'Australian Plants' Vol.1 No.10 March 1962 +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The text in this file has been extracted from 'Australian Plants' Vol.1 No.10 March 1962. | | | | Please note that the file was compiled from a scan of the original document. As successful | | scanning is dependent on the quality of the original, there may be errors in the text where | | the scanning software was unable to recognise particular words. | | | | PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW THE ACTUAL, ACCURATELY FORMATTED | | JOURNAL, INCLUDING ILLUSTRATIONS AND PHOTOS: | | | | https://anpsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Australian-Plants/Australian-Plants-Vol1-10.pdf | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ PUBLISHED BY THe SOCETY pop CRTWinA AUSTF AL1AN PLANTS N 6,000 COPIES Registe rad GPO, Sydney fo ) PRICE: THREE SHILLINGS transmission by post a3 periodical MARCH, 1962 Vol 1. No 10 3N v Blocks by courtesy of Johp Sands Pty Lid. THYME HONEY-MYRTLE — Melaleuca thymifolia A lovely dwarf shrub up to 3 feet, flowering profusely when only one foot high if well watered jp summer. Suitable for ioam, safu?l or gravelly soi'e, doing best in clay heavy soils or even swampy conditions. @@@ 2 @@@ PAEE 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE MARCH, 1962 MELALEUCAS IN CULTIVATION By A. E. BROOKS One of the most successful of all Melaleucas under garden conditions is the red honey-myrtle or Hilock Bush (M. hypericifolia). Often found growing under exposed conditions along the New South Wales coast and tabie- lands this plant seldom grows more than about eight feet so that it is not too large for most gardens. The flowers are orange-red brushes which are produced freely in late spring or early summer. The new growth is pendulous and as this species will stand hard pruning it is not difficult to keep it growing as a compact bush six or eight feet high and about the same distance across. And what more can we expect of any plant? Another name for this plant is red-flowering paperbark. Scarlet Honey-myrtle (M. fulgens), Steedman’s Honey-myrtle (M. steed- manii), a hybrid (by F. C. Payne), and the brick-red flowered Robin Red- breast Bush (M. lateritia) compare in the garden with their brilliance in springtime but the Showy Honey-myrtle (M. nesophila) is one of my favourites. It grows into a large shrub or small tree making a wonderful display of small mauve brushes around Christmas time and there is life in the compact dark-green foliage. Shrubs or trees which have pleasing foliage throughout the year are more desirable in the garden than those which are grown only for spectacular flowers produced during a short season. If the two features can be combined then we certainly have a very desirable plant. Few plants provide more attractive foliage than the Grey Honey-myrtle (M. incana). The light-coloured hoary foliage provides a delightful contrast to the darker greens of other plants. In spring this shrub has a bountiful supply of small lemon-colourea brushes. It should be in every garden. The last two species were from Western Australia but Bracelet Honey- myrtle (M. armillaris) grows in N.S\W. and Victoria. It is another species with pleasing foliage of much darker green than the Grey Honey-myrtle. It grows to the stature of a small tree and although the brushes are usually cream-coloured they are sometimes tinged with mauve. Although common near Mallacoota in Eastern Victoria it is highly esteemed for planting in the Wimmera in Western Victoria where it must withstand dry summer conditions. One of the most delightful small melaleucas is certainly the Claw-flower (M. pulchella) in which each “petal” resembles a small claw. Two other species, also from Western Australia like the last, which are worth special mention are Graceful Honey-myrtle (M. radula) and Rough Honey-myrtle (M. scabra). The first has flowers of delicate mauve which, however, fade to a much less pleasing colour; the second has really delight- ful flower-heads. Variety trichophylla has flowered profusely in my garden for years. So many beautiful purplish flower-clusters sprinkled with golden pollen show above the foliage that this small, compact shrub when in bloom is a sheer delight. Crimson Honey-myrtle (M. wilsonii), which is common around Bendigo, is also worth special mention because of the attractive way in which the flowers of unusual colour grow along the stems. Cork-bark Honey-myrtle (M. exarata) from W.A. is another species which has this peculiarity. EDITOR'S NOTE— A Melaleuca Study Section is bec'ng formed under the competent leadership of Mr. A. L. Hargrave, 13 Brynmawr Rd., Camberwell, E.6, Victoria. Readers wishing to grow these easily cultivated, rewarding plants and cxchange seed should contact him. For all other readers, the dispatch io Mr. Hargrave of flowering specimens of Melalcuca growing naturally in your area, will assist presentation of our Melaleuca articles, @@@ 3 @@@ MARCH, 1962 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE PAGE 3 TEA-TREES, PAPERBARKS AND MYRTLES C. N. DEBENHAM--Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, N.S.W. History tells us that the qualities of James Cook as leader of successful exploratory voyages were demonstrated by his concern for the health of his crew. His encouragement of the use of fresh vegetable products, when- ever procurable, resulted in relative freedom frem the dread disease of long voyages, scurvy. One of these products, infused from the leaves of a piant taken from Dusky Bay in New Zealand, provided a kind of tea and, when brewed with leaves of a spruce species, found favour as a beer. Other native plants were put to similar uses by the early colonisers of the Australian mainland and so the name tea-tree became established for many species of heath-like shrubs and trees, the foliage of each yielding, in greater or lesser measure, an ethereal oil. Some of these tea-trees and their allies develop strikingly beautiful spikes of flowers and became known as bottlebrushes, others develop a thick, spongy, decorticating type of bark and so were called paperbarks while others acquired the ceneral designation myrtles. Kunzea ~_Leptospermum 4 h N Conothamnus Melaleuca A.Sperwaiys EDITOR'S NOTE—There is a great deal cf confusicn over this group of plants which are shown in the above sketch. For ihose who are interested, and | know there are many keen to learn, M: Debenham has intrcduced us to the large family of plants Myrtaceae, page 17, the tea-itee group cf plants shown above, page 19, and commences a treat- ment of the cenus Melaleuca. @@@ 4 @@@ PAGE 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE MARCH, 1962 MELALLEUCAS — Shrubs tor Wer Conditions MELALEUCAS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA BY |. G. HOLLIDAY Of the Melaleuca species described by C. N. Debenham in this issue, Melaleuca acuminata, M. decussata, M. elliptica, M. gibbosa, M. hyperici- folia and M. wilsonii, could be described as extremely hardy shrubs which can be expected to succeed in any reasonable soil and situation. They all respond to summer watering, although once established, withstand dry condi- tions very well. They ail flower in October to November in Adelaide. Melaleuca wilsoni which is usually found in sandy soils, makes an ideal bushy garden shrub to 5 or 6 ft. high in the heavy red brown earths of the Adelaide plains. If cut back beyond the flowers each year directly after flowering it never becomes straggly or “corky looking” as it does in nature. This treatment ensures a handsome, free flowering, bushy evergreen shrub for years. In flower it is a delight, the deep mauve-pink blooms cluster along the branches for lengths of 2ft. making this Melaleuca one of the showiest of them all. Melaleuca acuminata grows in association with M. wilsoni near Coonalpyn, S.A., and is very similar in its flowering habit, size, and general hardiness, although it is not so densely branched. The flowers cluster along the branches in the same manner but are cream in colour. If a cream or white Melaleuca is required for the garden, M. acuminata could well be a good choice. Melaleucas decussata and gibbosa are very similar fine leafed hand- some shrubs varying from 4 to 10 ft. high according to conditions. The flowers are small mauve brushes which rapidly turn to white. The general aspect of a bush in flower is of a profusion of white to mauve brushes and is quite pleasing. Some forms of M. decussata are particularly good, whiist others are almost insignificant. Both shrubs are common along sandy water courses and would probably withstand quite wet conditions, although they are quite hardy under relatively dry garden conditicns (20" or less rainfall and no artificial watering). Melaleucas elliptica and hypericifolia have large red brushes very much like callistemons or bottle brushes, but not so prominently displayed. They are both useful hardy garden shrubs quite variable in size according to conditions. | have seen specimens of M. hypericifolia nearly 20 ft. high in Adelaide. This melaleuca is a very commonly grown garden shrub. lts foliage, which can be used all the year round for interior decoration, is its chief attraction. Melaleuca elliptica could be bracketed in the small shrub group. Although sometimes reaching 10ft. or more it is so sparsely branched that it can easily be kept much smaller if desired. Some of the dark red forms are very attractive. Melaleucas fulgens and steedmani are very closely related and often look identical to the untrained eye. An examination of the flowers shows that in M. fulgens the stamens are fixed o the edge or side of the flower claw, whereas in M. steedmani they appear from the surface or front of the claw. Physically the flowers of M. fulgens are often a little larger. Both have delightful flowers, quite large red brushes tipped with gold. They both seem to need similar growing conditions and are quite successfui on variable soils provided they are not too alkaline. Despite this alleged dislike for alkaline conditions M. steedmani has been grown successfully at Port Augusta in the dry north of South Australia on alkaline soil (pH?). They make handsome little shrubs, perhaps a little stiff, but easily controlled as to size requirements. Continved on Page 29 @@@ 5 @@@ MARCH, 1962 ~ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYOPORACEAE PAGE 5 EMU BUSHES Shrubs for Dry Conditions SOME SOUTH AUSTRALIAN EREMOPHILAS BY R. HILL Whilst on a recent plant collecting trip to the Western Districts of South Australia, | saw many plants worthy of trials as garden plants, parti- cularly in the drier areas of the State. However, none appecled to me more than the Eremophilas of which a wide variety was seen, all of them growing under similar conditions. These conditicns which would probably prove fatal to many of our choice native plants prove the opposite to most of the Eremophilas. These include low rainfall, very dry atmospheric conditions and either sand on limestone or just limestone itself, as a growing medium. Such conditions | am sure would occur in parts of Western Queensland, Western New South Wales, the North Western corner of Victoria, a big portion of South Australia and inland Western Australia. In these areas | am sure many Eremophilas would make ideal garden subjects and this genus also warrants trials in all parts of Australia. Most of the species are non-existent under cultivation but because of their attractive appearance and drought tolerant characteristics deserve a place in our gardens. Various species seen are listed below. Eremophila alternifolia A shrub growing to a height of 6-8 feet with terete, alternate leaves and large tubular flowers about 1 inch in length varying in colour from deep pink to cream. This species is widespread in South Australia. At the head of the Bight in South Australia limestone cliffs are its choice of soil and near Eucla in Western Australia the soil is sand and limestone. It is also found in many localities in the Flinders Ranges, north of Adelaide. In the Botanic Garden in Adelaide this species grows very easily on fairly heavy loam containing limestone and hardly a day goes by when it is not found in flower. In Adelaide cuttings appear the easiest method of propagation and these strike very readily. Eremophila maculata Already widely grown by native plant enthusiasts this attractive plant reaching a height of 3-4 feet with yellow to red spotted tubular flowers and green lanceolate leaves is found in many localities in South Australia, some of which are the Nullarbor Plain, Lake Eyre country, Flinders Ranges and most of the far north of the State. This plant is often seen in gardens, particularly in northern fowns such as Port Augusta. Port Pirie and Whyalla.. @@@ 6 @@@ PAGE 6 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYOPORACEAE MARCH, 1962 In Adelaide it does very well on the plains in most soils and soon forms a compact bush, flowering at odd times throughout the year. Cuttings strike very easily at most times of the year. Eremophila glabra A very variable plant and seen throughout the drier areas of South Australia. This Eremophila is usually found growing on limestone, reaching a height from 3-6 feet, with orange to red tubular flowers in spring. The leaves are very variable sometimes glabrous or tomentose and with or without serrations on the margins. Very often the foliage is very viscid to the touch. This plant has still to be adapted for garden use in Australia. Eremophila exotrachys This is a very lovely species and grows on sand on limestone in only a few localities in South Australia, but it is found in Central Australia and Victoria Desert in Western Australia. The plants | saw grew north of Watson in a similar location to the previous plant. The linear lanceolate leaves are deep green in colour and the large wide-mouthed flowers are deep purple which makes it one of the most attractive species | have seen. As far as | can gather it is not in cultivation. FREMOPHILA BATTI =i EREMOPHILA EXOTRACHY S x § N4 ] Eremophila willsii This is a similar plant to the preceding species but with wider, lighter green, very sticky foliage and with very deep reddish-purple flowers with a beautifully marked throat. Sandy areas are preferred by this species which is found from the Everard Range to the Western Australian border, but is not a common plant by any means. | have also found it south of Alice Springs on red sand dunes. It is also found in Western Australia. Eremophila battii Only one plant was seen of this species and that on the Nullarbor Plain near Fisher growing on pure limestone. A shrub 3 or 4 feet high with very small white tomentose foliage, it bears heads of light mauve flowers in great profusion. It is found in Central and Western Australia also, but it is apparently a rare plant in South Australia. Eremophila decipiens This plant is very similar in all respects to Eremophila glabra but without serrations on the leaf margins, and has longer curved petioles to the flowers which are held out away from the foliage. The flowers are bright orange in colour and the plant is distributed similarly to Eremophila glabra. @@@ 7 @@@ MARCH, 1962 _ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYOPORACEAE EREMOPHILA : ‘ DECIPIENS. ™1 / Y EREMOBILA \ £REMOPHILA / / SCOPARIA POLYCLADA B Eremophila delisseri This beautiful growing shrub grows 3 feet high with small ovate grey- green leaves, and flowers of light mauve borne in profusion. At Qoldea in South Australia on the transcontinental line this plant grows in a few inches of soil on sheet limestone quite close to the railway line, in association with Eremophila latrobei. A few very small seedlings were seen and there was an abundance of seed under all bushes. Apparently a very small percentage of seed germinates under natural conditions. Eremophila scoparia This is possibly the most widely distributed species in South Australia as it is found in mallee areas in the Murray River area and extends to Western Australia, and also occurs in New South Wales. It is very graceful, and its habit suggests a “broom bush” of silvery grey appearance, with narrow leaves about half an inch long and massed with light mauve flowers during the warmer months of the year. It is growing well in Adelaide on dry, fairly heavy loam, quite successfully. Eremophila polyclada Found in the Murray Mallee areas and extending north to Coopers Creek, Queensland and New South Wales, this plant iras proved very hardy under Adelaide conditions. It forms a low twiggy bush to about 4 feet high and most of the year bears large open mouthed white flowers with a spotted throat. The leaves are narrow, about one inch long and of a light green colour. Cuttings strike very readily. Several Adelaide gardens are proud of their plants of this species. Eremophila subfloccosa An unusual variety it has been found in localities on Eyre Peninsula and particularly in the Ceduna area of South Australia where it was found growing on light soil on limestone in great profusion. The foliage is densely woolly and the flowers which are borne profusely are vivid green in colcur. At the Botanic Garden in Adelaide this plant has been grown successfully from cuttings but after about 2 years collapsed, possibly from overwatering. It is a most attractive plant and warrants further investigation as to its adaptability to garden conditions. Eremophila weldii This plant was seen at its best on limestone escarpments near Eucla in Western Australia, but it also occurs all along the coast to Kangaroo Island in @@@ 8 @@@ PAGE 8 7 - AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYOPORACEAE MARCH, 1962 South Australia. It forms low compact bushes to about 2 feet high with neat blue-green foliage, similar to Myoporum parvifolium, and small flowers of light purplish blue. This species could be useful in gardens and should prove hardy, especially for seaside conditions but has yet to be adapted for such purposes. TROMUPHILA WELDI £REMOPHIL A R FONGIFOUIA 3§ EREMOPHILA SUBFLOCCOSA Eremophila longifolia Forming small trees, this plant is often seen growing in dense thickets in most of the drier parts of Australia where limestone is present in the soil. The flowers are tubular and of a soft pink colour borne profusely during odd times throughout the year. This species should make ideal shelter belt plantings in dry areas and trials are warranted for this purpose as well as being a very ornamental small tree for the home garden. Eremophila Latrobei Also growing in profusicn at Oolcdea as well as being found throughout the Northern and Central Ausiralian area, this lovely plant bears tubular scarlet to orange flowers on a very shapely bush to about 4-6 feet in height. The deep green, tuberculate leaves arc about 1 inch long. Sand and light soil on limestone seem to be its preference as to soil. This form found at Ooidea is by far one of the best forms | have seen. EREMOPHIL A S LATROBE! EREMOPHILA GILESII i Coniinved on Page 22 @@@ 9 @@@ MARCH, 1962 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—STREET TREES PAGE Blocks by courtesy of Lothian Publishing Co Pty preparcd frcm an oricinal photo and by H. T. Reeve. Reprinted frem ‘‘Shrubs and Trees coloured for Auvusiralian Gardens’’, by E. E. Llord Coolgardie or Coral Gum EUCALYPTUS TORQUATA by E. J. THOMPSON In its habitat of Coolgardie, W.A., and southwards to Higginsville and Norseman, and westwards to Bullabulling, Eucalyptus torquata may be found growing in red, stony lcam, on hills and on rising ground. A ftree of medium height 14-20 feet in some areas and 20-35 feet in W.A., with blue-grey leaves that contrast sharply with the deep grey of the rough and furrowed bark. The full beauty of the tree is seen when it is in bud and flower, from November to January. The distinctive corrugated buds hang in clusters and are shiny red, almost wax like, with pointed caps. Flowers are in showy bunches from red to a delicate combination of pink and white. @@@ 10 @@@ PAGE 10 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—BOOK REVIEW MARCH, 1962 The flowering pericd is from November to January, beginning at a very early stage. It will flower in pots and it is recommended for garden planting. It is also suitable for light to medium soils (gravel) in inland areas. As branches are borne close to the ground it will provide a fine break it pianted closely in a row. By easy pruning this Mallee may also be grown as a single stemmed tree and reaches a height of 14-20 feet. Many Councils are using this tree for street planting. STREET TREES As announced last issue, Mr. E. J Thompson has formed a Study Section devoted to the investigation and applicaticn of naiive trees for street plantiry). Local Government authorities (over 100 so far) from all over Australia have declared their active support for this project and most have agreed to planned experimental plantings. It is too early yet to report on the voluminous reports already received and firm ccnclusions will not be reached' for some time, in manv cases years. The above article, the first in a series on trees for street planting is offered wiih advice of caution in the application of this very fine, but variable subject. Those pioneers in street planting who wish to engage in an experimental planting should first contact Mr. Thompson EUCALYPTS STUDY SECTION A study section wunder the leadership of Mr. R. Mears Public School, Nevertire, NS W is being formed and interested readers should write to him. A specialised interest in dwarf flowering Eucalypts, for example, would be a fascinating and rewarding hobby HAVE YOU GROWN THIS EUCALYPT? Will readers please advise me or Mr. Mcars of their experience with growing Eucalypttus torquata and FEucalyptus erythrocorys, the species for our neyt issue —EDITOR. AMAROO NURSERY FOR AUSTRALIAN PLANTS Over 100 Varieties Melaleucas (12% varieties Eucaiypts (10), Acacias (10, W.A_ Boronias (6! Brachychiton (2), Stylidium, Kennedyas, Kangaroo Paw, Blue Lleschenaultia and many others 86 LANG STREET, PADSTOW, N.S W Uy 7342 . . Closed Sunday morning 10.00 a.m. tili 1.00 p.m. '.Il-.-I.'-'.-.IVI. I...'..n'...I-.I-..'.'.I-I‘.-I.I.l-I.l.l-l...I.I.I.I.I.I-I.I.I.ffifm....' OVER 300 SPECIES of indigenous and exotic trees and shrubs AVAILABLE FROM NURSERIES AT PENNANT HILLS FORBES NARRANDERA DUBBO Species of Brachychiion available are B. acerifolium B. discolor with its hybrid, B. populneum with a special pink variety and B. rupestre Complete descriptive price list free and post free from: SECRETARY, FORESTRY COMMISSION OF N.S.W. BOX 2667, G.P.O., SYDNEY e e ‘-.-...vI...IvI-'-.-.--..-.-.-.-.-.-.I.I-I-..I-Ill.fl-fl-..I-fl.-.H.-.-.I.IHI--H- Patatat) e e e e @@@ 11 @@@ MARCH, 1962 o AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE PAGE 11 Preserve Australian Orchids The response from hcse inicresied in the preserva.icn and development of our native orchids nas been very encouraging, especially from the Orchid Societies and their publication, Australian Orchid Review, a very nne pericdical tor those interested in orchids. there is still much 1hat others can do in tne collection and propagation of seed. Who else will help? This applies particularly to the coliecticn and germination of terrestrial orchid seed frem an parts of Australia. Gne suggestion has been to try the bog method ot seed germination set out in this journal. Help us save Australian orchids from extinction. CORRECTION: Issue No. Y, page 29—In some copies the stigma and pollen mass on the sketch of ihe Cymbidium flower were incorrecily labellied. In he last paragraph it was intended to warn readers—NOT TO PLACE A PLASTIC BAG OVER A StED CAR’EL OR STORE SEED IN A PLASTIC BAG. Seed will be ingested by iungi under these conditions. EDITOR'S NOTE: Each issue will feaiure native orchids, aliernate issues being on epiphital and terrestrial orchids, as in this case. The printing of colour plates is severely resiricted by the availability of suitable colour slides. If you will send your slides f5or inspection they will be returned promptly. In particular | want colour slides of Dendrobium speciosum and species ot Dipodium. I also want comments from readers on their experience in growing orchids particularly species of the above and Glossodia. The June, 1963, issue will be devoted 10 ihe cuitivanion ot Dendrobium bigibbum var. pnalaenopsis, 1he ‘‘Cooktown Orchid”, Queensland’s State flower. Please grow this beautiful plant and report results. Some inieresting correspcndence on terresirial orchid growing. From Mr. L. Carman, Eden Hills, South Aus:ralia: | started growing native orchids some 2 or 3 years ago, firstly in pots and because this methecd did nof prove as successtul as was first hoped they were transferred to a special paich in the garden, nocw the planis appear to be progressing well We now have the follewing plants in culture: Caladenia (3) Corybas, Acianthus, Thelymitra, Glossodia, Diuris and Microtis. From Mr. K. Bursill, Campbelltown, N.S.W. | have had good results with the gqgrowing of our native orchids, having the following genera in culture: Pterosiylis (3 species), Thelymitra (3), Calochilus (3), Caladenia (2, Corybas (2), Cryptostylis (2), Glossodia (2) Chiloglottis, Lyperanthus, Rimaeola, Caleana Phaius and Calanthe. One pot of Pterostylis eurta was a picture this season, having no less than 45 flowers. This pot was originally planied with 12 lubers 5 or 6 years ago. My mehod of growing this plant is as follows, | provided very good drainage, used the best loam that was available in its natural habitat, grew the plant in full shade in moist air ccnditicns near grecund ‘evel, | kept the pot as wet as possible during the grow'ng pericd, feading sparingly with "“Urea’’, then during the dormant period the only water the pots received was that of the rain. Genns Spicilaca Lindl. in Australia L. CADY, Kiama, N.S.W. A small genus of three most unusual plants, all species being endemic io Australia. Although widely distributed in Australia, they are not generaily known, but in the writer's opinion they present a challenge to those growers interested in growing our fascinating ground orchids. The plants are usually well hidden in their growing and owing to their smallish habit are hard to see, but when found they often occur in some numbers.The fcllowing notes are offered to those who would like to try their hand at this unusual genus. A mixture which has proved successful is, 60% Eucalyptus leaf mould, 40% loam, or the soil that the plants are collected in is preferred, 10% charcoal and powdered cow manure. Special care should be used with the drainage, for only a very small minority of the ground orchids will stand wet feet. The plants appear to require checkered morning sun, and should not be placed in a draught. The labellum in this genus has often been referred to by authors of various articles as being “irritable’’, but in the writer’s experience such is not the case, for this segment cannot reflex under its own power, as in say the ""Greenhoods” (Pterostylis) or “Duck Orchids” (Caleana) but the segment is certainly movable and is used apparently as an attracting agent io aid the plant in its pollination by insects. In Spiculaea ciliata most of its nourishment appears to be stored in the flowering stem, for as the plant matures it dies from the base upwards and if the plant is cut and left without water it will still continve to oper the remaining buds before dying. @@@ 12 @@@ PAGE 12 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE MARCH, 1962 DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES 1. S. ciliata, Lindl. “Elbow Orchid” CIL-I-ATA. Plant up to 19 c. high, base of stem often withering after flowering. Leaf sometimes present at flowering, ovate acute. Flower greenish, marked with red. Sepals and petals narrow, deflexed. Dorsal sepal following the contour of the column. Labellum on a narrow claw hinged to the base of the column, oblong with a glabrous gland at the largest of the lamina, the basal end shortly ciliate. Column with rudimentary foot or wanting wings slender prominently reflexed on the upper half of the column. Flowers:—October to January. Endemic to West Australia. This plant is known for its amazing durability (“Orchids of the West”, Erickson, 1951) and when pressing this species, it often opens a bud during the period of drying out. 2. S. irritabilis (F. Muell.) Schltr. IRRIT-A-BIL-IS. Plant up to 37 cm. high. Leaves in a basal rosette, separate from flowering stem, but occasionally connected to it, persistent after flowering. Flowers greenish colour, is often difficult to find. Labellum hinged to the column foot, lamina on a thin claw, hammer shaped, densely ciliate on upper surface. Column long and slender, at 90 degrees to the axis of the ovary column winged on upper half, foot approx. as long as column. Flowering:— January to April. From N.S.W. to N. Qld. This species usually contains the most amount of florets of any species in the genus, although not as robust as in S. ciliata. 3. S. huntiana (F. Muell.) Schltr. HUNT-I-ANA. A slender plant up to 15 cm. high. Lleaves reduced to sheathing bracts. Flowers up to 5, greenish, with darker markings. Perianth segments all approx. 4-5 mm. long, petals narrower than the sepals all deflexed. Labellum on thin claw, hinged to the column foot, the lamina hammer shaped, densely ciliate at the anterior end, this extending into iwo long hairs. Column short, winged at top by twc pairs of narrow appendages, column foot three times as long as column, stigma reniform. Flowers:— Summer to autumn, Victoria and N.S.W. but rare. A very unusually shaped plant, which owing to its small habit and greenish colour, is often difficult to find, in N.S.W. SITUATION VACANT :” Boddy's EASTERN PARK NURSERY has an opening for a young energetic man to be trained in a responsible field in the propagation of native flora. Some knowledge of nursery work and native plants an advantage. 32 DENMAN STREET, EAST GEELONG, VICTORIA PHONE: 2598 For Effective Pest and Disease Control Use Yates Garden - master MULTI-PURPOSE SPRAY @@@ 13 @@@ MARCH, 1962 ~ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE PAGE 13 GENUS SPICULREA TN AUSTRALIA KEY TO PLATE A. S. huntiana and labellum. B. S. ciliata and labellum. C. S. irritabilis and labellum. Refer to description for size of plants, labella greatly enlarged. KEY TO AUSTRALIAN SPECIES A. Column foot rudimentary. Labellum shortly clliate, column wings conspicuously reflexed. West Australia. 1. S. ciliata AA. Column foot almost as long as column. Llabellum densely ciliate, column wings not conspicucusly reflexed. N.SSW. to Qld. 2. S. irritabilis AAA. Column foot 3 times as leng as column. Labellum with 2 filiform hairs. Victoria and N.S.W. 3. S. huntiana This genus was united with Drakaea Lindl. (this genus now being confined to West Australia> by the German botanist Reichenbach, f.,, who was followed in this opinion by Bentham but Schlechter in 1920 restored Spiculaea to generic rank. @@@ 14 @@@ PAGE 14 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROPAGATION MARCH, 1962 | Grow HRelaleuca from Seed Correspondence from J. S. Howard, Nunawading, Victoria: I have made use of Mr. Boyd’s wet septic method for propagating seedlings with good results particularly with bottle brushes and eucalypts, alithough not knowing the viability ccunt of the secds employed. The following have been propagated from seed with fair to excellent success on basis of ihe yield. Bush scil was used. | have been iroubied by the sicw growth rate of all but the eucalypts. The Callistemon at two mecnths after germinaticn were less than two inches high with partial morning sun received. Abcut 70% of eucalypis planted oul into veneer pots and under a tree, have died (3" high on pleniing cut) and survivors, ihouch obviously healthy, are spindly. Further correspondence frcm J. S. Howard subsegueni to receiving Mr. Boyd's advice The planting-cut technigues ycu advise are the '‘missing links’ 1 have been looking for. Subsequent to my first letter | put the trough enclosed pots into full sunlight. Unfortunately on a very hot day of cen.ury temperaurcs mecst seedlings scorched and died. The pots were covered with glass and had not dried cut, but the water was hot to the hand. In the following spring, glass covercd peis were placed in a position where partial sunlight was received in the morning and full sunlight in the afternoon. Germination a medium of rotied Casvarira leaves cny uniil the cnset of a spell of very seedlings about a month old were lost. Older larger pots the surface were found to be very was normal in hot weather when a number of were unaffected. Soil temperatures scveral inches belew l'>t to the finger. A screen has now bcan ereced to cut off the high afternoon sun. | eniploy plastic bags with ihe cornc's cut off over the pots once the seedlings demand more height than provided by the pots. After usiny ''Aquasol’” in wafer, no more spindly plants have developed though theie is oflen overcrcwding in the pots. Drooping of plants due to weak stems is avoided and the planis are strong and vigorcus. The results of an interested neighbour show that even wusing ‘“‘Aquasol’, heavy shading, behind a fence, from the sun gives rise to very spindly growth. The variation in prepagating medium frem bush soil to almost pure organic matter is in my cpinicn quite irrelevent in so far as results are concerned. FROM THE EDITOR: Many readers do not appear to have realised the value of this method of seed propagation. For seed of speccies of the genara mentioned above results are certain. ANYONE CAN GROW BOTTLE BRUSHES AND TEA TRZES FRCM SEED AND BE CERTAIN OF ALMOST 100% GERMINATICN. No experience is necessary. A glasshcuse or special 2quipmerd is not necessary. When | first tried this me h=d | had a little trouble similar to Mr. Howard above but | found that simple precautizns gave maximum resulis. | use aluminium ice cream trays, the upper one to hold the seceds having holcs in the bottem and the lower pushed out a little to hcold the upper one and leave a space on all sides for water. | fill the upper tray wiih “‘vermiculite’” (this is a s'erile explcded mica and is readily available in all sizes at the local gardening store) oned sa‘urate it with hoiling water ccmpressing it to a level of abcut 33 inch below the sides of the tray. The szed is sprinkled cn top and a little more ‘“‘vermiculite’ sprinkled c¢n the seed. A plece of glass is placed on top of the seed tray and the lower centainer filled with wa’er. The whsle lot {s placed on a large rock in the yard where it reccives full sun all day. The rock is kept clean, keeping all ground insects well clear. (I am convinced that a frequent causc of failure with seeds is due to insects, etfc., entering seed pots and boxes frem the ground wunder them. Ali my sced pots are placed on this large clean rcck).l top up the culer tray water level each day with water direct from the tep. This would be the only source cf funqi or baceria if the seed was clean and if trouble is experienced the watc cculd be boiled as suggested by Mr. Boyd. EVERY VIABLE SEED WILL GERMINATE. You may think this statement =2xaggerated until you try it. If too much seed is scwn the new seediings will grow up so close together that they will look like a thick mecss or grass. However, they can be easily separated when tall encugh using the immersicn me'h-d described by Mr. Boyd above. When the seedlings reach the glass | raise it at one end cach day so as to be just clear of the seedlings so that when they are abcut one inch hich (he glass is removed altogether and the seedlings are hardy and growing in full sunlight. YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN Nindethana Box 5, Dripstone, N.SSW. For all Native Sced. Packets, ounce or pound lots. Free list on applicatien. Speciel sunplics of West Australian Seed. Australian Seed Co. Robertssn, N.SW. Bu'k cr packet lots. Stamped envelope brings lists. Western Wildlife Supply, Gilamandra, N.S W —Bulk supplies of natives and exotic tree and shrub seed to the tradz—Special collections to order. Yates, Arthur & Co. Pty. Ltd., %0-100 Sussex Street, Sydney. NINDETHANA NURSERY BOX 5, DRIPSTONE, N.S.W. OVER 1000 SPECIES STOCKED All Australian natives with special supplies of plants and seed of West Australian species. THE PIONEER NATIVE PLANT NURSERY Catalogue — 4/- Posted @@@ 15 @@@ MARCH, 1962 AUSTRALIAN PLANTI-PROPAGATION PAGE 15 Grow Melaleuca from Seed THE TREATMENT OF SEEDLINGS By H. BOYD Letters have been passed to ihe writer by the Editor from readers requesting more information regarding the ‘“‘growing on” of plants pro- pagated by the "“Bog Plant Technique”, Australian Plants, June, 1960. "’Bog Plant Technique’’ for germination of secd of bottle brush species of Callistemon, Melaleuca, Bbeaufortia, Kunzea and Regelia, the net bush species of Calothamnus and the tea trees, Leptospermum. Reprinted for ycur cenvenience. A simpie methcd tor the germina.icn of 1his seed (s to ftreat them as bog plants. Take a well crocked pot almzst fulcd wih rich Lusn soil, we: and tap down making sure the surface is level. Sow the fine seed sparsely frecm the point of a knife, and in the same manner distribute over it a very light covering cf sand. The pot is now immessed wn . non-ferrous coniainer to a depth of abiur twe-inuds its height in waier or until the surface is wet but not inundated. The wa:ier level cof ilie cuier conitainer might have to be experimented with. The outer container must not be of iron as rust in strong concentrations is po.sonous .o seedlings. A piece of glass is then placed over the pot wihcut allcwance for wventilation and the experiment placed in a sheliered pcs'ticn in abcut hatf or filtered sunlight. It is advisable, but by no means essential, to use ccld beoiled waler to wet the soil and fill the outer container, to reduce infestaiicn by aigae as tap water has a relatively high content of this lowiy plant. The waier level of the cuter pot must be tcpped up each day as it is lessened by evaporation. When the seedling plants are well esiablished, say with four leaves, the glass covering the pot or tray can be remcved for short periods each day or raised a little each day, uniil it is no longer required. The tray is then gradually moved to a position of full sunlight thus hardening the plants and strengthening the hypocotyl (stem). At this stage a dressing of magnesium sulpnate (Epsom Salts) can be given, about three grains in weight on the surface to a four inch pot (as much as will cover the surface of a sixpence). The salts are sprinkled on the surface dry. This causes a greaier growin rate and produces stronger plants with thicker stems. Treat some seedlings and not others of the same species, and note the difference. It is optional as to whether the plants are removed when small, four (4) to six (6) leaves, or grown to a heigh of six inches if the tray or pot is not less than three inches deep. If the plants are grown on in the seedling pots, a nutrient must be added in the form of a fertiliser, such as "“aquasol” (or nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium mixture). A strong solution is prevented from building up in the outer container by washing out this container once a week. When many plants are grown to size in a small pot the roots will be found to have matted up between the pot and the medium in which the plants are growing. If the root growth is very great it is better to cut down one side of the root mass with a sharp razor blade. Then place the tangled mass in a tub of water to which has been added a few drops of root stimulant, such as Formula 20 (o naphthalene Acetic acid) ‘o rt:duce shock and give the new plants a good start. With the plants completely submerged in the water, move them about and with this method of digital manipulation they can be readily separated. Plant the seedlings in a suitable container for “growing on” such as tubes or four inch pots using soil similar to that in which they are to eventually be planted. The soil should contain, in addition, one third decayed leaf mould that has been passed through a seive. Place the potted plants in a dark room for two or three days and then gradually increase the light on the plants until they are in full light. By placing a plant in darkness, photo synthesis is stopped and so there is not a great demand made on the unestablished root system. The method wused by the Native Plant Propagation and Research Scciety is to place the tubed plants in a box with several sheets of paper over the top for 2-3 days. With this technique, chemical fertilizers in sclution can be used at any stage. @@@ 16 @@@ PAGE 16 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS ~ MARCH, 1962 A REGIONAL MAP OF AUSTRALIA I I [ EREMAEAN EREMAEAN EREMAEAN WEST EREMAEAN EREMAEAN NORTH WEST 2 2 3 =8 vt v o g:< e ) S = S Ew E 8¢ - 2 g 2908 =) LA S S [e] & o . q v a%h E® e & IR . W ow Zwc £ £ £ £ £ ¢ ] S EEEEs C § L - 2 3 2 - 660 008> a zZzZ O nNZ = " b= d cff Wilson Road, OPEN EVERY DAY GLEN WAVERLEY, Vic.,, 82-6056 Soecialist in plants for sea coast. SCRRY -NO MAIL ORDERS : T ae S ¢ AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS NATIVE PLANTS : 8,600 megiuice 101 HARDY VARIETIES ] Grown in the Open — Plants dispatched . to all States [). \V'Y_AT'I" “'I(\N\N()()[\'” : Catalogue and Plantiny Guide 4/- 33 Plummer Rd., Mentone, S.11 s Boddy’s Eastern Park Nursery Vietoria : 32 Denman rs'i' gv;;laong, Victoria - el-z MORE MELALEUCAS by | G. HOLI.lDAY Melaleuca lateritia is a small to medium shrub available from mos” nurserymen. The flowers are a lovely orange-red colour although this varies with different forms This shrub is also intolerant of limestone or excess alkalinity. Melaleuca violacea is a semi-prostrate little melaleuca with purpie flowers clustered along the branches. There is little evidence of plants under garden conditions but so far has indicated general hardiness, particulariy in withstanding drought. @@@ 30 @@@ PAGE 30 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—YOUR SOCIETY MARCH, 1962 AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL PRESERVATION JOURNAL !A non-profit making ven'ure dedicated to preservation by cultivation | This journal is published by The Publishing Secticn on behalf of: SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—N.SW REGION- President: Mr. C. M. Taylor. Secretary: Mr. R. D-~nev. 190 G-'st~n Rd.. Hornshv Heights, N.S.W SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—QLD. REGION: President: Mr. H. W. Caulfield. Secretary: Mr. R. J. Peach, Bush'and Garden Nursery, Sunnybank, S8, Q'land SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS: President: Mr. V. W. Jahn. Secretary: Mr. |. G. Holliday, 29 Tennyson Ave., Tranmere, S A. SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS-VICTORIA & TAS: President: Mr. G. Echberg. Secretary: (Sister) E. R B-~wma>n 4 H~mebush Cres., Hawthorn, E.3, Vic. WEST AUSTRALIAN WILDFINDWFR GROWERS’ SOC. INCORPORATED: President: Mr. L. D. O'Grady. Secretarv: Miss M. Munro, 90 Basinohall St., Eas* Victoria Park. West Australia Membership is open to any person who wishes to grow Australian native plants Contact the Secretary of the Scciety for your State for information without obligation. PUBLISHING SECTION FOR SOCIETIES Managing Editor: Mr. W. H. Payne Publishing Committee for this lssue: R. N. Dallimorc, H. Boyd P D. Leak Sec.. K. Coxhead, Despatch: V. Hopkins, Illustraticns: A. Spurway, Photography: R. N. Dallimore. Advertising and Sales Representatives in each State: NSW., P D Lleak; QIld, W. W. Kilgour; SA. J. S Birch; Tas., G. van Munster; W.A., F. Lullfitz; Vict, F R. lJeffs. MAIlL - Address mail to the Editor, 250 Picnic Point Road, Picnic Point, NS W SUBSCRIPTION —Members: Your 1962 subscription is now due Please send dues promptly NON-MEMBERS: Be sure of receivinn ynur copies in future withoul incanvenience. Forward 12/- and the next four issues will be forwarded post free 1. Study Sectons—These comprise reade-s who, receiving the benefit of free advice, seed, and sometimes plants, agree to grew plants of kncwn beauty and value. in their gardens and report results once a vear. No experience is necessary to contribute 1to this national effort. Sections already exist for Acacia, Dryandra. Eremophila, Orchids (terrestriali, Orchids (epiphytal), Telopea, Verticordia, Eucalyptus, Stylidium, Melaleuca, Leptospermum and Sireet Trees. Assist in preparation of articles by forward'ng small flowering specimens which grow in vour district in a jam tin by parcel post (cost 5d.} as below: Species of Orchids (terrestrial) to Mr. L. Cady, “"Milford”’, Saddleback Rd., Kiama, N.S.W. All species of Prostan‘hera *o Mr. G. W Althofe-, Nindethans Nu-serv, Drinstone, N.S.W All species of Melaleuca, Mr. A. L. Hargrave, 13 Brynmais Rd., Camberwell, Victoria. Nourish Native Plants with AQUAASOL // Your native plan’s need Aquasol NOW! Aquasol provides all the nourishment native plan's need for strong, healihy lovelier growth—even in the poorest soils. Easy to wuse: no digging-in needed. Just add water to get gallons of liquid manure in seconds Instant action: Growth is stimulated and sustained because roots absorb Aquasol immediately. Get a handy 'alb. package of Aqua- sol from your garden supplier today. Also avail- able in 2Ib. jars, 4lb. packs and larger economy sizes, Aquasol is another N ; g @ proven plant food s LES'SN“UBSW from Hortico p s! @@@ 31 @@@ MARCH, 1962 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYOPORACEAE PAGE 31 Eremophila from Cuttings By R. HARDIE The following notes are on Eremophila propagation at Adelaide Botanic Gavden since 1959. The technique has been to take soft, or soft medium tip cuttings, 2-3"” long, and to insert them in small pots of coarse washed sand, or three parts of this sand to one part of peat. The pots have ihen been stood on the gravel bench of a cool glass-house (shaded in summer) or, better still, placed in a plastic frame on the bench—the additional protection of the plastic gives the calm, draught-free, humid atmosphere so helpful for striking soft tip cuttings especially. Cuttings have been tried for comparison under mist; also with and without hormones; and at various times of the year. SPECIES WHICH HAVE ROOTED FROM CUTTINGS: E. alternifolia and E. polyclada both rooted well in a plastic frame in a glass-house. E. gibbifolia and E. glabra struck well in a cool glass-house under mist. E. glabra and E. latrobei struck well on the open bench in the same glass-house while a small percentage were struck on the bench from E. sub- floccosa (although usually difficult due to its woolly foliage), E. delisseri, E. crassifolia, E. maculata (being better on the open bench than under mist) and E. dalyana (a white flowered species obtained on a Birdsville Track expedition. FAILURES FROM CUTTINGS: Some of the above species have not been successfully struck on other occasions. Other species which have been tried without any success at all, so far, include: E. weldii, E. oppositifolia, E. parri- folium, E. scoparia, E. exostrachys, E. bignoniflora and E. macgillavrayi. CONCLUSION: It is well worth while trying Eremophilas from cuttings though some species are certainly easier than others to root. Neither hormones nor mist appear to help in striking, but more work needs to be done with these aids for they do assist the rcoting of most species of plants. Nor does the time of the year seem very important—suitable soft or soft to medium tip cuttings are available most of the year—but remember the need of shading and humidity for soft cuttings taken in summer. For home gardeners who do not have a glasshouse, place the frame in a part of the garden which receives ample light but is sheltered from wind and hot sun. In the frame the pots may be stood on a base of gravei or coke screenings, or plunged to the rims in sand, sawdust or some other clean medium which retains moisture in the pots and keeps them at a more uniform temperature. Ccver the frame with plastic or glass, and on sunny days with hessian also. More ventilation and light is given as the cuttings strike. We are working on seed germination techniques without much success to date but it is hoped to be able to report on the results in the future. DID YOU LIKE THIS JOURNAL? Your cemmen’s will be appreciated. An edi*or’s task is not easy and constructive criticism is always valued. It is impcssible to present all articles to pleasa everyone, particularly with our wide range of readers. The journal has thus been expanded frem 16 to 32 pages and if you are pleased with at least 16 pages then it is a success. If you do not like the semi-technical sections please be patient as many othess do and cne day you will find them invaluable. The reader participation in sending reports cn their expericnces is my chief disappointment and handicap. If you have tried io grow a Melaleuca or a Coral Gum, help me bv reporting experiences. This is desired for species of Eremophila particularly from people in the inland Due to a flocd, a defective hlock and a machine failure the last issue was not up to the usual standard. Any defective copies returned will be replaced free of charge—EDITOR. @@@ 32 @@@ PAGE 32 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYOPORACEAE i MARCH, 1962 A GARDEN SHRUB FOR DRY AREAS NATIVE FUCHSIA OF WEST AUSTRALIA EaqorDell EREMOPHILA MACULATA This red flowered form of Eremophila maculata the ’'Spotted Emu Bush’’ or "Native Fuchsia’’ is one of the easiest to grow in gardens, flowering over a very long period and easy to propagate by cuttings. All forms of Eremophila maculata are considered poisonous to cattle at certain times of the year. Whzlly set up and printed by Surrey Beatty & Sons, Rickard Road, Chipping Norton, NS.W.