'Australian Plants' Vol.1 No.4 September 1960

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PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS

stered ot GPLO Syriney for PRICE: THRZE SHILLINGS
iansnussion by post os o venochial SEPTEMBER, 1260 Vol. 1, No. 4

Colour Photography by Frank Hurley Blocks by couriesy of John Sands Pty. Ltd.

CROWEA SALIGNA — F. MUELL

Often incorrecily called Eriostemon crowei. A beautiful shrub of about three feet with
flowers up to 1% inches across. Suitable for a sheltered positicn. The fluffy anther
appendages characteristic of the genus Crowea can be seen in the picture.



@@@ 2 @@@



PAGE 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—RUTACEAE SEPTEMBER, 1960

THE GENUS CROWEA Sm.

By JEAN GALBRAITH

Shrubs or undershrubs with glabrous undivided alternate leaves, usually
rather narrow. CALYX of five blunt sepals united for some distance to form
a cup. COROLLA of five lanceolate petals, pink or white, imbricate (over-
lapping) in bud; spreading into a broadly starlike flower, but later closing
to enfold the developing fruit. STAMENS, ten, erect, inflexed, with flattened
filaments, hairy on the inner surface, and anthers with conspicuous hairy
appendages. PISTIL of five carpels surrounding a very short style with a more
or less globular stigma. FRUIT consisting of five erect blunt cocci.

CROWEA EXALATA CROWEA SALIGHA
{,%we/y/' /&flmZE/ a ffi;}r/
ecfy branchle
" . !mceo/a/e lea) sessile

/4 Jafe pelaly- purk or wtile
,7'775501*00:06&; {f ;f‘y’aw cen/ne,(
i

hgiry yellovesh fartlike
Sppenasgey B anliers

RV
N

(=3

N
W YeLow arithy
§é R

N
!

: g G afy.
Shortenes L1l Q\\ Cresn caly ;};};’,

mep/- IZ:." J_/"
"«

Green Cobx \ 2o </ 3
i O A
THE RROWER

QF CROWEA

The genus Crowea (named after English botanist J. Crowe and pro-
nounced Crow-e-a) is an Australian endemic—that is, it is found in this
country and in no other. It is closely related to Eriostemon, with which genus
it was once united, but may be readily disiinguished from it by the hairy
appendages, or tails, on the anthers. These may be seen in the cover picture
of Crowea saligna and in the detailed drawing above.

Three species of Crowea are commonly in cultivation and C. exalata is
probably one of the most satisfactory small shrubs grown. Cultural require-
ments for C. exalata are exactly the same as for Eriostemon, (see p.2) but the
other three species, according to Mr. Cane, who has had experience of them
all, prefer a cool damp position. C. saligna must also be protected from
frost when young. It needs a damp propagating medium and damp atmosphere
for growing either cuitings or seeds. The other three species are easily
propagated from cuttings or seeds in almost any medium.

Crowea exalata F. Muell. (Pronounced ex-al-a-ta meaning not winged).
Small Crowea . Normally a shrubby small bush (17 or 2') bearing an
abundance of bright pink flowers, 4" across, throughout winter and spring,
and to a less extent at other times. Under exceptional circumstances bushes
may be several feet high, and flowers range from (occasionally) white, or
pale pink to almost red, fading in warm weather. Both leaves and flowers,



@@@ 3 @@@



SEPTEMBER, 1960 AUZTRALIAN PLANTS—RUTACEAE PAGE 3

KEY TQ SPLRGIES OF THE CGWNUS CROWEA
A Leaves smooth edged (entire) Q Eastern Opocics D
~—~oblanceolate leaf

P sl
A Leaves more or less sawedged (S err'«flr‘) ”“\‘_'"\ Western Spec,
S ~— crenate margin C

/'\# /7 // \hm\ |Mfi; branchiel on which
B Nearly ali Flowers on ends L7 /, ey &\,/ = lower s terminal

of branchlels (tcrmnn\) \ \\/) ‘Ljfi

1: C exalata

= ‘Jnnceolale leaf
= sessile (stalkless)

B All flowers in angle of leaf and stem -“==- axillary bud . i
9 (axillary ) @ 2:C. saligna.
C. Dwarf twiggy bush leaves pointed at both ends =T 3 C anqustifoha,
C. Tall erect shrub. Leaves usually blunt LT 3220 <) 4 C dentata

in exceptional circumstances, may be as large as those of C. saligna. Leaves
are thin, narrow, usually linear-spathulate, (that is, linear, broadening a
little toward the tip) dark green paler beneath, usually 1" long, or less. The
well-branched little bushes are compact, with flowers all along the branches,
not axillary but on the ends of branchlets which may be only a fraction
of an inch long bearing two or three leaves or even one only. Fruitlets are
separate to the base. These last tvwo characters are the only consistent dif-
ferences between C. exalata and C. saligna, although the latter has nearly
always larger, more lanceolate leaves, less clustered than those of C. exalata.

Crowea saligna Andr. (pronounced sal-ig-na meaning willowy). Lance-
leaf Crowea . As a rule a taller stiffer shrub than C. exalata up to 3-4 feet.
It has rather erect branches and leaves pointing upward, with a large short-
stalked pink flower at the base of each. Fiowers vary from white or shell-
pink to almost red, but in Vicioria at least, are usually the same cheerful
pink as E. exalata, deepening in colour in warm weather, when the smalier
species becomes paler. They are up to 12" across when fully open. Leaves
vary from linear to lanceolate, but are often blunt, or wider at the top.
Fruiilets are joined nearly to the top. One very beautiful form has flowers
white in the centre, shading to clear pink for the outer 2/3 of the petals.

Crowea angustifolia Turez. (an-gus-ti-fo-lia meaning narrow-leaf). “Swamp
Crowea”. A very diffuse slender shrub of 2’ or less, with variable leaves,
usually narrow-linear 1" to 2" long, most but not all minutely serrated.
Flowers are axillary, white or pink, usually under an inch across, one or two
together on very short stalks. This is a swamp-lover of southern W. Australia,
end | have not seen it growing, though | know of plants in cultivation. A
form is known with ovate or obovate leaves with crenate edges, (i.e., with
rounded teeth).

Crowea dentata R.Br. (den-ta-ta meaning toothed). White Crowea A
robust bushy shrub of up to 8 or 10 feet high, though often less, with
the erect habit of C. saligna, flowers like those of C. Angustifolia, and leaves
linear to broad linear-spathulate, usually abruptly cut off across the tip. It is
usually white flowered and is hardier than C. saligna. lts long flowering
season makes it a desirable small shrub for a sheltered position.

l —_—

I Ore Iudlw your garllvn with Queensland Species and Hybrids

INQUIRIES TO:

| J. E. JONES — “LIMBERLOST” NURSERY
! P.O., FRESHWATER, CAIRNS - - - - - N.Q. |



@@@ 4 @@@



PAGE 4

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS

SEPTEMBER, 1960

(11
— 1T

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Sprays fertilisers, insect killers, fungicides, plant hormones.
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Phone: JU 1124



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SEFTEMBER, 1960 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—RUTACEAE PAGE 5

How To Grow Eriostenon ¢ Crowea — by W. CANE

The species of Crowea, including the very fine plant on the front cover
Crowea saligna, Crowea denfata and Crowea angustifolia require similar
treatmeni to the species of Ericstemon. However, the very floriferous but
generally smaller flowered Crowes exalata has some ftorms which can be
grown almosi in any position or soil. Tnere are many forms of Crowea
saligna and Crowea exalata some varying in colour from waite through to
deep pink, tne former even mauve. C. exalata is usually available in a
slender shiub of 13 inches but sone forms grow to a robust shrub of 8
teet. C. saligna can be a sparse leafed bush or a form very densely leafed.

Eriosiemon species are lovely well-shaped bushes which flower very
abundantly and tor long periods. Frovided ihey are planted in a well-
drained position and receive regular watering they are good garden subjects
requiring very liitle attention. | find the south side of the house or under a
deciduous tree the best position, the main tning being to shade the bushes
between mid-day and 2.00 p.m.

A heavy soil suits most species, but they are adaptabie in this respect.
They appreciate abundant leaf-mould in and on the soil. When growing
wild, unless in a gully or near a stream, their size and vigour is in proportion
to the amount of humus available to the roots. All Rutaceae, if planted in
raised bads in heavy loam in lawns do well in this district, Maffra, Victoria,
some up to 30 years of age. It seems that by keeping the lawn green the
necessary constant soil moisture is maintained. When grown in sandy soils we
have the losses the same as with Prostanthera (mint bushes) with moisture
fluctuations, unless some overhead shade is provided. In my experience,
with the exception of some forms of Eriostemon myoporoides, Crowea exalata
and Correa reflexa, clay within one foot of the surface makes it impossibie
to grow plants in the family Rutaceae such as Eriostemon and eastern
Boronia to a greater age than five (5) years unless given shade. Bui! How
easy and how rewarding it is for home gardeners in clay areas to build up
raised gardens some 15 inches high. Remember, the ideal conditions are a
heavy loam and constant moisture combined with drainage, and if these
conditions are not available some shade and protection is necessary.

Losses are usually due to drying out of roots, movement in the wind or
collar rot, in that order of frequency. Control of these factors is not difficult
to achieve but is the key to success in growing these lovely plants. When
grown in shade they can stand a much greater variation in soil moisture
than when in the open, but in shade they are more subject to scale infestation
and flowers after a dry season are smaller and fewer. The response in shade
varies considerably for the various species but if water supply is frequent
then good results can be obtained. However, all do equally well if the soil
is kept constantly moist in open sunny positions and the flowering is better
in full sun. Plants should be well rooted before they are put out in the
open and if rooted in a glass house, they should be hardened off in a shade
house or verandah for a couple of weeks. Rocks placed round the young
plants are useful as a protection from wind, and for preventing evaporation
from the surface soil. These plants must have adequate wind protection and
if slightly exposed, must be staked securely.

Very little care of the plants is required apart from watering. As with
most natives, they require a little trimming of the tops when young and
pruning after flowering to maintain the shape and size you want. Fill the
vases in the house, the pruning the bush receives will ensure a more



@@@ 6 @@@



PAGE 6 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—NATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN SEPTEMBER, 1960

abundant supply the next year. “Collar rot” is found only by inspaction of
the trunk (look for decayed bark partly or entirely around the trunk at
ground level) but may be prevented by good drainage and if necessary onz
part to forty of Bordeaux Mixture can be watered over the centre of ihe
bush. About two gaiions for a large plant. Yellowing of the leaves can
be corrected by one teaspoon of suiphate of ammonia and one tablespoon
of potash in a powdered form, sprinkled in a circle about three inches from
the trunk, and left to dissolve with watering or rain. For scale treatment,
white oil or “phosphone 40" are effective.

The value of these lovely floriferous shrubs is now becoming widely
appreciated. The narrow erect leaf form of Eriostemon myoporoides native
to N.S.W. has been in cultivation for many years as it is the easiest to
propagate and grow. A larger flowered and leafed form from East Gippsland
which does best in heavy soil will shortly become available from nurserymen.
Some special multipetalled forms of Eriostemon species will also be ready
soon for the home gardener market.

YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN

Andersons Seeds Ltd., 90 Parramatta Road, Summer Hill, N.S.W.

Nindethana, Box 5, Dripstone, N.S.W. For all Native Seed. Packets ounce or
pound lots. Free list on application.

Parry, P. J.—“Floraland”, Kariong via Gosford, N.S.W. Native Plant Se-d.
Waratah seed 3/- packet posted.

Westem'Wildlife Supply, Gilgandra, N.S.W.—Bulk supplies of natives and
exotic tree and shrub seed to the trade —Special collections to order.

Yates, Arthur & Co. Pty. Ltd., 90-100 Sussex Street, Sydney.

in

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Native plants started in revo-
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@@@ 7 @@@



SZPTEMBER, 1960 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—RUTACEAE PAGE 7

. . . the propagation of eriostemon — W. CANE

Ail species of Ericsiemon and Crowea can be propagated both by
cuttings and seed, but seed must be allowed to ripen fully on the bush.
Ceed is usually collecied about December. The crude method | use is io
dip plastic sheets in “Phosphone 40" colution or a detergent (this is to
preveni ants taking the seed) spread them on the ground under the bushes
placing stones on the corners to hold them down and collect the seed each
evenng cr before rain. Flesiic sheeis, several of them overlapping up ic
six feet diameter are required. The seed remains vieble for years. | have
had successful germination with any period from one week to four years. It
must be protecied from insects and tungi as recommended by Mr. H. Boyd
in issue No. 1, using a D.D.T. powder as an inseciicide and "“Captan” or
“Zineb” powder as a fungicide in a moisture and light proof container.
Before planting, seed should bz treated with detergent solution, one teaspoon
to one pint of warm water poured over the seed and let stand from 15 to
30 minutes and then washed off. Alternatively it may be treated with heat
by covering the seed with half a cupful of boiling water leaving the seed
in the water until it cools, or by kindling a light fire of paper or straw on
the seed bed.

Species of Eriostemon and particularly Crowea, recuire a darp pro-
pagating medium and a high humid atmosphere. For the germination of ine
seed | use a media of medium sandy loam containing one third volume of
moss (shreaded) or ““peat moss”. A glass house is not necessary. Correct
conditions can be obtained with a drained container that will not evaporate
the moisture readily from the side walls, filled with the above media to a
depth of four inches, and covered with a piece of loose glass giving two
inches clearance above the media surface. Sprinkle the seed over the bed
~nd press into the surface with a piece of board. Place the container in a
partially shady position such as under a bush, and if exposed to sunlight, lime
the glass surface. Do not allow to dry out. Seed may take anything from
one to twelve months to germinate. As soon as the first seedlings appear,
slide back the glass to cover only half the top of the seed box or pot.
‘When a week old the seedlings are picked out and planted into small
containars with the same medium and similar conditions of shadz and humidity.
This can be achieved by using tubes, tins, or small pots placed in a box with
the top partly covered with glass.

Some species of Eriostemon grow more readily from cuttings than others.
The easier species, Eriostemon myoporoides and Eriostemon verrucosus, can
be rooted in the open without hormone, provided there are no drying
winds, and they are grown during the warmer months. Very young wood
is best for cuttings when temperatures are high, though the wood snould
always be at least a month old. With glass house conditions and a hot bad
these can be rooted in 10 to 14 days. When conditions are cooler, wood
should be proportionately older, but should never be more than a year old.
Under glass house conditions the cuttings can be from one to four inches,
placed 2”-1” in media, but when grown outside they should only be 1-2
inches long and take from 12 to 30 weeks to root.

All species respond to treatment with hormone (for example “Hortomonez
A”). Use 2 c.c. per pint of water and stand the lower half inch of ihe
cutting in the solution for 10 to 18 hours. The cutiing media is a mixiure
of peat ross and coarse sand although for species hardest to root, peat
moss only may be tried. If planted in a pot, outside, insert the cuttings to half



@@@ 8 @@@



PACE 3 AUSTRALIAN FLANTS—NATIVE PLANT NURSERYMEN SEPTEMBER, 1960

their length in the media, crowded close together, piace in a position of
filtered sunlight un to 10.00 a.im. curing suminer. Do not allow 1o dry cut and
proizct fro.1 even the slightest wind or draught. Cutiings rooi best at media
temparatures of 80 degrees F. in & glass house or cutiing frame but some
will root over a longer period at 60 degrees F. Cuttings must be kept damp
and shaded.

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Abel, J. L—1".0. Box 26, Nowra. Native plants from 2/6. Freight and pack. extra.

Denovan's Nursery—i88 Marco Ave., Panania, Sydney, N.S.W.

Eastern Park Nursery—32 Denman St., Geelong, Victoria. 3,000 varieties.

Echberg’s Drive-in Nursery—Centre Road, East Brighton, Victoria.

Narrabeen Nursery, 1111 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen Nth., N.S.W. Plants for coast.

Parry, P. J—"Floralands™, Kariong via Gosford, N.S.W. Waratah and many
other plants 1 -, Postage 2 - extra.

Payne, F. (.—Native Flora Sanctuary, Addison Av., Athelstone, Sth. Aust.

Willunga Nursery.—21 Nelson Street, Thornleich, N.S.W. From 2/6.

Wyait, P.—33 Plummer Road, Mentone, S.11, Victoria.—Hardy plants.

ECHBERG’S AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS
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@@@ 9 @@@



SEPTEflBER, 1960 AUZTRALIAN PLANTS—RUTACEAE PAGE 9

THE GENUS ERIOSTEMON Sm.

Small trees or shrubs, occasionally under-shrubs, aromatic, more-or-iess
tuberculate, with undivided alternate leaves. CALYX of five blunt sepals
partly united to form a cup. COROLLA of five (4 in one species) lanceolate
or ovate petals, pink or white, imbricate in bud, spreading into a broadiy
star-like flower. Semi-double and double flowers or multi-patalled forms
sometimes found. STAMENS, twice as many as petals, erect, inflexed, usually
much flattened and fringed with stiff hairs, slightly clothed on the inside
with wooliy hairs, at least toward the top. Anthers minutely apiculate, without
the hairy tails of Crowea. PISTIL of as many carpels as the petals, occasionaily

fewer, united round the very short style with its small round stigma. Fruit
of several erect blunt cocci.

S obama

\are

The flower |![of Lriostemon

Standing
upright l

In the great pattern of plant families, Rutaceae (Ru-ta-ce-a-e from a name
of Rue, a member of this family) belongs to the group in which petals are
separated to the base (exception Correa but even in this genus you can
usually trace the line of petal separation in the bells). It is distinguished
from other closely related families by the strongly aromatic oil glands in
ihe foilage of all species. It is the family to which citrus fruits belong. Their
aromatic fragrance is well known.

The genera Boronia, Eriostemon, Phebalium and Crowea, all widely
cultivated, belong to this family. The alternate leaves and (with one exception)
five-petalled flowers of Erioctemon (Eri-o-ste-mon or Eri-os-temon) species
distinguishes it from Boronia with four-petalled flowers and opposite ieaves.
The erect stamens, forming a cylinder round the style, distinguish the genus
from Fhebalium which has spreading stamens. The difference between Erios-
temon and Crowea is less obvious. The anthers of Crowea have long hairy
tails (making them look under low magnification like a bunch of miniature
fox-brushes) while those of Eriostemon have very small points, often hardly
visible.

The species of Eriostemon (erion, wool: stemon, stamen) are amongst
the most adaptable and attractive Australian plants in cultivation. So far
as our knowledge goes at present, all species have much the same cultural
requirements—perfect drainage; a reasonable amount of sunshine and water;
enough pruning to keep them shapely; a good mulch of leaf-mould, and
no interference with surface roots. They are satisfied with any good well-
drained soil, do not like excess nitrogen, and appreciate a couple of big
stones to keep their roots firm and cool. A bush of E. verrucosus and one of
E. myoporoides, both about thirty years old, in my garden, prove that they
are not short-lived in cultivation.

With the exception of E. spicatus | have not seen living plants, or even



@@@ 10 @@@



PATE 10 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—-RUTACEAE SEPTEMEER, 'I9fq

fresh specimens of endemic Queensland or W. A. species, so will confine
detailed discussions to south-eastern species, giving only identification keys
for the northern species, and leaving those of the west to others.

Before going farther it may be worth explaining how such keys are
used. A botanical key is no more than a convenient tabulaton of some
characteristic features of different species, so arranged that, by eliminating
one character after another, one may at last arrive at the correct name of he
specimen. Thus, should you have a plant of Fairy Waxflower (E. veriucosus)
and not know its name, the key which follows should enable you to placz
it, provided you know it is a native of S.E. Australia. The key is given in
pictorial form so any unfamiliar technical terms should not be confusing.
Lcoking at the key you see that the first species has hooked leaves and thz
second has cylindrical or club-shaped leaves. The leaves on your specimen
are not uncinate (hooked) terete (cylindrical) or club-shapad so you are
forced to take the first aliernative, which is B. You look for the first B in
the key and find it at the beginning of the next line “Petals four”. Your
specimen has five petals so you rule out E. virgatum and pass on to ihe
rext B. It is at the beginning of the next line and leads you to C.
The first C telis you “Flowers all terminal”. Those on your specimen are
nearly all axillary, so you try the next line. “Flowers nearly all axillary”—
that fits your specimen so you follow that line and come to D. The first
D tells you thz leaves are narrow (linear or linear-spathulate). Yours are
broad. You try the next D, “Leaves one inch or less, relatively broad”.
Your specimen certainly fits into that category, so you follow that line which
takes you to H. There are three H alternatives to consider. Two have con-
spicuous mid-ribs. Your specimen has not, so fiis the third H which guides
you to I, where you have a choice between "Branches tuberculate, E. ver-
rucosus” and “Branches downy, E. obovalis”. Yours are certainly tuberculate
so you know your specimen is E. verrucosus which would bz if written in
full, Eriostemon verrucosus A. Rich., the “A. Rich” being an abbreviation of
A. Richards, the name of the author of the species (the one who first
described it). Incidentally, you can see why the plant many of us knew
as E. obovalis is not that species but E. verrucosus.

South-Eastern Species — Part |

E. affinis Sprague (aff-in-is, aliied to). “Hooked Waxflowe:.—A bushy
shrub with hooked narrow-lanceolate leaves, and more or less iuberculate
on leaves and stems. The white, often pink budded, flowers grow singly
at the leaf-bases, and have a ring of small bracts at the base of the Aower-
stalk. The fruitlets are very beaked. N.SW. sp.

E. brevifolius A. Cunn (brev-i-fo-le-us, short-leaved). “Downy Waxflower".
—This species was included by Bentham in E. difformis (as E. difformis var.
teretifolius) but Black restores it as a species because of several apparently
constant characteristics. It is a slender little shrub with flowers on the ends
of small branchlets, as dainty as E. difformis and differing from it chiefly
in having flowzrs which are downy inside, but not outside, and round,
instead of pointed, tips to the anthers. The tiny ieaves are narrow-linear or
club-shaped, pointing upward, occasionally without the leaf-tubercles which
are conspicuous on E. difformis. The flowers superficially resemble those of
E. difformis and grow on the tips of short leafy branchlets. Usually a small
dainty shrublet, but sometimes as much as 3’ to 5 high.

E. virgatus A. Cunn ex Hooker f. (vir-ga-tus, twiggy) “Tasmanian Wax-
flower”.—A twiggy little bush, the slender branches often encircled by



@@@ 11 @@@



SEPTEMBER, 1960

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—RUTACEAE PAG:z 11

clusters of short leafy twigs. The flat leaves, 2" to a little ovar 1" long and
uncer %" wide, are oblong to obovate, with a small soft point. They are
dark green above and lighter below. There are no hairs, but there are
tubercles on the stems and some of the leaves. They are conspicuous an.
look like brownish honey-globules, but apparently they often rub off maiure
leaves, leaving faint star-like scars. The white or pale pink flowers have
four petals (occasional flowe-s have five) and are about Y2 an inch across,
growing on short stalks from the bases of the upper leaves. About four
small overiapping bracts enclose the base of the flower-stalk. Ths stamzns
are very like those of E. myoporoides. Tasmania only.

KEY TO SOUTH EASTERN SPECIES OF ERIOSTEMON

A Leaves hooked narrow. tanceolate

y, Z (N.S_W.) HE affims
A Leaves cylindrical (to lower termnal) to elub shaped //::,:_) ZK—) 2 i
A . (very small) E. brevifolius.
Leaves not hooke! (lubbed or cylindrical only,
vhen petals sre not downy ncide (1e rormsofdbelow) B
B Felals normally 4 Leaves oblong, /@to obvaui@ up to 1%47 long 3. E. virgatus.
B Pelals normaily 5 Not confined to Tasmania - Tasmania only
/15/'45 Leaves small Pelals not
( flovers Lerminal '\'(i\i\-\g sthickrarely /2% downy mside 4 E difforms
sy

C Flowers axillary. ang a Few termwal

= \t
0 LeavesI"to 12" long linear =2 461 finear » spathulate //:_Z/:> G

MArgins  appearmg crenate  ~~~n

0 leaves over I lanceolate é;‘fib ob!nm‘vo]nle,fl@ E
72 margins e. =~ i

entir
[' Leaves I"orless relativel: I v
_eaves o5 ol broad “ y
% \fijcval /{/

. /;—3 ob\’ake//®ovafe H.

V) -
) & [0 Frablets.~ 7>
/, {1:/ j 5 4
[ Flowers pedicellat P b / 5 beaked 5.E myoporoides
peds e . ;\Q\GJ 2 g ‘;(:f} 2/6 y
W 7 4
(variouvs FfForms of infloresence of thic specias)
£ Flowers pedonculate {on primary slalk) Froitlets not F
beakcu
L7 = P
et o
F Conspicuous overlapping bracts on pedicel ,_\_-4///,‘/‘/,/«/
/, //_/

F. Bracts munute. bas.al (not overlapping)or no bracts. Two forms

G E lanceciztus

7.E trachyphgllus

Q\)/‘

Bont downwards at

I1 Branchlets downy lesves lingar-spatholate /;;/’
“ leastab taps 4

O E hispiclus

L Draachiets with stiff hars not (orvaery stightly) downy

Linear leaves aboot 1" curved 9E scaver

ariable  but always recurved

H Midrib cerspicucus  Leaf shape

edges /g ovate FT

e _—="oval

10 E. buxifolics

H. Midrib conspizvous Leaves lanceolate

I.E. myroporcidas
to ovate ,Q Edqas not recorved var. mnoer

H Midrib inconspicuous Leavas obvale - ) e

to obcordate T
[ Branches tuberculate (covarad with tiny lumps) 12 F verrucosus.

[ Branches downy not tuberculate 13 £ obovalis



@@@ 12 @@@



PAGE 12 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SEPTEMBER, 1960

;.-.I.I.I--.....I.I-I-I...I.-n.“.l.fi.l.l .l%..-I!.%-I-I.-I.l-I-I.I.l.l-l.-.fl-l.l.- .l--I .....-.;;

OVER 300 SPECIES

of indigenous and exotic trees and shrubs

AVAILABLE FROM NURSERIES

AT

PENNANT HILLS FORBES
NARRANDERA DUBBO

Compleie descriptive price list free and post free from:

SECRETARY, FORESTRY COMMISSION OF N.S.W.
BOX 2667, G.P.O., SYDNEY

-IIIIIIIlII!IIIIIIIIII’IHII!IHIIII.I.I

EI.... .--..--fl.-.-...I.I.I.I.-.l.l-l‘-.I-I-I.l.lnfl..!H!nfl“I‘.!.Ill.l.fl...-.flfil‘flfl.

)

l..

s " """ " e T I-l.I.I.l...l.l.l.l-l.I.I.l-I.I-I.l.l.lll.Iul.l.l.l.I.I-I.l.l-l.l.l.l.l.l

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(AT MILPERRA BRIDGE)



@@@ 13 @@@



SEPTEMBER, 1560 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE PAGEZ 13

Verticordia Can Be Tamed

By R. DONEY

ce of numerous species of Verticord.a on FOREIGN ground adds
a finding common to many genera and spacies of our knowiedgs;
i.e., that we all are often iaisled in attzrpts to repreduce what we consider
to bz tne natural set of conuimions suitable to a particuler plant, when, in
faci, we don't knsw wnat these conditions ave. Furthes, we find that many
plants grow more in SPITE of their habitat than because of it. If ihis were
noi basic wuth we should ceasz all efo.t to civilisz the native. Therefore,
wvazn we have no exact scientific findings (nor adecuate training to pursue
them) let us be indefavigable iriers and honsst obsesrvers, and it follows
that Veriicordias can b2 brought into the garden and retfained.

How? Read and cbsorb the sound advice offered by Mi. Quick (Junz
issue) who must be commended for his thoroughness, and wno leaves ihis
writer perhaps litile 1o add, except corroboration. Select a "tough” specie as
a first: V. plumosa is well known and has been observed to survive
almost all conditions other than heavy clay soil and poor drainage, and
appears reasonably frost hardy even in its first year. (Some 2-year piants
unzcathed by 7 degrees frost.) Another possible is V. densiflora. Several
plants being grown in medium sandy loam underlain at 6” by mediun-
hzavy clay subsoil free draining of excess water. Also frost hardy to 7
dzgrees known.

Some nursery observations:—Young Verticordia seedlings (to 1 year)
have been grown in a black medium-heavy loam, well aerated, pH approx.
5.5, apparently adequate in potash and phosphate plus sufficient available
nitrogen for 3-4 months good growth, when a supplementary ration was
found necessary. Approx. 8% N. in solution was found beneficial, but best
results were obtained by use of “Aquasol” at 1 heaped teaspoon to 2 gals.
water applied weekly as supplement to normal watering (about 2 fl. ozs.
per plant). Inference:—That greater nitrogen appetite exists than habitat
would supply? (Not known.) Applications of sod. chloride were found to
be harmless and of no apparent benefit. Use of limes; i.e., calcium carbonate
or calcium hydroxide to alter pH. to 6.5—7.0 quickly caused “chlorosis”.
Inference:—Acid conditions are preferable. (Supported by garden success
where pH. 5.5-5.8 exists.)

Where magnesium lack is apparent, weak solution (% undetermined)
of mag. sulph. was found beneficial. 1 heaped teaspoon to 2 gals. water,
further diluted 1 part in 8 applied twice weekly supplementing normal
watering. Two applications showed results.

A constant level of capillary water is maintained, and appreciated by
plants, by nightly summer watering to avoid excess humidity, and autumn—
winter watering frequency determined by weather conditions—generally
every second morning. Inference:—more water appetite than habitat would
supply? (Not known, but probable.)

Garden plantings showed rapid first year growth where soil contained
considerable decomposing organic material, e.g., leaf, stick, bark, and fungi
mycelium very active, (Don’t say:— “’Ah, michorrizal association!” not true)
but did not ultimately outstrip plants in soil less rich in organic matter and
humus. Failures were found to be directly attributable to poor drainage
and/or high humidity, particularly affecting V. grandis and V. etheliana.

For Sydney, and perhaps all East Coast growers a list of “probables”,



@@@ 14 @@@



PAGE 14 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE SEPTEMBER, 1960

in order of their chance of success, follows below. However, beiore you
begin, some points rust be adhered to.

A. Ensure good drainage consistent with goad capillary water* retenton.
Even if you must use a pot, tin, or other container.

B. Keep summer water at constant, but low level; ie, not wet, no.
cbviously damp, but moist as though you watered it yesterday.
4" gravel mulching 27 deep to foilage spread, but not agains:
plant stem, is excellent.

C. Avoid planting positions offering no wind protaction or those which
cause excess humidity. Aspecis from N. fo S.W. with or without
filtration of light, and good air drainage, are csszniial.

(*Capillary water is ihat water which adneres to soil pariicles. a3
a result of surface tensicn, and is the water usad by plants.)

1. Verticordia plumosa: swall shrub, med. fls. pink, frost hardy? (7
degrees known).

2. V. densiflora: rounded shrub 2 ft. (?) Sm. fls., white ageing pink,
long fig. 2 mths.? Frost ha-dy? (7 degress known).

3. V. pennigera: sm. shrub to 3 ft.? Med. fls. rose pink, some flower
most of year—hardy? (7 degrees frest.)

4. V. drummondii: Closely allied to V. pennigera and equally flori-
ferous, smaller fls. diffuse stature (7 degrees frost).

5. V. chrysantha and var. preisii: rounded shrubs to 18ins.? Med. fls.
bright yellow, very floriferous (7 degrees frost).

6. V. serratz: erect sm. shrub, med. fls. yellow. (7 degrees frost).

7. V. acerosa, V. grandiflora, V. fimbrilepis: Yellow fls. closely allied
to V. chrysantha and equally possible (7 degrees frost).

8. V. picta: erect sm. shrub—2'6""? Fls. med.-lge. rose pink, floriferous,
long fig. 2 mths.? Frost hardy? (7 degrees known).

9. V. huegelii and VAR.: sm. shrub to 18 ins.? Med. sm. fls. creamy
ageing to rose. (4 degrees frost) Intolerant humidity.

10. V. penicillaris: similar to V. huegelii, fls. yellow ageing pink, pro-
bably more tolerant humidity (4 degrees frost).

Future speculation:—V. spicata, V. pritzellii, V. nitens, V. grandis, V.
muelleriana, V. etheliana, are excellent species, but here placed in order
of their tolerance of humidity, and recommended only as ftrials for the
hardiest and most experienced East Coast growers. V. spicata and V. pritzellii
tolerate light frost and are quite likely of success.

To those growers who try all or any of these brilliant plants, an urgent
plea is made:—Proceed slowly, observe carefully, take no fancy risks, note in
ink, and forward results to Plant Recording Officer, S.G.A.P.

NINDETHANA NURSERY
BOX 5, DRIPSTONE, N.S.W.
OVER 1000 SPECIES STOCKED

THE PIONEER NATIVE PLANT NURSERY

Catalogue — 4 /- Posted



@@@ 15 @@@



SEPTEMBER, 1560 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—BOTANY PAGE 15

i TTH Fo FI-OWISIR ART 3) By HELEN PURNELL

Three of the four kinds of floral parts, viz., the sepals, petals and stamens
have been discussed in the two previous articles. This article is concerned with
the female part of the flower which is known as the gynoecium.

THE GYNOECIUM:

The simplest type of gynoecium consists of one carpel or pistil. A carpel
usually has three parts, an ovary, style and stigma. The ovary is located at
the base of the carpel, is usually swolien, and contains a cavity called
the loculus in which are found one or more structures called ovules. The
ovules, after fertilization, develop to form seeds. At the upper end of ihe
carpel is the stigma on which polien grains germinate prior to fertilization
of the ovules. The stigma is usually separated from the ovary by the elongated
style. (Fig. 1). Members of the family Leguminoseae, (Hovea, Pultenaea, etc.)
have one carpel. Ranunculus (buttercup) has many carpels arranged spirally
on the receptacle and quite free from one another. The gynoecium of
flowers with one carpel or many free carpels is known as apocarpous.

Nl
) )

Foe

A
Cveory o 7o
/Daf" SN ik
cenoel”
/5. 28
OO I

Sove focers [/“ oe rhess
Gngrticinsd oty J/?/bt/ /)/ Gyroacium
@v oy wal!
Ty vesT Fctor SIS DABC Spncanpouf-Gyroecus

/ ZA- L ot
RIONIS, & B NerE e

L/\.

A more complex gynoecium is formed by the partial or complete fusion
of two or more carpels. A completely fused gynoecium, which is said to be
syncarpous, has apparently one ovary but it may contain several loculi and
there will be one siyie and one stigma although the latter may be variously
lobed. The flower of Eucalyptus (Fig. 2A), e.g., has several fused carpels.
Partial fusion of the carpels in the gynoecium is seen in Boronia, in which
the carpels are free at the base but fused in the region of the style and
stigma. (Fig. 2B). In Eucryphia and Hypericum (St. John's wort) the carpsls
are united at the base and the styles and stigmas are free. (Fig. 2C).
many families the top of the syncarpous ovary is lobed and the single style
inserted in a depression between the lcbes. This type of ovary may be seen,
e.g., in Epacridaceae (Epacris, Leucopogon). In Labiateae, the lobing is very
deep and the style is attached to the ovaries near the base of the carpel.
Such a style is called gynobasic.

The number of loculi in the ovary of a syncarpous gynozscium is
frequently equal to the number of carpels which have been fused together.
There are, however, numerous exceptions to this. Thus, the gynoecium of
Hybanthus (violet) which consists of three fused carpels has only one loculus,
whilst the ovary of Solanum tuberosum (tomato) which has two united carpels,
is sometimes divided into more than two loculi by the growth of extra
walls known as “false septa”.



@@@ 16 @@@



FACE 16 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—THE SOCIETY SZFTZMBZR, 1960

This journal is published by The Publishing Section on behalf of:—
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—N.S.W. REGION:

President: Mr. C. Taylor.

Secretary: Mrs. H. J. Croucher, 6 Carinya Ave., Brighton-le-Sands, N.S.W.
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—QLD. REGION:

Secretary: Mr. R. J. Peach, Bushland Garden Nursery, Sunnybank, S.8, Q.

President: Mr. H. W. Caclfield.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS:

President: Mr. V. W. Jahn.

Secretary: Mr. I. G. Holliday, 29 Tennyson Ave., Tranmere, S.A.
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—VICTORIA & TAS.

Fresident: Mr. G. Echberg.

Secretary: (Sis.) E. R. Bowman, 4 Homebush Cres., Hawthorn, E.3, Vic.
WEST AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWER GROWERS' SOC. INCORPORATED:

President: Mr. L. D. O'Grady.

Secretary: Mrs. J. T. Wallace, 54 Norman St., Bentley, West Australia.

Membership is open to any person who wishes to grow Australian native
plants. Contact the Secretary of the Society for your State.

PUBLISHING SECTION FOR SOCIETIES

Managing Editor: Mr. W. H. Payne. Publishing Committee for this Issue:
Sec.: Mr. C. J. Eccles. Despatch: Mr. V. Hopkins. llusirations: A. Spurway.
Photography: Mr. R. N. Dallimore and Special Correspondents each State.
Advertising and Sales Representatives in each State: N.S\W., P. D. Leak—Qld.,
e V. W. Klgour—S.A., J. S. Birch—Vic.,
1. McAllister—W.A., F. Luilfitz.

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Picn’c Point Road, Piznic Point, N.S.W.

by 4 If a reply is recuired please enclose
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SUBSCRIFTION—

Pest Mz~bars: Your 1960 subscription is

now overdue.

and Non-Members: Be sure of receiving
your copies in future without

incon-
venience. Forward 12/- to the Editor

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Dlsease and the next four issues will be for-

warded.

Control EeRaTa

Book Review—Page of June issue,
should have read: “Wild Flowers of Western

Australia’, by C. A. Gardner. Price with hard cover
use and colcured wrapper—£2/2/- plus 3/6 postage.
Price  with  beautifully  coloured soft cover—
£1/15/- plus 3/6 postage.

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liminates Cardboard

MULTI-PURPOSE i Flavour

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@@@ 17 @@@



SEPTEMBER, 1960 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—EUCALYPT PAGE 17

Eucalyptus Amplifolia — A Tree with a Future
Submitted by THE FORESTRY COMMISSION OF N.S.W.

All oo frequenily the homebuilder in our newer suburbs painstakingly
plans his layout to provide for the retention of at least one naturally occur-
ring “Gum Tree”. As time goes by his cherished tree causes concern because
of its failing conditon and before long the carefully planned home setting
no longer boasts a characieristic “Gum Tree".

Examinaiion of dead and dying Eucalypts in these circumstances often
reveals that the cause of the trouble is “wet feet” or root rot brought by
the chenaed sub-soil conditions in the new housing sub-division. It would
appear that the removal of iimber cover fronm some clay sub-soils coupled
with the ertificial watering of lawns and gardens so increases the moisture
conient of many areas that the naturally occurring trees still remaining are
unable to cope with the new conditions. Shallow rooting plants are generally
not so affected, but deep rooting species will need to have the capacity
for adaptation to wet clay, if they are to survive these new conditions.

Among those which are able to thrive under these conditions, Eucalyptus
amplifolia—Cabbage Gum-——deserves consideration when a choice is madc
of a species to replace the unthrifty of deceased trze. It is a spreading,
handsome tree, good for shade and shelter pianting on wet, clayey soils
on the coast and tablelands. It is very frost resistant, and normally reaches
a height of 60’ and more. It is remarkable for the rapidity of its growth.
Its stern rises straight, and the tree naturally takes the pyramidal form. The
trunk is smooth and greyish.

The tree is found in swamp situations on the coast, in dry rocky
situations sometimes, and in a number of localities batween 3,000’ and 4,000’
on the tablelands extending to the Western Slopes.

Eucalyptus amplifolia has large striking leaves of a thick texture, hence
the comon nare of “Cabbage Gum”. For those of a botanical turn of mind,

Malire leaf Fruels

the juvenile leaves are ovate to orbicular, whilst the mature leaves are narrow
to broadly lanceclaie, the lateral venation irregular, the veins making anglas
of 20 degrees to 60 degrees with the mid rib; buds are stalked excepi
in the variety sessiliflora, the operculum conical-—acute, oblong with a rounded
apex or tapering more or less evenly into a beak, much longer than the
broadly cone-shaped, or somewhat hemispherical calyx tube; fruits usuvally
stalked, hemispherical, about ' inch in diameter, the valves exserted, the
disc fairly prominent.

To the residents whose homes are situated on clay sub-soil where
there is a doubt as to the adequacy of drainage, where there are severe
frosts and where a fast growing handsome tree yielding shelter and shade is
required, Eucalyptus amplifolia—Cabbage Gum—is commended.

Juvenilz Jeaf



@@@ 18 @@@



PAGE 18 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE SEPTEMBER, 1960

DENDROBIUM KINGIANUM

By R. F. LEANEY, F.R.H.S.

Derndrobium kingianum is widely dispersed from just north of Newcastie
in N.SW. io well into Queensland and although it is confined chiefly io
the coastal strip. it is commonly met with at considerable distances from
the seaboard, | have in mind, Gloucester, the Dorrigo Plateau and Mt.
Lindsay on the MacPherson Ranges as three of the more inland areas where
it is quite common.

The species vary greatly in both plant-form and florescence and
goes through from the darkest purple flowers to purest white in the albino
form. Although many variations occur, | have always felt that it mighi bz

Flower, front and side views,
slightly reduced.

4. Column, frem the
front.

a—anther
=y r—rostellum
s—stigma

2. Llabellum and c¢-lumn, from the
side. Uvary seen at back of column,
which is almost concealed by lateral

lobes of labellum.

3. Column, frem the side, showing
the lcng foot to which the base
of the labellum is attached.

Partly after Rupp.



@@@ 19 @@@



SEPTEMBER, 1960 AUTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE PAGE 19

THESE PLANTS ARE WANTED

TASMANIA—Prionotes cerinthoides (cu.iings), Cyanthodes acerosa, “‘Crimson Berry’’ (cuttings and
ripe berries).

ORCHIDS—Seed of all species cf epiphytal orchids is required.

This secticn is availab’e to all readers who are seeking a special plant for a fee
of 5/- per line. This service is available gratis to the special Siudy Sections. All replies
c¢/o Editor.

wise to divide D. kingianum into two main groups and for the want of
better names, | have always known them as the “N.SW. form” and tne
“Queensland form”. A typical N.SW. form has short pseudo-bulbs, never
more than four or five inches long, about as thick as a pencil, usually iwo
or three leaves at the apex, not noticeably bulbous and not tapering, with
erect flowerscapes carrying two or three, dark violet, good textured flowers,
whereas the typical Queensland form has long, very pyriform bulbs often
up to tweniy-four inches, | have collected plants with bulbs over thirty inches
long. The Queensland form always tapers very noticeably to the apex,
slimming right down to an eighth of an inch or less, frequently carries five
or six leaves at or very near the apex and produces long, flexuous racemes
up to fourteen inches with ten or twelve flowers.

It is in the Queensland form where the greatest number of floral
variants occur, indeed one seldom sees precisely the same colour twice and
the lovely pure albino form was found in Queensland. Apparently this true
albino has only been discovered once and was, | believe, collected by the
late Mr. F. M. Bailey while in the company of the late Mr. Weinthal from
whom | was fortunate enough to acquire a small piece which still does
well. There are many very pale varieties of D. kingianum, indeed some of
them are so nearly white that one requires a glass to see the pink spofs,
and or suffusion, right down in the labellum, but these should not be confused
with D. kingianum var. “Album” which is absolutely snow-white with the
faintest le .non stain rignt down in ine labellum and is a true albino.

Both the N.S.W. and Queensland forms have figured in the production
of natural hybrids. Dendrobium delicatum nm* kestevenii (Rupp) Leaney, is a
natural hybrid between the N.S.W. D. kingianum and D. speciosum. D. deli-
catum F. M. Bail, is the same cross but the Queensland form figured as one
of the parents. The difference between D. delicatum and D. kestevenii is very
pronounced but as they are the result of the same crossing, they can only
bear the same name, and as D. delicatum was the first by many years, to be
described, the other natural hybrid should be known as D. delicatum nm
kestevenii.

‘nm (nothomorph) means hybrid. D. kesteverii (Rupp), Orchids of N.S.W., 1943, page 114.

Selcct your Native Plants from growing specimens at the

NATIVE FLORA SANCTUARY

ADDISON AVENUE, ATHELSTONE, S.A.

(one mile due east of Thorndon Park Reserve)

Plants supplied only at the sanctuary



@@@ 20 @@@



PAGE 20 AU-TRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE SEPTEMBER, 1960

AN AUSTRALIAN ORCHID

—Photo by R. F. Leaney

DENDROBIUM KINGIANUM—A fine rosy form of the Queensland type from the
area of Mt Lindsay on the MacPhersoen Ranges.

It may be interesting at this stage to mention that | have raised from
seed both nm. delicatum using the Queensland form of D. kingianum and
nm. kestevenii using the N.SW. form and both came true to their types,
indeed more closely true than one would have expected. A subsequent cross
between the northomorpi kestevenii back to the N.S.W. D. kingianum again
produced some very interesting extremely fat-bulbed miniature plants with
quite fine, large flowers.

A characteristic of the N.S.W. form is that the occurrence of aerial
growths is extremely rare, and yet on the Queensland form aerial growths
are most prolific. Plants often being just a mass of aerials. Both forms appear
to grow in clumps on rocks, | have never seen them growing in nature
any other way, but they take equally well to cultivation and clumps potted
in fern-fibre or attached to fern rafts appear to do so splendidly. They do no?
appear to have that distressing habit of fading away so often exhibited by
native plants and flower profusely year after year in cultivation. Perhaps
it would be interesting to mention | have a D. kingianum which has been
doing well since 1932 and | understand the albino plant has been in
cultivetion for at least sixty years.

D. kingianum—first described in the year of 1844 so it is not a new
one—all agree that the plant can be very variable—leaves three to six,
lanceolate, not thick, but very persistant—two to four inches long—Aflowers
two to nine from pure white to deep mauve, dorsal sepal erect, sometimes
slightly incurved, about half an inch long and an eighth of an inch broad,
inclined to be lanceolate, lateral sepals much broader though about the
same length, petals shorter and narrower—Ilabellum with acute lateral lobes,
a broad mid-lobe slightly fan-shaped and mucronate, recurved, often splashed
with mauve in the pale forms, stout column half as long as the labellum.

Wholly set up and printed by Surrey Beatty & Scns, Rickard Rd., Chipping Norton, 72-7404