Slender Riceflower (Queen of the Bush

~ Pimelea linifolia ~

THYMELAEACEAE

A simple flowering plant can be used as a fine thread to weave a story of great cultural expression. Consider the story of an annual summertime feast and ceremonial gathering of the Ngunnawal People and the Wiradjuri and Walgalu nations of south-east Australia. This ceremony was held within the Brindabella Range and the Snowy Mountains and centred around capturing, cooking and feasting on the Bogong Moth (Agrotis infusa) – a high-fat, high-protein superfood. Every year this moth migrates to its aestivation (similar to hibernation) caves in the high alpine ridges. First Nations People harvested the bark of the Slender Riceflower, then stripped, soaked and beat it before rolling it into a fine thread used to make Bogong-catching nets for any hard-to-reach crevices in the caves. The Riceflower conjures images of excited children, fatty foods glistening on roasting stones and that timeless and universal joy that can only be summoned by the gathering of people around food. It was a beautiful ceremony that occurred annually for thousands of years. Although these ceremonies are no longer practised, the Riceflower still remains, reminding us of this land’s rich cultural history.

WHERE TO LOOK

The Riceflower is widespread throughout the heaths, woodlands and mountain forests of Australia’s east, from Victoria spreading up the temperate and subtropical coast to Cairns.

Locations → Queensland: Beerburrum West State Forest and Mount Coot-tha Reserve; NSW: Blue Mountains National Park, Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Awabakal Nature Reserve and Royal National Park; ACT: Mount Majura Nature Reserve; Victoria: Anglesea Heath and Traralgon South Flora and Fauna Reserve.

FEATURES

Also known as the Queen of the Bush, she is a small shrub growing up to 1m with blueish-green leaves that beautifully contrast its long red-brown stems. The tube-like flowers are 1–2cm tall and occur in globe-like clusters of seven to 60 flowers at the ends of the branches. These flower clusters are around 6cm wide, usually white but sometimes blushing pink. Its fruit are round and green, growing 3–5mm in size, and are held within the base of the flower head.

FLOWERING SEASON

Spring and summer → This perennial shrub blooms in spring and summer but can also be seen for most of the year.

PLANTING

The Slender Riceflower enjoys full sun and welldraining soil, and will attract butterflies into your garden. It can easily be found online or in specialty nurseries, and a number of Riceflower cultivars are available if this particular species is not. Bring in some diluted natural fertiliser around spring to stimulate a long flowering season.