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Friday, January 19, 2024

White Correa, Correa alba

Photo is "Correa alba pannosa" by Kevin Sparrow is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Correa alba, commonly known as White Correa, is an interesting plant native to Australia.

Here are some key facts about it:

Botanical Name: The botanical name of this plant is 'Correa alba'.

Family: It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which is also known for citrus trees like oranges and lemons.

Habitat and Distribution: Correa alba is native to coastal areas in the southern regions of Australia, including Tasmania. It is well adapted to sandy soils and coastal conditions.

Appearance: This plant is a small, evergreen shrub that typically grows to about 1-2 meters in height. It has oval, grey-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving them a soft texture.

Flowers: The White Correa produces distinctive white or pale pink flowers. The flowers are bell-shaped and appear in clusters. They bloom from autumn to early winter.

Wildlife Attraction: The flowers are a source of nectar for birds, particularly honeyeaters, and insects, making it a valuable plant for wildlife gardens.

Uses: It is popular in horticulture and is used in landscaping for hedges, borders, and as a ground cover. It is also used in coastal and native gardens due to its hardiness and low maintenance.

Cultivation: Correa alba is known for being drought tolerant and can handle a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils. It can also tolerate light frosts and strong winds.

Propagation: Propagation is typically done through semi-hardwood cuttings, though it can also be grown from seeds.

Cultural Significance: Native Australian plants like Correa alba hold an important place in Aboriginal culture for their use in traditional medicines, food, and as part of the natural landscape.

These characteristics make Correa alba a versatile and environmentally beneficial plant in both natural and landscaped settings.

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