maintained, fertilised and irrigated areas Tropicbelle may grow from 900mm to 1.4m in height. This is significantly shorter than the common form, which often grows to 1.8m high in the same conditions.

Tropicbelle produces yellow flower spikes in spring and has arching strap like leaves, which are useful for concealing areas in the garden, or softening the edges of concrete. Tropicbelle is very phytophthora resistant and is well known to tolerate the humidity and wet summers of Queensland and Darwin, without the problems of root rot. It is the best Lomandra species for coping with wet feet.  Tropicbelle will also adapt and perform well in dryland areas, provided some occasional wat erin g is applied during extended dry conditions. In really dry areas Lomandra longifolia plants such as Katrinus and Katrinus Deluxe will stay more evergreen in drought periods than Lomandra hystrix varieties.

Tropicbelle grows well in part shade and will tolerate full sun and moderate-high frosts Tropicbelle is ideal for mass planting in commercial landscaping, roadsides, golf courses, factories, offices and for specimen planting in private gardens. It is a good understory plant in open tree plantings. Tropicbelle is a great plant for the edge of water courses, dams, ponds or banks, as it helps to bind the soil together tightly for good erosion control. Tropicbelle can also be used for planting in gullies and embankments on roadsides. Tropicbelle is great for patio pot plants and planter boxes and will also perform well as an indoor plant.

If you would like some more information on Tropicbelle please visit www.ozbreed.com.au and go to the srappy leaf plants tab.