'Australian Plants' Vol.2 No.16 September 1963 +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The text in this file has been extracted from 'Australian Plants' Vol.2 No.16 September 1963.| | | | Please note that the file was compiled from a scan of the original document. As successful | | scanning is dependent on the quality of the original, there may be errors in the text where | | the scanning software was unable to recognise particular words. | | | | PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW THE ACTUAL, ACCURATELY FORMATTED | | JOURNAL, INCLUDING ILLUSTRATIONS AND PHOTOS: | | | | https://anpsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Australian-Plants/Australian-Plants-Vol2-16.pdf | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ PUBLISHED BY VH: SCCikly FOR GROWING AUSIRALIAN PLANIS IN - 8800 COPIES PRICE THREE SHILLENGS Registered at G.P.O., Sydney, for transmission Sept b, 1963 Vol 2 No 16 bv post as a periodical. Volem 2 will comprise issues, No 13-20 Colour Photogyraphy by Fronk Huiley Blechs by courtesy Jehn Sands Pty Ltd THE KANGAROO PAW This issue describes aofl the carry many full colour plates of beautiful wildflcwers. They are available at 39/- each, plus 2/6 postage. @@@ 8 @@@ Page 112—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—AMARYLLIDACEAE WHERE THE PAWS GROW The species of Anigosanthos and the single one of Macropidia show an interesting distribution as may be seen from the accompanying maps. The tall growing A. flavida with its pale green-yellow (or sometimes red) flowers is commonly found in moister swampy areas in the deep south-west. A. viridis with bright green flowers and green stems also grows best on sandy clay soils which are wet in winter. A. rufa possessing a rich purple coloured indumentum to the flowers which are borne on scapes of about one metre in height, grows on low sand-heath extending in from the south coast. These sandy heaths appear quite dry and arid when the plants are in flower from October to December and the inflorescences show up more vividly perhaps for this reason. B September, 1963 FIG. 1: The above maps show the area of cccurrence ‘of kangaroo paw A. pulcherrima possessing o bright yellow perianth is among “the loveliest which this country can boast” as James Drummond wrote of it to Hooker. This species occurs on sand plains to the north of Perth in the Mogumber-Three Springs area. A. manglesii shows what appsars to be a southern and a northern range. A. humilis, the cat’s paw, is coramon en sandy patches of the Swan Plain and has a wide overall distribution in the south-west. Although relatively inconspicuous in terms of height (= 30cm.) and not as .pectacular in its cclour values (its flowers are yellow suffusad with red) as the other species, nevertheless when well developed, as for instance on the Muchea and Yule @@@ 9 @@@ September, 1963 ~ AUSTRALIAN PLANTSfAMARYI.LIDACEAE Page 113-Vol. 2 ANIGOSANTHOS &6 MACROPIDIA D. Perianth x gcm. velvety green. Anthers much longer than filaments. —— filamert Height of £I.stem +iwmetre. FlL P 3’\/!3 -Nowv. base of fis. red g, 8.A.manglesij Mangles’ Kangaroo Paw SECTION 2 Inflovescence a dichotomous panicle. Perianth g branches covered with black wool. Height of fl stem + 1 metre leaves e stem glabrous. Macropidia fuliginosa Blach Kangaroo™ Paw Livatinin T | o mm. | 2 3 4 cwm. o { VA | L) sands at the University Botany Department reserve near Cannington, it can be quite impressive. Of the other two species, A. preissii, with large orange-red flowers, is restricted to the area from the Stirling Range south to Albany, while A. bicolor (which resembles A. manglesii in colour but is smaller and its flowers are censtricted above the middle) has a more diffuse extension from the Swan @@@ 10 @@@ Page 114—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—AMARYLLIDACEAE sep@mbgr,nw_as Ploin down to the Stirling crea and on to Ravensthorpe. The restricted distribution of Macropidia in comparison with ihat of the different species of Anigosanthos is well brought cut in Fig. 1, Map No. 1. EXPERIMENTS IN GROWING THE KANGAROO PAW The fascinating appearance of the kangaroo paws has naturally led to many experiments fo try to grow them for interest and display purposes in areas rather distinct in climatic and soil characters from that of their natural environment. One of the mosi inleresting of these experiments so far is at Yanchep National Park, 30 miles from Perth, where in the spring and early summer the massed flowers of successful transplants including A. rufa, A. flavida and Macropidia fuliginosa make an impressive display. An interesting experiment at the Phytotron (a complex glasshouse system for growing piants under controlled environment conditions) in Pasadena, California, by Dr. Frits Went, when one of us (B.J.G.) was working there in 1956, also shows the possibilities for horticultural development. Plants of Anigosanthos manglesii were grown in sand or vermiculite nutrient culture in four different glasshouses under four different temperature conditions. In the hot glasshouse they grew at 73 F. during ihe day and at 63 F. at night. In the cool glasshouse the day temperature was 68 F. and the night temperature 57 F., while in the cold glasshouse the temperature was 63 F. (day) and 53 F. (night). The best growth and colour development in the flowers occurred in the cold glasshouse. It was not quite as good in the cool glass- house. In the warm glasshouse the plant finally produced a flower stalk, while in the hot glasshcuse litile or no floral development occurred. It may also be noted that in the warm glasshouse much less red pigment developed in the hairs so that stems appeared pink and the ovaries orange, while also a much smaller number of flowers opened. Dr. Went's experiments show that the flowers of A. manglesii can only be formed under cool temperature conditions. That is why the plant flowers in spring when the low temperatures in winter have induced flower formation. These experiments may provide a guide to the interested grower as to how different environmental conditions are likely to affect the growth and colour values of the kangaroo paw flowers. The red colour of the hairs on the stalk and swollen bases of the flowers in Anigosanthos manglesii is due to an anthocyanin pigment which has interesting properties. The pigment can change colour for instance, as it becomes mcre acid or alkaline. Dr. Went has carried out interesting experiments in which the red pigmented hairs on the stem can be changed to a purple colour using mild alkaline vapours. In mild acid vapour on the cther hand, the stem hairs turn red again, as do also the green hairs on the perianth. He suggests that anyone who grows these plants can alter their colour to conferm to the colour scheme of the room in which they are used. Cytologically the species of the genera Anigosanthos and Macropidia show no diversity. Mr. J. Green working in the University Botany Department (Thesis, 1958) was able to show that the n chromosome number of all the species of Anigosanthos and Macropidia fuliginosa is 6. This interestingly enough contrasts with the variation in the chromosome number in the species of the closely related Conostylis (cone flowers) where the n numbers range through 4, 5, 7 and 8 to 14. The ease with which fascinating hybrids may be obtained between selected @@@ 11 @@@ September, 1963 ~__ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS-AMARYLLIDACEAE Page 115-Vol. 2 species was demonstrated some years ago at the Institute of Agriculture of the University of W.A. by the crossing experiments of Dr. Keith Finlay. He obtained viable seed from such crosses as A. manglesii x A. humilis, A. viridis and A. flavida. Although al! the F. hybrids were sterile he could obtain viable seed by backcrossing to A. manglesii. There is clearly considerable scope here for the horticulturist interested in plant breeding. So far as we are aware no colchicine treatmeni has as yet been applied to try and produce polyploids in the kangaroo paws, but there is possibly a valuable field of study here. The same might be said of treatments using gibberellic acid io discover whether this can bring about any spectacuiar growth effects as are ncw known for many other genera of plants. While it is fortunate that our kangaroo paws respond well to cultivation, nevertheless continuing efforts need to be made to ensure their conservation (together wtih representative groups of all our unique plants) in their natural wild state. The list of Nature Reserves in Western Australia (contained in the Report cf the Academy of Science’'s W.A. Sub-committee on National Parks and Nature Reserves) shows ihat with the possible exception of A. preissii, good provision has been made for preserving species of kangaroo paws. Some of the areas, including that of the University Botany Department Educational Reserve at Mt. Lesueur, where A. pulcherrima and M. fuliginosa occur are, however, C class reserves which could be lost as population pressuie grows and land use increases. It is hoped that the sub-committee’s recommendations to have such areas included in A class Nature Reserves will be implemented so that the plants may be preserved in perpetuity. THE INK DISEASE OF THE PAWS By W. P. CASS SMITH—Division of Biological Services, Dept. of Agricul., W.A. From the symptoms reported by your Editor of a disease experienced on kangaroo paws growing in gardens in the Eastern States of Australia, it would appear that it is probably the same disease that occurs on A. manglesii in W.A. It is commonly termed “ink” disease, and is attributed to the fungus Mystrosporium adustum. This fungus has been isolated from diseased specimens on several occasions, but proof of panthegenicity by inoculation has not been carried ou'. Our native iris plant (Patersonia occidentalis) is also a host and as this species is more widespread than A. manglesii, is seems probable that in many cases the disease on kangaroo paws originaied from the native iris. In New Zealand both iris plant and Lachenalias are hosts of the disease, according to a private communication | received from one of their research workers a few years ago. This trouble has proved difficult to control, but in local trials some reduction of the disease has been obtained by spraying with copper oxy- chloride (Toz. in two gallons of water) or thiram ( loz. in three gallons of water). A wetting agent, e.g., iriton or agral added to these sprays increases their effectiveness, as the plants are rather hard to wet. Other diseases recorded in W.A. on native plants were listed in the journal of the Western Australion Department of Agriculture, Vol. 5, No. 6 (June, 1963), pp. 401-408. @@@ 12 @@@ Page 116—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—AMARYLLIDACEAE September, 1963 BLACK DISEASE OF KANGAROO PAW By Dr L. R. FRASER—Senior Biologist, Department of Agriculiure, N.S.W. Kangaroo paw in cultivation in coastal New South Wales is subject to a disease known as Black Disease which is both disfiguring and debilitating. Species vary in their susceptibility, some showing very little of the condition ond others suffering badly. The disease commences with the appearance of small black spets on the older leaves, sometimes so numerous that they coalesce over large areas and the leaves die off prematurely. It has the appearance of o fungus disease but although numerous attempts have bezn made to locate a fungus on or in the affected tissue miscroscopically and by cultural methods nothing has so far been found. The disease is most severe in damp and protected positions. A somewhat similar though milder disease sometimes occurs in Kniphofia varieties. In an aftemipt to find some possible explanaticn seedlings were sprayed with a suspension of spores of the grey mould fungus Botrytis cinerea and maintained in a moist condition for 24 hours. Within a week small black spots developed on the spore-sprayed leaves whercas leaves sprayed only with water were unmarked. In this case also it was impossible to recover the fungus from the spots. A possible explanation is that the grey mould spores germinate on the moist leaf surface and penetrate the surface cells, causing them to die and discolour, but that the fungus is not sufficiently strongly parasitic to become established in the leaf tissue and dies out as soon as this initial penetration and injury occurs. This type of reaction, which is a hypersensitive host recciion, is known to occur when Bofrytis attacks some other species of plants. It is possible that other species of fungi could induce the same reaction. The ink-diseose fungus Mytrosperium adustum has not been observed here though it may occur. The control of the disease presents great difficulty since the leaves can be attacked at any age. The obvious first approach would be to grow the plants in an open situation, well away from shelter, so that the leaves will cry out quickly after rain and dew. Spraying with captan or thiram at weekly intervals may have some value during periods when infection is particularly likely to cccur such as during cool, damp weather in auvtumn or spring. 5TUDY SECTION For those who wish to learn more about growina wild9cwers but do nat have any experience, there are a number of special s*udy s~c’i-ns. Each section is cenfinad to a particular genus of wildflowers with competent leadars and with exnert advicn available. By sending & stamped and addressed envelope for reply, readers can join in the work of these sections. Complete instructions are given as to the best piants to grow, germination of see, development of best forms, flowers, etc. Your only conitributicn is the grewing of these plants in your garden as directed, and reporting results. Whv not join cne or more of the following sections already established. Initial inquiries ¢/c the Editor:—Acacia, Barksia, Blandfordis, Borenia Cassia. Correa, Dampiera, Dryandra, Eucaly~tus Grevillea, Leptosoermum, Melaleuca, Nuy:sia, crchids (epiphytal), orchids (terrestrial) pho'ographyv street irees, Stylidium (trigger plants), Telopea. ' ' Support the new Dampiera section leader, Mr. D. Ali, 12 Vine Street, Klemzig, South Australia, by joining or by sending bhim fresh cuttings from plants in your garden or ym:ur area. Who will engage in 2 study of Nuytsia, W.A. Christmus bush, with J. L. Lucas, 1 Botany Court, Clayion, Victoria, or send him root suckers cr cuttings? ' Wh» will join a new group in Anigosanthos (kangaroo paw!, Hovea, or name your favourite genus? | have some interesting work prepared for those interested. YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN Nindethana Box 5, Dripstone, N.SW. For all Native Seed. Packets, ounce or pound lots. Free % " Iifls og application. Special supplies of West Australian Seed. ustralian Seed Co. Robertson, N.S\W. Bulk or packet lots. Stamped envelope brings lists Western Wildlife Supply, Gilgaandra, N.S W.—Bulk supplies of natives and .xo’ieg tree .lfld . shrub seed to the trade—Soecial collections to order. Kings Park Seed Supply, King’'s Park, Perth, Western Australia—Seed list 1/6, post free. Seed 3/- pkt. @@@ 13 @@@ September, 1963 AUSTRALlANiPLANTsfiPROPAGATION Page 117- Vol. 2 WILDFLOWERS FROM SEED Experience by R. N. Smith, Hobart, Tasmania | had been obtaining poor results in raising wildflowers from seed by using conventional methods so, in 1961, | tried three methods:—(1) The standard or conventional method; (2) The bog method as described in Australian Plants, issue No. 3; and (3) The “full sun method” as described in Australian Plants, issue No. 7. BOG METHOD Seed pans generally Willow brand baking or cake tins in galvanised iron, unpainted. Sizes about 8'2in. x 4in. deep, 73%in. x 7%in. x 3in. Pans had '2in. dolerite quarry crushed gravel for drainage then filled to about '2in. from tip with vermiculite soaked for a few hou:s in standard Aquasol and Formula 20, then 'zin. finely grated sphagnum moss, then seed. The pans (probably containing four rows, each a different species) were put in a plastic basin, 8in. deep, and filled with water to wet or damp top level, top of basin covered with clear plastic sheet, held on by elastic, and put against house wall on SE side and shaded with carton on a very hot sunny day. When seedlings begin to appear cover is loosened and moved back over two weeks then gradually transferred to full sun. FULL SUN METHOD Pans and drainage, etc., as above; but all hard-seeded types soaked in just off boiling water from overnight to several days. Seed sown in vermiculite with sphagnum and vermiculite, covered to twice seed depth. Fine seed sown on top of spliagnum. Pans were put out on planks in the garden in full sun, about 2-3ft. above ground level. Watered usually every morning with a fine hose. When seedlings were Tlin. to 2in. high they were put into jam tins or veneer tubes and given two days’ da‘k under the house before moving io full sun. The potting medium for both methods was coarse river sand with sieved rotted gum leaves added (about 20 per cent) and immersed in Aquasol and Formula 20 till all bubbles ceased. Following the 1961 irials | abandoned the standard method for the other two that gave riuch better results. The use of sphagnum moss was also abandoned as it tended to form a skin in hot weather which prevented water reaching the seedlings. 67 pans were sown using the full sun method and 6 using the bog method. The pans are not really deep enough and rust in about three years. BOG METHOD: As before but changed rapidly to full sun after germination, say 2-3 days. FULL SUN METHOD: As before but Banksia, waratah and Dryandra as described in Australian Plants, issue No. 1, with Banksia needles and not tinned until 3in. high. Banksia have been very good, whereas by the old standard method | lost neariy all by damping off in semi-shaded conditions. The two days’ darkness was abandoned because of the work involved with more than 1,500 seedlings; i1 being sufficient to put them in semi-shade. Species germinated in the bog method include Callistemon 4 s»p., Kunzea 3 sp., Leptospermum 6 sp., Melaleuca 20 sp. Species germinated in the full sun method include Acacia 24 sp., Anigosanthos 3 sp., Aqros‘racrinum, A-~nnis. Albirzia, Blandfardia, Boronia 2 sp., Brachysema 2 sp., Calothamnus 6 sp., Darwinia 2 sp., Daviesia, Dryandra 3 sp., Euvcalyotus 27 sp., Gomrholobium Hakea 3 sp, Hardenbergia, Howea, Indigophera, Lambertia, Mirbelia, Pimelia, Phebalium, Sollya, Stirlingia, Swainsona, Templetonia @@@ 14 @@@ Pfiagefi”S—Vol,72 ~ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—-BOOK REVIEW September, 1963 THE LANGUAGE OF BOTANY . . . . . . 8 New Price 4/- This excellent work of 64 pages turned out a much larger book than we at first expected. The price of 4/- is very near cost price. Beautifully printed on art paper, it defines thousands of botanical technical tnrms for refercnce by the amateur or student botanist. Originally intended for our laymen readers, it is now being accepted as & reference book for University Students. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS . p . s " P . R . Bound Volume 1, Issues 1-12 This beautiful gold-lettered, hard-covered bound book containing all issues 1-12 of Volume 1 of this publication, plus the publication The Language of Botany, is available at £3, plus 2/- pestage With 350 paces, 75 line skeciches and 45 full colour plates, it is exceptional value. It will be permanently cut of print and become veiy valuable when stocks are sold. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS . . . . . . : : . Past lIssues Copies of past issues 1-8 orc available as individual copies at 4/-, plus 5d postage. lssues 9, 16, 11 and 12 are permanently out of print. lssues No. 13 onward are 3/-, plus 5d postage, FOLDER FOR PINDING YOUR COPIES OF AUSTRALIAN PLANTS . . . Priced 12/- incl. postage You will necd a folder to bind your copies of Australian Piants. Produced in gold-lettered green plastic-covered s*iff board with easily removed but concealed s‘rong fixing screws, it resembles a bound book on your hookshelf It is ewxcentional value at this cost price. You may need two—one for Volume 1 and cne for the present Volume 2. KING'S PARK BULLETIN . . . . . Price 2/- and 5d postable from Kings Park, Perth This is a summary of the first season’s work (1962-1963) in the native plant nursery at King’s Park and Botanic Garden. Perth. The nurseryman, E. Wittwer, has carefully recordeq such factors as dates of sowings and percentage of and period for germination of 1,000 species of West Australian wildflowers. Together with notes on piopagation methods used and comments by the Director, J. S. Beard, this bulleiin makes a valuable reference. It comprises 13 pages of duplicated foolscap paper. KING'S PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN, PERTH, W.A. announces publication of the first Seed List of W. A. Plants (586 species avail.). Seed List 1/6 post free. Seed 3/- per packet. Kings Park Bulletin (1962-1963), 2/- plus 5d postage. Wholesale rates on application. N e o ' e i 2t gt Books of Australian Plants, Eic. WE SEARCH THE WORLD FOR RARE AND OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS THE ALPINE FLOWERS OF THE KOSCIUSKO STATE PARK (edited K. G. Murray) col. plates. 12/6. Post. 1/6. TRIGGER PLANTS (Rica Erickson) col. and b/w plates. £2/5/-. Post. 1/6. ORCHIDS OF THE WEST (Rica Erickson) col and b/w plates. £1/5/- Post. 1/6. FERNS OF VICTORIA AND TASMANIA (N. A, Wakefield) illus. 7/6. Post. 9d. KEY TO THE EUCALYPTS (W. F. Blakely). Descriptions of 522 species and 150 varieties. £1/4/-. Post. 1/6. ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE BUDS AND FRUITS OF EUCALPTUS SPECIES (Forestry Commission). Illus., to be used in conjunction with above. 8/6. Post. 1/. FOREST TREES OF AUSTRALIA (Forestry and Timber Bureau), col. and b/w plates. £2/2/-. Pest 1/6. AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN (A, E. Brooks), illus. £2°5/-. Post. 1/6. 10 AUSTRALIAN EUCALYPTS IN COLOUR (Stan Kelly). Beautiful colour plates. £4/4/-. Post. 2/3. h/w plates. £2/2/-. Post. 1/6. HOW TO KNOW WESTORN AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWERS (Blackall and Gricve), cel. and h'w plates. Part 1 and 2. £1/10/- ea. Post 1/6 ea. l Also new and second-hand books on Australiana, Pacific Art, Natural History, Gardening, Orchids, Biographies and General Literature. We are ) Specialists in Microscopes, Prismatic Binoculars and Astronomical Telescopes, Magnifiers, Compasses, 10x British Achromatic Magnifiers. N. H. Seward Pty. Ltd. 457 BOURKE STREEYT, MELBOURNE, VIC.,, MU 6129 = easLS LS X NATIVE PLANTS AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS 3,000 varieties 101 HARDY VARIETIES Grown in the Open — Plants dispatched P. WYATT, “KANANOOK?” T e S 83 Plummer Rd., Mentone, S.11 Victoria Catalogue and Planting Guide 4/- Boddy’s Eastern Park Nursery 32 Denman St., Geelong, Victeria Tel.: 2598 @@@ 15 @@@ September, 1963 ) _ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 119—Vol. 2 Terrestrial Orchid Seedlings By WARREN P. STOUTAMIRE, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, U.S.A. Epiphytic and semi-epiphytic orchids have interested horticulturalists for many years bui terrestrial species have been largely ignored, both in research and in horticulture. There are several reasons for this disparity, one of which is the faci thai the epiphytes often have large, showy flowers ot commercial value while the majority of ground-growing species are less spectacularly flowered. Another reason is that seedlings of epiphytes are usually immediately photosynthetics upon germination and are able to produce at least some of their own food. This leads to comparatively rapid initial growth and simplifies their cultural requirements. Some ierrestrial species also produce chlorophyll in the early stages of germination but the majority do not and this produces unique cultural problems. Plants of this type would form mycorrhizal association with fungi in nature and grow for indeterminate periods underground. These species initiclly grow much more slowly in sterile culture and their behaviour haos discouraged most of the people who have iried to work with them. The slow growth coupled with the very inadequate knowledge of their physiological requirements has delayed our interest in this large group of orchid species. Very little is known about the initial stages of germination of terresirial orchid seed in natural conditions. Seedlings of from one to several millimeters have been repeatedly found, usually about the base of mature plants. These seedlings are already quite advanced, however, and have already formed the mycorrhizal association with « fungus. The minute size at initial stages makes their detection very difficult. We do not know what physical conditions operate in nature to start the germination process, nor do we know much about the delicate balance between fungus and the apparently parasitic orchid seedling. | have been interested in our natural North American terrestrials for several years, and have experimented with various sterile media in attempting to germinate seed. European species have been included in the study, and recently a number of Australicns have airmailed seed of terrestrial species for experimental work. A number of these are beginning to grow and this paper is primarily a description of the technioues used in germinating the seeds, as well as a description of the young plants. Of the media tried to date, Knudson C has been most used in assaying the germination of seed samples. Burgeff's N.f medium and White’s medium plus vitamins have also been used. My general impression is that seeds which germinate on one usually grow on all media, although not necessarily at the same rate. Mot of the Australian seedlings illustrated here were produced on White’s medium. The species also grow on Xudson C in the few cases which have parallel cultures on both media. Drs. Downie and Vermeulen, workint with European terrestrial snecies, found that some would begin arowth in distillad watcr. This has been checked here by sterilising seeds and placina ‘hem in s*erile disti'led water bianks. Some srecies bea'n growth by swelling, bursting the seed cnat, prcducing rhiznids, and dcveloping chlorophvll. Vermeulen found that germination was sneeded up ¥ sterilised sceds were kent in distilied water -cveral days before being nlaced cn nutrient agar. A acrmination-inhibiting comiound may be involved hare, which is wash~d out by the water. No-*h Americen soecies which becin growth in water continue to arcw when transferred to a nutricnt aaar medium. | have not had time to adequately fest the Australian species, but water germnatirn senms ta be l!css frequent in the species which | have, than in nerthern hemisphere orchids. A wider se'ecticn of species may change this. Details of propagating media are given ot the end the article. @@@ 16 @@@ Page 120—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE September, 1963 | have not attempted the fungus-orchid cultures used by others for several reasons. The fungus growth must be carefully controlled to prevent its overbalancing the slow orchid development. Fungal cultures have a disconcerting habit of changing their physiological characteristics when subcultured for any length of time, and the introduction of the fungus greatly complicates the biological relationships in the culture flasks. It is more to the point to determine the basic temperature, light, moisture and food requirements of these plants before adding another organism. The significance of acidity is poorly understood in terrestrial orchid culture, and should be thoroughly studied. Withner, cited below suggests thai pH may be of more significance in regulating the availability of insoluble compounds than in having a direci effect on growth. Some North American orchids grow in a wide pH range, while other species are found in very limited pH ranges. An example of the iatter is Cypripedium acaule which occupies two superficially dissimilar habitats n Michigan--wet sphagnum mounds, and dry sandy woods. Both of these habitats have pH values of 3.5-4, hcwever. On the other hand, | have recorded Cvpripedium calceolus from soils with a pH ranae of 4-8. ldecally, a series of media with varying pH ranges should be tested with each species. MHydrogen ion concentration may be very important for some species and less so for others. 1 have tested fresh soil samples for the past year and am beginning to appreciate the significance of why certain species are so local. Some of our orchids, frequently surrounded by highly cid Sphagnum, are actually rooted in neutral muck soils below. The whole subiect of soil pH needs 1o be investigated. The amount of light required by photosynthetic orchid seedlings is not high. They grow quite well for me under 300-700 foot candles of illumination cupplied by fluorescent lights, timed for 12 hours of light. The non- photosynthetic species appear tc be insensitive to light, and grow as well or poorly in light or darkness. Cultures in office windows and under fluorescent lights grow in temperatures varying from 60-90 F., but growth appears to be slightly better in a controlled temperature room at 63 F. PREPARATION OF SEED All seed is stcrilised by shakina for 20 minutes in a 7.5% calcium hypochlorite solution, carefully pouring off the snluti=n and shaking the seeds with two changes of sterile distilled water to remove excess hypochlorite. Great care must be taken during the washing to prevent contaminaticn, and to reduce the inevitable loss of seed. Bottles of sterile media and tubes of distilled water are then inoculated with the hopefully sterile seed, and then begins a vigil of anywhere frem cnc to 12 months to awaii developments. Cultures are checked frequently during the first men'h to watch for contaminatina bacteria and fungi. If contaminants are discovered at an fearlv stage, most of the sceds can usuvally be transferred to a fresh bottle, eliminating the infection, PHOTOSYNTHETICS I would divide terrestrial seedlings into two groups depending on whether the embryos develop chlorophyll during the first month or not. Our North American species which do this are characteristically plaats of sunny and wet situations, where seedlings could be expected to survive at the surface for several months without drying out. It would be very intercsting to know whether photosynthetic seedlings are also characteristic of Australian orchids from similar habitats. This class of chlorophyll producers grows comparatively rapidly in culture. The greater number of species so far tested do not immediately develop chloropyll however, and this results in slowcr and often strange forms of growth. The specics with this type of growth will be dependent on food sources in the media for periods ranging from sevcral months to several years. All the Australian species illustrated here are still colourless, with the exception of some plants of Thelymiira rubra, Pterostylis falcata and Caladenia patersonii which are beginning to develop small amounts of chlorophyll. Thelymitra rubra was drawn from a protocorm growing in distilled water which had become contaminated with a fungus. Protocorms were visibly green, unlike poarallel cultures on agar. Either the water or fungus may be respon:ible for this differential growth. @@@ 17 @@@ ~FomNsLrLN= §eplembev, 1963 RO AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 12{—Vol. 2 TERRESTRIAL ORCHID SEED GERMINATING Comparative seedling morphology is discussed in the text. by an ungerminated seed, ccnsisting of a spheroidal embryo surrounded by the transparent seed coat, and a growing plant from the same culture, all drawn to the same magnification. Legend for Figure 1: Number following species name is my accession number, followed by seed collector and number of days seed has bezn in culture. Caladenia patersonii. 4226. F. Caladenia patersonii. 4156. .E B. Miils. 131 days. Caladenia paterson_i_i. 4164, B. J. Dudman. 131. Caladenia cardiochila. 4154. E. B. Mills. 131. Coate. 94 days. Each species is represented Ptcros'ylis falca’a. 4194, S. Clemesh~ 177, Pterostylis nutans. 4160. H. C. England. 131. Pierostylis pedunculata. 4158. H. C. England. 131. Pterostylis nana. 4159, H. C. England. 131. 3 4. Caladenia patersonii. 4180. E. B. Mills. 131. 5. Pterostylis boormarii. 4184 S Clemesh~ 131, 6 7 Caladenia carnea. 4163. B. J. Dudman. 131. Pterostylis furcata. 4158. S Cleme=h~ 131 Caladenia carnea v. gigantea. 4181. » R Mills 131 8. Thelymitra flexvosa. 4162. B. J. Dudman. 131. Calochilus campestris x padulosa. 4221. L. Sweeney 9. Thelymitra pauciflora. 4161. B. J. Dudman. 131. Caleana major. 4165. S Clemesha. 131. 10. Thelymitra nuda. 4178, E. B. Mills. 131. Microtis unifolia. 4167. S. Clemesha. 131 11 Thelvmitra rubra. Pterostylis curta. 4129. L. L. Cady. 196 days. 12. Thelymitra ixioides. 4179. E. B. Mills. 131. 13. Diuris sulphurea. 4182a. E. B. Mills. 131, 4166. B. 1. Dudm~n. 91 @@@ 18 @@@ Page 122—Vi|, 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTSTORCHIDACEAE7 B September, 1963 OBSERVING ORCHID SEED DURING GERMINATION The species of Caladenia, Caleana, Microtis, Pterostylis, Thelymitra and Diuris begin growth by a general swelling of the tiny mass of cells within the transporeni seed coai. The cells begin to divide and the enlarging mass splits one side of the seed, protrudes, and ultimately pushes the coat aside. Elongate absorbing hairs or rhizoids are produced along the sides of the ovoid structure which is called a protocorm. Cells at one end begin to divide actively and from this organised centre the first leaf primordia will be produced. The protocorms are too small and undifferentiated at this writing io have produced root primordia. Inter-generic differences appear in the protocorms illustrated. Pterostylis species are characterised by chort rhizoids while the Thelymitra protocorms are producing much longer rhizoids. Thelymitra flexuosa plant is too immature to have developed normal rhizoids. Paired as well as single rhizoids are present in all Caladenia and in some Pterostylis protocorms but these paired structures are lacking in Caleana, Microtis, Thelymitra and Diuris species grown under this particular set of cultural conditions. New structural differences may appear as the protocorms become better differentiated. Terrestrial orchid species are often very spzcialised in their ecological requirements, and are in an exceedingly delicate balance with the environ- ment. Changes brought about by man are usually detrimental, resulting in some of our orchids becoming either rarer or being eliminated completely from large areas. It is very important that we fry to discover everything possible about the growth of these plants if we are to intelligently discuss their preservation. | think that a good place to start is at the seedling stage, where the greatest mortality occurs in nature, and which is the stage most easily handled in the laboratory. | hope to continue working with the unusual Australian orchid flora and will welcome identified seed samples from anyone who would like to airmail them to me. | wish to thank Dr. P. B. Kaufman of the University of Michigan Botany Department for his help in providing samples of White’'s medium, and Dr. A G. Norman of the University Botanical Gardens for providing space in controlled temperature rooms. | would also like to exoress my appreciation for the assistance | have had from many Australians in providing me with seed and informaticn about native growina conditions of the terrestrial orchids. MEDIA Knudson C (reprinted in Withner C, 1959, N3f (Burceff, H., 1936. Samenkeimung der The Orchids, p.595. Orchideen, p.294. Monnopotassium acid phosphate 0.25 gm. 1. Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4—-7H20) 0.25 gm. Calcium sulphate . 1.00 Potzssium chloride (KC1) 0.25 Amm=-nium sulphate 0.5¢ Fc-rous sulphate (FeSQ4—7H20) 0.02 Magnesium sulphate 0.25 Calcium nitrate (Cal|NO312-—-4H20) 1.00 Ferrous sulphate 0.025 Ammonium sulphate (|NH4}2504) 0.25 Manganese sulphate 0.0075 II. Citric acid 0.09 Sucrose . 20.00 Dipotassium acid phosphate (K2HPO4) .25 Agar . . .. . 17.50 Water 1000.00 ml. I and 1l are each dissolved in 500cc. of distilled water and the two solutions are then combined. To this is added 10 arammes of glucose, 10gm. fructose and 12gm. agar. White’s medium is considerably more complex, and too involved to describe here. lts preparation is described in The Cultivation of Animal and Plans Cells, Philip R. White, 1954. The Ronald Press Co., New York. The modified version used here contains a standard salt and trace element mixture, rlus ferric citrate, pyridoxina, calcium pantothenate and biotin. | reduce agar to 8gm./litre in all above media. The range of acidity in the above media is pH5-5.5. PRESERVATION BY CULTIVATION FLORAT- ANDS KARIONG, via GOSFORD, N.S.W. A large variety of the most popular native plants at nursery PHONE: Gosford 21142 P. J. PARRY @@@ 19 @@@ September, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PEANTS—OJ?CHIDACEAE ] Pagij23—Vo|. 2 My Encounter With Galeola By L. P. BUTT The dense rainforest bzalt of South-east Queensland produces many beautiful plants and quite a few unusual orchids. One we found when rambling through the upper reaches of Currumbin Creek in the reg'on known as “Garden of Eden’. It proved to be the largest of the native species of Galeola—Galeola foliata. This giant climbing orchid is almost “leafless” having only an occasionai fleshy “leat” (actually, they are bracts) protruding from its stout vine-like stems. The specimen found war ai least 40ft. long and musi have been dislodged from a large tree. Great branching panicles of blooms were all over the track and a honey-like perfume was very evident. The flower was 2%2ins across the brilliant yellow sepals and petals. The fringed labellum was cherry red and marked with faint linzs. The plant has also been known as Galeola ledgeriana. Galeola cassythcides is a smaller species with stems growing up to 15-20ft. The vine is dark in colour, the flowers similar to the other species but small in size. Colour is brownish yellow, the labellum bzinq broad and with undulated lateral lobes. The stems are entirely “leafless”. There are only two species of Galeola native to Australia. These plante are saprophytic on decaving wood and usually climb uo dead or live trees, flowering on the vine where it is exposed on the trunks of the trees. Actually the life cycle of these plants is very short as they are dependent on their very existence for wood at a certain stage (and that stage only) of decay. G. cassythoides has a much longer life cycle and could possibly be semi-parasitic on the roots of trees. Could it be there is just a dormant season when they die back right tc the ground and that they spring forth with sudden vigour in early sprina flowering generally from November till late January. This plant deserves ail the protection we can give ii, as it is exceptionally beautiful, and who knows one day we may find the secre! of its growth and suboort it artificially to scramble over cur fernhouse. AUTHOR'S NOTE: the wusual size of G. foliata bloom is less than 2in., but on this occasion tha laraest flowers ccnld have heen un #9 3in. acr-ss ~nd G. Ash'av and E. Haldap (3lso of S.G.AP) with m~ at the time, werc most impressed. Was it a special variety? Who else has seen such large flowers? THE ORCHID GALEOLA FOLIATA By A. W. DOCKRILL, Cairns, Queensland This is essentially a plant of the rain forests, dependant on wood at a certain stage of decomposition for its existence. It is most frequently seen climbing trees or straggling along the ground or over tree stumps or logs along old timber tracks. It is not a common orchid, even though seen in fair numbers in some areas, and its short life cycle and manner of growth render it a most unsuitable (well nigh impossible) horticultural subject and every effort should be made to preserve it in its natural habitat. GALEOLA FOLIATA (F. Muell.). F. Muell., Fragm. 8:31 (1873) Syn.: leogeria foliata, F. Muell., Fragm. 2:167 (1861) Galeola ledgeriana. F. Fuell.,, Fragm. 9:127 (1881 Galecla ledgerii, Fitz., Aust. Orch. 2, Pt. 2 (1885) DISTRIBUTION: From the Bellinwer River, N.SW_, to far North Queensland. FLOWERING PERIOD: October to January. @@@ 20 @@@ Page 124—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE _ September, 1963 A. A vary small plant x Va indicated scale G. Column from the side .. te seala v & B. Flower from the front . ... to scale x H. Anther from ihe side .. .. to scale x 10 C. Flewer frem the side ... . to scale x 2 ' An'kar fram ahove ... to scale x 10 D. lahelum f-om above .. ... to scale x 2 K. Pollinia from the frant . to scale x 10 F. I>hellum flattened out ... . fo scale x 3 L. Pollinum from the side io scale x 10 F. Column from ihe front . . . to scale x 5 A very large sapronhyte with yellow (somatimes green) extensively crezping stems up fo 15m. x 6-10mm.; bracts 3-6mm. long, subcordate, often green. Roots long, thick, brittle, and towards their apices, usually extensively branched; those of the stem (which adhere to the bark of irees or logs, efc.) much shorter, thinner and sometimes much branched. Inflorcscences paniculate, 10-180 x 8-90cm., containing up to 150 flowers, so that a large plant could have thousands of Aowers. Flowers usuvallv abeut 2.5cm. diam., aolden vellow with pink and red markings on labellum, widely expanding. Sepals -ubsimilar, about 20-25 x 4.5-5.5mm., linear, the dorsal one acute, the lateral ones obtuse. Petais similar tc lateral sepals but a little shorter and narrowed. Labellum about 16 x 16mm., almost tubular in basai half (column enc'osing), expandino into a semi-orbicular apical lamina which has crested, undulate and coniorted margins; basal half pink with red markings, [amina pink with numerous short, thick and blunt yellow calli, the fringe yellow; disc with two high paralle! ridges. Column projected farwards, about 13mm. long, slender, rather large, broad-crescentic. Stigma obdetoid. Rostellum upcurved, rather large, broad- crescentic. Anther wvery tall, peaked, with a broadly befid appendage; rostrum very smail. Pollina two, each deeply and broadly cleft, farinaceous. @@@ 21 @@@ September, 1963 ~ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 125—Vol. 2 Ay NS fia’,& /l'\ \\§\ g ¥ \ J [ 2 3 + $ & 7 al < No 1 divided | 8 2 rrm KA O ™77 N /- 7 GALEOLA CASSYTHOIDES (A.Cunn.)Reichb £ KEY TO PLATE A. Plant natural size to scale (shswing cmall part of base of plant and tip). B. Labellum, natural position. F. Llabellum, side view C. Flower, from side. G. Column, frent vicw. D. Labellum, flattened out. H. Column, side view E. Flower opened out flat. TERRESTRIAL ORCH!D GROWERS From D. L. JONES, Balwyn, Victoria. plant of Pterostylis nutans, when separated from its bulbs and placed either in a jar of water or planted, has been observed to continue grewing and produce bulbs. This has been observed also in Pterostylis peduncula’a and Acian hus exser us. EDITOR'S NOTE: This small item above cculd be the most important reference in ‘his journal. Will all readers experiment with this prccedure and report result. The multiplication of plants is the major obstacle to the wider growth of terrestrial orchids. Varicus stimulants and fertilisers could also be tried. This is a s'mple experiment that | hope all terrestrial orchid growers will join in. While on the subject—we are workiny *co much in the da-% whan speculatint on wh2t happens to the bulbs when under the ground—especially in the dormant sezson, which seems to be when mest plants are lost. Experimen’s in removal of bulbs, storing, treating and observing should be ccmmenced. Who wili jein in? @@@ 22 @@@ Page 126—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE B September, 1963 COOKTOWN ORCHID IN NORTHERN N.5.W. Prepared for The Northern Rivers Orchid Society by G. Hobb. I find your Brisbane method of culture for this hard cane Dendrobium quite suitable for the Northern Rivers (Lismore) area, except for one very important section, that under the heading of Port and Basket Culture. We find pots quite unsuitale as we get much better results growing them on Prickly Teatree and red cedar blocks, both of which grow in this area. Select limbs about 4in. thick, cut green and leave the bark on, which is paper- like on teatree bui rather smooth on cedar. Saw into lengths about 6in. or 8in. long according to the size of the plant, and attach a staple in one end to hang the block up. Tie the plant firmly to it in an upright position with the base of the plant about half way up the block and with the lead eye facing outwards. Use nylon line or copper wire for tying. | prefer fine plastic covered wire such as is used by the P.M.G. No fibre of any kind is used to cover the roots. When the roots come on the new growth they will run round the wood, firmly attaching the plant. The wire can then be removed. As the plant continues to grow more pseudo bulbs each year, it builds itself out from the block with the roots going back and downwards on to the wood, some growing downwards and away from the block as if enjoying their freedom of growing in the air. SITUATION: | have them hanging in a glass-house with plenty of light. Do not paint or shade the giass too heavily or it will darken the flowers and cause weak growth. Lightly paint the glass with white paint to break the sun’s rays and prevent burning. They have complete protection from orchid beetle and other insects which nip off the flower sprays while they are young and tender. It also allows them to be kept dry on the dry side during their resting period. Make sure the glasshouse has sufficient ventilation. FERTILISING: Regular applications of any of the liquid fertilisers on the principle of weak and often during the growing season. DARGAN HILL NURSERY 18-24 Alimar Rd, Glen Waverley, Vic | . — . Greenbriar Drive-in Nursery OVER 600 SPECIES GROWN AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS Most Available Now in Plastic Pots. Large and Varied Selection. CATALOGUE GUIDE 3/- POSTED : BRITNELLS RD., BRIAR HILL, VIC. 12 mile beyond Greensborough Tel - elephone 560-8145 Phone 43-1468. Open Weekends ALL EASTERN STATES SUPPLIED (Nursery Closed Sunday and Monday) AMAROO NURSERY 86 LANG STRZET, PADSTOW, N.S.W. PHONE 77-7342 Closed Wednesday, Except by Arrangement . ~Now we have available 200 species of native plants with something to suit every situation. The range comprises Trees, Shrubs, Ground Covers and Climbers including some species not available elsewhere in Sydney. Apart from a good selection of Acacias, Christmas Bells, Kangaroo Paws, Leschenaultias, etc., we have a number of species of Banksias, Dryandra, lsopogon, and the like, for the enthusiast. A good number of species are displayed in a garden setting at the Nursery. If you can't call personally, inquire about having plants delivered to you if you live in the Sydney arca. Large orders d:livered free Small crdovs at a small charge. A WIDE RANGE OF EXOTIC SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS ALSO IN STOCK SEND STAMPED, ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR LIST OF NATIVES e _ole. alte ol obs ole sfie oBa ole. sBa s . o e e oo ol o8 sl aBo ol sl ole. . sBe. sBe. sBe. sBa. . shic. sfe. ofa.. i_ @@@ 23 @@@ September, 1963 AUSTRALIAN RLANTS—STREET TREES Page 127—Vol. 2 STREET TREES — Harpullia pendula By H. OAKMAN, A.lL.L.A. Harpullia pendula, or tulipwood, has been fairly extensively planted as a streei tree in many Queensland cities and there are quite a number of well-grown avenues in Brisbane and other towns as far north as Cairns and south down to Grafton. lis native habitat is the coastal fringe of Queensland and Northern New Scuth Wales, where it does exceptionally well in sand dunes and on the rainforesi fringes. The tulipwood is very suitable for street planting as it is a vigorous grower under the harsh conditions obtaining on footptahs and surfaced roadways. li seldom becomes a nuisance as its growth is distributed into numerous twiggy stems instead of sturdy branches that would quickly force growth into overhead wires and demand regular pruning back. Pruning is seldom required as the growth is very even and relatively slow when compared with such fast growers as Bauhinias. Under normal conditions growth is fairly rapid but when young trees are interrupted in their early growth there is a tendency towards dormancy from which it is very difficult fo force them into activity again. In its natural habitai the tulipwood sometimes reaches a height of 80 feet, but this is generally induced by foresi conditions under which competition for lighi forces the growth upwards. The tulipwood is an evergreen and makes an excellent shade tree. The bark is smooth, brownish-grey in colour and quite attractive. Occasionally the young leave: are colourful in reddish-brown tonings, the mature leaves are deep green, shiny, three inches long and pinnate. Flowers are incon- spicuous but the yellow to reddish fruit capsules are very colourful. These EDITOR’S NOTE: Quesensland trees will be featured in every issue, the next issue commencing a series by the Department of Foresiry, Queensland. @@@ 24 @@@ Page 128—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—STREET TREES Sepqember,7|963 contain one or two round, shiny, black seeds which germinate readily and retain viability for a considerable time. However, it is less successful as a showy ornamental subject. There are odd trees that bear prodigious quantities of bright berries and these are a sheer delighi. Such trees could eventually become the parents of future avenues. Asexual propagation was seldom practised in the pasi, it being so much easier to grow large quantities of young trecs from seed, consequently the present avenues consist of trees with variations in growth, time of berry production, colour and quantity of berries, and some trees carry small quantities of berries throughout the year while others crop heavily over a short period during November. As a rule these trees prefer areas of good soil but in Brisbane this simply means relatively good soil as opposed to the schist zones where growth of any kind is difficult and where only the hardier trees can be grown after large holes have been prepared and filled with imported soil. It is relatively pest-free, consequently spraying is unnecessary. It is very seldom that the rcots of the tulipwood cause any annoyance cr drainage trouble, but there have been a few instances where their roots have entered into poorly laid drainage pipes and caused blockages. Timber is close-grained and has been used for cabinetmaking and tool handles. EDITOR’S CRY FOR SUPPORT If you appreciate my cfforts in producing this journal for you entirely in an honorary capacity, then | request your support in the following respecis:— SALES Until Volume No. 2 is completed and bound ready for sale | will have a difficult time financially. Sales are the key to success. The next issue, December, will again carry the Christmas greetings plaque 1o enzble you to use it as a Christmas card. Send Christmas greelings with flowers in colour pictures. Bound copies of Volume 1 are also available as beautiful presents and a copy of the December issue with the greetings plaque complcted will be sent with each book sent as a present. FLOWERING SPECIMENS During the current flawering scason | nced flowering specimens of the following plants to illustrate future articles for you. Plcase send a good spray in a jam tin, parcel post, cost 5d, to Mrs. H. Spurway, 11 Stellmack Street, Everton Park, Brishane, Queensland If you are not sure of the name ycu can also send a spray to me and it will be identified for you. Hovea—The beau iful mauve or purpie pea flowered shrubs: H. chorizemifolia, H. pungens, H. acanthoclada, H. trisperma, H. stricta and H. elliptica, all from W.A; H. acutifolia, near Caloundra; H. heterophylla, from ncar Brisbanz; three forms of H. longifolia at Helidon, near Toowoomba, and H. longines from thc vicinity of Peppel Bay, Maranoa, Burdekin and Fitzroy Rivers, and near Rackhampten and Canarvon, Gid. Wes*ringia: Those beautiful bushes that closely resemble Prostanthera. We need flowering spccmens of ail species excipt W. rosmarinifolia. Piitosporum: Spccimens of flower, fruit and leaves of all species are required. Boronia: Specimens of species B. tetranda, B. purdiana and B. crassifolia are required. Gompholobium: All species except G. lalifolia and G. grandiflorum. Melaleuca: All species not already described Melaleuca growers! COLOUR SLIDES Please send what colour slides you have for inspection. They will be returned promptly. The photographers amongst us are letting us down badly. PHOTOGRAPHIC SECTION AND COMPETITION Based cn the high standard set by the late Frank Hurley in the many plates reproduced in this journal, in all aspects such as presentation of a group of flowers in a natural-like arrangement showing leaf, etc., detail, colour harmony, etc., the first national competition for readers will be a colour slide of a Hovea species, a Verticordia species, a native orchid from North Queensland and of the Victorian Christmas bush, Prostanthera lasiantos. The four separate competitions will close cn Janvary 1, 1964. Photographic sections are being formad in cach State. Details from the Editor. WILDFLOWER SHOWS THIS SPRING ADZLAIDE: October 19 and 20, Belair Ccmmunity Hall. ARWMADE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA: September 21, Armadale Lesser Hall. CASTLE HillL, N.S\W.: September 28, CWA Rooms, Castle Hill, 11.30 a.m.—9.30 p.m. WYALANDRA NURSERY 47 JACANA GROVE, HEATHCOTE Wilflowers of the Heathcote area In 5tock: Species of Boronia & Eriostemen @@@ 25 @@@ Soptember, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—AMARYLLIDACEAE Page 129-Vol 2 GROWING KANGAROO PAWS—continued from page 106 THE RED AND GREEN KANGAROO PAWS 1. (a) A. manglesii. Large red and green kangaroo paw, the State emblem, named after George Mangles, an English amateur who promoted botanical exploration in Western Australia and grew many species in England. West Coast, from Margaret River to the Murchison and up to 50 miles inland, on the coastal plain and Darling Range, in sand and gravel heaths, poor forest and wet sandy flats. From the Moore River southwards inflorescences are nearly always simple, northward generally compound. The genetic basis of this variation has not been examined in cultivation. Leaves grey-green to green, broad, glabrous, with scattered stiff hairs or both edges in young plants. The inflorescence is commonly 2ft. to 3ft. tall (up to 6ft. in cultivation), the rhachis and flower Colour Photography by Frank Hurley Block by courtesy John Sands Pty. Ltd. @@@ 26 @@@ Page 130—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLAN1§TAMARYLUDACEAE ~ September, 1963 base bright scarlet, the corolla krilliant green, paler inside. Flowers in July-December, mainly September-October. In some plants, rarely, the red is darkened almost to purple, and there is also a rare golden-yellow form (both rhachis and flowers) which is thought due to introgression from A. viridis Natural hybrids among A. manglesii, A. viridis and A. bicolor are tound in the wild. A. manglesii suffers from a fungus disease caused by Mystrosporium adustrum®, which creates black spots on ihe leaves. It is very widespread in nature but can be controlled by fungicides in cultivation. Some other fungus appears to be responsible for death of plants during the summer which is frequent even in nature; the clumps are not long lived but regenerate actively from seed. This species becomes dormant and the leaves largely dry oft in the summer, resprouting with the winter rains, and the roots also die and are replaced, but death of the plant seems often io intervene after about the third year. In cultivation the plants, if watered, do not become dormant and this is not injurious. It is, however, generally fatal to water in summer plants which have once become dormant. Seeds are dark grey-brown, irregular in shape but a sort of flattened ellipsoid, about 1Tmm. long, the surface pitted. They number about 38,000 per oz. of clean seed. (b) A. bicolor. The small red and green kangaroo paw, is like a smaller edition of A. manglesii which it resembles in colour and form, but is normally only about 12-18 inches tall with narrower leaves. It occurs on thz western fringe of A. manglesii up to 100 miles inland from Kojonup to Marchagee. It is best known at the foot of the Darling Ranges near Perth where it finds th2 wet flats which it inhabits, ill-drained ground, waterloggsd in winter. It flowers from August to Novembear, and becomes dormant in summer. Seed is a darker brown but otherwise indistinguishable from A. manglesii. THE RED AND GOLDEN KANGAROO PAWS 2. (a) A. rufa. Red kangaroo paw. South Const, Stirling Range to Capz Arid, in sand and gravel heaths up to 30-50 miles inland. Leaves are dull green, glabrous, edges densely clothed with stiff hairs. The inflorescence is 2-3 feet tall, compound, the rachis and corolla deep red, pale inside. There is a rare pink form. Flowers October to January. Folinge does not dry off in summer. Seeds are pale brown, an irregular ellipsoid, smooth, about 1 x 12 mm. and run about 44,000 per oz. (b) A. pulcherrima (meaning "“most beautiful”). The golden kangaroo paw. Found in a restricted area on the west coast north of Perth from Yanchep *Sec article by W. P. Cass Smith en page 115. For Eflem've Pest and Discase Control Use Yates Garden- master MULTI-PURPOSE SPRAY @@@ 27 @@@ September, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—AMARYLLIDACEAE Page 131-Vol. 2 to the Hill River and up to 50 miles inland, in sand and gravel heaths. The leaves are grey-brown and densely tomentose. The inflorescence is 2-3 feet tall, compound, resembling that of A. rufa except in colour. The rhachis is sometimes red, sometimes golden, the corolla from dull yellow to full gold or rarely apricot, pale inside. Flowers Novembsar to February; foliage does not wither in summer. The seeds are indistinguishable from thoss of A. rufa. THE GREEN KANGAROO PAWS 3. (a) A. viridis. The green kangaroo paw. West Coast from Augusta to Woatheroo and up to 50 miles inland in winter-wet places, mostly swampy. Leaves are variable, grey-green, from broad, flat, falcate with stiff hairs at the edoes to narrow and almost terete. The inflorescence is almost 2-feet tall, simple, the stem green, the base of the flower yellow-green and the corolla bright emerald green, pale inside. Flowers 3eptember to November, becomes dormant and dries off in summer. Seeds are grey, a flattened ellipsoid in shape 12mm .long, the surface deeply pitted, about 38,000 per oz. (b) A. flavida (meaning “yellowish”.). The giant kangaroo paw. South Coast from Albany to Cape Naturaliste and up to 50 miles inland, in karri and jarrah forests and associated scrub communities. This is the best watered part of the State with rainfall up to 60 inches annually, and is relatively cloudy and cool. A. flavida grows in large perennial clumps, the leaves glabrous, bright yellowish green with some traces of marginal hairs in young plants; the inflorescence compound, up to 6-7 feet tall, the rhachis green, the flowers all shades of colour trom green to deep red via yellowish tints. This species is the one that has been most successful in cultivation outside Western Australia, though its flowers unfortunately are the least interesting in the genus. It flowers October to December. Seeds are slightly lighter than those of A. viridis, running some 44,000 to the oz. and are blacker in colour but otherwise the same. THE CAT'S PAWS 4. (a) A. humilis. This species is described on the rear cover under the full colour plate. (b) A. preissi (named after the botanist Preiss). The Albany cat's paw. Confined to a resiricted area on the south coast near Albany and Denmark, in sand heath. This species grows typically as single plants, not in clumps, the leaves shiny green, quite glabrous, narrow, thick and fleshy. The inflorescence reaches about 18 inches tall and is typically double-headed, forking near the top. The flower base is reddish orange, the corolla yellow. Seeds are dark grey, pyramidal as in A. humilis and resembling tiny chips of granite. They are larger, measuring about 2 x Tmm. and run only 17,000 per oz. THE BLACK KANGAROO PAW 5. Macropidia fuliginosa. The generic name of the black paw comes from that of the kangaroo (Macropus) while fuliginosa refers to the sooty black hairs on the inflorescence. The species occurs near the west coast from Muchea to Geraldton and up to 30 miles inland, in sand and gravel heaths. It grows in large clumps, the leaves yellow-green with a yellow margin and dark tip, glabrous. The compound inflorescence reaches 3ft. in height and is greenish-yellow covered with black hairs which completely clothe the rhachis and buds. Opened flowers are less fully covered. The flowering season is from September to November. An ink disease similar to that in Continued on page 135 @@@ 28 @@@ Page 132—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIA}Nfi}r’LiANTS—AMARYLiLIDéCfAE 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. |. Stanton. The home of the Thryptomene. Boddy’s Eastern Park Nursery—32 Denman St., Geelong, Victoria. 3 000 varieties. Clearview Nursery, W. Cane, Box 19 Maffra, Victoria. Specialist in developed plants. Dargan Hill Nursery—18-24 Alimar Road Glen Waverley, Victoria Native trees and shrubs. 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, Tocwnemba, Queens'and A* nursery only Greenbriar Drive-in Nursery—55 Britnells Rd., Briar Hill, Victoria. large & varied selection native planis. Mcleod, F. C. J.—Warriea Rd., Croydon, Victoria—Quality Plants. Narrabeen HNursery, 1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen Nth.,, N.S.W. Plants for coast. Parry, P. J.—'Floralands’, Kariong via Gosford, N.SW. A wide range. Postal orders taken. Tinderbox Nursery, Tinderbox Blackmans Bay, Tasmania. Tullamarine Plant Farm, 8 Sharp’s Road, Tullamarine Vic.—Open weckends, Willunga Nursery—21 Nelson Street, Thornleigh, N.SW. From 2/6. Mail orders accepted. Wyatt P.—33 Plummer Road, Mentone. S.11, Wyalandra Nursery—47 Jacana Grove, Heathcote. Vict~ria—Hardy rlrn's Wildflowers of Heaihcote area iep'ember, 1963 BELBRA NURSERY In the Heart of the Grampians LARGE RANGE OF AUSTRALIAN NATIVES Inquiries: Box 12, HIALL'S GAP NARRABEEN NURSERY 74 AUSTRALIAN NATIVES 1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen Nth, N.S.W. — XX 2604 OPEN EVERY DAY Specialist in planis 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 | nurserics Forbes, of species contact: More than 300 Species . . . Native and exotic trees and shrubs - available from Forestry Commision at Pennant Hills, Dubbo, and Narrandera, N.S.W. | For free catalogue giving complete details and prices FORESTRY cCcoOMM ISSlON OF N.S.W. | 44 Margaret Street, Sydney. Telephone:: B 0236 @@@ 29 @@@ Page 134-Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS-YOUR SOCIETY September, 1963 THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS ""AUSTRALIAN PLANTS" IS AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL PRESERVATION JOURNAL (A non-profit making venture, prcduced quarterly, dedicated to preservation by cultivation.) This journal is published by The Publishing Section on behalf of:— SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—N.S.W. REGION: President: Mr. C M. Taylor, 142 Ernest Street, Crows Nest, N.SW. Secretary: Mr. D. Sands, 39 Herbert Ave., Newport, N.S.W. SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—QLD. REGION: President: R. J. Peach, Bushland Nursery, Sunnybank, $.8, Q’land. Secretary: Mr. P. Hamiliocn, Carnoola Street, Bardon, Brisbane. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS: President: Mr. A. Websier, 26 Avenuc Parade, Frewville, South Australia. Secretary: Mr. E. J. Thompson, 115 Wattle Street, Fullarton, South Australia. 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 CROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS-CANBERRA REGION: President: Mr H. Jcroes, 5 Yallourn St., Fyshwick, Canberra, A.C.T, Secretary: Mrs. 1. A. Ovenstone, 20 Savige St., Campbell, A.C.T. WEST AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWER GROV/ERS’ SOC. INCORPORATED. President: Mrs. J. Hamersley, Great Eastern Hwy., East Guildford, West Australia. Secretary: Miss M. Munro, 90 Basinghall St., East Victoria Paik, 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 Cemmittee for this Issue: R. N. Dallimore, P. D. Leak. Sec.: K. Coxhead. Dispatch: V. Hopkins, assisted by ). Birtles, N. Gane, C. Hubner, R. Greenaway, with familics. Stencils: R Batholomew. lliustrations: A. Spurway. Llettering: E. Ham. Advertising and Sales Representatives in each State: NSW., P. D Lleak: O'd. W. W. Kilgour; A., G. Cornwell; Tas., G. van Munster; W.A_, F. Lullfiiz; Vict.,, F. R. Jeffs. MAIL—Address mail to the Editnr. 250 Picnic Point Road, Picnic Point, N.S.W. SUBSCRIPTION—Members: Your 1963 subscription is now overdue. Please send dues promptly. NON-MEMEBERS: You may rcieive the next 4 issues direct to your home by forwarding an annual subscription of 12/-. Overseas subscriptions are 12/- sterling or 1V2 dollars. NINDETHANA NURSERY BOX 5, DRIPSTONE, N.S.W. OVER 1000 SPECIES STOCKED All Australian natives with special supplies of plants and seed of West Australian species THE PIONEER NATIVE PLANT NURSERY Catalogue — 4/- Posted Only Three Months to Christinas With December onlv three months away vour thoughts may be turning toward Christmas. Tave vou contemplated personally printed Christmas cards? We have a range of over 100 different designs — ranging considerably in taste and prices. Why not aive us a ring and enquire about them? SURREN BEATTY & SONS Rickard Road. Chipping Norton, N.S.W. Telephone 727404 -~ 72-6522 @@@ 30 @@@ Sep*ember, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—NURSERYMEN Page 133-Vol. Sydney’s Greatest Ever ‘ WILDFLOWER DISPLAY Tuesday, 10th Sepiembar to Saturday, 14th September Inclusive. Also on Wednesday and Friday Evenings at 10 o’clock at ANTHONY HORDERNS CITY STORE AMPLE PARKING FACILITIES IN THE STORE'S PARKING AREA The fwo larges. Galleries wiil be artistically arranged by competent Horticulturalists and D.splay Speciatists in thc largest Extravanganza devoted entirely to Wildflowers ever undertaken in Australia. FEATURES OF THE DISPLAY THAT WILL INTEREST EVERYONE! 1. Wildflowers from all parts of Australia—from the spectacular West Australian plants, the exotic Queensland plants, to delicately beautiful Victoria and N.S.W. wildflowers— will be attractively presented. 2. Many speciany gicwn poted plan’s wiil be arranged in a garden setting showing how you can grow native plants. 3. A special display of Australian orchids will cause considerable comment, This display is recew.ny the support ot oichid sccieries throughout Australia. 4. Of wide interest is a large section devoted to flower arrangement featuring Australian wildflowers. All classes of floral arrangements will be represented, with a special section devoted to dried arrangements. 5. How can you grow wildflowers? This is the theme behind the whole display and expert advicc is given and special techniques revealed. A special section will be devoted to propagation of native plants from seed. 6. Plants and seed will be available on sale in a range and quality never available batorc in N> W.—wih nurserymen frem other States sending a huge consignment cf rare beautiful plants to Sydney. INTERSTATE READERS: You can help the Sydney display by sending flowers by any airline, freight payable in Sydney, to Mr. C. M. TAYLOR, c/o JACKSON & SPRING, MASCOT, SYDNEY; or for N.S.W. readers by rail tc, JACKSON & SPRING, SYDNEY Flcwers sheu'd arrive cn either Menday, Tuesday or Wednesday, Septcmber 9, 10 and 11. We confidently expect that readers throughout Australia, par'itularlv country dwellers from all States, will rally around us to make this an outstanding display. All flowers received will be acknowledged, and we shall advise senders of their correct botanical names. Why not wrap up a few bunches in wet newspaper and dispatch in a butter box— all freight being paid at the receveing end. Show the airline company this advertisement if C.O.D. payment of perishables is queried. 2 CLEARVIEW NURSERY—W. Canz, Box 19, Maffra, Victoria Hybrid Grevilleas—6/6 in 2lb. tins if ordered in lots of 6 or more. Add 6d per plant extra for packing. Dorinda Beauty—Orange red raceme, soft grey foliage, to 8ft. Poorinda Beauty—Orange red raceme, soft grey foliage, to 8ft. Poorinda Ruby-—3fi., red flowers tightly packed along 18in. stems making clusters 4in. diam. Also Poorinda Golden Lyre, P. Fire Bird, P. Elegance, P. Illumina, P. Rosy Morn, P. Peter, P. Splendour, P. Alice, etc. Letcspermem Hybrids including Poorinda Anne and Clearview Nana, etc. i Hybrid Westringia Poorinda Anne. CALOCEPHALUS BROWNII ORANGE ILLESCHENAULTIA EUCALYPTUS NICHOLII Send stamped envelope for list “Willimga™, 21 Nelson Street, Thornleigh, W.JI 3709 DENOVAN'S NURSERY Good Range of Native Plants available at Nursery 188 MARCO AVENUE, PANANIA, N.S.W. “pecialist in plants for clay areas. 1 G. A. & K. M. ECHBERG’S FLOWER POTS Lower Dandenong Road Colourful Plastic Flower Pots Braeside. Tele.: 91-9438 and Bulb Bowls will Increase 1y mile west of Springvale Road Your Sales of Plants. Write for ® List from Manufacturer or Ring LA 4089. Rk il Alba Engineering 20 ROWLEY ST., CAMPERDO , S.W. NATIVE AND EXOTIC B an g TR N M @@@ 31 @@@ Soptember, 1963 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—-AMARYLLIDACEAE Page 135—Vol. 2 GROWING KANGAROO PAWS—continued from page 131 A. manglesii and possibly caused by the same organism attack it and causes spotling of the leaves. Summer rotting of rhizomes, at least in the wild, does not appear to be a problem however. The leaves remain green all summer. There are three seeds fo each ovary which dehisce with part of the ovary wall attached. Each seed is therefore shaped like a segment of a sphere, with black hairs still aiiached to the outer, convex side. They are much bigger than secd of Anigosanthos, being 4-5mm. across and run only about 2,500 per oz. Growing Paws From Seed: It is possible to propagate kangaroo paws by division of clumps, or from seed. Seed matures in the ovaries about a month after the flowers have dried oF and must bz prompily collected, otherwise, it is shed from the ovary as coca a5 it is rip2. Oaly in the case of A. rufa and A. pulcherrima this is not the case: sced is retained and the ovaries must be cracked to liberate it. It is not yei known how long viability is retained in storage. Seed of Anigosanthos inciudes no dormancy factor and requires no treatment before sowing. In the King’s Park nursery with autumn sowing (in flats, outdoors) in 1962, tires from sowing to secdiing appearance of about 25 days were observed for A. manglesii, A. flavida and A. viridis, but could be up to 50 days where only a poor germination rate was being obtained, probably from oid and poor ssed. Plants have been successfully pricked out in flats and pots when 1%in. to 2in. high. In the garcden they should be given a warm, open position, good drainage and an acid soil. Inflorescences may be cut off when the flowers have withered if sced is not being collected. Appearance of ink disease should be checked by cpraying with fungicide. It is possible also that cutting back of the plant after flowering, if all waste material is carefully removed and burnt, may serve to check spread of the ink disease, since it is observed in the field that burning off appears to have a sanitary effect so that plants are disease-free next season. In autumn, 1963, seed collected in 1961-62 and sown in April, 1963, give these results: A. flavida (two forms), good, 30 days; A. bicolor, moderate, 33 days; A. viridis, poor, 36 days; A. pressii, poor, 44 days. Weather was cooler and wetter than in autumn, 1962. Sced collected in 1962-1963 was sown in May; an exiremely long and wet spell followed, and A. pulcherrima first germinated in 39 days; all other seven species in 33 days. Macropidia on the other hand does appear to suffer from a dormancy factor and is notoriously difficult to germinate. In autumn 1962 three sowings from the same lot of seed were made, one treated with boiling water, one heat treated, one untreated: results nil. During winter a further loi of seed was stratified for two months( stored in damp sand in a plastic bag in a domestic refrigerator), sown in September and gave approximately 25 per cent germination beginning in 41 days. Unfortunately the stratified seed was not from the same collection as the seed sown in autumn, and no centrol sowings of untreated seced were made in spring, so that the result i not conclusive. Results of a repetition this season are not yet available. However, it does appear to indicate that something more than seed-coat dormancy is present in Macropidia, which may be overcome by stratification. @@@ 32 @@@ Page 136—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—AMARYLLIDACEAE September, 1963 \ ; o DT, e - Wi e ® 55 L M B “?A lwfl'-/‘ . T | Reprinted from Australian Native Plants and Trees. Blocks cour’esy cf Patterson Brockensha P./L THE CAT'S PAWS 4 (a) A. humilis (“small”, "humble”). The cat's paw. A very widespread species, ranging from near the south coast near Albany north to the Murchison River and from the west coast to the fringes of the wheat belt. It inhabits low and open vegetation, mainly sand and gravel heaths but also on coastal limestone. Leaves are green, glabrous with siiff hairs on the inner edge, strongly falcate. The simple inflorescence is only 6-18 inches tall (rather rarely populations reach 24 inches), the rhachis greenish yellow, the flowers yellow and orange. Llocal variations range from purely yellow to red or purple. Flowers June-November, becomes dormant and dries off in summer. Seeds are black, pyrimidal in shape about Tmm. across and run about 44,000 per oz. Wholly set up and printed by Surrey Beatty & Scns, Rickard Road, Chipping Norton, N.S.W.