This is a small tree, growing as a mallee, with multiple stems arising from a lignotuber. The bark is of the conspicuous minniritchi form. The outer rich red-brown layer splits, both lengthwise and across, with the edges rolling back to reveal new green bark beneath. Juvenile leaves are glossy green, while the adult leaves are dull light to blue-green, lanceolate, 13 cm by 2 cm.

The flowers are in groups of three. The buds are up to 4 cm by 2 cm and the flowers are pink to red, with the cup shaped fruit enlarging to 4 cm by 4 cm.

Silver Princess has a scattered distribution in the south west of West Australia, where it is found only on several large granite outcrops. It is commonly planted in parks and gardens throughout Australia for it's large attractive red flowers and weeping foliage.

The plant is a foodplant of several Australian Caterpillars, including :

Destolmia lineata NOTODONTIDAE

Link to FAQs about Caterpillars

Australian butterflies Australian caterpillars Australian moths

Link to Flowers in Australia

(updated 28 December 2009)