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Plant Species of the genus Bursaria
Information about this genus
Name: Bursaria
Cultivation: CULTIVATION: They are easily grown in climates in which frosts are not too severe, making them fast growing but not very long lived. A sunny but sheltered position is preferred and soil should be well drained and moderately fertile; the roots can penetrate hard clay. Propagate from cuttings or seed.
Description: A genus of the pittosporum family, Bursaria consists of 6 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees native to eastern and southern Australia. They are mostly stiff twiggy shrubs with thorny branches and small leaves. In late spring and summer they bear white flowers in small clusters in the leaf axils or in larger panicles at branch tips. Each small flower has 5 separate petals alternating with 5 stamens. The fruit is a small flattened capsule that splits down the middle to release its few seeds. The capsule is remarkably like that of the weed shepherd?s purse, Capsella bursa-pastoris, and Bursaria is likewise derived from Latin bursa, ?a purse?. Although not very well known outside Australia, some bursarias make attractive ornamentals with foamy masses of white flowers, and can also be grown as thorny hedges. They are are capable of spreading by seed in woodland environments and have the potential to become pests in some climates.
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