'Australian Plants' Vol.1 No.7 June 1961 +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The text in this file has been extracted from 'Australian Plants' Vol.1 No.7 June 1961. | | | | 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-Vol1-7.pdf | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN 4,000 COPIES Registered at G.P.O., Sydney, for JUNE, 1961, Vol. 1, No. 7 transmission by post as a periodical PRICE: THREE SHILLINGS Czlour Photograghy by Frank FHurley Blocks by courtesy John Sands Pty. Ltd. Dryandra formosa DRYANDRAS FOR THE GARDEN . . . By Alf Gray, West Australia It must be understood that this is not an attempt to classify the Dryandras botanically, but merely to give an idea of their appeal and potential to the culturist. Many noteworthy species cannot be dealt with here for it would take volumes to extol the virtues of Dryandras in detail. Confined entirely to @@@ 2 @@@ PAGE 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE B JUNE, 1961 that portion of Western Australia west of a line between the Murchison River in the north, and Cape Arid, about one hundred miles east of Esperance, ine Genus Dryandra contains more species than does Banksia, yet of these, few have to date been brought under cultivation in other parts of the Common- wealth. Being closely related to the Banksias, to which they are “linked” by strange intermediate Banksia ilicifolia, particularly the rare inland form, Dryandras show several qualities for which they are deserving of wide popularity and cultivation: (i) Almost exclusively winter-flowering, graceful sprays of flowers and foliage of many species lend themselves admirably to indoor decoration when little else is available. (i) They have much greater variety of foliage form than we find in Banksia, while the irridescent sheen in the blocins of some golden-flowered species is perhaps not approached by any other flower in nature. (iti) Dryandras in general favour inferior soil-types, such as the remnants of the original duricrust and gravelly laterite ridges of the Koodie- Woodie Ranges, the Dinner Hili, Hill River, and New Norcia disiricts. Some species are found in granite country, but generally in positions where few other plants can thrive. Such subjects are unlikely to be particular when introduced to garden., while in the inland areas, where few Banksias are likely to be happy, the Dryandra has great pro aise. From the cultural angle, Dryandras may be roughly divided into several groups. The first of these would include the tall, broader-leafed species such as are found forming dense thickets in the districts mentioned above. Foliage typically is rather stiff, sometimes holly-like, and not deeply incised. Dryandra sessilis (syn. D. floribunda) is undoubtedly the most familiar of this group, and favours superior soil types. Dryandra praemorsa has truncated oak-like leaves, and bright yellow flowers suffused with pink at the base, and is an easy species to grow. Others in this group include D. patens, newardiana, serra, longifclia, foliolata, etc. It is important to stress that practically all the tall, upright species are forest dwellers, and should welcome some shade and soil acidity under cultivation. The second group contains a number of southern species, typically with leng, very narrow and finely serrated foliage. Dryandra formosa is probably the tallest species, although it grows on the seafront around Albany as a very stunted shrub of the granite slopes. It is certainly one of the best for general use, with the characteristic metallic sheen in its flowers—more like a fine example of the gold beaters’ art than a living flower. Closely related to Dryandra formosa is D. nobilis, the “Great Dryandra”, with flowers of a rich golden colour, and as large as, or larger than, D. formosa. The foliage is dense, and a rich glossy green, the shrub well-shaped and 6 to 8 feet in height. With upright growth, and very slender serrated leaves, light green and somewhat deflexed, Dryandra polycephala can for convenience be included in this group, although not a southern species. The flowers are borne in profusion, often weli above the foliage, and are a particularly striking shade of lemon yellow. It favours the poorest lateritic gravels in common with many others, and is a very fine species. Close to D. polycephala, Dryandra seneciifolia is another great curiosity. The leaves are deflexed down the stem, and very narrow, forming slender pyramids of light green foliage. It is an unforgettable sight to see a colony of this Dryandra on the sand plain immediately north of the Stirling Range. The flowers are rather small, with reddish bracts, and are borne in every continued on page 4 @@@ 3 @@@ JUNE, 1961 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE PAGE 3 Dryandra In East Australian Gardens It is probable that nobody has observed more Dryandra in the field than Mr. Alf Gray. Apart from my own experience in raising a few seedlings, most of the little knowledge | have of these plants in cultivation was gleaned from tending plants which he raised and planted in a Queensland Arboretum. Foliage and form are perhaps the most attractive things about Dryandras, plus a profusion of flower during winter months when so few shrubs show colour. Can you imagine the effect shown by shiny dark teal saw-like leaves surrounding masses of canary yellow blooms, borne along canes making fantastic informal shapes? Dryandra hewardiana has this beauty. Though pruning would doubtless be possible on these plants, | consider such would be sinful spoliation, for irregular form is much of the beauty of many Dryandras. Though 1 do not know of any Dryandra growing in Eastern Australia (other than as above) | feel that Qld., N.S.W. and Victorian areas of light to medium soils with good drainage, where Waratah and/or Proteas are satisfactory, should provide conditions suitable to Dryandras. Subject to damping-off when small seedlings, Dryandras appear to be hardy to frost, to heat, to shade, to full harsh sun and, | consider, to humidity, when established. It is probable (as with many other natives) that “good” soils would be appreciated by Dryandra, but possibly neutral or alkaline soils would not suit these plants. | consider a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 would be safe and satisfactory. May | repeat that | know little about growing Dryandra but the growing of many other natives has surely shown me that most of our plants grow in the field in spite of their environment and benefit from better conditons, provided drainage is adequate. | note that Mr. Althofer, Nindethana Nursery, Dripstone, N.S.W., lists seed of Dryandra formosa and D. baxteri, both with showy foliage. He may be able to offer plants or seed of these and others suggested are as follows:— D. fraseri, D. vestita, D. speciosa, D. hewardiana, D. patens, D. cuneata, D. praemorsa, Seed should be sown in a gently firmed open medium such as sieved ‘compost of Casuarina needles or leaves (not Eucalypts) or a 75/25 mixture of rich light soil and peat moss, in late winter or early autumn. If without a giass- house use a wooden box with a bottom of fibro with holes for drainage, and a bottom layer of coke or stones, to a depth of one inch. Site the box in a position of partial shade such as under a tree or sparse bush but shelter from the wind and particularly from wog infestation from the ground by standing on a box. Cover the box with a sheet of glass suspending the glass about one inch above the box, until the seedlings emerge. The glass is then removed. At all costs avoid humid conditions. Do not hasten for results as germination may be irregular and pot up as early as possible (first set of true leaves). Pot up in the same mixture recommended above for the seed box. You could add a little gravel to keep soil open but this should not be necessary. Grow on and harden off for 3-6 months before planting. The best method for hardening off seedlings is to place in a position to receive early morning sun- light for half an hour each day for a week. Increase to 3-4 hours daily by half an hour increments a week apart when a location giving at least half a day of sunlight may be chosen to carry plants until firm sturdy growth is shown. This latter period of hardening is not to be judged by any limit of time and | am afraid it is a matter of experience. Water carefully and sparingly until established. Plants must be kept moist by watering as often as climate requires but not more often than daily. As Mr. Gray says. “The Dryandra has great promise.” @@@ 4 @@@ PAGE 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE JuNE 1961 DRYANDRAS FOR THE GARDEN Continued axil from top to bottom of 5-foot specimens, the general appearance resembling a miniature pagoda. Coming now to the dwarf species, we find a whole series of prostrate or semi-prostrate habit, seldom above three feet in height in even the largest-growing ones. The flower colour varies from wine red to cream or white . Some have finely-serrated foliage similar to D. formosa, others, such as D. pteridifolia, D. runcinata, and D. preissi are fern-leafed, with novel flowers of entrancing beauty. Dryandra pteridifolia would indeed be accepted by the uninitiated as a fern—until the creamy-white flowers were revealed, clustered at the base of the stem. In fact, the elfin beauty of the flower and foliage is a notable feature of the dwarf Dryandras, many of the group being indeterminable except by a trained botanist, and then of necessity one familiar with the flora of Western Australia. Dryandra bipinnatifida is a curious prostrate species with finely-divided upright leaves, both flower and fruit being usually quite hidden in the soil. For its leaves alone it is a worthy subject, and where conditions are favourable, these may develop an intricate compound form, projecting 18 inches or more from the ground. Some outstanding species defy grouping. Dryandra speciosa can be likened to no other species. Foliage is simple and almost heath-like, not serrated. The shrub, rounded and compact, reaches 5 feet under a 15 inch rainfall in light sand plain scrub. Flowers are pendant and bell-shaped, the brownish-grey outer bracts shielding the true delicately-shaded salmon pink flowers within. From any point of view—shapeliness of the shrub, or the unique beauty of the flowers—this species is outstanding. It is rather tender in the seedling stage, and seed, if available, should be sown in the late summer or autumn to avoid the damping-off to which many dry-climate plants are prone. It is quite hardy when a few months old. This by no means disposes of the unusual in Dryandras. D. horrida, D. vestita, D. conferta, D. shuttleworthiana, D. kippistiana, D. fraseri and D. ashbyi are a few more with highly ornamental foliage and flowers. D. vestita has stiff curling serrated leaves in whorls, set at perhaps 4 or 5 inch intervals on erect stems, surmounted in autumn by long, straight, coloured shoots. The whole effect is eye-catching, even to those who might be expected io be indifferent about the flora. D. fraseri has glaucous foliage, and does not exceed 4 feet in height, producing its large yeliow flowers in June and July. The species is widespread, and is used for winter decoration by appreciative farmers’ wives. The Banksia and Dryandra are closely related and very similar in appear- ance. They may be distinguished from each other as follows: FLOWER—The Banksia has dense cylindrical spikes (with the exception of Banksia ilicifolia which has more or less hemispherical heads closely subtended by foliage), while the Dryandra has dense “shaving brush” or protea type heads often surrounded by bract-like leaves. SEED—Banksia valves are set at right angles to the cone axis (or laterally to the vertical axis of the cone) and are usvally embedded in a compact mass of styles. Dryandra valves are irreqularly set in the top of the ripened flower amongst styles and surrounded by bracts so that they are more or less hidden until they open to shed seed. Many Dryandra cast seed annually, but most Banksia retain seed until drought, fire or death releases them. CARPELS—In Banksia the woody valves of seed follicle are firmly fused to the receptacle whereas with Dryandra the valves are lustrous and horny forming a capsule resembling an apple seed or miniature bi-valve shell and are loosely attached to the receptacle. continued on page 17 @@@ 5 @@@ JUNE, 1961 - AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE ~_PAGE 5 THE GENUS DRYANDRA By R. D. ROYCE—Government Botanist Western Australia The genus Dryandra was named by Robert Brown in honour of Jonas Dryander, a Swedish botanist, who was a student and close friend of Linnaeus, and who was closely associaied with botany and the scientific societies in England between 1782 and 1810. The genus consists of some 50 species of xerophytic shrubs which are completely endemic in south western Australia. The genus assumes several distinct life torms, from lowly prostrate subshrubs to small trees, and together they comprise one of the most interesiing and spectacular, though one of the most difficult genera amongst the Western Australian endemics. The genus was first described as Josephia by R. A. Salisbury in 1809. This name was not taken up, however, and Robert Brown’s name published in the following year has been accepted by botanists throughout the world. In 1830 Brown proposed to divide the genus on the character of the fruit. In Dryandra falcata he observed that the capsule was “one seeded by abcrtion, the abortive ovule forming a wing-like appendage to the dividing plaie of the capsule”. This was the character of his genus Hemiclidia. However, this cne-seeded condition of the capsule occurs to a greater or lesser exieni in many species of Dryandra, and appears to be quite common in a number of species of Banksia and Hakea and occurs occasionally in Grevillea, but is never a constant feature. in life form the species of Dryandra fall into three well defined groups of subshrubs, shrubs and small trees. The subshrubs, as typified by the Couch Dryandra (D. nivea R. Br.) are low spreading plants of less than a foct in height. The typical form is found in sandy soils in which the stems are always underground, only the leaves and flowers appearing above the grcund. In the harder graveliy soils of the Darling Range and the interior, the aerial stem development is much greater, and the plants may attain 18"-24" in height. Some nine species of this type occur, and with the exception of the Couch Dryandra are rather restricted in distribution. The vast majority of the species are shrubby in character, and attain heights cf up to 6-7 feet. They are usually erect in habit with short lateral branches, as for example D. cariinoides Meissn. and D. polycephala Benth. or densely bushy plants such as D. armata R. Br. and D. cirsioides Meissn. A few species assume an untidy habit with several divergent stems dznsely covered with long leaves which give the shrub a very shaggy appearance. Such a plant is D. nobilis Lindl. The taller shrubs or small trees are few in number but include the most widely distributed species in the Parrot Bush, D. sessilis (Knight) Domin. This tree attains a height of 18-20 feet and is usvally of a pleasing shape. D. cuneata R. Br. of the south coast is a very similar plant but has larger flowers and a more spreading crown. To be continued next issve. YOUR JOURNAL NEEDS PROTECTION . . . Why not preserve your journal against damage with a special binder now available. This binder will accommodate three vyears’ supply of journals. It is attractively bound in emerald green plastic fabrex with gold titling at the reasonable cost of 12/- each, including postage and packing. Send your remittance to The Editor, 250 Picnic Point Road, Picnic Point, N.S.W. THOSE WHO HAVE RECEIVED FOLDERS ARE VERY PLEASED WITH ITS QUALITY AND VALUE @@@ 6 @@@ FAGE & AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—BOOK REVIEW JUNE, 1961 it RIS A W13 1NN Y HOW TO KNOW . . . WESTERN AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWERS A Key to the Flora of the Temperate Regions of Western Australia. Bv W. E. BLACKALL and B. J. GRIEVE Many years ago Dr. W. E. Blackall conceived the idea that by the use of illustrated keys an amateur botanist and interested people without specific botanical training, could identify the wildflowers they might come across in their rambles through West Australia. After years of work and selfless devotion to his task, this very competent pi roduced ipts of such outstanding value that The University of Western Australia arranged for its publication. Unfortunately the work was not completed before his death and the works have been completed, to the extent of two volumes, and edited by Professor B. J. Grieve. These books have been of considerable value to those fortunate enough to be able to ramble through West Australia but are also of special interest to those enthusiasts who grow wildflowers from West Australia. This two volume work with instructions on how to use the key contains 3,000 species of Western Australian flora—the line drawings assist in the identification and the illustrated glossary together with indices of common and scientific names completes these handbooks of the wildflowers of the State. volumes—30/- each volume plus postage 2/6d. within Australia Available from the— UNIVERSITY BOOKSHOP—NEDLANDS, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Key to the Species of Dryandra 4 DRYANDRA ] e AARN ML S 2227 AlLesves Fxnnfl.f.& dwided almost or q,mtetom&-nb *fi —%fl‘mfig\:fiv\"‘/\;"f Blabes seraratei by sinuses with lflttl"vtfllng o 7 leaf margim Paral!el{a mid rb TR i C. Lobes almost flat fl 4 Sinus Secr Inter v leat Clobes revolute 9 T8l lobes fl' c":)‘l?é'“ b S%C1. 2 B lobes cunfugucuq or intervening leaf 9 [ 3 el marqm s not parallel to mid-rid (9§r—/l—'*]‘f’i‘ /{/ yl/ Ny ety bl v ey e 31 L bory iyl TN A Ayl tembiry sith s ’f"]'"‘f"'"‘i;‘;D [0 102 Dosoa AYSt‘jle underSem. " ’M'\L;‘“;: ;,;I\Pqmn‘hlmfif\&“( var§ Dryaodra B Fl-head s axluary_ 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 | @@@ 7 @@@ JUNE, 1961 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE PAGE 7 DRYATDRA, SICT [ CONTD . Beact / - € Bracls glabrous with woally c\luatemrgins[:D %fi%‘ R e D serralulodes € Bracts willous:lobes recurved it marqin. 7 7/ acls willous-lobes recurved sl margim w\/é\g/,gs\l_j_/vx ] 3D cirsiodes B Fl-heads termmal. . N\ € Bracs zjlabrovs or loose rusty tomenfis‘el- ‘ r\! m i 4 D Dreissii Leaves * 5 O\ ¢ Bracls densch w‘\.te w“ous . Leaves 18 5D pleridifolia S SECTY 2 j } B Leaves “105“3 bnrmnate ot end 6D bipinnalifida B Leaves all ance Pmnate C Lobes ouonj btuse 7D oblusa C Lobes (mear acule Bf«f Wi “y Stigmohic en D Outer bracts olv.'ong fllabwus margins cliate === éé{!: o :J\—L\q—i>a 8 D arclolidis .‘l\. . D 0uler bracts warrovied ko long densely hnrsulero.nfi%—J[é/:Z/ $tama a2 * LLZ S i 9D Frasent D Outer brachs marrowed ko glabrous pamts C%‘ <\§/\0' D Qshbuy = D Quler Lf_“ts nsrrow larceolat e willsus. AN N S A Lobes distant simuses brosd A B Labes linear, shart(under Gmm) Il D wonieria Bracts C B.'dctc \],d\:wus —_— o :4'—}_—)‘«/_ 2 D comosa C Bradls with long plomase poiols smsmmem o 2 ’ —t- Ao~ Derythrocephala N C Bracts wilh wllous poinls ) 4 e B S . D Heads concealed in dense florsl leaves sbracts wmoze. . - - (3D senecufolia g e —— D Heads not con(u'zd :‘&"“ _\___J[_J_/L/L_/L/’JZ ~T T T or—y 1 4D hornide P Lobes linear above (mm D\(ll(Dk\q “;qindm conteria B Lobes tr.anquhr‘ :/\J/;] ,—:C;J\\[L: bracts—reduced upper leaves of a plant in flower. pinnate leaf—a compound leaf whose leaflels are arranged on opposite sides of common. bi pinnate—twice pinnate. style—joins stigma to the ovary of a flower. acute—pointed. ciliate—bordered by hairs. glabrous—a surface wholly destitute of hairs hirsute—covered with rather long spreading hairs lanceolate—broadest below the middle and tapering to each end linear—long and narrow with parallel sides. obtuse—blunt plumose—applied to hairs invested with fine branches like a feather tomentose—covered with closely matted short hairs villous—covered with long weak hairs @@@ 8 @@@ PAGE 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE JUNE 1961 DONANDRA, 3ECT. 2 CONT'D ,mh (.“.l,;r.\) i s Style ends 3 o e ead o P ¢ lnuolucre 4-3em lons ; ? s ‘ 550 > e~ . D Limb of Ferlanfl\ 3\abrausJ\_J\_JL BB 15D proteoides & &-mn{k tube Perianth limb DLmb ofFemnfln haw) ey "/\M l6.D.runcinala £ Dwarf shrob, (scarcely any stem]. E Tall Sbrob, IAFJ\—/\\L)* Wv 1.0 longifolia “\ ‘V Lony-leaved Dryandra ¢ Iwalucre un&er lem M L D Bracts broad obtvse: lobes tiem © 18.D patens D Bracls narrow wih Ic!\% subulae Fomfs |abes$-4mmL§L e oy 9D SELSY polycephalas e {_\ Many hufdbrqwdm SECT. 5 /{ /,\ /\ A Lobes not completely contiquous. /ig/_‘; 20 D Neward an A Lobes contiguous B Lobes dbmost fluf | } 75 labas C Lobes not divded to‘mu{-nh Clobes divded tomd mib Dleaves 3-5¢m in breadth 21D foliolata 22 D calopbyiia D Leaves narrow, under fem i breadth E Fl-heads termmal QIO 25D formosa £ Flheads an”arg or tt\'minatl'ng shorl ax:”aru branches vy ruenes F Lobes sLarplj recurved of margin onl} < aaaaert l\ 13 lobe 24D Baxien F Lobes qunte flat nfs lobe i G St‘\,le above 3 em ,\) ¢5 D nobilis Greal Dryandra B "> 26D armala H Leaves 5-Bem very varible. - = >3 Prickly Dryandra TO BE COMPLETED NEXT ISSUE axillary—in the axil formed by leaf and branch involucre—one of several whorls of bracts (reduced upper leaves) surrounding a head flowers or a single flower. perianth—the floral envelope of the flower. recurved—bent under style—joins stigma to the ovary of a flower subulate—narrow and gradually tapering to a fine point terminal—situated at the extremity of some part of @@@ 9 @@@ JUNE, 1961 ~ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE ~ PAGE 9 HOW TO GROW AN EPIPHYTAL ORCHID By R. F. LEANEY, F.R.H.S. When the editor asked me to write an article under the above heading, my first reaction was to wonder how anybody could cover such a vast subject in anything less than a good-sized book. After studying the heading, the simple change to “"HOW | GROW AN EPIPHYTE” appeared to bring the picture within workable limits. First, let us understand thoroughly what an epiphyte is. Basically an epiphyte s a plant, not necessarily an orchid, with its roots or rhizomes attached to the outer surface of the trunk or branches of another plant, but not penetrating as a parasite does, into the living tissues of it's host. (The opposite to this is terrestrial, growing upon or within the ground.) Throughout the world and indeed, amongst the Australian native plants too, there are a large number of epiphytes which are not orchids. Some of them look so much like orchids in the plant that they are oftern collected mistakenly. For growing Australian native epiphytal orchids, | find that slabs or blocks of tree-fern fibre, wrist thickness paper-bark branches and Casuvarina branches in that order substitute for the host. This does not detract in any way from sloited terra cotta pots used as a great standby for many years and in which most epiphytes thrive. Under bush-house conditions anyway, | think the branches and rafts look more in keeping with the general surroundings. Cne point is most important. Whatever method is used, all plants must be very firmly potted or attached. | would say it is not possible to fasten them too tightly. With the rafts and on the branches, | have lately been using a fairly solid gauge of nylon fishing line, it has a lot of give, it is reasonably cheap, has no effect on the plant and best of all is everlasting. Pricr to this | used copper wire 22 gauge, and the only drawback was that to get the plants tight enough damage was frequently done to the plant and the wire often snapped with the last pull. When using wood as a base, use the natural branch about wrist-thickness a little more if you wish. Preserve the bark when collecting and you will find a branch more lasting and more ornamenial than a trunk (it is also better for the treel). | cut these pieces into 6" to 18" lengths depending on how many plants it has to accommodate. Bind the bark onto the wood with a band of copper wire top and bottom as this seems to be the points at which the bark commences to let go. Once the bark starts to peel off and deteriorate, the plant inevitably starts to loosen and this is one of the fatal mistakes. Epighytes just cannct stand floating around. This | must say with reservation because | have in mind at this moment one or two of the Sarcochilus family and indeed also, the Sarcanthus family, some of which appear to hang in the breeze by a thread in their native state. Most epiphytes which grow on rocks in their native state, Dendrobium kincianum, D. linguiforme, D. specinsum, etc., take quite kindly to firm potting and this makes it so much easier to transport to shows and for indoor decoreion. Rafts and branches are a little awkward at these times but can generally be perched in empty pots or propped up against a wall. EDITOR'S NOTE: Because of circumstances it was ndt possible to present a full colour plate of a native orchid in this issue, so it was decided to make a start on this often keenly debated subject. Native crchid qgrowers from all parts of Australia are invited to submit commen's, either in the form -f a fow paragrephs on any one aspect or under the heading “Hzw | Grow Native Orchids” @@@ 10 @@@ PAGE 10 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE JUNE, 1961 SPECIAL RELEASE OF NATIVE PLANTS—By EASTERN PARK NURSERY Agonis juniperina (upright willow myrtle) a very graceful, slender upright tree of 10-12° with masses of whiie starry flowers on the tip of the branches during autumn, winter and spring. Maximum spread at maturity is generally 3’. It is a very informal tree bur compact and bushy un.ess crowded and forced to grow upwards too rapidiy. Where ample moisture is available it can grow 6-10° in 12 months. Pultenaea peduncularis is an excellent carpet or mat plant for hard conditions on dry walls. rockeries, banks and edges of pathways, etc. Forms a thick mat of dark green foliage with showy orange and yellow flowe:s similar to ‘‘egg and bacon’ in spring, summer and autumn. Will thrive under a variety of hard conditicns but requires good drainage. Melaleuca pentagona var. subulifolia a shrub of 4-6' with branches cascading at .he tips. Large clustered heads of deep pink flowers. Acacia aculeatiss)ma a really prostrate wattle, bright yellow flowers in spring, dark green fine foliage, forms a mat of up to 3’ across. | find the foregoing method very accommodating because a large number can be suspended near the bush house roof. It is easy to water them, ihey drain well and they help to shade each other somewhat. All my epiphytes grown in the above manner receive two or three generous helpings of chicken-manure per year. Sometimes it is a bit hard to keep it in, but a good handful poked well down in amongst the base of the bulbs seems to provide the periodical stimulus necessary. If plants are too large for any of these methods as sometimes they are, baskets of varying size can be easily and cheaply made from criss-cross one inch garden stakes, with a solid hardwood base. Use the same growing material as for pots, only in larger chunks. Sometimes, to get a firm enough “fixing” in a very large basket, two or three solid sticks jammed across the basket on top of the plant will help matters considerably. If you use sappy sticks, they are quite strong enough for twelve months by which time rheir necessity will have passed. Just leave them there, they will rot away. Many readers may already know of my large wooden basket of D. delicatum nm. kestevenii. It has appeared often in shows, never with less than a hundred spikes of flower. It takes two men to carry it and | have had it in cultivation using the above method, for 32 years. It is so well established now that there is nearly as much of the plant growing out through the rungs of the basket as there is on the top. Incidentally, | had the pleasure of collecting this plant myself in 1929 in company with Dr. Kesteven and his sons. | feel | should not conclude this article without mentioning how | have seen other people grow epiphytes. Many epiphytes, not only Australian natives, and not only orchids for that matter, can be grown very simply by firmly attaching to various types of growing trees. Those that come io mind first are franjipanni, jacaranda, citrus of any kind and a number of our native trees which have bark of a rough texture and not shed or cast. | have quite recently taken up this method experimentally and | must say that so far anyway they look fine. Of course this method saves any future care but las iwo drawbacks, the plants can never be taken to a flower show and they are a bit vulnerable to pilfering. So far | have placed only Epidendrums but they are doing splendidly on our native honey flower, Lambertia formosa, and on frangipanni and lemon trees. | think the further north one goes, ihe more suitable this live-tree method would be but it is quite successful round Sydney and | know of examples where many imported epiphytes from Mexico and Central America and indeed also hybrids, are thriving on trees. To give full credit where it is due, the first time | saw this method used, was at Chatswood some 35 years or more ago. The late Mr. Hamilton senior, had a number of Australian native epiphytes growing freely on lillipiili irees, Eugenia smithii. @@@ 11 @@@ JUNE, 1961 AUSTRALIAN P@ANYS—PROPAGATIQN PAGE 1 ' Grow From Seed Without A Glasshouse — by H. Boyd The writer has been aware for some time, that, if Waratah seediings are grown in a medium of bush soil in a well crocked pot or box in FULL lignt, damp off does not occur. It is only when the humidity rises as it might in a glasshouse or a covered container that the organisms of the "“damping off'", several species are parasitic fungus, are able to multiply to cause ihe ceedlings to collapse and die in great numbers. With some co-workers it was decided to use this technique of full light and outdoor propagation on a large number of Australian plant species to attempt a biological control of damp off. “Vermiculite” had been used as a medium in many glasshouse experiments of a different type and had given gocd results, so it was decided to use this material. The type decided upon was “World Brand Vermiculite”, the type commercially available in small packels in most gardening stores, as it has a particle size similar to that of propagating sand. "Vermiculite” is exploded mica particles that have a low germ count, and hold eight times their own weight in water. A large number of plant species, 79 of 2! genera, were propagated i this experiment, including many desert species of Eucalypts and Wattles. Ali Acacia seed had been treated with boiling water before sowing. The periods of the experiments were the summers of 1960 and 1961. As Sydney water contains a lot of Algae, it was decided to use only boiled water for weatering the small seedling plants. The four inch terra cotta pots and ihe crecking were boiled before use. Tne “Vermiculite’” was wetted witn a nutrient solutioin of "“Aquasol” according to the makers directions, also containing a few drops of “Formula 20” to the gallon. The pots were well crocked, filled with wetted “Vermiculite” and the seed sown to twice its diameter belcw the surface. Very fine seed is not covered. The pots were stood on a stand well above ground and in full sunlight. At no time were they taken indoors. Whilst germination was taking place, it was necessary to water the pots twice a day because the first quarter of an inch of “Vermiculite” tends to dry out. If this happened the germinating seeds would also be dehydrated. Germination was good and rapid. There was no plasmolysis (drying out) of cotyledons or plumule. Some temperatures were in excess of 100 degrees Fahren. Many of the seedling plants produced a red pigment in the cotyledons. This is a protective masking pigment and may also be seen on the new red foliage of gum tips. They were wetted fortnightly with a nutrient solution. Growth rate was rapid and plants remained healthy and DID NOT DAMP OFF. A propertion of seed in each packet was sown in this manner. In seven pots germination was absent or bad. The remainder of the seed of these species from the same packets was then tested under ordinary conditions and there wes no germination at all. During heavy rain, a piece of wire fly gauze was placed at an angle over the pots to break the force of the rain. Plants were transplanted at different sizes into wooden tubes and some small terra cotta pots, and keot in darkness for two days before being exposed to full light. It is possible to grow as many as 24 seedling plants in a single 4 inch pct to the height of eight inches with the use of nutrient, then carefully remove and plant out without potting on. CONCLUSION: These plants are in families ranging from Liliaceae to Compositae. There was no loss from heat exhaustion or damp off. For the propagation of Australian plants from seed A GLASSHOUSE IS NOT NECEESARY. These “hsrdened” or “hard” grown plants transplant better. @@@ 12 @@@ PAGE 12 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—WEST AUSTRALIAN FLORA JUNE, 1961 Description of Plants on Colour Plate By A. J. Gray, with comments by W. A. Strutt Dasypogon bromeliaefolius —Related closely to the “Grass Trees” ihe inflorescence of Dasypogon resembles Kingea australis, “Black Gin”. Compact globular heads on long straignt bristly stems. Of the two species in the genus, the one above is far commoner occuring at least from New Norcia to Albany. It blooms in mid-spring with numerous pineapple scented white flowering “Drum Sticks’ which are very popular with West Australian wildflower enthusiasts under that name. The foliage is grass like, much like slender leaved pineapple plants except that the bristles can be highly irritant. This should be a fine subject for culture. Since the colour plate of Dasypogon bromiaefolius could easily have been taken in any one of a hundred situations alongside Dryandra sessilis around the Metropolitan area of Perth, the south western coastal piain or ihe light clay soils of the Darling Ranges, more detailed comments on suitable soils is hardly necessary. However, mention could be made that it is less evident in the ironstone and laterite regions, but continues further into the depressions where subsoil is of a swampy, peaiy nature and porous clay, lightly covered with sand, retains moisture until early summer as with Verticordia nitens. It is worth noting thai on the highe: elevations in poor sandy soil, and also in the light clay soils of the foothills, closely related genera grow in association, namely Calectasia cyanea (the blue tinsel lily) and two of :he Amaryllidaceae, Conostylis candicans and the catspaw Anigozanthus humilis. Frequently, these four exclusively feature considerable areas in the shade of scatiered Banksias, Casvarinas and Dryandras. Xanthorrhoea gracilis is one of six species listed by C. A. Gardner in his “Enumeratic Plantarum”. It is found close to Perth in the Darling Range in open forests where a six foot slender green stalk surmounted by a delicate 9 inch spike of small greenish white flowers may be seen waving in the October winds from the sea. Other species of “Grass Trees” like ““Black Boy” (X. preissii) are not unlike those we know in the Eastern States but the distinct Kingia australis, “Black Gin” is a great botanical curiosity. The common name is derived from its appearance, particularly on lonely roads in the eerie dusk, to an aged and emancipated gin standing by the roadside. The foliage resembles straight grey hair down to the shoulders, the inflorescence like outsize hair ornaments (hat pins) sticking out on top, and the slender black form below completes the illusion. Kingia (only one species) is found widely froom Cape Arid 1o Murchison River at least, and usuvally grows at a definite level on certain residuals and mountains which suggests it was once a very common feature of the landscape a very long time ago. The graceful grasstree—Xanthorrhoea gracilis—could very easily be overlooked by the casual bushwalker amid the abundance of its fellow ‘‘Blackboy’’, X. preissii in its natural habitat, the Darling Ranges. Having a ccmmon charac.eristic in that they do not fluwer until subjected to burning, the slender stalks of X. gracilis that carry a short head of blossom, differ appreciably from the tall thick stick, often six feet tall and flcwering for two thirds of its length, that makes X. preissii outstanding in the infinite variety of soils to which it is adapted. X. gracilis can by no means be considered a prolific member of the family favouring as it does the small a’:eash?lf sand, light clay shot with gravel and freer soil of the more level situations throughout the hills. Dryandra sessilis formerly known as Dryandra floribunda, known by the common name of “Parrot Bush” is generally a glaucous to glabrous pyramidal bush or small tree to 12 feet, the inflorescence and foliage resembling the “Holly Banksia”, Banksia illicifolia. The variety D. sessilis var. major is found on gravels and granite in open forests. The smaller shrubby variety occurs on the coastal dunes from North Fremantle to the mouth of the Moore River (West Coast). Leaves and flowers are much smaller and more numerous. It favours the limestones whereas the other variety is confined to neutral or acid conditions. There are probably intermediate forms but near the sea 5ft. would be the maximum height of this latter form. Dryandra sessilis is growing extensively cn West Australia’s coastal sandplain from just south of Donqgora to Busselton. It also extends through the light textured porous clay soils of th? foothills and into the gravel pits and laterite sections of the Darling Ranges. Poor quality soils promote prolific growth so its cultivatiien should present no problems. As a host ‘o @@@ 13 @@@ JUNE, 1961 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—WEST AUSTRALIAN FLORA PAGE s above and line blocks of ““Key to the Species of Dryandra’’ reprinted from ““How fo Know Western Australian Wildflowers”” by W. E. Blackall—by courtesy of The University of Western Australia Press. Colour plate Dasypogon bromeliaefolius Xanthorrhoea gracilis (Pineapple-leaved Dasypogon) (Graceful Grass Tree) Dryandra sessilis syn. D. floribunda Banksia sphaerocarpa (Parrot Bush) (Round Fruit Banksia) @@@ 14 @@@ PAGE 14 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS-SEEDSMEN JUNE 191 DESCRIFTION OF PLANTS ON COLGUR PLATE — ccntinuved oui spectacular W.A. Christimas Tree, Nuytsia floribunda, it probably has no equal and after curcessful establishment of D. sessilis if seeds of N. floribunda can be germinated the young plants should be given an opportunity to foster on this medium. Well known 1o bee keepers as /Parrot Bush’’ it has, along with the Eucalypts, E. diversicolor (Karri) and E. calophylla (Marri), played an imosortant part in the development of West Australia’s lucrative honey industry. The Government has allotted areas to apiarists for ’‘agistment’’ during the flowering season in the limestone coastal crown lands some 100 to 200 miles north of Perth. Banksia sphaerocarpa—"Round fruit Banksia”. The illustration depicts what is probably the type form of this, the most widely distributed of W.A. scrub Banksias. It ranges from Jurien Bay to the Mt. Barrens occurring alike on the mountain and sand plain soil types. The species is variable, some varieties having not round but ovoid flowers, and sometimes ovoid fruits also. The typical globular forms are found in the Darling Range and the South East. Banksia sphaerocarpa var. pinifolius grows from Katanning towards the Mt. Barren Ranges and is usually a four-foot glaucous, pine leaved shrub with globular honey-bronze flowers. The showiest variety appears to be the Stirling Range type, which is dwarf and sparse and carries many bright golden globes of flower at the one time. From Albany to the Porongorup Range a three-foot form has purple bronze flowers well above the foliage in mid winter. The variety B. sphaerocarpa var. major (C. A. Gardner) is much the largest reaching six feet at Watheroo with correspondingly large flowers cones. All forms are worthy of garden culture. Banksia sphaerocarpa, not so well known as some of the more illustrious of the 56 species of this genus, is never he less pievaleni encugh in the swampy and low lying areas of :he coastal plain and Darling Ranges. Grcwing in asscciation with Leptospermum and Kunzea species, Eriostemon soicatus, Leucopogon stellatus and Anigozanthos viridis the peaty or clay subsoils underlying a top soil of drifted sand produces an attractive shrub to delight the lover of native flora whether keen gardener or photographer. HOLIDAY TOURS THAT ARE DIFFERENT MURCHISON RIVER FiSHING TOUR: Full week, first-class accommodation, fishing, shooting, boating. Inclusive cost — £30. WILDFLOWER TOUR: | Five days, over 800 miles, morning and afternoon tea and lunch in bush, first-class night meals and accommodation. Hostess and botanist with each coach. All in — £25. [i MID-WEEK "“OFF THE BEATEN TRACK” DAY TOUR: Chittering, Gingin, Yanchep. Morning and afternoon tea and lunch. Over 140 miles — 45/-. ' SUNDAY TOUR: Noble Falls, Wundowie, Mahogany Creek. Afternoon te: and lunch. Fare — 35/-. | DETAILS FROM— k MIDLAND RAILWAY ROAD SERVICE Wiliiam Street, Perth — 28:2831 @@@ 15 @@@ JUNE, 1961 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—BOTANY PAGE 15 IFERTILIZACT TOMN 8y Heten purneL The previous article dealt briefly with pollination and the germination of a pollen grain to the point at which the two male gametes or sperms were lying in the end of the pollen tube. (See Figs. 1 and 2 in this article.) STRUCTURE OF THE OVULE In part 4 of the series of articles on the flower, the ovule was mentioned as consisting of a tissue known as the nucellus which is surrounded by layers of cells called the integuments. The many stages in the development of the ovule will not be described here. When the ovule is mature the nucellus surrounds a structure called the embryo sac containing a group of cells which take part in the process of fertilization. The arrangement of these cells is illustrated in Fig. 3. generative Inteaguments S 72 wall R ant/poda/ He-war embr [ Sa o AL tube PO Qo ruclevs “_germ nucler ‘pore Fr1G.7 nuce/lus DIAGRAM OF A POLLEN GRAIN . egg cel/ (magnification male nuclel 2600t 400 x) orsperms synergrd cells % F/G.2 tube nucleus micropyfe L peIrs cermmarion of| | /(FE%P ; F/G.3 A POLLEN GRAIN Fertilization) DIAGRAM OF THE ARRANGEMENT (magrification OF CELLS IN THE EMBRYO SAC Sbout 400 x OF THE MATURE QVULE (megniFication sbouvt 500x) When the pollen tube reaches the ovary it grows toward one of the ovules and then through the micropyle and the nucellus into the embryo sac. At this stage, the end of the pollen tube is thought to break, releasing the two male gametes. One of these approaches the egg cell and fuses with the egg nucleus to form what is known as the zygote nucleus. The other male gamete fuses with the two polar nuclei of the primary endosperm cell. Only one pollen tube is concerned in the fertilization of one ovule. If the ovary contains many ovules, a different pollen tube must grow into each one for fertilization to occur. After these nuclear fusions have taken place, the antipodal cells and synergid cells disintegrate. The zygote develops to form the embryo plant and the endosperm cell grows into a tissue called the endosperm. The integuments change their form to become the seed coat or testa. While these changes are occurring in the ovules, the ovary tissue develops to form the fruit. Sometimes part of the flower, such as the receptacle, petals or sepals, may also grow and become incorporated in the fruit or these may wither and die after fertilization. Normally the fruit will not develop unless one or more of the ovules have been fertilized. Sometimes, however, normal fruit development occurs without fertilization and such fruits are called parthenocarpic. Pineapples, bananas and navel oranges are common examples of parthenocarpic fruits. Seedless fruits are not necessarily parthenocarpic as fertilizaton may have occurred but the ovules may not have developed. @@@ 16 @@@ PAGE 16 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—NURSERYMEN - ~ JUNE, 1961 Culhvahon, A Good Method of Preservation — By E. M. M. Boddy Although, it is most desirable that our native flora should be preserved, this is a matier that presenis quite a deal of difficulty. For example, in the Brisbane Ranges, which approxi- mate Geelona, Victoria, there are three very desirable classes of native shrub growing at Anakie. They are the ‘/Bendigo Wax Flower'’, Eriostemon obovalis, the "'Golden Grevillea”, Grevillea chrysophaea, and a prostrate Grevillea steiglitziana. In another area of the ranges approximately twenty miles distant there is ano.her very desirable plant in a prostrate form cof Baeckea ramosissima only growing in a very small area. Elsewhere may be found the prostrate Acacia aculeatissima. To control or preserve these five plants it would be necessary to have at least three reserves, or take in the whole of the Brisbane Ranges, which is not practicable. All these are lovely garden subjects. Preserve them by propagation and cultivation. EDITOR: The plants available from the experienced nurserymen supporting your journal have been specially raised from the best stock plants and are most suitable for garden cultivation, having become adapted to home garden conditions. Do not remove plants from the bush. YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT NURSERYMEN Abel, J. L.—P.O. Box 26, Nowra. Native plants frem 2/6. Freight and pack. extra. Althofer, K. W.—Nindethana Nussery, Box 5, Dripstone, N.S'W. Very wide range. Boddy’s Eastern Park Nursery—32 Denman St., Geelong, Victoria. 3 000 varieties. Cane,, W.—Box 19 Maffra Victoria—Advanced improved natives. Denovan’s Nursery—188 Marco Ave., Panania, Sydney, N.S.W. Specialist in Melaleuca. Echberg’s Drive-in Nursery—Centre Road, East Brighton, Victora. Narrabeen Nursery, 1444 Pittwalter Rd., Narrabeen Nth.,, N.SW. Plants for coast. Willunaa Nursery—21 Nelson Streei, Thornleigh, N.S.W. From 2/6. Specialist in trees. Parry, P. J.—'Floralands’, Kariong via Gosford N.S.W. Plants 4/-. Postage 2/- extra. Wyatt P.—33 Pl r Road, Mentone, S.11, Victoria—Hardy plants. ECHBERG’S AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS 3,000 varieties DR'VE-IN NURSERY Grown in the Open — Plants dispatched to all States Cnr. Nepean H.'woy & _ Cataloguz and Planting Guide 4/- Centre Rd., East Brighton, Vic. ‘ Boddy’s Eastern Park Nursery XB 3267 32 Denman ?ti, ?eelaong, Victoria el.: 259 7//a/1'1m mza/ \S)Ullt/l u4fi'{r{m NATIVE PLANTS /Q/fm/;s 101 HARDY VARIETIES P. WYATT, “KANANOOK™ Indoor Plants, Liliums, 33 Plummer Rd., Mentone, S.I1 Perennials, Geraniums, e A Fuchsias, etc. Vielarin 70 0 7 T T T o ) T e e e e e [ R 2 “WILLUNGA™ NURSERY DENOVAN’S NURSERY 5 NATIVE TREES & SHRUBS Good Range of Native Plants From 2/6 available at Nursery 138 MARCO AVENUE, PANAN!A, N.S.W. S:ecialist in plants for clay areas. 21 Nelson St., Thornleigh, N.S.W. Closed Saturday only — WJ 3709 FLORATLANDS KARIONG, via GOSFORD, N.S.W. I e 0 ey A large variety of the most popular native plants available at nursery SRR R R é} PHONE: Gosford 21142 P. J. PARRY o e e o e e e e e e T e e e e e ) e e e ] NARRABEEN NURSERY PLASTIC SEEDING POTS 74 AUSTRALIAN NATIVES LIGHT AND STRONG 1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen send for feee list Nth, N.S8.W. — XX 2604 ALBA ENGINEERING CO. _OEEA')_V EVERY DAY 20 Rowley St., Camperdown, N.S.W. Specialist in plants for sea coast. LA 4089 @@@ 17 @@@ JUNE, 1961 ] AUSTRALIAN PLANTS ~ PAGE 7 THIS JOURNAL NEEDS YOUR HELP 1. To assure its financial success it is necessary to increase circulation by ten per cent. Additional copies of issues 4, 5, 6 and 7 are available at 3/- for your friends. 2. To assist in preparation of sketches please send flowering specimens in a jam tin by parcel post (cost 5d.) as below: All species of Correa to Mr. P. Wilson, Botanic Gardens, Adelaide, S.A.; Hovea to Mrs. H. Spurway, 11 Stellmack St., Everton Park, Brisbane, Qld.; Prostanthera to Mrs. Spurway; Eriostemon not sketched in past issues to Mrs. H. Spurway also. YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN Andersons Seeds Lid., 90 Parramatta Road, Summer Hill, N.S.W. Nindethana, Box 5, Dripstone, N.S.W. For ail Native Seed. Packets cunce or pound lots. Free list on application. The Australian Seed Supply, Robertson, N.S.W. Good supplies of fresh seed. Western 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. START YOUR NATIVE PLANTS in Revolutionary, New JIFFY POTS Native plants started in revo- lutionary peat-fibre JIFFY POTS need no pricking out—you e EASY TO USE — NO TRANSPLANTING SET-BACK simply plant pot and all. As the pot dissolves in the ground, it fertilises and promotes strong, healthy growth. Plants grow stronger—faster—in Andersons Jiffy Pots. HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS SOLD ANNUALLY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD Distributed throughout Australia by— ANDERSONS SEEDS LIMITED 90 Parramatta Road, Summer Hill, N.SW. HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRIES PTY. LTD. Plummer Street, Port Melbourne, Vic. continved from page 4 With so many representatives of one genus (over 50 species are recognised to date) all in one corner of the state, it is most confusing to attempt to recognise and remember them all. But they will not always exist for us to see and enjoy, and a more forthright and energetic attempt must be made to rescue them from possible extinction. As with many other plants, the only way this can be achieved, and the plants preserved for posterity, is to introduce them to our gardens, both public and private, before it is too late. A host of experts in Cactus, Dahlia, Carnation and other groups are found all over the world—where are the specialists in Dryandra? @@@ 18 @@@ PAGE AIS - AUSTRALIAN PLANTS ~ JUNE, 1961 e e e e OVER 300 SPECIES of indigenous and exofic trees and shrubs AVAILABLE FROM NURSERIES AT PENNANT HILLS FORBES NARRANDERA DUBBO Complete descriptive price list free and post free from: SECRETARY, FORESTRY COMMISSION OF N.S.W. BOX 2667, G.P.O., SYDNEY ....w-...-.-.-....“-I%..-....-..-‘..-.I.I.I..-I-I.-.I-I.l.l.l.-.I....-l...l-..- ::-...'.mM-...-..!-..... ...-.!-l.l-.-I.I.I..-!.I-E-!!-'.!-H.I.l‘.l.l.l-.‘!-!.' s Why Was Liverpool ? Why was Liverpool selected as a site for a town before all et oo the other present day towns of Australia except Sydney, Parramatta and Hobart? Why was it so important to the infant nation of Australia as early as 1810? Why is it so important today that it was proclaimed a city in 1960? These and many more questions are answered in prose and pictures in the 72-page Sesqui-Centenary Commem- oration Book now on sale at Sydney’s leading booksellers or direct from the publishers for 6/- (including postage and packing). Please add exchange for country or interstate cheques. SURREY BEATTY & SONS, Rickard Rd., Chipping Norton, N.S.W. e e e P — @@@ 19 @@@ JUNE, 1961 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS— MYRTACEAE PAGE 19 THE GENUS ANGOPHORA By C. N. DEBENHAM—Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, Sydney. Considering the diversity in life-form of the ubiquitous eucalypt through out the eastern section of the Australian mainland, it is not surprising that a small group of trees is often regarded by the superficial observer as its co-equal. This generically distinct group, referred to collectively as the Apples, bears the name Angophora, (pronounced An-goph-or-a), derived from the Greek angos, a vessel, and phero, to bear, in allusion to the goblet- shaped fruit of its species. The relationship between Eucalyptus and Angophora is a close and interesting one. Eucalyptus receives its name from the operculum or “lid” of its bud which covers the stamens until they unfold. The operculum of most species is a single layer of either sepals or a fusion of sepals and petals. Exceptional species have either: (1) an operculum formed of petals, with the sepals represented by persistent lobes or teeth prominent on the rim of the bud’s receptacle—a series known as Eudesmieae and (2) a distinctly double-layered operculum of separate sepals and petals—a series known as Corymbosae from the predominant type of inflorescence, and which includes the well-known "bloodwoods”. For several reasons, these series are considered to be the most primitive of the eucalypts. Angophora has no operculum, its sepals are of the same order as those of the Eudesmieae, and its petals (constantly white coloured) are quite distinct and free from each other. To the Corym- bosae, and particularly to the bloodwoods, its similarities are found in the particular type of inflorescence (a corymbose panicle of umbels); in the regular, closely-set, widely divergent veins of the leaves which, in Angophora, are almost constantly opposite; in the anther type; in the large, flat and broad seeds which are few in number in the truits; in the pinene-type of essential oil found in the leaves; and in the kino or “gum” veins of the timber. There is also a close correspondence in pollen, seedling-leaves, bark and timber. Angophora has a characteristic fruit with a ribbed wall of usually thin texture, surmounted by prominent teeth representing the hardened sepals, and enclosing a 3 or 4-valved capsule. It is probable, then, that the early eucalypts and the Apples arose from a common ancestral stock. Evidence suggests that the primitive Apples had their centre of origin in the southern temperate portion of the continent and were forced by conditions of increasing aridity to retreat eastwards to a narrow coastal fringe, later, to some extent, re-invading the interior. It is unlikely that their response to changing environmental conditions led to the same degree of differentiation as the Corymbosae and this inflexibility appears to have contained the genus within restrictive distributional barriers. Today, Angophora has few relics and while hybridisation within the genus is known, its members form generally stable, comparatively well-defined species. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIES A. cordifolia (from the heart-shaped leaves). Dwarf or Scrub Apple. Usually found as a shrub but occasionally reaching 20ft. in height as a twisted tree, confined to Hawkesbury Sandstone of the central coast of New South Wales. Bark rough, somewhat loose and flaky; leaves heart- shaped at the base and without stalk; flowers and fruits up to 0.75in. in diameter. Recommended as an ornamental flowering shrub for poor sandstone sites of the coast with summer-autumn rainfall. Flowering time for this and other species is mid-summer. @@@ 20 @@@ PAGE 2C AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE ~ JUNE, 1961 A. cordifolia hybridises with A. bakeri within the Sydney area (the hybrid known as A.x. clelandii) and with A. costata in several localities of of the central coast (the hybrid known as A.x. dichromophloia). A KEY TO THE SPECIES A. leaves typically without stalk (sessile) and heart-shaped at the base. Bark rough, somewhat loose in A. cordifolia. . i B. Flowers larger than in other species, the receptacle opening out to about 0.5 in. in diameer. Fruit becomina very hard up to 0.75 in. in diameter. Leaves 2-4 x 1-2 in, rounded at the apex, ovate or oblong. Shoots and inflorescences with bristles of reddish hairs. Tall shrubs o1 wmall trees confined to the central coast of New South Wales. A. cordifolia Cav. B. Flowers small, the fruit about 0:35 in. in diameter, thin and fragile. Leaves pointed at the apex. leaves 2-4 x 1-2 in., ovate or ovate-lanceolate. Trees of the temperate to sub-tropical eant coast. A. subvelutina F. Muell. Leaves 2-2.5 x 0.25-0.6 in., lanceolate, often with a short stalk. Trees confined to inland New South Wales and Queensland. A. melanoxylon, R. T. Baker. A.A. Leaves typically stalked (petiolate), not heart-shaped at the base. C. Bark smooth and deciduous: Leaves 2-5 x 0.5-1 in., lanceolate, on short stalks. Fruit Jdightly woody, up to 0.6 in. in diameter. Tall trees of the temperate to tropical east coast. A. costata (Gaertn.) Britten C.C. Bark rough and petsistent. Leaves 2-5 x 0.5-1.0 in. oblong te lanceolate, denser on the branches than in other species.Fruit up to 0.5 in. in diameter. Tall trees widespread in the east. A. floribunda (Sm.) Domin Leaves 4-7 x 0.5-1.5 in., lanceolate, thick-textured, on relatively long stalks. Flower stalks up to 1.25 in. in length. Fruit up to 0.75 in. in diameter, the five ribs prominent. Trees restricted to a few localities of southern Queensland and the north of New South Wales. woodsiana F. M. Bailey Leaves 1.5-3.0 x 0.25-0.45 in., narrowly lanceolate. Trees of the coastal districts of Naw South Wales. A. bakeri C. Hall A. subvelutina (from the somewhat velvety appearance of the leaves). Broad-leaved Apple. A tree, frequently crooked, attaining 80ft. or more in height, with a rough, furrowed bark and a spreading, densely-foliaged crown. Appears to intergrade with A. floribunda from which it differs mainly by the adult leaves retaining the heart-shaped, stalkless leaf-form of the juvenile foliage. It prefers alluvial and fairly heavy, loamy soils or naturally irrigated flats and occurs in the central and north coast of New South Wales and in forest country of south-eastern Queensland. Broad-leaved Apple is recommended as a shade and shelter tree for areas of cold winter—warm summer with summer rainfall but is only moderately drought resistant. It is a valuable source of pollen. A. floribunda (abundant flowering) Rough-barked Apple. (Formerly known A. intermedia). A tree attaining 40-70ft. in height with a usually short, rough-barked trunk 1.5-3.0ft. in diameter, frequently crooked branches, and a spreading crown. Widely distributed in the temperate and tropical areas, it prefers alluvial soils and deep sandy loams on flats and along watercourses. In Victoria it is restricted to the extreme east coast and in New South Wales is scattered throughout the central and northern divisions of the western slopes, occurs within the northern tablelands, and is frequent in the central coast. It has a discontinuous distribution throughout the north coast but is frequent on alluvial flats of south-eastern Queensland with narrow extensions inland. Australian Native Plants for Home Gardens By A. E. BROOKS, B.Sc. Set in alphabetical form, quick and easy reference can be made to any plant or subject. 70 illustrations, 150 pages, 450 Index Entries. PRICE 45/- (Post 1/-) Available from YOUR BOOKSELLER NOW LOTHIAN PUBLISHING CO. PTY. LTD. 1 FLEMING PLACE, MELBOURNE, C.1 @@@ 21 @@@ PAGE 21 JUNE. 1261 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Leaves heart-shaped small brees Laaves haart shaped at base. sessile,|-Lins. broad Tall trees. R SRS VIO TR \\ O A bakeri \| Laavee staived.less [han 05ins hreadth Leavas lass thar O75ins broad i Stalkad forms often appaaring LeTegey e with the typical sassie heart- LN (/- thaved types. & % FREAN A.costata Leavas with short shatks 0-5- Opened flower of A-flori bunda £ SV i A floribunda , T X, {R’,;S\\lr‘ifi, . . .7 % P Underside Laavas with short stalks 0-5-10ins broad. m A woodsiana Leaf £ Fruk sk Species of ANGOPHO e et i slendar Fruit G 7 N9 - ndamaker @@@ 22 @@@ PAGE 22 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—YOUR SOCIETY JUNE, 1961 This journal is published by The Publishing Section on behalf of:— SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—N.S.W. REGION: President: Mr. C. M. Taylor. Secretary: Mr. R. Doney, 190 Galston Rd., Hornsby Heights, N.S.W. SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—QLD. REGION: President: Mr. H. W. Cauvlfield. Secretary: Mr. R. J. Peach, Bushland Garden Nursery, Sunnybank, 5.8, Q’land. 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.: President: Mr. G. Echberg. Secretary: (Sister) E. R. Bowman, 4 Homebush Cres.,, Hawthorn, E.3, Vic. WEST AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWER GROWERS’ SOC. INCORPORATED: President: Mr. L. D. O’Grady. Secretary: Miss M. Munro, 90 Basinghall St., East Victoria Park. 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: A. J. Gray of W.A., H. Boyd, P. D. leak Sec.: K. Coxhead, Despatch: V. Hopkins, Illustrations: A. Spurway, Photography: R. N. Dallimore. Advertising and Sales Representatives in each State: N.SW. P. D. lLeak; Qld., W. W. Kilgour; S.A., J. S. Birch; Tas.,, G. van Munster; W.A., F. Lullfitz. MAIL—Address mail to the Editor, 250 Picnic Point Road, Picnic Point, N.S.W. SUBSCRIPTION—Members: Your 1961 subscription is now due. NON-MEMBERS: Be sure of receiving your copies in future without inconvenience. Forward 12/- and the next four issues will be forwarded post free. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR From M. McAllister, Box Hill, Victoria. Acacia pycnantha, except when young, may not be attractive in the bush | agree. Coming from the goldfields, my plants responded too well to moist heavy loam by becoming willowy. Even the main top growth drooped downward. | cut everything really hard. One tree was left without a leaf. Now five years old, my four trees are ten feet high, dense and shapely on slim straight trunks. A group of Leptospermum laevigatum nearly blew over in high wind but the golden wattles remain firmly erect. Shiny pale bronze tips are most attractive and people unfamiliar with native plants mistake the trees for young Eucalypts except, of course, in early spring when they are truly golden wattles: From Wayne Mitchell, Port Lincoln, South Australia. Our soil is very sandy, very alkaline, water runs straight through it and evaporates very quickly in summer. | think | would have more success if | started a compost heap and mulched all plants well. Mr. R. Doney offered this advice: | suggest Wayne should make some endeavour to prove his statement ‘‘very alkaline”, for his own satisfaction at least because he could not be certain of this without a pH test. For instance, many people assume that soil over limestone country will be alkaline, but this does not necessarily follow. Leaching is often free in such soils. If, in fact, his soil is alkaline, then | ggest that he should stick to Banksia, Grevillea and Prostanthera for shrubs and trees, with possible use of some Melaleuca, Olearia and Callistemon. Creepers such as Sollya, Pandorea and Clematis might serve as ground cover plants. These plants are not necessarily known to tolerate alkaline soils, but | think they would be adaptable. However, the pH may be lowered by various means such as use of sulphates of iron, aluminium, magnesium (ammonia not wise because of excess of nitrogen supply) or Flowers of Sulphur. The intrcduction of much compost of organic matter—grass, leaves, peat moss, etc, would achieve results more slowly than chemical salts, though more permanently, but first pH must be established and auantities for recommended treatment assessed accordingly. Without knowing, I think that Waratah would fail if soil is truly alkaline, i.e., pH 7.1 or more. THESE PLANTS ARE WANTED From Tasmania—Blandfordia marginata, Telopea truncata. Seed required. From the West—Byblis both species, Pileanthus all species, Dryandra all species. From the South—Telopea oreades, Telopea mongaensis. This section is available to all readers who are seeking a special plant for a fee of 5/- per line. This service is available gratis to the special Study Sections. All replies /o Editor. For Effective Pest and Disease Control Use Yates Garden-master MULTI-PURPOSE SPRAY @@@ 23 @@@ JUNE, 1961 ~ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE with some fodder properties, able to withstand lopping of its fairly dense foliage. It is suitable for inland planting in areas of warm climate with summer rainfall although it is not drought-hardy, and for the coast it is recommended as a shelter or street tree for areas of summer-autumn rainfall or cold winter- warm summer. The species is a valuable source of pollen and honey. A. ochrophylla, once regarded as a distinct species, is now accepted as a form of A. floribunda. The form appears confined to the Clarence River district of New South Wales. A. woodsiana (in honour of Rev. Tenison-Woods F.G.S.) Smudgee. A tree, up to 40ft. in height, with a flaky, and rather brittle bark, and a large spreading crown; leaf, flower and fruit stalks slender and long, larger in these parts than in A. floribunda. It occurs in forest country on sandstone or deep sandy soils of the Moreton district of southern Queensland and extends to the north coast of N.S.W.—regarded as a valuable source of honey. A. melanoxylon (referring to the very dark brown, almost black, colour of its timber). Coolabah Apple. A somewhat ragged, crooked tree up to 40ft. in height with a rough bark and a particularly leafy crown. While some of the adult leaves are not heart-shaped at the base and so connect the species with A. floribunda, the predominant leaf-form is that of A. subvelutina. Coolabah Apple is confined to scattered localities of the western slopes and plains of New South Wales with an extension to south-western Queensland and is recommended as a drought-resistant shade and shelter tree for inland planting in areas with as low as 12in. annual rainfali. A. costata (in reference to the ribbed receptacle). Smooth-barked Apple. (Formerly known as A. lanceolata). A tree attaining 60-70fi. in height with a frequently short trunk and twisted, somewhat gnarled branches under the exacting conditions of poor sandstone soils but under better conditions reaching a height of 90ft. with a straight bole 4ft. in diameter; crown large, spreading and rather open. Bark smooth, deciduous in spring and leaving the trunk with a characteristic pinkish, usvally kino-stained surface; leaves lanceolate and on short stalks. The present distribution of smooth-barked Apple appears to have its centres from Sydney to north of Newcastle (often on poor, confined sandstone soils or pockets of soil) and in forest areas of south-eastern Queensland on sandy soils or along stony ridges. It has an isolated occurrence in poor sand- stone country of the north-western slopes of New South Wales, and coast- wards, intermits as far south as Nerrigundah, and north to Queensland. It is widespread along the coast of Queensland as far as Rockhampton, with inland extensions. A. costata is recommended as a park and avenue iree for warm, moist, coastal climates with summer rainfall, especially suvited for poor sandstone soils. Establishment is sometimes difficult and development comparatively slow. Its timber, typical of the Apples, is strong and moderately heavy but is not durable and is often kino-veined; it finds limited use for construction but provides a freely-burning fuel. The tree flowers December to January and is a valuable source of pollen. Red and Rusty Gum are names given to the species. A. bakeri (in honour of the Australian botanist, R. T. Baker) Narrow- leaved Apple. A rough-barked tree attaining 50ft. in height but found usually smaller, occurring on poor sandy soils of the central and northern coasts of New South Wales with a particular centre around Sydney. Growth habit is shorter and broader than that of A. floribunda and the narrow lanceolate, stalked and drooping leaves are characteristic features. Narrow- (or Small-) leaved Apple is recommended as an ornamental or shade tree for poor sandy soils of the coast with summer-autumn rainfall. @@@ 24 @@@ PAGE 24 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE JUNE, 1961 A DWARF FLOWERING TREE Photography by Frank Hurley Block by courtesy of John Sands Pty. Lid Angophora cordifolia Dwarf or Scrub Apple—Recommended as an ornamental flowering shrub for poor sandstone sites of the coast with summer-autumn rainfall.