Appearance
"Calothamnus quadrifidus" is a shrub which sometimes grows to a height of 5 metres although usually much less and it sometimes has a lignotuber. Its leaves are variable, depending on subspecies, but usually 10–50 millimetres long and 0.8–10 millimetres wide, sometimes circular in cross section but in some subspecies flat.The flowers are usually red, although there are white and yellow forms, with the red flowered form most commonly seen in cultivation. The flowers are arranged in clusters, usually on one side of the stem amongst the older leaves. There are four petals, each 3.5–4 millimetres long which fall off soon after the flower opens. The stamens are arranged in 4 claw-like bundles, all about the same length. In most subspecies, flowering occurs in spring. Flowering is followed by fruits which are woody, barrel-shaped capsules, 6–14 millimetres long.
Naming
"Calothamnus quadrifidus" was first formally described in 1812 by Robert Brown from a specimen he collected at Lucky Bay near Esperance during the Investigator expedition with Matthew Flinders. The description was published in Curtis's Botanical Magazine.
Distribution
"Calothamnus quadrifidus" is common and widespread in the Eremaean and South-West botanical provinces, occurring in a wide range of habitats and growing in a range of soils.Status
"Calothamnus quadrifidus" is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian government department of parks and wildlife although the two subspecies "asper" and "teretifolius" are threatened.Cultural
"Calothamnus quadrifidus" is probably the best known of the genus in cultivation. It has attractive foliage, colourful flowers over a long period, is frost hardy and drought tolerant when well established. It is attractive to honeyeating birds and although it can become woody with age, it responds well to pruning.References:
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