River Lomatia (Lomatia myricoides)

Lomatia myricoides, commonly known as the River Lomatia, is an attractive small tree native to watercourses in southeastern Australia. It is frequently found in moist, sheltered areas such as riverbank forests, montane cool/warm temperate rainforests, and wet sclerophyll forests on loamy or sandy alluvial or basalt-derived soils. It can reach heights between 2 to 5 metres tall with a spread of 1 to 3 metres but can easily be maintained as a shrub for smaller yards and gardens.

As a member of the Proteaceae family, the genus Lomatia is both Gondwana and Antarctic Flora in its global distribution. The River Lomatia is an attractive, slow-growing summer flowering tree that tolerates occasional wet conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained clay and loam soils along watercourses or damper areas of the garden. It is frost and snow tolerant and will reshoot in the spring if leaves are damaged by ice or wind. It prefers dappled and semi-shade to full-shade areas of the garden. Creamy-white and occasionally pink-tinged flowers from December to February. Flowers and nectar attract native birds and insects.