'Australian Plants' Vol.2 No.14 March 1963

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PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN 8,000 COPIES

PRICE: THREE SHILLINGS
Registered at G.P.O., Sydney, for transmission MARCH, 1963 Vol 2, No. 14
bv post as a periodical Volume 2 will comprise issues, No. 13-20.

Colour Photography by Frank Hurley Blocks Courtesy of John Sands ILtd
THE RED FLOWERING GUM E. ficifolia



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Page 34——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1963

THE BLOODWOODS

Contributed by The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, NS.W.

Reference has been made (Australian Plants, March, 1961) to a group
of eucalypts possessing certain affinities with Angophora (or “Apple”). This
group is made ug of the “bloodwoods”, so called because they frequently
exude a red-coloured kino from lesions in the bark a character shared
by the Angophoras. The kino originates from pockets or ducts (“gum-veins’)
within the wood, the wood cells frequently being blocked by it ,and its
retention by these cells imparts the deep red or dark brown colour
characteristic of bloodwood timbers. In many bloodwoods, the property of
kino production is a serious impairment to the strength qualities of the timber;
nevertheless, Spotted Gum or Lemon Scented Gum-—both bloodwoods—
are high grade timber trees, whilst the kino liberally exuded by Marri
(or Western Australian Red Gum) finds some use as a tanning material.

What other features set aside and unify into a botanical series the
straggly-growing, small Scarlet Flowering Gum from the west, and the
tall, shaft-like Spotted Gum of the east? We may answer this by reference
to floral, leaf and bark characters. Combinations of these characters unify
the species but no single feature alone can be taken, since for each there
are modifications. However, the general pattern of the bloodwoods may be

perceived by a consideration of the following characters:—

INFLORESCENCE: A branched system of floral clusters, the clusters brought more or
less to a common level by a compensatory variance in length of their stalks (peduncles).
Technically the inflorescence is a corymbkose (common level) panicle (branched system) of umbels
(strictly, contracted dichasia) terminating the shoots. The relatively large clusters of flowers
are a conspicuous feature in bushland, the nature of the panicle giving the series name of
the genus, Corymbosae.

FRUIT: A capsule deeply enclosed by an outer woody wall, predominantly with four or
five locules within the ovary, i.e, the fruit is dehiscent by four or five valves. In shape, ovoid
or globular, sometimes with a constriction and so becoming urceolate; in length, rarely below
half-inch and in a few reaching two inches. Seeds are large (for the genus), biconvex and with
sharp marains. freauently with a long terminal process or wing.

LEAVES: Venaticn almost straight and parallel, the angle of departure of lateral veins
from the mid-rib greater than 45° The characteristic intramarginal vein of eucalypts is verv close
to, often concurrent with, the leaf margin. Of minor incidence is the difference in colour of upper
and lower surfaces.

BARK: Either persistent and then wusually brittle, flaky or scaly and tessellated, or
deciduous and smooth (somethimes persistent, but usually only at the base of the trunk).

Members sharing this general pattern may be grouped conveniently
in terms of the regional map which appeared in the March, 1962 issue of
this journal (No. 10).

1. North-west Tropical: (a) indigenous to region—E. collina, lamprocalyx,
zygophylla. Range continued eastwards—E. cliftoniana, dichromophloia,
foelschiana, latifolia, ptychocarpa, polycarpa, setosa, terminalis. All
rarely above 40ft. high and often considerably less.

2. North Tropical (a) indigenous to region—E. abbreviata, bleeseri,
ferruainea, jacobsiana, nesophila, porrecta. Of these, only E. bleeseri
and E. nesophila attain 40ft. or more in height. (b) with the exception
of the indigens, species from the North-west Tropical.

3. North-east Tropical: (a) indigens—E. abergiana (north, 36ft.), citriodora
(up to 120ft., central to south), torelliana (north, 60ft.). (b) E. dichromo-
phloia, intermedia (60ft.), maculata (central to south, up to 135ft),
polycarpa, terminalis, trachyphloia (70ft.).

4. North Eremaean: E. dichromophloia, setosa, terminalis.

North-east Eremaean: E. terminalis.
6. North-east Interzone: (a) indigenous—E. peltata (40ft.). (b) E. dichromo-

phloia, polycarpa, setosa, trachyphloia (eastern edge).
Continued on Page 64

o



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March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN*PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 35——Vol. 2

THE RED FLOWERING GUM
By L. D. Pryor and R. R. Willing—Australian National University

Western Australian Red Flowering Gum is one of the most beautiful
and best-known of ornamental eucalypts. It has been planted widely both
in Australia and overseas because of the magnificent show that it makes
when in flower. This remarkable tree is limited in its natural occurrence io
small patches in an area of a few square miles in the vicinity of Walpole

ASAR ¥
% Y
h ;'\»\‘

»

A graft of Eucalyptus ficifolia two years after grafting. Note the well developed flower buds

on the terminal shoot and the graft union on the stem just below the lowest leaf. With the

technique described it is possible to propagate the Red Flowering Gum, not only true to colour,
but also to have it flowering from only a few feet high, as shown above.



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Page 36——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1963

in south-west Western Australia, where there is a high winter rainfall—in
the vicinity of 60 inches per annum, with considerable regularity, and at
the most light frosts in winter.

There are several reasons why the tree is sought so much for ornamental
use. Firstly, when in flower many individuals have brilliant scarlet flowers
which are arranged in terminal clusters so that they appear in the crown
at the time of flowering, outside the leaves. The tree is small or moderate-
sized and compact in form which makes it attractive for ornamental use and
because it is unusual compared with many other eucalypts in cultivation.

The growing of Red Flowering Gum has been a rather haphazard
matter for two reasons. Firstly there is great variation in flower colour from
scarlet to crimson, pink, orange and almost white, and the particular colour
that an individual specimen will be when it finally flowers cannot be
determined until it actually produces its first bloom. Secondly, in cultivation,
even in Perth it is a long way from its natural habitat, it has been subject
to serious attack by Sporotrichum canker which has destroyed most irees
planted there, leaving only a very few individual specimens which are
resistant to the attack of this pathogen. It has also failed in other areas, such
as Sydney; possibly for the same reason, or perhaps partly due to the general
unsuitability of a species such as this from a winter rainfall area for prolonged
growth in places where there is ordinarily a summer rainfall.

This situation has arisen in the past with many plants and has been
overcome by well-known methods of breeding and propagation: For a
considerable time all eucalyptus have been found difficuli tc propagate
vegetatively. Experiments during the last four years in the Botany Department
of the Australian National University have led to the development of
comparatively simple and quite reliable techniques for propagation of the
species by grafting and the oldest now nearly four years old, are healthy
and vigorous.

Technique of Propagation:
The propagation of euca-
lypts by cuttings is possible
but only with young seedling
material, and this has not yet
been developed to a stage
at which it can be used for
multiplying  Red  Flowering
Gum with flower colour known
in advance, but various kinds
of grafting are highly success-
ful, and Red Flowering Gum
is one amecng the group of
species in  Eucalyptus which
are the easiest to propagate.
The first grafts were made
as approach grafts fron a
young ftree. Approach graft-
ing, often practised in Euro-
pean nurseries in Eucalyptus
ficifolia was recorded as far
back in 1870 in the Canary

Islands but seems to have

An approach araft showing the prepara-
tion of stock and scicn



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March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 37 --Vol. 2

was recorded as far back in 1870 in the Canary Islands, but seems to have
been lost sight of in the meantime. Moreover, approach grafting, though
simple in technique, does require space and time and is a more cumbersome
method for producting grafts in large quantity than most would seek to
use. Nevertheless, approach grafting is simply carried out by making ciean
cuts of bark and surface wood about three inches long on both scion and
stock and bringing the seedling plants to be used as stock to the tree from
which the scion is to be removed. The cut surfaces of the stock and scion which
should be matched as to size, bound together with polythene tape (non
adhesive) and left in position until a union is effected—usually in from
four to eight weeks. As soon as a union of the callus tissue of both stock
and scion is established, the scion can be cut from below the base of the
union, removed from the tree and continued for a period as a bottle graft
by inserting the base of the cut scion into a test tube for a further period
of a menth or so until the union has become more efficient. This method of
grafting i safe and gives almost 100 per cent success.

The use of bottle grafting with severed scions is also possible, but
losses are higher than if it is commenced as an approach graft, although
Lecause it is easier to carry cut this may be preferred. It has been found
recently that in making a bottle graft it pays to remove the leaves, leaving
only petioles. This not only facilitates the transport of scions when they have
to be sent from a distance but leads to better results.

e

-

LEFT: A tip graft. RIGHT: A boitle graft—showing in each case the prepared stock and scion and
the ccmpleted graft.

Various other kinds of grafting have been carried out successfully, such
as side grafting, bud grafting and crown grafting with moderate success, but
with some irregularity which obviously is related to the condition of stock

Continved on Page 63



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Page 38——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1963

EUCALYPTS FOR YOUR GARDEN

Based on an original table by RON HILL with comments from Forestry
Authorities of each Stafe

How many Australians realise the beauty of the dwarf Eucalypt. Plants
with a mature height of six feet to 20 feet can be chosen to provide a
wealth oi flower in red, crimson, pink, orange, oright yellow or white,
with individual flower heads up to six inches across. Other features such
as glistening or mottled trunk, silvery or unique foliage, bright coloured
and strange fruits, etc, are all possible from our Eucalypts.

Eucalypts are robust and hardy plants especially suited for cultivation
withoui attention or watering as recommended in the flowering table. It is
mosi importani to grow or obtain suitable vigorous plants with a straight
strong root system and to plant them with the root system straightened out
and noi coiled or crumpled. The secrei to the success of the street iree
schemes mentioned in the supplement is the method they describe for care
of the young plants. Of outstanding value to property owners in all States
of Australia is a booklet entitled, “Tree Establishment in the Wheatbelt”,
Bulletin No. 2616, available from the Forests Department, Government of

Western Australia, Barrack Streei, Perth.
For high rainfall areas see page 67.

EUCALYPTS TO FLOWER ALL YEAR ROUND

Eucalypt Species Height Flower Native Environment Areas for
fr. Colour Rain Soil Cultivation
JANUARY
E. dielsii 15-20 Cream 15 XYZ ABC
E. macrandra 15-20 Yellow 20 XYZ ABC
E. stricklandii 20-30 Yellow 10 XYZ ABC
E. cornuta 40-50 Cream 30 XY . CcD
E. erythronema 15-20 Red 10 XYZ ABC
E. ficifolia 20-25 Red 50 XY cD
E. lansdowneana 15-20 Red 50 XYZ BC

Species alsc recorded ac flowering in Victoria—E. torquata, E. forrestiana,
E. nutans, E. platypus, E. tetraptera, E. stoatei, E. woodwardi, E. steedmanii,
E. eremophila.

FEBRUARY
E. calophylla 35-40 Pink 20 XYZ CD
E. xanthonema 20-25 Orange 20 XYZ BC

Species listed in January also flowering in February—E. dielsii, E.
macrandra, E. cornuta, E. erythronema.

Species recorded in Victoria—E. lansdowneana, E. stoatei, E. torquata,
E. tetraptera, E. forrestiana.

MARCH
E. erythrocorys 20-25 Yellow 20 XYZ BCF
E. gummifera 40-50 White 20 XY CD

Species listed in February also flowering in March—E. dielsii, E. calo-
phylla.

Species also recorded in Victoria—E. stoatei, E. torquata, E. lans-
downeana, E. steedmanii, E. forrestiana.
APRIL E. kruseana 6-15 Yellow 8 XYZ BCD

E. cosmophylla 10-15 Yellow 15 XY CD

Species listed in March also flowering in April—E. erythrocorys. Recorded

in Victoria—E. torquata, E. forrestiana, E. tetraptera, E. stoatei.



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March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE - Page 39——Vol. 2

MAY E. gardneri 20-40 Yellow 14 XYZ BC

E. forrestiana 10-15 Yellow 15 XYZ BC
E. leucoxylon 30-50 Cream 15 XYZ BCD
E. leucoxylon rosea 20-40 Red 15 XYz BCD

Species listed in April also flowering in May—E. kruseana, E. cosmo-
phylla. E. campaspe is recorded in Victoria and E. gardneri flowers in August-
November.

JUNE E. eremophila 10-25 Yellow 12 XYZ AB
E. citriodora 35-45 Cream ' 20 XYZ BCD
E. stoatei 25-30 Yellow 18 XYZ ABC
E. platypus 10-15 Yellow 15 XYz ABC

All species listed in May also flowering in June. Those listed here for
June have not been recorded as flowering in the Wimmera area outside
the summer months.

JULY
E. gillii 15-20 Yellow 15 XYZ ABC
E. lansdowneana 15-20 Red 15 XYZ BC

All species listed in June flower in July. In Victoria E. lansdowneana

flower June-March.

AUGUST
E. preissiana 10-15 Yellow 20 XY CD
E. lehmannii 10-15 Yellow 20 XY CcD
E. caesia 10-15 Pink 15 XYZ ABC
E. woodwardii 15-20 Yellow 14 XYZ ABC
E. platypus also flowers through to August.
SEPTEMBER
E. pyriformis 10-15 Red 13 XYZF  ABCF
E. grossa 10-15 Yellow 14 XYZ ABC
All species listed in Augus: flower in September:
OCTOBER
E. nutans 10-15 Red XYZ BC

Species also flowering thrcugh to October—E. preissiana, E. lehmannii,
E. woodwardi, E. grossa.

NOVEMBER
E. torquata 6-20 Pink 10 XYZ ABC
E. crucis 15-20 Cream XYZ ABC
E. tetraptera 412 Yellow 20 XYZ ABC
E. orbifolia 8-25 Cream XYZ ABC
E. tetragona 8-25 Cream XYZ ABC

Species above also flowering in November—E. preissiana.
DECEMBER

Species listed in January and November also flowering in December—
E. ficifolia, E. toravata, E. crucis. E. stricklandii, E. lansdowneana, E. tetragona,
E. orbifolia. In Victoria—E. platypus has November-January flowering.

KEY—Soil Type X- Acid Soil, Y Neutral Soil, Z Alkaline Soil.

Areas for Cultivation; these divisions are not necessary when artificially watered in the
garden:—

A 10-14 inches rainfall such as upper north and maliee of South Australia.

B - 15-19 inches rainfall such as peninsula, mid-north, upper S.E. and Murray basin, mainly
mallee areas of South Australia

C - 20-24 inches rainfall such as central districts, mid-south-east and Kangaroo Island of
South Australia.

D- 25 inches plus such as Mt Lofty Ranges, Flinders Ranges, south-east of South
Australia. Those marked with D are not recommended by Victorian Forests Commission for planting
in areas with less than 20 inches rainfall.

F - Frost tender.



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Page 40 Vol 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS -ORCHIDACEAE March, 1963

The Genus Dipodium in Australia
By LEO CADY, Kiama, N.S.W.

Dipodium is one of the most interesting genera of Australian terrestrial
orchids, with the three species all being endemic.

KEY TO SPECIES
1, Plants with leaves. Fiowers in fairly loose raceme, labellum, midlobe, broady rhomboidal
Northern Aust
D. ensifolivm—1
1 «Plants with leaves rcduced tc sheathing bracts Flowers in loose or dense raceme
2. Flowers never yellow, but in varying tones of red, rarcly white; usually spotted Labellum
midlobe ovate—lanceclete, two short ridges from near the base of lamina coverging into a
pubescent keel, a patch of calli also at apex. All States c¢xcept W. Aust
D. nunctatum—2
2. :Flowers tones of yellcw, spotted red. Labellum, midlobe, ovate-oblong; basal ridges not
converging, lamina pubescent for almost antcrior two-thirds. Queensland and N.S.W
D. hamiltonianum -3

THE HYACINTH ORCH!D Photo by Pat Palmer

THE HYACINTH ORCHID

D. punctatum, The Hyacinth Orchid, is the commonest species in Australia.
This species also shows an amazing association with a parasitical fungus, which
is found invading the thick, fleshy root system of the plant, penetrating a few
cells into the root, and then by some process, being digested by the plant.
This connection with the fungus produces the glucose and some other simple
compounds required by the plant.



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March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 41——Vol. 2

DIPODIUM IN AUSTRALIA

KEY TO PLATE

A. D. hamiltonianum plant and labellum
B. D. ensifolium piznt and labellum
C. D. punctatum plant and labella
Plants approx. half naturzl size, labella much enlarged.

The work done by the fungus is normally carried out by the leaves of
a green-leaved plant. This process in a green leaf is called photosynthesis, a
process that D. punctatum is unable to carry out owing to its lack of leaves.



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Page 42——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE March, 1963

1. D. ensifolium F. Muell. (EN-SI-FOLIUM), “Sword-shaped Leaves.”

Plant robust approx. 12 to 14 inches high. Lleaves linear-lanceolate—acute strongly keeled,
distichous. Raceme about 10in. high, flcwers pink, much spotted with darker pink. Sepals oblong—
lanceolatc, petals rather broader and more contracted at base. Labellum approx. same length as
sepals, shortly cecnnate to base of column, the lateral lobes placed much below the middle, linear
spathulate, incurved; the mideye approx. twice as long as the iateral lobes, broadly rhomboid,
the disc with two pubescent ridges beiween the lateral lobes, converging into one ridge at the
base of the lamina, which then extends into a patch of scaly hairs at apex of lamina. Column short,
pubescent in front.

Flowers: Spring and early summer.

A rather attractive species with a thick, fleshy root system and the only
one of the genus in Austra. thai lends itself to culture. Ii is grown well in a
tanbark, Cymbidium compost, with similar growing conditions, although in the
southern States it would require glasshouse treatment, being a tropical
species. It is easily distinguished by the sword-shaped leaves.

2. D. punctatum (Sm.) R. Br. (PUNC-TAT-UM), “Spotted.”

Plant robust or slender, up to 3ft. high, stems usvally reddish-brown, but can otten be
green. Leaves reduced to sheathing bracts, acute in a tuft at the base of the stem. Flowers up to
60, in dense or loose raceme in varying tones from white (unspotted) to almost red-purple
‘heavily spotied). Most specimens exhibit some spots but unspotted forms are not uncommon.
Sepals and petals equal, oblong-lanceolate midlobe; lamina with two short ridges near the base,
Column shortish, anthers hemispherical. Flowers most irregularly, but chiefly summer.

D. punctatum (Sm.), R. Br. variety stenocheilum (Sw.) Rupp.—Plant
usually more slender than type, flowers usvally smaller, unspotted, segments
narrower and more obtuse than type; labellum narrow distinctly sac-shaped
at the base, the margins hairy right to the base. Found from central N.S.W.

to Cape York, Nth. Queensland.

D. punctatum (Sm.), R. Br. variety album Bail.—Plant similar to type,
flowers pure white. Found only on the south coast of Queensland, very rare.
(Cleveland.)

Thic species ic one of the most variable of our native terrestrial orchids,
in colour, habit and soil liking, but to the writer’s knowledge it is almost
impossible to culture for any extended period. This trait is almost surely due
to the plants’ association with the parasitical fungus at its roots.

3. D. hamiltonianum Bail, (HAMILTON-I-ANUM).

Similar in habit to D. punctatum, but cften more robust, up to 60 cm. high. Stems
greenish or brownish, often spotted, the basal bracts thick and obtuse. Flowers larger and
narrower in segments than D. punctatum, brick ycllow or greenish yellow, spotted and streaked
with red. Labellum 12-16 mm. long, whitish usvaily the lateral lobes narrow, midlobe ovate—
oblong, its lamina with two short basal ridges, the anterior two-thirds of the lamina pubescent.
Column two-thirds as long as labellum, narrow, winged.

Found chiefly on the tablelands and western slopes in N.S.W., extending into Queens-
land. Flowers October to February.

The writer would like to thank Mr. A W. Dockrili, of Cairns, North Queensland , for
assistance with the description of varieties of D. punctatum.

DI”ODIUM ENSIFOLIUM F. MUELL.

A. Plant to 1, indicated Scale
B. Cross section of leaf to Scale X2
C. Flower from the front to Scale X2
D. Flower from the side to Scale X2
E. Labellum from above to Scale X3
F. Top of column, anther, pollinia and viscidium remcved to Scale X10
G. Column from the front to Scale X5
H. Column from the side to Scale X5
I. Anther from above to Scale X10
K. Anther from the side to Scale X10
L. Pollinia to Scale X1g
M. One pair of pollinia from the middie to Scale X20
N. Pollinium from the front to Scale X20

. DISTRIBUTION': Fror_n the Herbert River to the Mossman River, North Queensland, coastal
in its southern extremity, highland in the remainder. It seems fo favour sandy soil.
FLOWERING PERIOD: Summer.



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March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE ] Page 43——Vol. 2

A North Queensland Dipodium

By A. W. DOCKRILL

This is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most beautiful orchids, but its
entire habitat is within a floral reserve. When plants are obtained from
private property they are found to be readily cultivated (within the tropics,
of course) in a “free”, well drained mould or compost containing plenty of
coarse sand or fine gravel, typical of that used for many large terrestrial
orchids. The stems continue to grow and become unwieldy with continuous
vatering under cultivation and should be pruned back after flowering.

DIPODIUM ENSIFOLIUM F. Mue!l. Fragm.



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Page 44——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—.PROPAGAIIQN B ~ March, 1963

Germination of Orchid  Seed

An old technique using new towelling on an overfilled pot.
By H. BOYD

Three parts fine used orchid compost (must be fresh) and one part by
volume of sphagnum moss, is mixed well and placed in a well crocked pot. It
is compacted and the pot overfilled to form a dome, which, in a 3-4 inch
pot, can be 2-3 inches above the rim when compressad. A piece of new
towelling is now tied tightly over the compost to achieve a domed pin
cushion effect. It must compress the damp compost to keep the towelling
constantly wet. Nylon fishing line is recommended for the tie. Both towelling
and tie must last a year. In the initial wetting of the compost, it is better to
use cold boiled water lightly applied, before seed is sown.

Seed can be distributed from a knife blade onto the towelling surface
and then pressed into the towelling surface with the flat of the knife.

The above technique has not been developed by the writer, but with
slight variations has been used for a hundred years. Some workers place
the medium under a bell jar, others in a glass case and others suspend
it in a glasshouse. Most are adamant that it should not stand in water. The
writer suspended his work in a glass-house and watered it from above
with cold boiled water to control algae infestation. Care must be taken
not to wash off germinating seed. The medium must not be allowed to
dry out. If alkaline water is encountered, the medium must be wetted with
acidified water to a pH value of about 5.2. Sydney water is about 5.2 to 5.6
and is satisfactory for epiphytic orchids.

The writer has only propagated epiphytic orchids by this technique,
but research shows that terrestials have been grown by this method also.
They include Selenipedilum, Paphiopedilum, Phaius and Calanthe.

Without a heated glasshouse this method can be used only in spring
and summer. Temperature has a tremendous effect on germinating orchid
seed. If low winter temperatures are encountered, germination is slowed
down or absent. Spring is by far the better time to sow the seed so that
plants are well advanced by winter.

Protocorms of fair size should be obvious in three months. Then
the medium can be wetted fortnightly with a half strength solution of
“Aquasol”. As plants advance this can be applied in greater strength. If
the medium becomes infected with small animals, use a water soluble of D.D.T.

It is most important to mix fresh used orchid compost in the medium.
This tends to ensure, the infection of germinating seed with the right fungus.
If soil or compost is taken from around the growing species that is to be
propagated, this might help in germination.

GERMINATION OF SEED
Pari 2—By HEIEN LEE

There are many aspects to the physiology of germination and some
of them are so specialised as to be beyond the scope of these articles.
Firstly, however, we will consider the environmental conditions which must
be fulfilled before germination will occur. Although the seeds of different
plants are very variable, there are factors which affect them all. Germination
is affected by water, temperature, oxygen and light and these will be
considered in turn. If one or more of these factors is unfavourable the seed
usually remains inactive or “dormant.”” This resting or dormancy condition
must not be confused with true dormancy which is concerned with seeds which



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_March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 45——Vol. 2
CAN WE SAVE OUR NATIVE ORCHIDS?

The beauty of our terrestrial orchids is, to many, unsurpassed. Why do we not sce
more of them? Many are difficult to grow, muck harder than the epiphytes, and this is the
reason many growers of orchids do not try the terrestrials. They are even more difficult to
obtain. Fortunately many are difficult to transplant from the bush and and we appeal to readers
not to do this. The chief trouble is the extreme difficulty in propagating them from seed. A
few competent workers are experimenting to solve this problem but we need more. For those
who wish to assist, H. Boyd has given details of a simple method that does not require special
skill, experience or equipment, just patience and determination. For others who wish to help,
we need fresh seed. Send to the Editor in a paper envelope. Mr, Warren P. Stoutamire, Cranbrook
Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, Michigen, U.S.A., is also working on this problem and
requires seed.

will not germinate even though all the factors are favourable. True dormancy
will be considered in a later article.
1. Water.

Seeds will not germinate unless water is available. Seeds take up water
directly through the testa and through the micropyle. The amount of water
taken up varies with the species, e.g., peas and beans take up about one
to one and a half times their dry weight. Other seeds is usually less than
20% of their weight, but water is continuously absorbed prior to and during
germination and the seedling will have a water content of about 80%. The
role of water in the germinating seed is a complex one. Briefly, the stored
food materials in the seed are in an insoluble form and when the water enters,
enzymes are activated and the insoluble food is converted to a soluble form
and as such can be utilised by the developing seedling.

2. Temperature.

If all other conditions are favourable, the temperature required for
germination depends upon the plants but in general, seeds will not germinate
at 32 F (0 C) or above 113 F (45 C), and the most favourable temperature
is around 69 F (20 C). The seeds of any species will have a minimum tempera-
ture below which they will not germinate, a maximum temperature above
which they will not germinate and optimum at which germination is best.
Maize, min. 46 F (8 C), optimum 90-95 F (32-25 C), max. 112 F (44 C).

E.g., barley min., 37 F (3 C), optimum 68 F (20 C), max. 82 F (28 C).

These temperatures will vary with different batches of seed and also
with the stage of germination. Temepreature affects the rate at which the seed
will take up water, the rate at which the enzymes will work and the growh
rate. These temperature effects only hold for seeds which have taken up
water, as dry seeds are very inactive and may withstand very low and very
high temperatures (up to 212 F) without being injured.

3. Oxygen.

Air contains about 20% oxygen which is required by nearly all plants
and animals for the process of respiration (“breathing”). Thus, the majority
of seeds require air for germination. The seeds of some plants can germinate
under conditions in which the oxygen content is very low or absent, e.g., the
seeds of bulrush (Typha) and rice. These plants, under natural conditions, live
in stagnant pools and their seeds germinate in the mud in the bottom
in the complete absence of oxygen. However, the young seedlings cannot
continue to live without oxygen and will die unless they grow up and out into
the air.

2. Light

Seeds vary in their light requirements. Some, e.g., mistletoe, germinate
only in the light, others only in the dark, while many, e.g., beans, clover,
etc., germinate equally well in dark or light. On the other hand, sorie seeds,
e.g., those of Banksia marginata, are partially inhibited light, that is, seeds
kept in absolute darkness will germinate very much more quickly than tho?e
receiving even a short dose of light. The nature of the light response in



@@@ 14 @@@



Page 46——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—BOOK RE)/IEW March, 1963

THE AUSTRALASIAN BEEKEEPER L .

This is the official organ of the various Apiarists and Beekeepers’ Associations in 9a:l|
State of Australia. Published monthly, it contains news of the “"hee world’® and interesting articles
on commercial and amateur beekeeping that will interest many property owners. A seed bank
list is published regularly and seed of Eucalypts is available free on application. The March issue
includes an article on ‘Growing Trees From Seed’’ and an article by W. Cane on “’Plants of
Value to Bees.’” The subscription is 16/- sent to Pender Bros., P.O. Box 20, Maitland, N._S.W_
THE LANGUAGE OF BOTANY . . . . . 2 3 : . . (New Price 4/-)

This excelleni work cf 64 pages turned out a much larger book than we at first
expected. The price of 4/- is much nearer the cost price. Beautifully printed on art paper, it
defines thousands of botanical technical terms for reference by the amateur or student botanist.
It has been very enthusiastically reccived.

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS . . R 2 ; ; : . . . Bound Volume 1, lssves 1-12
This beautifully gold-lettered hard-covered bound book containing all . issues : -bll'l

of Volume 1 of this publication, plus the publication “"The Llanguage of Botany,’” is available

at £3, plus 2/- postage.

AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS . Past Issues

Copies of past issues 1—8 are available as individual copies for 4/-, plus 5d. postage.
Issues 9. 1p0, n anr:! 12 are permanenily out of print. lssues No. 13 onwards are 3/- plus 5d.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE—WESTERN AUSTRALIA (PRICE 2/-)

Each State Department of Agriculture publishes such a journal but that produced tfy
Western Australia possibly surpasses them all. It must be an e_ssen'ial reference to settlers in
that State. Of special interest is a ceries, appeariny at random intervals, by Mr. C. A. Gardner
entitled “‘Trees of Western Australia’.

INDEX SEMINUM—SEED LIST, KING’'S PARK, WESTERN AUSTRALIA . o

To native plant growers who propagate from seed, the announcement of O_hls publication
will be the best news they have heard for years. Hundreds of Western Aus!ralna‘n plants are
listed and there is complete assurance that not only will the seed listed be available re.ad||y
at the low price of 2/6 per packel, but it will also be carefully named and be fresh and viable.

o
s e

Books of Australian Plants, Etc.

WE SEARCH THE WORLD FOR RARE AND OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN (Thistle Y. Harris) illst. ‘
£3/3.-, post. 2 -

TOXIC PLANTS OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (Gardner &  Bennetts,
col. and b/w plates. £2/10- post. 2/6.

ONE HUNDRED AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWERS (II. P. Dickins), col.
plates, 107-, post. 6d.

WATTLES OF AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (Nancy Burbridge),
illst. 6/-, post. 6d.

FOREST TREES OF AUSTRALIA (Forest Commission). Col. and b/w
plates. £2/2/-, post. 1/6.

WILDFLOWER CALENDARS FOR 1963 (John Sands). 4 6, post. 6d.

FLOWER ARRANGEMENT CALENDAR 1963 (Helen Van Peet Wilson),
day-by-day, profusely illst. boxed, 16,3. Post 1/3.

HHOME AND GARDEN CALENDAR 1963, similar to above. 13/6, post. 1/3.

Also new and secondhand books on Australiana, Pacific, Art, Natural

History, Gardening, Orchids, Biographies and General Literature.

We are Specialists in Microscopes, Prismatic Binoculars and Astro-

nomical Telescopes, Magnifiers, Compasses, 10x British Achromatic

| Magnifiers.
“ N. H. Seward Pty. Ltd.

457 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE, VIC., MU 6129

germinating seeds is not known. However, as soon as the food reserves in
the seed are exhausted, the seedling requires light for continuation of photo-
synthesis during which the plant makes sugar by chemical reacations which
can't be discussed at the moment.

These four factors, water, temperature, oxygen and light which are
necessary for germination are all inter-related so that even if the temperature
is at the optimum for particular seeds, they will not germinat in the absence
of water or oxygen.



@@@ 15 @@@



March, 1963 ) AU}IEAUAN PLANTS-L’EQF/AEAT,IQN ) Page 47 -—Vo! 2

PROPAGATlNG FRAMEDS FOR THE HOME
GARDENER
gy R. HARDIE

Not many gardeners are fortunate enough to have the us€ of a glass
house and shadehouse- For those who wish 1o raise Australian plants from
seeds and cuttings @t home, they maYy do so cheaply and offectively bY
making some simple wooden propagafing frames of bOXeS: as described and
Mustrated below. The frames should be stood in @ level pari of the garden
which receives plenty of light, bul is sheltered from wind and direct
sunlight in the hottest part of the day. The frames themselves provide that
additional protection SO necessary for cyccessful propagafion and then later
fo; hardeningd ofi.

e

Three Types of Frames are Recommended
(a) For Cuttings

Three or more small frames each 1%aft x 1Lft square and each capable
of holding about 16 3sin. pots of cuttings, are preferred 1o one large frame.
The difficulty with one frame only is that newly made cuttings require more
humidity and shade than cuttings which have already been inserted several
weeks. Thus it is best to have distinct batches of cuttings, at different stages
of striking, in separate small frames.

Cuttings are covered with a sash of ;g made of glass of 004mm.
polythene to give @ humid atmosphere within the frame, and newly made
cuttings nee a hessian cover also, for exira shading. More air and light is
admitted &s the cuttings develop-

\f the pots of cuttings are p\unged to the rim in 2 pase of moist sand
or sawdust they will not dry out sO quickly and the compost N the pots s

(b) For Seeds

One larger frame, saYy 3t x 3ft. square, is sufficient to begin with,
The seeds are sown in pans ©F small pots, stood on 2@ pase of moist sanc
or grave\ and are covered with a sash made of hessian  Of of #Sarlon
plastic shade cloth- These materials protec! the seeds from wind, sun an



@@@ 16 @@@



P“E_,‘W_‘,fl"};fl? AUFTRALIA{\I PLANTS —PROPAGATION March, 1963

heavy rain, yet admit air to the germinating seedlings. Polythene or glass
sashes (though suitable for cuttings) would tend to raise humidity and
encourage “damping off’ of the seedlings.

(c) For Hardening-off

Rooted cuttings and seedlings are pricked off into small pots, tubes
or tins and transferred into a larger (say 5ft. x 5ft.) and deeper hardening
off frame. They are covered with a strongly made sash of Sarlon or lathes
or hessian, until in due course they are gradually hardened off to normal
outdoor conditions, ready for planting oui

(d) Hygiene in the Frames

Pots, etc., for cuttings and seed should be scrubbed clean with soap,
e.g., "Clensel”, and hot water before use.

A small quantity of seed soil can be sterilised by halt-filling a sugarbag
and placing the bag on some boards in a domestic copper which has a few
inches of boiling water in the bottom; the boards are set about éin. above
the level of the water which is boiled for not more than half an hour.
Washed sand and peat do not need sterilising. Sterilisation kills damping-off
fungi (Pithium spp.) which attack the stems of germinating seedlings at soil
level; thin sowing and adequate light also reduce the chance of attack.
Should trouble occur, however, remove affected clumps of seedlings and
water remainder with a Zineb solution.

Cuttings must be kept clean and free from “grey mould” (Botrytis
cincrea) by regularly removing decaying leaves and stems; occasional
waterings with Zineb are also helpful.

The only pests likely to give trouble in the frames are snails and slugs.

Nourish Native Plants
with AQUASOL //

Your native plants need Aquasol NOW! Agquasol provides all the nourishment native
plants need for strong, healihy lovelier growth—even in the poorest soils.

Easy to use: no digging-in needed. Just add water to get gallons of liquid manure
in seconds.

Instant action: Growth is stimulated and sustained because roofs absorb  Aquasol
immediately.

Get a handy 14lb.
package of Aqua-
sol from your
garden supplier
today. Also avail-
able in 2lb. jars,
4lb.  packs and
larger economy
sizes,

Aquasol is another
proven plant food
from Hortico



@@@ 17 @@@



March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT—STREET TREES Page 49——Vol. 2

STREET TREES

This  supplement s part  of the street tree project. Local covernment
authorities from all parts ot Australia have acecepted our invitation to participate
in an investigation into the tvpes of Australian trees suitable for strect planting
and the development  of ideal forms for this purpose. The problems are
considerable and just o few are described by C. D. Boosma on page 5i We
are honoured to have received such  wholehearted and  spontaneous support
from the local covernment bodies and are fully aware of the enormous task that
confronts us.

The tirst year has been a period of review. Much has already been done
by certain individuals or councils over the years but most of this has been
lost as officers and procedures have changed. If we did nothing else but publish
the accumulated knowledee of the competent men already engaged on street
tree planting, then we have performed a noble task. Articles from three such
pioneers arc contained in this supplement.

EUCALYPTS AS STREET TREES

This 1s the theme of the supplement. We do not sugeest that Eucalypts
make suitable trees. However it does appear [rom the articles below that they
are idecal for dry inland areas. Various aspects will be thoroughly investigated
before firm recommendations will be made. Particular emphasis should be made
to intended growers, proiessional or amateur, of the importance of preparation
of yvoung trees before planting out as described in these articles. You might call
it the secret of their success.

Eucalyptus campasse—a form local to Kalgoorli: area. Nine years old, it is now 18ft. high.
No attenticn given after the first year

-~ N . e - A
Eucalypts As Street Trees in the Town of Kalgoorlic
Bv J. WAIIACE — Head Gardener

Native trees, as used lor street trees, in the town of Kaleoorlie, with
the exception of Kurrajones are all Eucalyptus species. When ¢n extended
programme of street tree planting was commenced in 1946, it was  decided



@@@ 18 @@@



Page 50——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT—STREET TREES ~ March, 1963

to use Eucalyptus species from the drier areas, as being most suitable for the
arid conditions prevailing. Many of them are indigenous to the goldfields of
Western Australia. More than thirty varieties have been tested, only two or
three being found unsatisiactory.

It would be preferable to standardise, and say no more than six varieties
at the most. However the variations in the types of soil in the town area
render the use of a considerable number of varisties essential,

The soil varies from a good, deep loam to in places, a rather heavy
clay, and existing in many areas are reefs of diorite and other gold bearing
rocks. Salt and other minerals also add to the difficulties in growing street
trees. Rainfall is between nine and ten inches per year. Height above sea
level, just one thousand feet.

Trees {rom other countries have been tried; with the exception of the
pepper tree (Schimues molle) they have proved unsuitable.

Below is a list of Eucalypts which have been tried as street trees. Also,
brief descriptions of colour of bark, foliage, beight, locality where found and
the class of soil they occur in, also time of flowering and rainfall of the
particular district,. Menticn has alse been made as to whether they stand
pruning. Whilst varieties from the higher rainfall areas stand pruning better
than those from the dry areas it is much better to plant trees suitable
for the location. The less pruning done the better. Experience here has been
that where trees from the low rainfall areas have had to be pruned, for
varicus reasons, losses have been considerable. Even where trees have
recovered, the subsequent regrowth has never been as good as the original.
The lower limbs should be left on the young trees as long as possible, otherwise
the trees tend to become spindly. Sometimes, {rom a point of view of traflic
visibility, that is not always possible.

If required, young trees should be staked, more so if in exposed situations.
It is desirable to remove all split tops, otherwise the tree may become a total
loss. Secale insects peculiar to Euealypts sometimes make their appearance.
These can be controlled with such sprays as white oil, malathion (according to
the maker’s directions), and fresh washing soda, one and half pounds to four
gallons of water .

The mature heights shown are those likely to be attained under the most
favourable conditions. As all street trees here have been planted since 1944,
no data is available as to the ultimate height the trees will attain. The common
names shown are those generally used in Western Australia.

SALT TOLERANT EUCALYPTS:

Whilst not much will grow in areas affected by salt the following
Fucalypts are salt tolerant:—

Sargenti, longicornis, gracilis, stricklandii and occidentalis.

STREET TREES FOR SHADE:

Eucalypts listed in order of preference as street trees for shade, which
are now being planted in Kalgoorlie:—

Fucalyptus dundasi, E. campaspe (hybrid), E. torquata (flowers and shade),
E. gracilis, E. camaldulensis, E. redunca var. elata, E. longicornis, E. salmono-
phleia, E. sargenti, E. stricklandii, E. salubris, E. f{flocktoniae, E. erythronema
(flowers mostly), E. gardneri, E. Astringens, E. brockwayi, K. campaspe, E.
occidentalis, E. oleosa, E. woodwardi (hybrids, flowers mostly), E. occidentalis
var. stenantha (flowers mostly), E. woodwardi (flowers mostly), E. brachycorys,
E. oleosa var. kochii (flowers mosily), E. clelandi, E. intertexta, E. trans-
continentalis, E. diptera.

Eucalypts for Shade and Street Trees

Euvcalyplus estringens (Brown Mallet)

Tree 30 to 80 feet, bark smooth brown and grey throughout. Leaves
dark g¢reen shining both sides. Narrogin, Wagin districts, laterite loamy
soils and sandy to medium loams. Rainfall 16 to 20 inches. Flowers October-
November. Dense head shows great promise as a street tree in suitable soils,
for this area .Will stand some pruning if required.

Eucalypius brachycorys (Ribbon Gum)

Small  tree to 45 feet. Bark smooth and white throughout. Leaves
dark green, shiny. East of Southern Cross and Norseman district. Loamy sands
in lake country Rainfall nine to 11 inches. Flowers October-December. Useful
small tree for sand drift areas. Does not respond to pruning.



@@@ 19 @@@



March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT—STREET TREES Page 51——Vol. 2
Eucalyptus brockwayi (Dundas Mahogany)

Trees 30 to 80 teet. Bark smooth and salmon coloured throughout. Leaves
dark g¢reen shining both sides Narrogin, Wagin districts, laterite loamy
sandy loams in fHats near hills. Rainfall nine to 11 inches. Flowers March-April.
Fast growing tree, fairly dense head. Good for confined areas. Will stand
pruning if required.

Eucalypius camaldulensis (River Red)

Tree 50 to 120 feet. Bark smooth, white, pale grey or buff. Leaves pale
green or sometimes greyish. In Western Australia flowers September to October.
All mainland States. In Western Australin found along water courses from
Leonora northwards. Best on deep, alluvial soils. Rainfall eight inches upwards.
Good street tree in suitable =oils. Fast grower, attaining large size under
favourable conditions. Will stand hard pruning.

Eucalyptus campaspe (Silver Gimlet)

Small tree to 35 feet. Trunk and main branches smooth and copper
coloured. Upper branches smooth and glauccus. Leaves silvery grey glaucous.
Eastern Goldfields in red loams light to heavy texture. Rainfall 8 to 10 inches.
Flowers October-December. Useful shade tree in this area. Tolerant of saline
soils. Will stand light pruning.

Campaspz hybrids

Small tree to 25 feet. Bark on trunk and main branches smooth an'1 copper
coloured, smaller branches glaucous. Leaves dark green, slightly glaucous
and shiny. Eastern Goldficlds in red loams, light to heavy. Rainfall eight to 10
inches. Flowers April to Aucust Excellent shade tree, cood head. Salt tolerant
a wide spread. Will stand hard pruning if need be.

Eucalyptus cladocalyx (Sugar Gum)

Tree 50 to 100 feet. Bark white and smooth, leaves medium green above
slightly paler beneath. Many districts of South Australia. Best on granite and
red loams. Rainfall 16 inches ¢r more. Flowers January-February. Good nectar
tree, good shade tree. Not suitable for less than 16 inches rainfall. Use as
street tree discounted here for that reason.

Eucalyptus clelandi (Cielands Blackbutt)

Medium-sized tree 50 feet, sometimes more. Bark dark, hard and flaky
at butt, remainder smooth and white. smaller branches glaucous, leaves dark
green slightly glaucous. Eastern Goldfields on red loam flats and low hills.
Rainfall nine to 11 inches. Flowers September-December. Drought resistant. Has
been sparingly used as a street tree.

Eucalyptus diptera (False Gimlet)

Small tree to 30 feet. Bark smooth and copper coloured throughout.
Leaves thick, dark green and shining. Salmon Gums and Eastern Goldfields
in heavy soils also saline areas. Rainfall eight to 16 inches. Flowers May-June.
Dense head good spread, poor root stock, tends to be easily uprooted.
Eucalyptus dundasi (Dundas Blackbutt or Coffee Gum)

Tree 30 to 60 feet. Bark on first 20 {eet of trunk black and rough, remainder
reddish coloured and smooth. Leaves bright green, shiny both sides. Norseman
district on red loams or gravel. Prefers alkaline soil. Rainfall 9 to 11 inches.
Flowers December-January. Fair nectar tree. Generally regarded as best street
tree for hot inland districts in Western Australia. Has done well here as a
street tree. Does nol respond to pruning.

Eucalyptus erythronema (Red Flowered Mallee or Lindsay Gum)

Small tree to 30 feet. Bark smooth, light grey in colour, leaves pale green.
Southern Cross district on light sandy loams. Rainfall 11-14 inches. Flowers
June-November. Flowers blood red, very attractive. Excellent small street tree,
popular because of showy blossom. Will stand light pruning.

Eucalyptus faicata (Silver Maliet)

Tree 20 to 30 feet .Branch smooth ,yellowish, white; leaves glaucous.
Narrogin and Ravensthorpe districts on laterite loamy soils and sandy to
medium loams. Raintall 15-20 inches. Flowers November-December. Disappointing
as a street tree here. Not now in use for that purpose.

Eucalvptus flockioniae (Merrit)

Tree 30 to 60 feet. Bark smooth and white. Leaves very dark green and
shining. Eastern wheat belt, Eastern Goldfields and Norseman districts, on
sandy to medium loams. Rainfall nine to 12 inches. Flowers February-November.



@@@ 20 @@@



March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT--STREET TREES Page 52——Vol. 2

Quite an ornamental and good shade tree under favourable conditions. Does
not stand much pruning.
Eucalyptus gardneri (Blue Mallet)

Tree 20 to 30 feet. Bark silver grey to light brown and smooth leaves,
glaucous or bluish green. East ol Great South Railway in laterite loamy soils
and sandy to medium loams. Rainfall 15-20 inches. Flowers May-June, useful
small tree in suitable soils. Does not stand much pruning.

Eucalyptus gracilis (Yorrel)

Tree 30 to 60 feet Bark on trunk dark and slightly rough at base, smooth
and copper coloured for remainder. Leaves dark green, smooth and shiny.
Southern Cross district. Sandy to heavy loams near lakes. Rainfall 11 to 12
inches. Flowers April to August. Excellent shade tree, good head. Salt tolerant
Does not respond to pruning .

Eucalyptus griffithsii (Griffiths Grey Gum)

Tree 30 to 50 feet. Bark ash grey and rough in trunk. Smooth and grey
on branches. Leaves thick and glaucous. Eastern Goldfields, on loamy soils,
slightly saline. Rainfall nine to 12 inches. Flowers September-October. Has been
sparingly used as a street tree.

Eucalyptus intertexta (Gumbarked Coolabah)

Tree 40 to 80 feet. Bark on trunk grey and rouglh, upper branches smooth
and grey. Leaves glaucous. Tree from the South-west and West of New South
Wales on red loams. Rainfall 11 to 14 inches. Flowers May-June. Drought
resistant, slow grower, promising as a street tree, head fairly dense.

Eucalyptus kondininensis (Kondinin Blackbutt)

Slender tree, 34 feet. Bark dark and rough at base of trunk, then smooth,
yellowish above. Leaves yellowish green. Found near Kondinin on loamy flats.
Rainfall 14-28 inches. Flowers November- December. Rather a slender street
tree.

Eucalyptus kruseana (Kruses Gum)

Small tree to 10 feet. Bark smooth, copper coloured. Leaves very
glaucous. Frasers Range on light sandy loams. Rainfall eight to nine inches.
Flowers April to July. Best treated as a shrub. Rather a novelty in a shrubbery.
Will stand light pruning.

Eucalyptus lehmanni (Bald Island Marlock)

Small tree to 30 feet. Bark smooth, whitish grey. Leaves dark, green, not
shiny. Bald and Middle Islands round to Eucla. On sandy loamy soils. Rainfall
16 to 26 inches. Flowers July-August. Flowers attractive, good nectar tree. Useful
wind break and shade tree on better than 16-inch rainfall .

Eucalyptus le souefii (Goldfields Blackbutt)

Tree to 40 feet. Bark dark and rough at base of trunk. Upper part of
trunk and limbs white and smooth. Leavs dark green, slightly glaucous.
Eastern Goldfields and Norseman district, on laterite ridges and loams of
various textures. Rainfall eight to 11 inches. Flowers October- December. Has
not been satisfactory as a street tree in this area.

Eucalyptus longicornis (Morrel)

Tree 60 to 80 feet. Bark rough and dark on trunk and limbs, smaller
branches reddish brown and smooth. Leaves dark green and shining. Great
Southern and wheat belt on sandy loams covering layers of limestone. Raintfall
11 to 18 inches. Flowers April-September. Slow grower in early stages. Good
strect tree and shade tree where space available. Stands pruning.

Eucalyptus occidentalis (Flat-toppad Yate)

Fifty to 80 feet. Bark rough and grey on trunk and main branches, smaller
branches smooth and white. Leaves thick, dark green, not shining. Near Great
Southern, eastwards to Esperance and Salmon Gums, on sands over clay
in poorly drained areas. Rainfall 12 to 25 inches. Flowers April-May. Yields
much nectar. Salt tolerant. Useful in areas affected by salt. Stands hard pruning
if need be.

Eucalyptus occidentalis var. Stenantha (Slender Yate)

Tree to 40 feet. Bark smooth and grey, leaves dark green. Lake Cowan on
sandy to loamy soils. Raintall 12 to 20 inches. Flowers September-November.
Flowers large and attractive. Slow grower, useful in restricted areas.
Eucalyptus oleosa (Giani Mailee Cily Gum)

Tree 10 to 40 feet. Bark rough and grey on trunk, smooth and ribbon-like



@@@ 21 @@@



March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT—STREET TREES Page 53——Vol. 2

on upper branches. Leaves light green and shiny. In Western Australia—
Ravensthorpe, Eucla, Southern Cross and Eastern Goldfields, on red and sandy
loams. Rainfall nine to 14 inches. Flowers May-July. Hardy tree suitable for
arid areas. Fair shade and street tree. Will stand hard pruning.
Eucalyptus oleosa var. Kochii

Small tree 20 to 35 feet. Bark on trunk rough and grey. Upper branches
smooth brown to brownish pink. Small twigs yellow. Leaves narrow, slightly
¢laucous. A few miles east of Pindar, Perenjori and Dalwallinu, on sandy loams.
Rainfall 11 to 14 inches. Flowers January. Useful small tree for sandy loams in
restricted areas. Fair shade tree. Very good nectar tree. Flowers cream
coloured, large and attractive. Will stand light pruning.

Eucalyptus redunca var. Elata (White Gum or Wandoo)

Tree 50 to 70 feet. Bark smooth, yellowish white, with red patches.
Leaves grey green. Darling Ranges and plain country on heavy soils over clay.
Does well in acid soils. Rainfall 16 to 20 inches. Flowers irregularly April to
December. Yields much nectar. Good street tree here for heavy soils, giving
good shade. Stands severe pruning if required.

Eucalyptus salmonophloia (Salmon Gum)

Tree to 100 feet. Bark smooth and salmon pink throughout, Leaves dark
green and shining. Western Australian wheat belt to Eastern Goldfields and
beyond in sandy loams to heavy clays. Rainfall eight to 18 inches. Flowers
September to December. he largest and best of the inland trees, requires a
good soil. Early growth slow. Good street and shade tree in good soils.
Eucalyptus salubris (Gimlet)

Tree to 50 feet. Bark smooth and copper coloured throughout. Leaves
dark green and shining. Western Australian wheat belt and Eastern Goldfields
in medium to heavy loams. Rainfall eight to 16 inches. Flowers March io
October. Good shade tree in early stages, tends to become sparse as it ages.

Eucalyptus sargenti (Salt River Gum)

Tree 30 to 60 feet. Bark smooth and copper coloured throughout. Leaves
thin and green, not shiny. Meares Lake on saline soils. Rainfall 14 to 16 inches.
Flowers September to October. Flowers cream coloured, large and attractive.
Useful tree for saline soils, wide spread in head giving good shade. Stands
hard pruning.

Eucalyptus stoatei (Pear Gum)

Tree to 35 feet. Bark smooth and grey throughout. Leaves dark green,
shiny. Ravensthorpe district on sand plain country. Rainfall 16 to 20 inches.
Flowers October -November. Upright symmetrical tree, does not provide much
shade. The large seed vessels, coloured red, hang like pears. Has not been
satisfactory as a street tree in this area.

Eucalyptus stricklandii (Yellow Flowered Blackbutt)

Tree 30 to 40 feet. Bark dark and rough at base, smoth and somewhat
¢laucous on remainder of trunk and branches. Leaves thick and glaucous. East
and south of Kalgoorlie on poor laterite hills, and loams near hills. Rainfall
nine to 11 inches. Flowers November-January. Flowers large yellow, rathe,
attractive. Fair nectar tree. Good small strect tree. Adaptable as to soils.
Will stand pruning if required.

Eucalyptus torquata (Corai Gum, Coolgardie Gum)

Small tree to 35 feet. Bark grey and rough throughout. Leaves dark green
slightly glaucous. Coolgardie and Norseman, on rock hills, usually basic soils.
Rainfall nine to 11 inches. Flowers August to January. Flowers coral red borne
in profusion, good nectar flower. Popular ornamental and shade tree, adaptable
as to soils. Will stand light prunine.

Eucalyptus transcontinentalis (Boongul)

Tree 30 to 60 feet, bark white and smooth. Leaves bluish green or
glaucous. Eastern wheat belt, Eastern Goldfields. Trans-Australian Railway
Line, on sandy to medium loams. Rainfall nine to 12 inches. Flowers August
to November. Flowers borne profusely, pale yellow. Fair shade tree. Will
stand light pruning.

Eucalyptus weodwardi (Lemon Flowered Gum)

Tree to 40 feet. Bark smooth and white throughout. Leaves very glaucous
and large. About 100 miles east of Kalgoorlie on deep sandy loams. Rainfall
eight to nine inches. Flowers July to November. Large showy yellow blossom.



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Page 54——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT—STREET TREES . March, 1963

Rather drooping habit of growth. Popular on account of striking flowers. Will
stand pruning.
Eucalyptus woodwardi (Hybrids)

Tree to 40 feet. Bark on some rough and dark, others smooth and glaucous.
Leaves on some glaucous, others dark green, slightly glaucous. Leaves usually
thick and large. Suitable for light sandy to medium loams. Rainfall nine to 11
inches. Flowers June to November. Flowers very large and attract}ve, C_olours
range from pale yellow to dark crimson and bronze. Also fromA l}ght pink to
deep coral red. The tree was propagated in the Kalgoorlie Municipal Nursery
from seed collected from a Eucalyptus weedwardi growing in the grounds (qf the
Kalgoorlie Primary School in 1946, The E. woodwardi was growing within 15
teet of a Eucalyptus torquata. The various trees show many of the characteristics
of both E. woodwardii and E. torquata.

Much use has been made of these hybrids for street planting in the town,
and they cause very favourable comment. They commence flowering in their third
year. Can be lightly pruned.

PROPAGATION METHODS USED

The seed is sown direct into four-gallon containers, usually kerosene
tins. Generally the first week in September. The soil selected is as near to the
class of soil that the trees are to be grown in, as is possible. A mulch of lawn
clippings is placed over the tins to keep them moist. Germination 1s usually
ten days to three weeks. As the seedlings progress, they are thinned out to
leave only one plant per tin.

This method may appear wasteiul and extravagant, but is actually .abour
saving, and the results are 100 per cent. In this hot, dry area, large siade
houses would be required to follow the normal practice. Even then all pricking
off would have to be done in the cool of the evening to achieve any success.

PLANTING OUT

Trees grown under the method in use here range in height from three
to eight feet, depending on the varicty, when planted out in June, about nine
months growth. Holes to take the trees in their permanent positions are
usually four feet in diameter, (wo feet deep, with the bottom broken up. No
special soil is used unless rock or rubble has to be removed. The container is
cut away and the plant placed in the hole without disturbing the roots. Guards
have to be placed around trees to protect from vandals and dogs. The guards
remain on for two years. During the summer and until good rains fall in the
autumn, each tree receives thirty gallons of water per week for the first year
after planting only. Usually after one year the trees can fend for themselves.
Only odd trees have to bhe watered for a second yar.

To achieve the best results with Eucalyptus, it is advisable to leave the
lower branches on the trees for several years. This tends to slow down the
top growth and strengthens the trunk of the tree. Unfortunately, this can hardly
be practised when the trees are used for street work. Visibility from a traffic
point of view often requires the removal of the lower limbs earlier than is
desirable.

Close on 8,000 trees have been planted in the streets here since 1946.
Many have made good progress—some are almost forty feet high. Nearly all
main streets have been planted. There conly remains some odd side streets to
complete the programme. When the planting programme was first commenced,
about 700 trees were planted for the first two years. The number planted each
year has been progressively reduced. At present, about 350 are being planted each
vear. Losses in newly planted trees number about one per cent. from all
causes in each year’'s planting.

STREET PLANTING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
By C. D. BOOSMA

Despite a well appreciated demand by the Public for streets to be planted,
it is not fully aware of the factors governing the choice of species nor does
it accept without protest the removal of apparently healthy mature trees, since
the removal may in a few hours account for the growth of 50 years or more.
No doubt a contributing factor to the protest is the destruction of a life-long
association between the street irees and the public.

To aveid their removal there has been a swing to the selection of species
of small stature, which reduce the chance of overhead interference, and also
of underground damage from a proportionately smaller root system. This



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Mfiarrch,wl9637 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT—STREET TREES Page 55——Vol. 2

appears to be a proper approach to the engineer's criticism that large trees
are apt to prove expensive to maintain, despite a progressive policy of using
modern equipment. It seems that to satisfy the municipal maintenance budget,
a small, neat tree is required with a clean, upright trunk which supports some
ornamental feature such as the arrangement of the foliage or attractive flowers.

It is beyond argument that the cost of removal of excessive dropped
material whether foliage or fruits should be avoided. Species which are now
excluded because of such faults include: Melia azedarach (White Cedar) with
its myriads of hard white berries as well as deciduous foliage: Ficus macrophylla
(Moreton Bay Fig) with its host of pulpy figs; and deciduous species with
extensive root systems as Populus spp. (Poplars), Ulmus spp. (Elms), Fraxinus
spp. (Ashes). Also included are some of the larger evergreen trees such as
some species of Pinus, Araucaria, and Eucalyptus.

However for planting in public parks free from overhead wires and
underground pipes, the large stately tree is appropriate. Here the litter
problem is not so pressing and there is scope for those species which are not
acceptable as street trees.

It is well appreciated that a dense cooling shade is produced by a well
spaced avenue of large trees if only for their rarity in this city of Adelaide
prone to hot and dry summers, but it is unlikely that this type of planting
will be given acceptance in restricted streets.

The recent extensive storm damage to trees again focuses attention
on the need to select species which have either an inherent wind resistance,
or those in which wind resistance can be induced through regular careful
attention. Species which showed negligible damage in the recent gale which
exceeded 80 m.p h. included: Eucalyptus citriodora (lemon scented gum) and
Lagunaria patersonii (pyramid free).

This could be extended to include numerous additional species if close
pruning had been undertaken to shorten leading branches to a length of a few
feet. Regular inspections for growth defects should be made. and corrective
action carried out, for the failure to carry out proper maintenance treatment
invites unnecessary damage from wind exposure.

In the following list little is known of their potential habits as street
frees, but it is surmised that their size tapproximately 20 feet) will result
in little maintenance of aerial portions., while the smaller root system should
also be less prone to causing underground damage.

Soils: A—Acid, C--Calcareous or Alkaline, N - Neutra: soils.

Area One—Receiving 10ins. to Mins., Average Rainfall—Upper North and Mallee

Botanical Name Common Name Soils
Fucalyptus eremophila Sand Gum A-—C
'y forrestiana Fuchsia Gum A—C
. intertexta Gum Barked Coolabah A—C
5 microtheca Coolabah A-—C
5 platypus Round Leaved Moort A—C
. stoatei Pear Fruited Gum A—C
. stricklandii Yellow Flowering Gum A—C
- torquata Pink Flowering Gum A—C
- “Torwood”’ Hybrid Pink Flowering Gum A—C
. woodwardii Lemon Flowering Gum A—C

Area Two—Receiving 15ins. to 19ins. Average Rainfall—Upper S. East, Mid-North
and Peninsular’s Species in Above |

Eucalyptus nutans Nodding Gum A—C
N spathulata Swamp Yate A—C

s steedmanii Steedmans Gum A—C
Area Three—Receiving 20ins. to 2dins. Annuai  Rainfall—Kangaroo Island, Mid
South-East and Foothills of Settled Areas. Species Above | Species Below Only

For Annual Rainfall of 25ins.

Fucalyptus ficifolia Red Flowering Gum AN
lansdowneana Port Lincoln Gum A—C

EUCALYPTS AS STREET TREES
Bv A. WEBSTER—City of Burnside
PROPAGATION IN TINPLATE TUBES

In my capacity as Head Gardener of a large municipal council T had for a
long time been aware of the need to plant advanced trees in our street
planting programmes, but found that it was almost impossible to procure



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E‘age £6——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN fLANTS SUPPLEMENT —STREET TREES March, 1963

advanced evergreen trees from nurserymen in either sufficient number or species
desired.

To rectify this position our own council nursery was established and after
several types of containers had been tried, we finally adopted a tube made
from four-gallon kerosine tins which gives all that is desired: a reasonable-
sized tree between 24ins. to 30ins. in height, with a well constructed root
system and easily removed and planted by one man.

These tubes are made by first removing the tops and bottoms of the
tins, then with tin snips cutting down two opposite corners giving two
rectangles 18ins. x l4ins. (Fig. 1), next along the 18in. edge a series of one-inch
cuts are made about two inches apart and at one corner a section is removed
(Fig. 2), then threc pairs of holes are made along each 1l4in. edge to enable
the sheets to be rolled into tubes and wired with soft wire and twitched with
pliers (Fig. 3), the small flaps are bent inwards to retain a tin disc that is
dropped into the tube to form a bottom, the tube is now completed and ready

for use.
Q
W

i

“?
-

A A
-

L] |
fiq 1. O Qa2

As well as being casier to handle than the usual four-gallon container,
the other main advantage of the tubes are that they do not require as much
potting soil, or take up as much aursery space, but still give the same depth
of soil and a straight root system. However, it is not intended to keep plant
in these tubes for longer than one season as after this time the soil would
be depleted of nutrients and growth would be retarded.

Our system is this: Seeds are sown in late September or early October
and seedlings are potted into waxed drink container three inches in diameter
and four inches deep as soon as they have four {rue leaves, and are Kkept
ir these until February-March. They are tubed up and are ready for planting
in the autumn of the following year being 18-20 months old from germination.
EUCALYPTS AS STREET TREES

The following trees arc growing well at the present time but only time
will tell their usefulness as street trees, however, I would like to make a few
comments about them at this stage.

Eucalyptus caesia: Variable habits, about 60 per cent. naturally good shapes,
care must be taken to prevent forking as this constitutes danger of splitting
later. Additional year in nursery could be beneficial.

Eucalyptus  cneorifolia:  Good foliage in  windy areas, needs a lot of
altention in early years to overcome mallee habit but can be made into a good
shaped tree.

Fucalyptus gardneri: Very fast grower, upright tree, very attractive foliage
when in full sunlight. Care in selection of site necessary.

Eucalyptus platypus: Very fast grower, dense foliage and good shape,
should be very useful tree.

Eucalyptus spathulata: Very fast ¢rower, useful tree in windy areas, fine
foliage offers little surface to wind. Will possibly need pruning in early life to
give a good crown.

Eucalyptus stricklandi: Fast grower making strong lateral growth in first
years, but a very easily maintained and useful tree with a good straight butt.
Care in selection of site is necessary.

Eucalyptus torquata: Very fast and shapely tree, carries much blossom,
tends to be rather sombre in old age but can be easily rejuvenated by pruning.

Eucalyptus “Urrbrae Gem’: Variable and indifferent grower, abcut 40 per
cent good shapes naturally, needs a lot of attention to get good shape in trunk.
Flower and flowering period only virtue. Additional year in nursery could be
worthwhile.

Eucalyptus  erythrocorys and Eucalyptus landsdowneana: To young yet.



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March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 57——Vol. 2

The Genus Melaleuca

This series by C. N. DEBENHAM is continued

Part lll. Mainly species with flowers forming spikes towards the ends of
the branches.

A. Flowers forming dense or loose spikes at first at the ends of the
main stems, the floral shoots continuing growth during the flowering

period.

Series Ill. SPICIFLORAE Benth. Leaves opposite or alternate. Flowers
forming dense or loose spikes at or near the ends of main shoots, rarely
(as in M. adnata) on lateral shoots . . . or . . . when not forming spikes,

either with leaves alternate or, when leaves opposite (as in M radula), not
at the base of new shoots.

i. Leaves alternate, flat, above 25mm. in length, narrowly to broadly
lanceolate, multi-veined and usually obscurely pinnately veined. Paperbarks
of the tropics reaching large tree size.

B FOSC‘ - leavec' paper‘barl(

s « Brwm ' MELALEUCA QUINQUENERVIA

Within the group a northward migration from the tropical mainland
of Australia during the evolution of the genus appears to have taken place
so that some members are elements of extra-Australian floras. The White
Tree, M. leucadendra, is a conspicuous feature of lowland "“padang-grounds”
of poor soils or the "“gelam-forests’”” on swampy sites throughout northern
Malaysia. In Indo-China, the species follows the coast forming a Melaleucetum



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Page 58——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1963

zone between the mangrove swamp and the tropical forest, and a dwarf
form is found at higher elevations. It has been introduced to China and
India, and iwo species names proposed by Turczaninow apparently were
based on a single tree cultivated in Manila of the Philippines. The tree
either has not so successfully established itself on the mainland of Australia
or has undergone a degree of speciation in its southward trend, for it does
not appear (at least as the typical species) east of longitude 130 degrees
and is then confined to the north-west coast.

The Cajuput Tree, M. cajuputi, appears to differ from M. leucadendra
in habit and bark characters and is stated to be of more shrubby stature and
to produce a woody, brittle bark quite unlike the thick, corky-textured bark
of the latter species. Its distribution in Malaysia is obscured by its inclusion in
most floras with M. leucadendra. Specht (1958) gives, as its range, from
Arnhem Land and Cape York to Malaysia and Burma. Two other close allies
of M. leucadendra, M. viridiflora and M. quinquenervia, have a more eastern
distribution.

Specht fixes the range of M. viridiflora as from the coast and inland of
North Queensland, around the Gulf to Arnhem Land while the broad-
feaved paperbark, M. quinquenervia, extends as far south as Sydney (some
remnants of what perhaps was a dense population may still be seen at North
Head), and is present also in New Guinea and New Caledonia. The broad-
feaved paperbark is a coastal species, frequenting swampy sites and forming
a forest stage of a mangrove swamp succession. It forms a iree reaching
20m. in height and produces a thick, corky or spongy-textured white or
greyish-white bark which provides a local industry with a filling material
for pillows, etc. The tree is well-known to cultivation and is planted frequently
as an avenue or park tree particularly useful where moist sites are poorly
drained.

From Arnhem Land extending eastwards to Cape York and North
Queensland is the inland species M. nervosa—it is of particular botanic
interest for the partial or total tendency of the filaments of its stamens to
remain free and not to cohere in bundles provides an inter-generic link
with the callistemons. Eastwards to Cape Yorke and westwards to the Kim-
berleys is M. saligna, previously regarded as a form of M. leucadendra.

Found on stony or sandy sites along or in the beds of water-courses
of the Kimberleys is M- argentea which forms large shrubs or small trees
reaching 15m. in height. From the Kimberleys to the north-western Eremaean
is M. lasiandra, a shrub from about 2m. high or small tree up to 10m.
high with narrowly-lanceolate leaves 20-50mm. in length M. loqui, described
by Fitzgerald for a shrub with small, narrow leaves from desert country
south of the Fitzroy River in the Kimberleys may prove to be a form of
M. lasiandra.

The paperbark, M. gnidioides, of New Caledonia appears to have
affinity with the aroup and is described as a shrub in scrubland but reachina
tree-size at 2,500ft. elevation in the mountains north and north-west of
Ngoyi, either in the Casvarina forest or dry serpentine and occasionally
on the bare mountain crests.

With no areater desire than to cnnsolidate the scattered literature nf the melaleucas.
on his part to fill this gap, where insufficient observations have been made by him, would
the writer feels that acaps must be left in this aeneral acconnt ~f the genus and that an attem~
be presumntion. The many forms taken bv the members of this aroun in habit. leaf-shane and
venation, degree of sillly coverinn of floral shonts and flowers, and the colour of the filamants
which range: from white to red, can be resolved only bv one abla to survey over a long
period the plants in their local habitats. It is fortunate for Australian botanv that we have
dedicated men of the science who are able to increase knowledae of our unique flora. Over
recent vears no authority has given so much clarification on the difficult prnblems of the
taxonomv of myrtacecus plants than one dedicated to first-hand study of the leucadendra
group. Publicaton of the results of this well-known researcher's work is eagerly awaited: the



@@@ 27 @@@



March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 59——Vol. 2

writer attempting more than the brief sketch presented above would add confusion to an already
confused group.

The following represants the approximate ranges of the species. .

35. M. leucadendra (L) L (1767) from west of leng. 130 deg. of the north-west mainland
coast (Map ref. F.) northwards through Malaysia to Burma and Indo-China.

36. M. Cajuouti Powell (1809) A (coast), Malaysia to Burma.

37. M. viridiflora Soland. ex Gaertn. (1788) A, B (coast), New Guinea.

38. M. quinquenervia (Cav.) S. T. Blake (1958) B, B-C, C New Caledonia, New Guinea.

39. M. saligna Schau. (1843) F, A.

40. M. nervosa (Lindl.) Chcel (1945). including M. crosslandiana W. V. Fitzg. F, B (north
inland).

41. M. argentea W. V. Fitzg. (1918) F (resiricted).

42. M. lasiandra F. Muell (1862) F, G, L.

43. M. loguei W. V. Fitzg. (1918) F (restricted) form of M. lasiandra.

44. M. gnidioides Brong. et Gris 11864) Mew Caledonia.

W.A. Mallees in Turramurra, N.S.\W.

By ROSS DOIG

In February, 1960, | began growing W.A, mallees from seed and have
continved to do so up to the present (January, 1963), experimenting with
the following species.—

Eucalyptus crucis, E. gardneri, E. macrocarpa, E. eremophila, E. kruseana,
E. nutans, E. erythrocorys, E. orbifolia, E. rhodantha, E. erythronema, E.
preissiana, E. tetraptera, E. grossa, E. pyriformis, E. forrestiana, E. spathulata.

The following observations can now be made.—

1. Germination:

(a) By bog method (see Australian Plants, June 1960, page 3) which
proved perfectly satisfactory except for some damping off if seedlings left
in the container after the first true leaves had formed. Probably the result
of feeder roots being in water constantly.

(b) A few seeds in sandy loam mix in 7lb. tins, glass-covered in a
glasshouse. One seedling left in iin, remainder transferred when first true
leaf appeared, to separate containers.

(c) Pots or tins in the open, some glass covered, other left uncovered.
Not satisfactory in periods of dry weather as with the seed on, or almost
on, the surface, drying out prevented germination.

In all sowing seed was pressed on to the damp surface, or in the
case of larger seed, covered with 's of an inch of sand. Results at least
80 per cent germination in (a) and (b) with an average time of 7 to 10 days
to emerge, although some species were still emerging three weeks after
date of sowing. Success at all times of the year.

2. Transplanting:

(a) Into beer cans—satisfactory if plant put into the ground at a
maximum of six inches in height. Staking is necessary because of constricted
root system and drying out must be prevented if in sandy soil, until such
time as the roots have spread into the new soil.

(b) Into nine inch tin tubes—adequate for plant up to 12 inches
maximum height. Staking and after care is necessary as the root pruning
inevitable in the use of an open-ended container may cause collapse of the
plant in humid weather (E. spathulata, E. forrestiana particularly susceptible).

() Into 7lb. tins—satisfactory for plants up to 19 inches, or higher
for hardier species. This container has proved the most suitable owing to
the greater soil area and large amount of drainage soil, which serve to
anchor the seedling, conserve moisture, make staking needless, give greater
drainage control and allow the roots room to move when planted out.

(d) Soil mixtures used—

(i) River sand with no fertiliser—very poor growth made and at least



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Page 60——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1963

80 per cent. failures experienced when planted out.

(i) Sand 4, loam 4, leaf mould 2, with no fertiliser——growth slow
in nursery, little progress after planting out and 70 per cent losses in the
first season.

(ili)  Soil mixture as for (i) plus one ounce fertiliser (fowl manure,
blood and bone and superphosphate in equal proportions) per 7lb. tin. A top-
dressing of a little dry Aquasol given once a month. Growth rapid and healthy
for all of the species mentioned above with no chlorosis.

3. Planting out:

Effected at all seasons, with and without shelter, and with seediings
fiom four inches to 12 inches, into soil varying from six inches of light loam
with clay at 18 inches, to three inches of sand and leaf mould over ironstone-
riddled hard claypan (first broken up). Between 1960 and February, 1962,
at least 80 plants of the species listed have failed and at present E. rhodantha,
E. macrocarpa and E. orbifolia, survive—growing quite well.

Since February, 1962, E. crucis, E. forrestiana, E. erythrocorys, E. nutans,
E. orbifolia, E. preissiana and E. grossa have been put out and survive in a
healthy condition. This group was grown with fertiliser added to the loosened
soil at the bottom of the planting hole.

4. Conclusions:
Although it is still too early to make any definite statements the following
points would appear to be significant in growing W.A. Mallees.

Failures have occurred most often in two climatic conditions, the first
an onset of sudden heat (80 F.-90 F.) in summer with over 709% humidity
most noticeable in December, January and February and the second, sudden
heat (70 F.-80 F.) with dry westerly winds usually in early summer. Total
collapse of plant tissue has occurred in less than a week and mulching with
gravel, leaf mould or partial covering with bracken, has not helped. On the
other hand, periods of extended rain and periods of high wind do not appear
to have caused failure.

The extraordinarily high (compared with earlier attempts) survival rate
of plants put out since February, 1962, can be attributed to two factors,
namely, a dry season for the Sydney area, and the addition of fertiliser in
the promotion of growth. The relative importance of either factor will not
be known until at least two more seasons have been withstood by the trees.

A final note: E. ficifolia has grown to 15 feet in the same soil conditions,
and flowered sparsely this summer, after being planted as a nine-inch seedling
in August, 1958.

For Effective Pest and Disease Control Use

Yates Garden- master

MULTI-PURPOSE SPRAY



@@@ 29 @@@



March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 61——Vol. 2

Eucalyptus Calophylla var. Rosea

By J. E. WATSON, Superintendent, King’s Park, Perth (retired)

In Russell Grimwade’s publication “Anthography of the Eucalypt,” 1930,

there appears the following information about Eucalyptus calophylla var rosea:

This most ornamental and sought-after variety has an obscure origin. In all its characters,
save the colour of its flowers, it coincides with the type.

In 1893 a single specimen of E. calophylla in cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens
flowered with deep rose-pink blooms. Seeds from that individual have be2n widely distributed and
cultivated, and whilst some have flowered true in colour tc the parent tree, many have reverted
to the normal white of the type, and some have produced intermediate shades of colour. It is by no
means certain that this popular "‘pink-flowered gum’’ will breed true to colour and even should
its first flewers be true, that they will remain so. Instances of loss of colour with successive
flowering seasons are numerous; conversely cases of accession of colour are well authenticated.
Whether such variations are due to cross-pollination, soii intluences, or cavironment, is not yet
determined

It is reportcd that in the Bridgetown district within the natural habitat of the tree a form
with pink flewers occurs., These irees may have been the parcats of ihe original pink-flowered iree
cultivated in Melbourne which has been erroneously described as E. ficifolia var. guilfoylei and
more correcly as E. calophylla var. rosea, hort.

In view of the extremely limited knowledge in Western Australia up
to 1936 of anything pertaining to this tree, Grimwade’s words, “seeds from
that individual tree have been widely distributed and cultivated,” apparently
did not apply to Western Australia.

In 1936 whilst locating sites for tree climbing for fire control measures
in virgin bush west of the Donnelly River, the writer and a forestry employee
from Kirup came upon what we thought was a Eucalyptus ficifolia tree in full
flower. Examination of the tree raised doubts as to its being E. ficifolia and
it was later identified as E. calophylla var. rosea.

In 1939 the writer, then superintendent of King's Park, planted about 100
E. calophylla in the bush area of the Park. These trees were from seed
supplied by the Forests Department and collected at Mundaring Weir. The
trees were raised in the King's Park nursery. In about 1942 one of the trees
produced flowers of a bright pink colour. This was repeated later with the
same result. As far as the writer is aware no E. calophylla var rosea have
been reported from the Mundaring Weir area.

In 1940 whilst travelling with the Government Plant Pathologist (Mr.
W. P. Cass-Smith) and the Assistant Government Botanist (Mr. G. Meadley)
on the property of Mr. G. L. Henfry, about 14 miles south-east of Donny-
brook, we came upon a tree that in our opinion was E. calophylla var rosea.
The tree was identical in appearance with E. calophylla, except for the red
flowers and was composed of a number of stems springing from a butt
and the whole rising to a height of about 60 feet, and having an excellent
crown, with red flowers. As far as Mr Henfry was aware it grew naturally
in its present situation and he and several other men stated they had seen
three more of these red-flowered trees in a gully on private property in the
district. Seed taken eventually produced pink flowers.

Over the intervening years from 1945 to date we have planted about
100 trees raised in the King’s Park nursery from seed obtained from bright
pink-flowered E. calophylla var. rosea growing in the Park; many of these
are of good form and most pleasing colour of flowers while some, about
259, have thrown back to the typical white E. calophylla flower. The fruits
range in shape from the true E. calophylla to the true E. ficifolia, with varieties
in between. In one instance two trees growing side by side near the Roe
Memorial, both of which have beautiful pink flowers, have entirely different-
shaped fruits, although both trees are from seed from the same parent tree.
The flowering period is from November to February, with some late trees in
March.

It is interesting and most important to note that no sign of Sporotrichum de-



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Page 62——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1963

structor, the disease that attacks E. ficifolia and to some degrees E. calophylla,
has been seen in E. calophylla var. rosea in trees in the Park at this date, but
this of course does not signify immunity. The above behaviour of the variety
seems to indicate that it is of hybrid origin. Mr. R. D. Royce, the Government
Botanist, informs me (private communication) that “the taxonomy of Eucalyptus
calophylla and E. ficifolia, together with all the varieties and hybrid forms, is
very unsatisfactory. Even the two main species when growing together show
a marked convergence and in some instances are very difficult to distinguish.”

The principal value of the variety for Western Australia is that it offers
a substitute for E. ficifolia in areas where the latter is subject to disease.

THE STEM CANKER DISEASE OF
RED-FLOWERING GUM

By DR. J. S. BEARD, D.Ph.—Director, King’s Park and Botanic Garden,
Perth, Western Australia

This account hzas been prepared frem notes given to the writer by Mr. J. E. Watson,
Superintendent of King's Fark (vetired) and from daia in the King's Park files.

The King’s Park Board became concerned in 1935 because of the ravages
of the disease in the original avenue of Red-flowering Gum (Eucalyptus
ficifolia) which had been planted in the Park in 1897, and the second avenue
planted to commemorate the State Centenary in 1929. Trees in the second
avenue became infected very rapidly, probably by spread from the first one,
in which disease was far advanced, and both plantings had to be entirely
eliminated in 1938 and replaced with E. citriodora.

The disease takes the form of cankers resulting from necrosis of the
cambium on the stem and main branches. Ultimately these spread to girdle
branches which die, and finally the trunk. There is a record that in 1928
the Government Plant Pathologist, Mr. H. A. Pittman, reported the disease
firmly established in Western Australia and well known to scientists for many
years previously. The organism had been determined at the Imperial
Institute, London, as a fungus named Sporotrichum destructor. It appears that
this pathogen is endemic in Eucalyptus calophylla (marri or red gum), a
related species of the bloodwcod group (note that neither tree is a Gum in
the strict sense) but does little or no damage due partly to exudations of kino
which keep it in check. When E. ficifolia is planted in areas where E. calophylla
occurs naturally, the former picks up the disease and is ravaged by it. It
will be observed that E. ficifolia is not subject to Sporotrichum destructor
outside Western Australia, in Victoria or South Australia, or in Western
Australia outside the natural range of E. calophylla.

In December, 1938, the Superintendent of the Park, Mr. J. E. Watson,
and Mr. Cass-Smith, Government Plant Pathologist, commenced experimental
work and carefully examined 180 Eucalyptus ficifolia of about 40 years of
age. Mainly because of the disease but also because of poor form and
indifferent colourings of the flowers, all but 24 trees were rejected as
unsuitable for experimental purposes.

In March, 1939, artificial inoculations with the causal fungus, bred
from Bruce Street, Nedlands and King’s Park infected trees, were carried out
by Cass-Smith on the 24 trees. There were 80 inoculators and 24 controls
and the fungal cultures were checked by inoculating known diseased trees.
All these inoculations were inspected by Cass Smith and Watson from
August to November, 1939, and it was found that 18 trees were infected
leaving six trees which were considered highly resistant. Further inoculations
were made and only two trees emerged as highly resistant, Nos. 14 and 90,



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March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE ~ Page 63—_—Vi—2_

of which the latter remains entirely free of the disease to this day and may
be considered immune.

As attempts to propagate red-flowering gums vegetatively were un-
cuccessful, later work on the stem canker disease mainly consisted of attempts
to develop a resistant strain by crossing tree 90 with tree 14. On October 8,
1949, some 54 hybrids of this origin were planted in a specially prepared
area at the Gnangara Pine Piantation, together with 47 other seedlings of
this cross. However, the latter were of doubttul origin as during the hand
pollination period the bags which enclosed the blossoms were torn and
insects entered which may possibly have introduced foreign pollen. These
hybrid seedlings were all raised at the Hamel nursery and the area at
Gnangara where they were set out is in the middle of pine forest and away
from marri with which species the red-flowering gum hybridises.

The Gnangara colony of seedlings was raised under very rigorous
conditions and without any artificial watering—the object being to try and
select for hardiness as well as for disease resistance. Subsequently 14
seedlings died from natural causes and the remainder were inoculated with
two strains of the causal fungus during the summer of 1951. Those trees
which showed no resulting infection were later re-inoculated. Also, to further
test these specimens for resistance to the disease, badly affected young
trees were not removed, but allowed to persist so that the disease might
have an opportunity of spreading naturally to the remainder.

The proportions of resistant or apparently immune plants was encourag-
ing, and it was planned to use the collection as a source of resistant seed
by intercrossing the most resistant individuals. Such a programme would
inevitably be a very long-term one as several generations of selections would
be necessary. Much quicker results could be obtained if only vegetative
propagation were possible, since in tree 90 there is already to hand material
apparently totally immune.

PROPAGATION OF THE RED FLOWERING GUM—Cont. from Page 37
and scion at the time the graft is made. A variation used in Eucalyptus grown
in New Zealand by Thulin is quite reliable and easy to use with Eucalyptus
ficifolia, even with scions which have been transported some distance and
during a few days.

In this method the stock, a seedling approaching one year old, is
decapitated at about six to eight inches above the lignotuber and split
down for a distance of about an inch from the top. Into this split a
small scion with a flat wedge-shaped base is inserted, the scion having been
prepared to leave a few nodes only (often only two) and with the petioles
attached but the leaf blades cut off. The whole graft is bound with
polythene tape and after two or three weeks union is effected. Growth
is renewed generally from dormant buds or sometimes naked buds if they
were on the scion at the time the graft was made, and in a matter of a
few months a grafted plant, which is fully viable, is available for planting
out.

In general, the technique of grafting depends upon having vigorously
growing stock of suitable species, and so far as tests have proceeded at
the moment, any species of Bloodwood is suitable as stock. The scion should
be of firm wood and some protection to the graft is necessary in either a
bush or glasshouse in the first month or two of grafting and for a short
time subsequently before planting in the field. Good, clean, even cuts
are necessary in preparing the material for grafting, and the use of polythene
tape has considerably simplified this and many other grafting procedures.



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Page 64——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1963

GROWTH BEHAVIOUR AFTER GRAFTING

There is one important aspect of behaviour after grafting which will
be of considerable benefit in the use of this tree in ornamental planting.
It the scion used is taken from a part of a tree which has already borne
flowers—and this would be the wused source of scion material, because
the flower colour of the tree to be grafted would be known—the scion
comes intc flower within the first year following grafting, so that plants
only about two feet tall, in pots if necessary, carry large trusses of flowers
within a short time, and they continue flowering in successive years, so
that a tree cculd be kept as quite a small individual in a garden by this
means, flowering though still at the height of a small shrub.

The grafted plants, as is to be expected, retain perfectly the colour
of the parent plant, so that any colour which it is desired to preserve can
been built up by grafitng and used in planting arrangements. It has also been
found that the New South Wales species of Bloodwood, the Red Bloodwood
Eucalyptus gummifera, or the Pink Bloodwood, Eucalyptus intermedia, are
perfectly suitable as stock for grafting scions of Eucalyptus ficifolia. While of
course it will take some years to test the growth of Eucalyptus ficifolia in
summer rainfall areas on stock of a species adapted to such areas, it is
likely that better growth will be obtained with stock of species suited to
these areas than if it is on its own roofs, and one plant has entered its
second year in this way, and looks healthy and vigorous.

RESISTANCE TO CANKER DISEASE

Perhaps the most important point of all, however, is the opportunity
which is now available to propagate by grafting a few trees which are known
to be resistant to Sporotrichum canker. The former splendid avenues of
Eucalyptus ficifolia in Kings Park, Perth, were destroyed by this disease some
time ago, and in the Perth area only a very few trees which are resistant
to it have so far been located. One of these, Tree 90, considered by Cass
Smith after many trials to be fully resistant to Sporotrichum canker, has
been found easy to graft by the method suggested above, and with material
supplied by Dr. J. S. Beard a clone has has been built up of this material
grafted on to Marri, Eucalyptus calophylla.

While grafted plants of the resistant scion on to Marri stock must be
tried over a period ot some years before all is known to be well, it is likely
that they will give satisfactory results. It is highly probable that Red Flowering
Gum can be re-established in Perth, the capital of its home State.

THE BLOCDWOODS—Continued fron; Page 2

7. Sast Interzone: (a) indigenous—E. bloxsomei (45ft.), watsoniana (50ft.)
(b) E. gummifera (up to 100ft.), infermedia, maculata, polycarpa,
trachyphyloia.

8. South-east Temperate: (a) indigenous—E. eximia (central, 45ft.). (b) E.
gummifera, maculata.

9. South-east Eremaean: E. terminalis.

10. South-east Interzone: E. trachyphloia (northern tip).

11. South Eremaean: E. dichromophloia, terminalis.

12. South-west Temperate: E. calophylla (up to 130ft.), ficifolia (25tt.),
haematoxylon (25ft.)—all indigens.

It may be seen that the bloodwoods are represented in most climatic
regions of the continent. One notable exception is the South Temperate
region, a region of maximum winter rainfall, where frosts, sometimes
severe, are experienced. The majority of bloodwoods occupy the coast and



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March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 65——Vol. 2

sub-coast northwards of the line marking the southern boundary of maximum
rainfall in summer. The most southerly of this majority, however, reach into
the uniform rainfall zone but within the arid regions only. Winter rainfall
with an accompanying lowering of temperatures and severer frosts appear
the major barriers to most bloodwoods. As in the South Temperate region,
there are no bloodwoods native to Tasmania. The three isolated species of
the south-west, however, show ready adaptation to cultivation in the South
Temperate region. This indicates that climatic factors are not so limiting.
Some Species Representative of Bloodwoods

E. calophylla K.Bi. ex Lindl. “Marri”, “"Western Australia Red Gum.”
A small shrubby tree on the coast, but in forest areas frequently found
as a densely-canopied tree 100-150ft. high. Range from sea level to 1,000ft.
or more, on a variety of sites, but at its best on fertile, alluvial soils with

annual rainfall up to 60ins. (with the greater portion falling in winter).

It is often associated wiih jarrah (E. marginata), and to lesser extent karri (E.
diversifolia). Bark persistent, rough, grey to brown, shori-fibred and flaky. Juvenile leaves
peltate, with  bristle-like and crenulate margins. Adult leaves up to seven inches long,
lanceolate to ovate, darker on the upper surface, petiolate. Stamens creamy-coloured. Fruit up io
12 inches long, ovoid or wurceolate, thick and woody; valves three or four Seeds without
terminal wing.

A well-known ornamental shade tree, flowering February-April.

E. citriodora Hook. "Lemon-scented Gum.” A graceful, shaft-like tree
80-130ft. high with a sparsely-foliaged but symmetrical crown; flowering
June to July. Confined to the coast and near coast of tropical and sub-
tropical Queensland, mainly between Mackay and Maryborough, where
it extends about 200 miles inland (withstanding light frosts), and also found

in a much <metler area near the Atherton Tableland.

Bark smocth, white or pink, deciducus. Juvenile leaves rough and with bristle-like
hairs, ofien peltate. Adult lcaves up to seven inches lorg, narrowly to broadly lanceolate, light
green, concolorous, petiolate. Inflotescences mainly axillary. Fruits about 1, inch long, ovoid
or urceolate; vaives three o: fcur. Sceds without terminal wing.

A valuable timber tree, its foliage is also of economic value, being
distilled for its essential oil. The major component of the oil is citronellal
which gives the pleasant aroma to the crushed leaves. It is a widely planted
ornamental for both tropical and temperate regions free from severe
frosts, fast-growing and adaptable to a variety of sites.

E. dichromophloia F. Muell. “Red-barked Bloodwood.” Tree, either
shrubby and small, or short-trunked and attaining 36ft. high, flowering
April to May.

Bark smooth and white, deciduous, some persistent at the trunk base and then grey,
mottled with reddish colour, at times persistent over a large pari of the tree, sometimes
almost absent. Of wide occurrence in the north on a variety of sites, extending southwards
within the region martked by the ten-inch isohyet in both Western Australia and South Australia
(e.g., Everard Range). Juvenile leaves elliptical to ovate, rcugh or bristly on both sides, the
undersurface paler and with a close whifish pubescence. Adult leaves up to eight inches long,

lanceolate (uswally narrowly so), usuvally slightly paler on the undersurface. Fruits about 14a-inch
long, globular-urceolate, thin-walled. glossy and mottled.

E. eximia Schau. “Yellow Bloodwood.” Tree up to 45ft. confined to
coastal sandstone of temperate New South Wales from Gosford to Jervis
Bay, flowering August to October.

Bark persistent, yellowish and scaly. Juvenile leaves broadly lanceolate to elliptical,
sometimes peltate, usuvally with short hairs. Adult leaves up to seven inches long, lanceolate,
falcate, green or slightly glavcous, concolorous or slightly paler on the wundersurface. Fruits
sessile, up to three-quarter-inch long, ovoid-truncate or urceolate; valves three or four. Seeds
without a terminal wing. Timber white or pale yellow

Recommended as an ornamental for poor sandstone areas.

E. ferruginea Schau. "Rusty Bloodwood.” A spreading crowned tree
reaching 40ft. in height but often of straggly growth, found scattered through-
out mixed open forest on sandy or stony sites of the Northern Territory
with slight extensions westwards to the Ord River district of Western
Australia and eastwards to the extreme north-west corner of Queensland.



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Page 66——Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1963

Bark persistent, grey and flaky. Adult leaves opposite, not markedly different from
the juveniles, about five inches liong, ovate to elliptical, narrowly cordate at base, with a
covering of rusty-coloured scales and bristles which wear with age and become silvery, lateral
veins few. Buds and fruits usually scaly, ihe latter globular or ovoid, about one inch in length.
Flowers January to February.

The claim for this species as an ornamental lies chiefly on the rusty-
coloured or reddish covering to twigs, buds and fruits, and the rounded,
yellowish-green leaves.

E. ficifolia F. Muell. “Red (or Scarlet) Flowering Gum.” Very close
to E. calophylla but confined, as a straggly-mallee-like small tree from
20-30ft. high, to a narrow coastal belt west of Albany in the south-west,
occurring in dense thickets on sandy soils. Adaptable to a wide range and
able to withstand light frosts, flowering December to February. Widely
planted in the south, frequently yielding a shapely crowned tree with a
profusion of flowers, often brilliant red, but the colour intensity of the
stamens is variable. Several presumed garden hybrids with E. calophylla
described as varieties or forms of one or other of the species have stamens
varying in colour from cream to scarlet.

E. gummifera (Gaertn.) Hochr. “Red Bloodwood.” On suitable sites
reaching 120ft. in height, its crown compact and well developed, but often
limited te a short misshapen trunk. At best on moist, rich loams but adaptable
to impoverished sandy soils, occurring from sea level to about 1,000ft.
elevation along the eastern coast from south-east Queensland to the extreme

eastern corner of Victoria. It is hence the southernmost of the bloodwoods.

Bark persistent, brown, rough and scaly. Juvenile leaves peltate, hairy. Adult leaves
up to six inches long, lanceolate, darker cn the upper surface, on flattened and broad petioles.
Bud with operculum very short and not markedly distincet. Fruit wurceolate, smooth, about
three-quarter-inch long, seed without a terminal wing. Flowers Janvary to March.

It is close to the northern E. intermedia R. T. Baker. This latter species differs in
having light grey, rather soft bark which is paler beneath and persistent to the tips of the
branches, a larger, more distinct operculum, a terminal wing to the seeds, and an absence of
hairs from juvenile leaves which are never peltate.

E. jacobsiana Blakely, "Stringybark Bloodwood.” ‘A small tree, often
straggly, up to 30ft. high, of rare occurrence, found on barren sandstone
slopes of the Pine Creek area of the Northern Territory. Flowers in April.

Bark persistent, dark grey or vyellowish, fibrous. Juvenile leaves linear to narrowly
lanceolate, mealy white on undersurface. Adult leaves up to 312 inches long, green and lustruous.
Fruit about 14-inch long, urceolate; seeds without a terminal wing

Has been recommended as a hardy ornamental for tropical planting.

E. maculata Hook, "“Spotted Gum.” Of wide occurrence from Mary-
borough in Queensland (where it extends 250 miles inland), south to Bega
(N.S.W.), with an isolated stand in eastern Victoria. In the south it prefers
medium-rainfall slopes at lower elevation and avoids the Hawkesbury Sand-
stone. At its best on well-drained soils derived from shale and on clays
where it may reach a height of 150ft. with girth of 4-5ft

Bark smooth, white or pale pink, shed in large patches to give a mottled (or spotted)
effect. The essential oil in the leaves lecks the aromatic citronellal of E. citriodora, but in other
respects it closely resembles the latter species in  botanical features, timber and general
appearance. McKern, Spies and Willis /J. & Proc. Roy. Soc. N.SW. 88 [1954| 15-21) regard
the extensively distributed populations of spntted gum in Southern Queensland as morphologically
indistinguishable from E. citriodora. thc only difference being one of oil composition.

E. ptychocarpa F. Muell. “Red or Swamp Bloodwood.” A drooping-
foliaged, spreading tree up to 30ft. high with compact, fibrous and grey,
persistent bark, flowering January to April. Native to the Kimberley division
and coastal and sub-coastal Northern Territory, found usually lining banks

of streams or around springs.

Juvenile leaves broadly lanceolate to elliptical, concolorous, petiolate. Adult leaves up to
14 inches long and five inches across, lanceolate to broadly lanceolate, on long petioles and
sometimes distinctly peltate, darker on the upper surface. Buds and fruits with nine to 12
prominent rubs. Filaments frequently crimson. Fruits about 11 inches long and broad, woody
Seeds with a long terminal wing.

Potential high as a choice ornamental shade tree for tropical planting.



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March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 67——Vol. 2

EUCALYPTS FOR HIGH RAINFALL AREAS

What of the high rainfall areas? With proper care and selection it is
possible to grow the mallee or dwarf Eucalyptus that generally come from
low rainfall areas of Western and South Australia. W. R. Swynny, N.S.W.
Forestry Commission, advises, My opinion of the difficulties in raising W.A.
species of Eucalypts, including E. ficifola, is that under the salubrous
conditions of the coast, growth is so fast that the tree tissue is like a tender
lettuce and is invaded by all and sundry. Slower growth would result in
tougher fibres (as in the case of lettuces again). Fairly dry, harsh, western
aspect sites, particularly well drained, would suit such species best. Do not
purchase advanced plants.”

We could learn best from the example of others as follows:—

From J. S. Howard, Nunawading, Victoria.

Seeds of FEucalyptus torquata have been propagated to about 4’ high seedlings using
‘he wet bog method with excellent results. A plant purchased one year ago is now three
feet high and bushy in a well-drained sandy bed (on clayey soil base) against sunny side of
an east-west fence.

From J. Twyford, Willunga Nursery, N.S.W.

The following Eucalypts have been successful in the higher rainfall suburbs of Sydney,
such as Thornleigh: Eucalyptus preissiana, E. leucoxylon, var. macrocarpa and E. curtisii. Eucalyptus
caesia is flowering well at Wentworthville, a lower rainfall suburb.

From J. M. WILSON, 4 Recworth Court, Hiahett, Melbourne.

Eucalyptus lehmanii by E. cornuia.—Planted out seven vyears ago in the 4ft space
between the garage wall and side fence in typical black ,sandy loam of the bayside areas. It
is now 20ft high and nearly as wide. As a large dense round-headed tree, it flowers profusely
each year being vigorous enough to withstand occasional attacks of scale. It has never received
artificial or run off watering.

Eucalyptus calophylla.—Planted adjacent to the hybrid tree above, it is only 5ft high and
doing poorly.

Eucalyptus caesia.—In a garden on the north side of Melbourne in solid heavy black
volcanic soil 6-8ins. deep over a heavy yellow clay. During the winter the area becomes
completely waterlogged and in summertime it bakes and cracks. In three years it has grown to
8ft, flowers well, sets seed and is a beautiful specimen.

From A. M. Lyons, Chelsea, Victoria
All seven Eucalyptus ficifolia planted 15 months ago are doing very well one now
being over five feet. A number have developed a kind of gall on the leaves. The N.S.W.
Forestry Commission answer: ‘The damage to the leaves has been made by gall-forming insects.
A curative spray of Rogor 40, 1 fl. oz. to 112 gals. water used as a foliage spray s
recommended. This may be mixed with a fertiliser preferably one containing trace elements.
From V. McHaffie, Park Orchards, Victoria.
Our attempts to grow plants of Eucalyptus ficifolia in an exposed position in heavy clay
with little topsoil and in a lawn, failed. A neighbour’s plant with similar exposure but in a
raised bed is prospering. We have five E. cladocalyx nana in an exposed position in a paddock.
Since planting on November 1956 and without further attention, they are now 10ft. high.
From R. Pearson, Highett, Victoria.
| have a Eucalyptus torquata four years old and seven feet high. | did have trouble with
a scale (consisting of many clusters of soft brown lumps about the size of a match head which
when broken cozed a red fluid) and tried spraying with white oil, nicotine sulphate, D.D.T., etc.,
without success. One dose of “‘Thiotox’" and the scale dried up. The tree is growing in a fowl
yard where the soil tends to be always damp.

SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Opinions of readers that each issue should treat one or two subjects properly, as against
those who think there should be a wide range of subjects dealt with not so fully, are equally
divided. My decisicn is often dictated by the material available. Many will be disappointed
with the breadth of treatment given our Australian Eucalypts. They will not be mentioned again
until Volume 3 commences in 1964, so try all our suggestions and report results then. Plants
are readily available from the Forestry Commission in your State and Willunga Nursery reports
good stocks.

Future issues dealing with Boronia, Kangaroo Paws, Bauera, Hovea, Eriostemon and Pea
Flowers are in preparation. Please send in your experiences and questions.

GROWING BORONIA?

From Jean Galbraith, Tyers via Traralgon, Victoria.

Are ‘‘Boronias notoriously hard to grow?’'—Nothing in my garden is growing more strongly
or flowers more freely than the Boronias (B. mollis, B. serrulata, B. pilosa, B. anemonifolia,
B. thujona, B. deanii, B. fraserii). However, all are cnly 3-5 years since | learned from Mr. W. Cane
that they need a cool root run, some shade, a free, well-drained soil, and frequent spraying of
foliage in hot weather. Also a Boronia allowed to wilt and then watered in a hot position
probably dies, but in a cool pesiticn it will recover. Before | learned these things, | killed every
Boronia | had by breaking one or more cf the above rules, especially the last one,



@@@ 36 @@@



Page 68- -Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANITS NURSERYMEN March, 1964

More than 300 5/7(%(‘/'('.\‘ ..

Native and exotic trees and shrubs
available from Forestrv Commision
nurscrics at Pennant Hills, Dubbo,
Forbes, and Narrandera, N.S W,

For free catalogue giving complete details and prices
of species contact:

FORESTRY COMMISSION
OF N.S.W.

44 Margorét Street, Sydney. Telephone: B 0236

YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT NURSERYMEN

Abel, J. L.—P.O. Box 26, Nowra. Native plants from 2/6. Freight and pack. extra.
Althofer. G. W.—Nindethana Ncrsery, Box 5, Dripstone, N.SW. Very wide range.
Amaroo Nursery—86 Lang Street Padstow. One of the widest ranges of natives

Belbra Nursery—Box 12, Hall’'s Gap, Vic. W. and R. 1 Stanton. The home of the Thryptomenc
Boddy’s Easstern Park Nursery—32 Denman S5t., Geelong, Victoria. 3 000 varieties.
Clearview Nursery, W. Cane, Box 19 Maffra, Victoria. Specialist in developed plants
Denovan’'s Nursery—188 Marco Ave., Panania, Sydney, N.SW._ At nursery only
Echberg’'s, G. A. & K. M., Nursery—Braeside, Highett & Moorabbin, Victoria

Ford R.—8 Boylen Street, Toowoomba, Queensland. At nursery only.

Lullfitz, Fred, Yilgarnia Wildflower Nursery, 1439 Albany Highway, Cannington W A
Mcleod, F. C. J. Mcleod—Warrien Rd., Croydon Victoria—Quality Plants.

Narrabeen MNursery, 1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen Nth., N.SW. Plants for coast.
Parry, P. J.—'Floralands’, Karicng via Gosford, NSSW. A wide range. Postal orders taken
Tinderbox Nursery, Tinderbox Blackmans Bay, Tasmania

Tullamarine Plant Farm, 8 Sharp’s Road, Tullamarine Vic.—Open weekends

Willunga Nursery—21 Nelson Street, Thornleigh, N.SW. From 2/6. Mail orders acceptodd
Wyatt P —33 Plummer Road, Mentone, S.11, Victaria—Hardy plants

Wyalandra Nursery—47 Jacana Grove, Hcathcote Wildflowers of Heathcote aica

WHEN ON A VISIT TO QUEENSLV!\NI)V 7Silfli';7 -

R. FORD . . . 8 Boyden Street, Toowoomba, Queensland

FOR THE UNUSUAL IN WILDFLOWER PLANTS
(including scme Queensland natives)
SORRY NO MAIL ORDERS I

YOUR GUIDE TO MATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN

Nindethana Box 5, Dripstone, N.S'W. For all Native Seed Packets, ounce or pound lots. Fres
list on application. Special supplies of West Australian Seed

Australian Secd Co. Robertson, N.S.V/. Bulk or packet lots. Stamped envelope brings lists.

Western Waildlife Supply, Gilgandra, N.SW —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.



@@@ 37 @@@



March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—-NURSERY MEN Page 69——Vol. 2
BELBRA NURSERY NARRABEEN NURSERY
In the Heart of the Grampians 74 AUSTRALIAN NATIVES

LARGE RANGE OF
AUSTRALIAN NATIVES
120 HALL'S GAP

Inquiries: Box

1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen
Nth., N.S.W. — XX 2604

OPEN EVERY DAY

Snecialist in plants for sea coast.

NATIVE PLANTS —
USUAL & UNUSUAL
F. C. J. McLEOD

Wildflower Nursery
WARRIEN ROAD, CROYDON, VIC.

TULLAMARINE PLANT FARM
8 Sharps Road, Tullamarine
Phone: 30-7893

1 mile north of Melbourne Airport
Open Weekends, Closed Mondays

— SHRUBS, TREES, PERENNIALS

Native & exotic, popular & rare

COLOCEPHALUS BROWNII
ORANGE LESCHENAULTIA
EUALYPTUS NICHOLII
stamped  envelope tfor list
“Willunga™, 21 Nelson Street,
Thornleigh, WJ 3709

Send

G. A. & K. M. ECHBERG'S
NURSERY

Lower Dandenong Road
Braeside. Tele.: 91-9438

"oomile west ol Springvale Road
[ ]

THE HOME OF UNUSUAL
PLANTS

NATIVE AND EXOTIC

DENOVAN'S NURSERY

Good Range of Native Plants
available at Nursery

188 MARCO AVENUE, PANANIA, NS.W.

Specialist in plants for clay areas.

FLOWER POTS

Colourful Plastic Flower Pots

and Bulb Bowls will Increase

Your Sales of Plants. Write for

List from Manufacturer or Ring
LA 4089.

Alba Engineering

20 ROWLEY ST, CAMPERDOWN, N.S.W.
BOX 32 P.O. LA 4089

NATIVE PLANTS

101 HARDY VARIETIES
P. WYATT, “KANANOOK?™

38 Plummer Rd., Mentone, S.11
Victoria

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS
3,000 varieties

Grown in the Open — Plants dispatched
to all States

Catalogue and Planting Guide 4/-

Boddy’s Eastern Park Nursery

32 Denman St., Geelong, Victerla
Tel.: 2598

B AMAROO NURSERY — UU 312
86 Lang St., Padstow, N.S.W.
plants.  Many
setting.

Hakea,
Paws.

of native
displayed in a garden
Eucalyptus, Banksia, Dryandra,
Acacia, Hibiscus, Leschenau'tia,
Send stampcd envelope for list.

160 varieties

WYALANDRA NURSERY

17 Jacana Grove, Heathcote
Wildflowers of the Heathcote area
In Stock:

Species of Boronia & Eriostemon

KARIONG,

PRESERVATION BY CULTIVATION

FLORATLANDS

via GOSFORD, N.S.W.

A large variety of the most popular native plants at nursery
PHONE: Gosford 21142

P. J. PARRY



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Page 70--Vol, 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—THE SOCIETY  March, 1963

THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS
““AUSTRALIAN PLANTS” IS AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL PRESERVATION JOURNA}
(A non profit makmg venture, produced quarterly, dedicated to preservation by cultivation.)
his journal is published by The Publishing Section on behalf of:—
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—N.S.W. REGION:
President: Mr. C. M. Taylor, 142 Ernest Street, Crows Nest, N.SW.
Secretary: Mr, D. Sands, 39 Herbert Ave., Newport, N.SW.
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—QLD. REGION:
President: R. J. Peach, Bushland Nursery, Sunnybank, $.8, Q’land.
Secretary: Mr. P. Hamilton, Carnoola Street, Bardon, Brisbane.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS:
President: Mr. F. Hall, Box 34 Tea Tree Gully, South Australia.
Secretary: Mr. |. G. Holliday, 29 Tennyson Ave., Tranmere, S.A.
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—VICTORIA & TAS.:
President: Mr. G. Echberg, 22 Middleton Street, Highett, $.21, Victoria.
Secretary: (Sister) E. R. Bowman, 4 Homebush Cres., Hawthorn, E.3, Vic.
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CANBERRA REGION:
President: Mr. H. Jcnes, 5 Yallourn St., Fyshwick, Canberra, ACT.
Secretary: Mrs. T. A. Ovenstone, 20 Savige St., Campbell, ACT.
WEST AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWER GROWERS’ SOC. INCORPORATED:
President: Mrs. J. Hamersley, Great Eastern Hwy., East Guildford, West Australia.
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 for information without obligation.
PUBLISHING SECTION FOR SOCIETIES
Publishing Committee for this Issue: R. N. Dallimore, P. D. Leak, P. J. Parry
Sec.: K. Coxhead, Dispatch: V. Hopkins, J. Birtles and Families; [lllustrations: A. Spurway,
Advertising and Sales Representatives in each State: NSW. P. D. Leak; Qld., W. W. Kilgour;
S.A., J. S. Birch; Tas.,, G. van Munster; W.A., F. Lullfitz; Vict.,, F. R. Jeffs.
MAIL—Address mail to the Editor, 250 Picnic Point Road, Picnic Point, N.SW.
SUBSCRIPTION—Members: Your 1962 subscription is now due. Please send dues promptly.
NON-MEMBERS: You may receive the next 4 issues direct to your home by forwarding
an annual subscription of 12/-, Overseas subscriptions are 12/- sterling or 112 dollars.

NINDETHANA NURSERY

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

All Ausiralian natives with special supplies of plants and seed of West Australian species
THE PIONEER NATIVE PLANT NURSERY

Catalogue: — 4/- Posted

ALL YOU NEED IS A PHONE CALL —
YOU'LLL GET A HAT TRICK

Efficiency, dependability, reasonable pricing—this is the hat trick

which makes our printing services stand out from the crowd.

We  guarantee complete satisfaction with all our work and
suggest you give us the opportunity to prove it.

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SURREY BEATTY & SONS, Rickard Road, Chipping Norton.
Phone: 72-7404 Phone 72-6522

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March, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—RUTACEAE Page 71——Vol. 2

WILDFLOWERS AS GARDEN CULTIVARS

AUSTRALIAN CULTIVAR REG!STRATION AUTHORITY

The National Herbarium of Victoria, in association with The Society For Growing
Australian Plants, has established the above authority to register, in accordance with the
International Code, garden cultivars developed from Australian plants. The garden exotics of
today were wildflowers of other lands years ago, and it is one of the objectives of this Snciery
1o develop the unique and beautiful flora of ocur country, by careful selet'i_on and b.reedmg.
Orderly and accepted classification and registration is essential. The adjacent articles on Eriostemorn
mentions cultivar names of the species Eriostemon myoporoides.

Will all readers please assist by advising of any similar references to cultivar, variety
or trade names of Australian plants, in literature, journals or catalogues. It does not matter how
old or small the reference. Old books. etc., may be forwarded to the authority on loan or as
a donation, ¢/o Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. Recent horticultural journals with at least
Victorian circulaticn are excepted.

ERIOSTEMON GARDEN CULTIVARS

MOUNTAIN GIANT

A luxuriant shrub or small tree with large soft bluish-green leaves
and large flowers in crowded umbels along the stems, recorded amongst
other places from Christmas Hills, Mt. Stanley, and W. Tree in Victoria, and
from Cox’s Gap (where it grows to 20ft high) in N.S.W.

Though Mountain Giant may need more shelter and moisture than
others, most forms like the same condition; leaf mould, moisture, good
drainage, some shelter, and moderate pruning, either by shortening the
longer branches directly after flowering, or by cutting the flowering sprays.
CLEARVIEW DWARF

Dwarf shrubby bush, bright pink buds (except in shade) and an umbel
of flowers and one solitary flower in each leaf axil. This is a most satisfactory
shrub, thriving in my garden in a very shady position, though colour would
be better with more light.

CLEARVIEW BOUQUET

Very dwarf and hardy, with flowers in a long leafless terminal panicle,
as well as in axillary clusters. Pink buds, white flowers. No form could be
more free-flowering.

CLEARVIEW APPLE BLOSSOM

Semi-double, with a flat outer circle of petals and an erect inner ring
of petaloid stamens. Very red buds contrasting with very white flowers.
Open and sparse in growth with flowers more scattered than in most forms
and harder to grow than others, but very attractive.

CLEARVIEW PINK

Pink, deepening to red at the inflexed tips of the petals, and with deep
red buds. The petals are narrow and concave, which makes the flowers look
smaller than they are. With larger flowers of this colour it would be most
attractive. Growth average.

There are three other forms which | have not seen in flower. They are:
SWAINSONI

A hybrid, probably between E. myoporoides and E. verrucosus in Mr.
Swansons’ nursery at Frankston, Vic. A seedling, very like Swainsoni has also
been grown by Mr. Lindner of Vectis, Vic.

CLEARVIEW SNOWY

A very dwarf form (18in to 2ft) from the Snowy River. Foliage like that
of E. trachyphyllus.

Also a form with short oblanceolate leaves with reflexed tips from
N.S.W.

A request for descriptions of the forms of Eriostemon myoooroides in cultivation has
made it clear that, apart from those grown in two nurseries, we know very little. | realise
that these notes c2nnot be comnlete, though they cover a'l the well-known forms. Special
thanks are due to Mr. Cane, in whose nursery | have seen all the Clearview forms, propagated
from forms which he has found in S.E. Australia, and who has checked my notes on them; and
to Mr. Althofer who sent me nursery-grown specimens of NS.W. forms. We should like to
hear of any additions which readers can make to the following list.



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Page 72— -Vol 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS RUTACEAE March, 1963

Colour Photography By Fronk Hurley Blocks Courtesy of John Sands Pty Ltd
WHITE PERFUMED ERIOSTEMON

LONG-LEAF WAXFLOWER—Eriostemon myoporoides
This is the form usually arown, a hardy and beautiful shrub with firm
narrow lanceolate toliage, the blade usualiy more or less raised on either
side of the midrib. The abundant flcwers grow in umbels of several flowers
in the leaf-axils, and are waxy white, pink or pale-green underneath and in
bud. Shrub 2ft to 4ft, flowering as early as Avugust in a sunny position
bui better for some shelter.

See Page 71 for Eriostemon Guarden Cultivacs
Wholly sct up and grinted by Surrey Beatty and Sons, Rickard Road, Chipping Norton NS W