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We can learn a lot about a plant by its scientific name. Chorizema, for example, is a genus of the plant family Proteaceae. There are around 60 species of Chorizema, all native to Australia.
They are shrubs or herbs with simple, entire leaves and brightly coloured flowers. The flowers are borne in clusters and are often red, orange or yellow. Chorizema species are found in many habitats, from rainforests to dry woodlands.
Common Chorizema Varieties
These plants listed down are the most commonly seen this species in cultivation.
When grown in the right conditions, they are easy to maintain and will reward you with a stunning display of flowers.
Chorizema cordatum
Chorizema cordatum is a species that is native to Australia. The plant grows to a height of 1-2 m and has yellow or orange flowers. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate frost and drought.
The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun. The variety is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent watering. This is an excellent plant for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Chorizema varium
The flower can be found in the wild in Western Australia. It is a hardy plant that can grow to about one meter in height. The leaves are green and have a waxy texture. The flowers are yellow and have five petals.
The flower is easy to care for. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and does not need much water. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Chorizema ilicifolium
Chorizema ilicifolium has attractive, deeply divided foliage and crimson flowers borne on thin stalks in spring. It is a native of Western Australia.
Chorizema ilicifolium grows as a low, woody shrub to around 1 metre in height with a spread of up to 2 metres. The leaves are dark green, deeply divided and have a prickly texture. The flowers are crimson and borne on thin stalks in spring.
Chorizema Care
- Water the plants regularly, significantly when actively growing in the summer. Water them less during the winter when they are dormant.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer to Chorizema plants every couple of weeks during the growing season.
- These plants need full sun to partial shade, are not frost tolerant, and should be protected from cold weather.
- Chorizema plants are available in different colours, including red, pink, purple, and white.
Flowering Dates
It is a low-growing, spreading plant with orange or crimson flowers. The Flowers have prominent stamens that give the plant a fluffy appearance. The flower is a taller plant, growing to 1 metre in height. The flowers are red, pink or white and have less conspicuous stamens.
Other Subspecies
Other subspecies of this flower have been discovered and documented, but not as much is known about them. These includes:
Chorizema Aciculare (DC.) C.A.Gardner
This is commonly known as the needle chorizema and is a small shrub that grows to about 1 meter in height. The leaves of this subspecies are linear to oblanceolate in shape and are about 2-5 centimetres long. The flowers of C. aciculare are pink or white and grow in clusters of 3-7. This subspecies is found in Western Australia.
Chorizema Carinatum (Meisn.) J.M.Taylor & Crisp
This subspecies is commonly known as the keeled chorizema and is a small shrub that grows to about 1-2 meters in height. The leaves of this subspecies are oblanceolate to narrowly elliptical and are about 2-6 centimetres long.
Chorizema Circinale J.M.Taylor & Crisp
The circinale is commonly known as the circular and is a small shrub that grows to about 1 meter in height. The leaves of this subspecies are circular and are about 2-4 centimetres in diameter. The flowers of C. circinale are pink or white and grow in clusters of 3-7.
Chorizema Cordatum Lindl.
This subspecies is commonly known as the heart-leafed and is a small shrub that grows to about 1 meter in height. The leaves of this subspecies are cordate in shape and are about 3-7 centimetres long. The flowers of C. cordatum are pink or white and grow in clusters of 3-7.
Chorizema Cytisoides Turcz.
The cytisoides is commonly known as the leafy and is a small shrub that grows to about 2 meters in height. The leaves of this subspecies are ovate to elliptical and are about 3-8 centimetres long.
Best Seasons
You can grow the flower year-round if you live in an area with a tropical or subtropical climate. However, if you live in a room with colder winters, it’s best to plant them in the spring or summer.
This will give the plants enough time to establish themselves before the cold weather arrives.
Other facts & growing tips
The flower symbolizes warmth and passion, making it the perfect plant to grow if you want to inject heat into your life!
It can be grown in containers or on the ground. If you’re growing them in a container, choose one at least 18 inches wide with drainage holes. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flower
How do you propagate Chorizema?
The flower can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seed propagation is the easiest method and can be done by sowing the fresh root in autumn or early winter. Cuttings can also be taken but are harder to strike than seeds.
Is Chorizema native to Australia?
The flower is native to Australia and can be found in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, and Queensland. The name comes from the Greek words photos (division) and semen (a plant), which is appropriate because this genus is made up of many different species.
How to grow Chorizema?
The cordatum is a small shrub that grows to about 2 meters high. It is found in eastern Australia’s open forests, woodland, and malle vegetation.
The best time to propagate chorizema is winter or spring when the plant is dormant. Take cuttings from young, vigorous growth tips and remove leaves from the bottom third of the cutting. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone, then place it in moistened potting mix. Cover with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect and keep warm until new growth emerges. When new growth appears, transplant it into individual pots and water regularly. Chorizema can be difficult to start, but it’s very hardy once it does.
Are chorizema edible?
Yes! The chorizema plant is a beautiful pea family member, and its young pods are edible. They can be eaten raw or cooked and have a delicious sweet/sour taste. The pods are high in protein, calcium, and vitamin C, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
How do you grow Chorizema cordatum
Chorizema cordatum is a small, spiny tree that is endemic to the montane grasslands of eastern Australia. It grows up to 10 m tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 30 cm. The tree is characterised by its many small spines and elliptic leaves.
Chorizema cordatum prefers well-drained soils in full or partial sun. It can be grown from seed, which should be planted in spring or autumn. The tree will flower in late winter or early spring, producing long, thin seed pods containing numerous seeds.
