Lomatia tinctoria, commonly known as Guitar Plant, is a woody shrub native to the cool temperate rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests of Tasmania and southeastern Australia. It typically grows to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height, but can occasionally reach up to 2 meters (7 feet). The leaves of Lomatia tinctoria are distinctive, being strongly lobed with either pinnate or bipinnate arrangements, and are about 8 cm long. During the summer, it produces inflorescences of white or cream flowers that are modestly showy. The common name ’Guitar Plant’ is thought to be derived from the shape of its fruit, which is a unique identifying feature.

Guitar Plant is valued for its attractive foliage and its adaptability to a range of garden settings. It is used for underplanting in shaded gardens, as a feature shrub in cool-climate gardens, and for its interesting leaf shape. It thrives in acidic, well-drained soils and can tolerate both sunny and shady locations, though it generally does best in part shade to full shade. It requires medium amounts of water and prefers soils with medium to fast drainage. Gardeners appreciate its ease of propagation from seed or cuttings and its low maintenance once established. However, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may require protection from strong winds due to its somewhat delicate foliage.CC BY-SA 4.0