'Australian Plants' Vol.2 No.18 March 1964

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PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN 8000 COPIE;

ustralian Plants

PRICE: THREFE  SHILLINGS
Registered at G.P.O., Sydney, for transmission MARCH. 1964 Vol. 2, No. 18
by post as a periodical. Volume 2 will comprise issues, No. 1320

it

GROW AUSTRALIAN ORCHIDS



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Pag» 170—Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN PLAAN'TSV—-ORC'VIIll):l('EAE‘ March, 1964

CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN PLANTS

FOR THE GARDEN — PART 1

by R. F. G. Swinbourne, Botany Section, Animal Industry Branch,
Alice Springs, N.T.

INTRODUCTION '

Alice Springs, being in a semi-arid zone, is a most suitable place for
cultivation of native piants. The average annual rainfall is about ten
inches, the summer being exiremely hot, with severe frosts in winter. A
number of homes are built in areas where the soil is fairly saline, and only
plants tolerant of this soil type will succeed. Native plants are adapted to
these conditions thus allowing the enjoyment of a garden even though exotic
plants may fail. As well as our climatic conditions and soils the native
plants do not use near the amount of water that our exotic introduced
species do, and in country that needs to conserve its water, this is a most
important feature.

This article deals with Central Australian plant species which are suitable
for cultivation or are already incorporated into local gardens.

EUCALYPTUS SPECIES

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum), a tree regarded highly for
its shade and the beauty of its trunk. It has been known to grow six feet
in its first year of cultivation. Growing to 60 feet, having clusters of creamy
flowers, and white trunk with markings of shades of brown, cream, blue,
mauve, etc. make this a most attractive specimen.

Eucalyptus intertexta (Gum Coolibah), a tree to 40 feet high with a
trunk which is rough around the base up to about 10 feet and then smooth
white or grey with some coloured markings, making it also an attractive
specimen tree.

Eucalyptus microtheca (Coolibah), a very attractive tree to 40 feet
high, with rough grey bark on the lower part of the trunk and the upper
limbs somewhat like Gum Coolibah. It would make a most attractive garden
acquisition, especially for the garden with clayey soil.

Eucalyptus papuana (Ghost Gum), a much sought-after tree of 50 feet,
with a very upright white trunk, bright green foliage, but is an erratic seeder,
and is definitely a proud specimen tree.

Eucalyptus terminalis (Bloodwood), a cream flowering tree to 40 feet
with grey tesselated bark, and after flowering has clusters of large gum-nuts
and certainly is a good specimen tree.

Eucalyptus gamophylla (Blue Mallee), a many-stemmed eucalypt with
blue-green foliage, growing up to 12 feet, and bearing creamy flowers.
This is a most attractive small tree, and can be used in wind-breaks, divides

or a backing for shrub areas
(Continued on  page  202)

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is portion of « series on wild flowers trom Central Australia.
We are making a special effort to assist readers from the inland areas of our continent
to grow wildflowers under their rigorous waterless conditions. Will readers from country

arcas please send me seed from wildflowers in their area?

COVER PLATE: The beautiful Diuris longifolia « native ferrestriag orchid. For furtner
details refer to the next two articles. Blocks for this colour plate are by courtesy of the
Dept. of  Agriculture of Western Australia.

THIS ISSUE: Features of this issue are articles on native orchids, Boronia, ‘Irees
of Queensland, Melaleuca with a special tull colour supplement on Gompholobium, one of
the yellow pea family.



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March, 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 171—Vol. 2.

Growing Native Terrestrial Orchids

by R. C. Nash
Often | meet people who on finding out that | grow native terrestrial
orchids say, “But dont you find them impossible to grow, | have ftried

and they would never grow.” On further enquiry | find in most cases the
poor plants have been subjected to ordinary garden culture or an attempt
has been made to grow them in a glass house. In this article | hope to set
out some of the basic requirements for the culture of native terrestrial
orchids.

Two of the most important things to consider are, firstly give the plants
good drainage, whether they are grown in a tin, pot, rockery etc., secondly
they do like shade from heavy sun light, especially the direct overhead light.

Most people bring the plants home with a big clump of soil around
the tuber and push this into the container (pot), the plant is hoped to grow
in. In most cases this soil quickly becomes water logged with rain or when
watered. Our native soils have never been disturbed by cultivation and have
developed an established moisture ecology with the plants. As is commonly
known cultivated soils saturate quicker than uncultivated soils. This pot
of soil containing an orchid has lost its ability to rid itself of excessive
water and saturates because of this transplantation. | have found it takes about
three to four years for sandy soil in a pot to stabilize back to the more or
less natural moisture ecology.

When potting native terrestrial orchids use plenty of good washed
clean course sand, with broken pot or gravel in the base of the pot, if
plants are from limestone soils, broken limestone. The easiest way to get
humus into this pot, is to use sawdust, preferably from a native plant. Try
to use the plant types the orchids were growing by. Mix sawdust with
sand accordingly to the soils the orchids have been taken from, low sawdust
content for sandy soils and more sawdust for heavier soils. Leave a
layer of pure sawdust on top of pot, this assists water assimilation and helps
to stop dry out. The sawdust used should have started to break down, to
start this, mix a little sand with sawdust, keep damp and put a little urea
with damping water occasionally. In preparing the orchid for planting,
carefully remove as much of the native soil as is possible, taking care not
to knock the tuber off. Make a drill hole in the compost in the pot deep
enough to take the plant and fill lightly with compost, tap pot gently to
settle and water.

In selecting the site for these potted plants in the garden take into
account the location from where they collected. Good sites are well
sheltered areas with direct morning or late afternoon sunlight or full
indirect sunlight as would be found against a south facing wall or fence.
Keep in mind when choosing a position in the garden the heat of summer.
In summer when plants are dormant, do not water and allow pots to dry out
again, then water again, it is best to move them to a cooler more shady
position. Try to keep plants green as long as possible as summer comes on,
even if they have to be hand watered. When watering them, mains water
may be used providing it is not too brackish or hard, other wise use rain
water.

For improved growth and health a little superphosphate once a year
and a spray of urea once a month in the growing season are beneficial.



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Page 172- Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS ORCHIDACEAE o Mar(‘h.il.‘)!;-l

Watch must be kept for Aphids, Mites and Thrip, these deform the flowers
and stems and cause the leaves to rot. Spray with weak solution of chloride
of lime to kill leaf rot. Snails, slugs and grubs will cause severe damage
to plants if let go unchecked. Birds may sometimes eat the buds or dig up
the tubers when scraiching for worms. Try to keep pots away from cats,
dogs, and children.

When starting out to grow native terrestrial orchids select the forme
that grow in colonies as these will respond quicker, leave most of the Caladenia
(spiders), Glossodia and similar types to last as the tubers drop from these
very easily.

Collect plants only from land being cleared or about to be cleared.
Excessive collecting will denude an area of its native orchids quicker than
excessive picking. It is better not to collect and have the beauty of future
years than to collect and fail in the attempt to grow these exotic plants.

The Commoner Diuris in Australia
by Leo Cady

The genus Diuris or “Double-tails” is wholly a spring or summer flower-
ing orchid, found in all states of Australia, with only one extra Australian
species (D. Fryana Ridl. from Java).

The most prevalent colour in the genus is yellow of varying shades
but white, mauve, browns and variegated types are to be found. N.S.W.
appears to be the “Home” of this genus as upwards of 30 species have
been recorded of the 40 odd named. The concentration of species in
N.S.W. is on the western side of the dividing range, where a considerable
amount of natural hybridizing has occurred, this has added much to
the confusion of identifying the species with real certainty.

CULTURE GROWING THE ORCHIDS DIURIS

The culture of the Diuris is still in its infancy but the study group has
found the normal compost for ground orchids (50% black sand, 40% peat
moss with 10% leaf mould and crushed charcoal) appears to do the job.
The compost should be kept moist during the growing season and allowed
to dry out during doimancy (this appears to stop tuber rot) the drying out
of the compost does not harm the tubers, except that they shrivel somewhat;
but they plump out when the water is again given after the appearance
of the new shoot above the ground.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE COMMONER SPECIES
| D. punctata Sm. "Purplie Double-tail”’

This species, perhaps the choicest of all the genus, is an extremely
varied plant in size, colour, and shape; a typical plant is described below.
A robust or slender plant. Leaves usually 2 flowers to 10 fragrant at times,
lilac-purple-reddish and rarely white or yellow. Lateral sepals to 6 cm. long,
narrow. Dorsal sepals ovate to 16 mm. long. Petals as long or longer
than the dorsal sepal clawed. Labellum 3 lobed midlobe broadly ovate
with 2 calli ridges at the base, the lateral lobes to half as long as the
midlobe, oblong falcate.

Distribution: Queensland, N.S.W., Victoria and South Australia. Flowers:
August-December.



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March, 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS ORCHIDACEAE Page 173 Vol

9

DIURIS Spp.

KEY TO PLATE

A, Do punctata, nataral size 10 scale. F. D. swlphurca. natural size 1o scale.
B. D. longifolic, natural  size 1o scale G. D. aurea, natural size to scale

. Do omienlata, natural size too scale. H. D. filijolia. natural size to scale.

D. D. pulacinla, natural size to Scale . D. pedunculata. natural size to scale.

E. D palustrus, natural size to scale.

. C. NASH vreports from South Australia

Diuris  maculata, blooms in September. Habitwr  open shaded areas in the damper
parts of the State being quite common in some areas. Keep pots well drained and in
an o open  position and  keep cool in suminer. Break up into extra pots in preference tq
putiing nre a larger one



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Puge 174—l‘)] 2 .»lr(tSTRAIAl;L\'V VI"I:V.'L\’TS ~ORCHIDACEAE March, 1964

2. D. longifolia R. Br. “Wallflower Double-tail’”’ (colour plate, front cover
A cosmopolitan species, and as such it is most variable, a robust
plant to 46 cm. tall. Leaves 2-3. Flowers to 6, brown and yellow or rarely
wholly yellow, florets often extremely large. Dorsal sepal shorier than the
petals semicircular. Lateral sepals longer than petals, sometimes crossad.
Petals broadly ovate or oblong, prominenily clawed. Labellum 3 lobed,
all lcbes often as long as one another, lamina keeled, but no calli ridges.
Distribution: All States except Queensland. Flowering: O<tobzar-November.
Variety parviflora Nich.
A smaller flowered form from Western Australia.

3. D. maculata Sm. “Leopard Diuris"

An extremely variable plant. In fact it, with the next species D. palachila
Rog. could form the basis of most of the troublesome forms and disputable
species in the western districts of N.S.W. for most of the plants either colour,
form or both can be traced back to one of the two spscies mezntioned. ‘

A slender plant to 3C cm. high. Leaves to 3. Flowers to 8, pale yellow
heavily blotched and spotted dark brown, especially on the exterior. Dcrsal
sepal shorter than the petals, margins usually reflexed. Lateral sepals
to 16 mm. long crossed or uncrossed reflexed somewhat. Petals on prominent
claws oblong or ovate. Labellum 3 lobed, lateral lobes upturned with crenulate
margins oblong-falcate, the midlobe most variable, from almost rectangular to
broadly cuneate or at times triangular, 2 prominently raised cclli iidgses
at the base of lamina.

Distribution: All States except Western Australia. Flowering: July to
September.

4. D. palachila Rogers ""Spade lippad Diuris”

A slender plant to 40 cm. high. Leaves to 5. Flowers to 4, yellow,
dotted and marked brown, especially dorsal sepal and petals. Dorsal sepal
to 11 mm. Lateral sepals to 15 mm. long. Petals to 15 mm. long on short
claw, oblong. Labellum brown spotted especially beneath. 3 lobed, lateral
lobes not less than half as long as the midlobe, lanceolate with dentate
margins, midlobe almost rectangular rounded at the apex and narrowing
to the base (spade shaped), 2 calli ridges at base.

Distribution: N.S.W., Victoria, South Australia. Flowering: September- 5
October. '

5. D. palustris — Lindl. "Swamp Diuris”

A species that favours the swampy areas usually growing in small
tufts. A slender plant rarely above 10 c¢m. high. Leaves to 8, spirally twisted.
Flowers small to 4, dingy yellow with red-brown blotches. Dorsal sepals
small ovate to 3.5 mm. long. Lateral sepals conspicuously long for flower
to 1.6 c¢m. Petals on a short claw oblong or oval emarginate at apex.
Labellum 3 lobed almost 6.5 mni. long. Lateral lobes oblong crenulate
margins midlobe oblong, 2 raised calli ridges at base.

Distribution: Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Flowers: August-
September.

6. D. sulphurea R. Br. “Sulphur Diuris”

An extremely variable species, at times occurring in hundreds in numerous
types of soils from grey sand to heavy loam on dry ridges or cn the edges
of swamps or in heath land.



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sarch, 1964 AUSTRALIAN ."I,A/\"I'.'?'f—()h’('III[)ACEAEW B liage 175—\/()1‘7 E

A robust species to 60 cm. high. Leaves to 3. Flowers to 8, sulphur
yellow with brown markings. Dorsal sepal short and broad, 2 brown blotches
at the base. Lateral sepals rarely longer than the petals, sometimes they
have a tendency to be petaloid. Petals ovate on short claws. Labellum 3 lobed
to 16 mm. long, lateral lobes broadly oblong, truncate, approximateiy
half as long as the midlobe, margins entire, midlobe broadly ovate, some-
times apex emarginated, and almost truncate, a brown band replaces the
basal calli ridges, midlobe keeled.

Distribution: All States except Western Australia. Flowers: September-
November.

7. D. filifolia Lindl. ""Cat's face Orchid”

A widespread species in Western Australia where it is endemic.

Plant robust or slender to 45 cm. high. Leaves to 10, spirally twisted.
Flowers to 5, yellow with red-brown markings. Dorsal sepal ovate recurved.
Lateral sepals as long or just longer than the labellum. Petals ovate to
cblong, twisted on its claw. Labellum 3 lobed, lateral lobes to half as
long as the midlobe, ovate the margins toothed, midlobe ovate-acute
keeled, no raised calli ridges at the base.

Distribution: Western Australia, widespread. Flowering: October-November.
8. D. pedunculata R. Br. ""Golden Moth Orchid”

A common and therefore variable plant. Slender or robust to 35 cm.
high (Var. gigantea Nich.) usually only to 20 cm. high. Leaves to 7.
Flowers to 5, golden yellow or sometimes rich orange or streaked with
orange, florets usually nodding. Dorsal sepal very short, erect. Lateral
sepals to 20 mm. long. Labellum 3 lobed, lateral lobes small, deeply dentate,
midlobe almost orbicular or ovate often acute at apex, 2 ridges of calli
at the base extending into pubescent calli at base of lamina. Petals broadly
lanceolate on short claw to 18 mm. long.

Distribution: All States except Western Australia. Flowering: September
into Summer.

Variety gigantea Nich.

Plant up to 35 cm. high. Flowers to 6.5 cm. in diameter. Distribution:
N.S.W., Victoria, South Australia.

9. D. aurea. Sm. “"Golden Diuris"”

Once again a most variable plant and it hybridizes freely in its
inland N.S.W. habitats. A robust plant to 60 cm. high. Leaves 2. Flowers
to 8, golden yellow marked with brown. Dorsal sepals to 16 mm. long
recurved. Llateral sepals to 24 mm. long. Petals to 22 mm. long, broad
lanceolate to orbicular. Labellum 3 lobed as long or nearly as long
as the dorsal sepal lateral lobes not half as long as the midlobe, oblong
or sometimes ovate margins sometimes crenulate, midlobe ranging from
orbicular to almost diamond shape, keeled with 2 raised calli ridges.

Distribution: N.S.W. and Queensland. Flowers: August-October.

DIURIS AUREA Sm. (Contributed by A. W. Dockrilly
EXOT. Bot. 1:15, t4 (1804,
SYN.: D. SPATHULATA SW.. SCHRAD. NEU JOURN. 1:0 (1805, not of FITZG.

A rather robust species. Tubers 125 e dia., usually ovoid. Leaves usually 2, about
730 em. long, narrow, thin keeled, grasslike. Stems about 15-60 c¢m. tall. Flowers 1 to
about 8, from 2 to almost 6 cm. long, typically golden-yellow with a few brown markings
but sometimes seen  without markings and sometimes o more or less lemon or sulpnur
vellow. Dorsal sepal 6 x 4-18 mm., more or less ovate, cucullate at _rhe base. thence
recurved to varying degrees where its margins are often recurved to varying d’L“r!ret‘s. _|hvrv
are usually 2 large brown paiches near the base outside. Lateral sepals 12-40 x I-3mnm, linear,



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Page 176—Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS —~ORCHIDACEAE March, 1964

often dilated towards the apex, usuvally green but sometimes brownish. Petals with laminae
about 7-20 x 4-14 c.m. on claws 3-10 mm. long, laminae usually ovate but varying from
lanceolate to circular or even obovate; claw usually brown. Labellum 822 x 3-14 mm.;
lateral lobes erect, about 3-10 mm. long, obliquely oblong or ovate, often crenulate on
the upper margin; mid-lobe 6-14 mm. long, quite variable in shape from almost circular
to ovate, lanceolate or almost diamond-shaped, usually with 2 large brown patches or a
transverse brown band but often without brown markings;, disc with 2 brown-yellow
or green ridges, the space between their apices keeled, the keel extending to the apex
of the mid-lobe. Column 2.5-7.0 mm. long; wings variable in length, more or less lanceolate,
acute, the upper margins crenulate or even dentate. Stigma more or less circular. Anther
narrow-ovate. Pollinia and viscidium more or less typical of those of the genus.
DISTRIBUTION--From the Herbert River of Northern Queensland to Southern N.S.W

DIURIS AUREA



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Mapch, 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS - ORCHIDACEAE Page 177--Vol. 2

THE HORNED ORCHID

ORTHOCERAS STRICTUM R.Br.—A close relative of Diuris
By LEO CADY, Kiama, N.S.W.

ORTHOCERAS STRICTUM R.BR.

KEY TO PLATE
A—Plant natural size to scale provided. E—Petal 10x.
B—Flower side 1V2x to scale. F—Labellum side 7x.

C—Dorsal sepal side 3x. G—Column top view 10x.
D—Llabellum rear view 7x. H—Column side 10x.



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Page 178 Vol. 9. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS ORCHIDACEAE  March, 1961

The horned orchid is a common spring and summer flowering species
which can, when it flowers, be seen in large colonies in all types of soils,
but more commonly in our sandstone area. In its younger stages it can be
mistaken for its close relation, the double tail or Diuris but once the
flowers appear the conspicuous horn like lateral sepals leave no doubt as
to the plants identity.

Very little is so far known about the adaption of this species into
cultivation, but the writer has had a plant in culture for a number of years,
and even though it has not multiplied, it appears to be quite happy in the
following compost: 50% peat moss, 40% sharp sand, 109% rotten leaf
mould and broken charcoal, and it requires constant dampness during growth
period but to be left to the rain during the dormant period.

This plant being the only one in the genus, is found in all Australian
States excepting Western Australia, and also New Zealand, where a
form named viride is also known.

ORTHOCERAS STRICTUM R.Br.

A terrestrial herb of rather rigid habit up to 60cm. high, leaves two to flve long and
narrow-linear. Flowcrs up to nine, almost sessile with large floral bracts, green and green. Dorsal
sepal acute, hooded 10-12mm. long, lateral sepals narrow linear, long and straight, erect or
spreading 2-3cm. leng. Petals very small, hidden by the dorsal sepal, blunt, erect, usually notched
at the apex. Labellum 9-12mm. long, sessile, three lobed, recurved, the lateral lobes much
smaller than the midlobe which is elliptic or ovate and having a variable callus at the base of the

lamina. Column short, with twoc wings. Another incurved tapering to an obtuse point, two-celled.
Stigma erect in front of it. Pollinia two bilobed, mealy, without a caudicle.

EDITOR'S NOTE: We still need more growers of terrestrial orchids and a lot more
seed.

ORCHID GROWERS IN QUEENSLAND

Will all competent photographers in Queensland make special project of photographing
any natiye orchids in flower during this coming season. Please make special eflorts to
photograph Dendrobium bigibbum in all its torms and varieties, D. superbiens, D. dicuphum
and D. wundulatum. Please help us to clean up the confusion over the various names and
provide you with a comprehensive report complete with full colour illustrations.

NOTES ON PHAIUS TANKERVILLIAE

By DON SANDS

The plant | have at present in flower has been grown in a 12in. pot for
about 40 years. The conditions have been varied from a cool, moist and
shady position at Wahroonga (600ft. a.s.l.) to its present position at Newport
(sea level) where it receives the full sun all day. The orchid is now flowering
better than ever (November) and has up to two spikes on each pesudo bulb.
The flowering has greatly improved after placing in full sun, although the
Ieaves hqve yellowed somewhm. (Issue No. 8 has full colour plate).

This plant originally came from the Clarence River and is a form
that will not produce young plants from the nodes of the old flower stalk
as the northern forms will do.

However, the flowers are larger and darker than the northern forms,
the flowers being up to 4%in. across and the interior colour of the petals
is a deep chocolate brown, while the white labellum has a broad pink edging.
The form is unlike the one described by Mr. Leaney (Australian Plants, Vol.
1, No. 8) in that the flowers only last about one week, the bright pink
labellum then fading to a dull brown before the flowers open .Only four
flowers remain open on each stalk at a time and they do not all drop
together as in the form Mr. Leaney describes.

The flowers bruise easily in a similar manner to Calanthe veratifolia, and
care has to be taken that other plants do not brush the flower stalk.



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Muarch, 1964 AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS RUTACEAE Page 179- Vol. 2.

THE GENUS ERIOSTEMON

PART 5 — by Jean Galbraith

WEST AUSTRALIAN SPECIES

All W.A. species except E. difformis are endemic there, and knowing
them only from herbarium material (except in the case of E. spicatus) | can
cnly say that they appecr very distinctive and easy to recognise.

E. coccineus C. A. Gardiner, has red, bell-shaped flowers on long
stalks, but though bell-shaped the petals are not fused into a true bell.
Narrow-leafed sometimes leafless. E. brucei F. Muell. has pink or white
nearly stalkless flowers, and E. fabianoides Diels. has very short-stalked, four-
petalled campanulate (bell-shaped) flowers.

E. nodiflorus Lindl., which has flowers in tight little round heads, has been
described as “bright blue”, but flowers on dried specimens appear to be lilac-
pink. Probably the colour is variable.

The small pinkish-lilac flowers of E. spicatus A. Rich. grow in long,
loose terminal racemes which are often compound (paniculate) forming loose
pyramidal clusters, and the distinctive character of E. tomentellus Diels is its
thick little oval velvet-texured leaves.

The thick oblinear leaves of E. fitzgeraldii C. Andrews are grooved and
smooth above, convex and tuberculate below, and continue as a narrow
tuberculate “ribbon” down the stem, which is smooth or almost so. As a
result the stem appears to have smooth grooves between shallow tuberculate
ridges. The flowers are small and terminal, with leafy shoots often growing
out beyond the flowers so that they appear axillary.

E. thriptomenoides S. Moore, resembles E. difformis in many ways, but
has smooth or downy stems while those of E. difformis are tuberculate, and it
has leaves which are very thick and small, quite flat above and so convex as
to be actually keeled below.

The species which has been described as E. deserti is not an eriostemon.
It has the valvate, inflexed petal tips, and spreading stamens of Phebalium.

It is interesting to note that many specimens of E. difformis from W-A.
have thick leaves, flat above, with a deep central groove. This is noticeable
in some specimens from other States; especially from the drier areas, but is not
nearly so pronounced as in the W.A. specimens.

VARIATION

In a series like this sketches of such details as leaf shape must illustrate
typical leaves. There is always some variation; a few larger or smaller on
any plant for instance, or occasional ones of not typical shape. Similarly, flowers
of a four-petalled species may occasionally have five or even six petals, but
it should be understood that both drawings and descriptions refer to the
majority of flowers or leaves on the plant.

KEY TO ALL AUSTRALIAN SPECIES AND SOME NOTES

Expansion of the key published earlier (Vol. 1, No. 4) to include all known species has
made it necessary to change the emphasis on key figures, as well as the sequence of species;
and one, E. brevifolius, is here omitted.

Examination of material in Melbourne Herbarium seemed to support J. M. Black's description
of E. brevifolius as a separate species, but later study of specimens from all mainland States,
through the courtesy of Dr. Grieve of the University of Western Australia, and Government Botanists
in five States, showed no consistent difference between E. brevifolius and E. difformis.

Flowers of otherwise typical E. difformis, may have hairs inside, or outside, or on both
sides of the petals, and the leaf shape associated with E. brevifolius grades into that of E. difformis.

I hoped that someone familiar with endemic species of narthern and western Australia,
in their natural habitat, could prepare a key to those species, but as no one else had time to
undertake the work | have done what | can after examining herbarium material of all species
and living plants of five species which | knew only as dried specimens until last year.



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Page 180—Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS—RUTACEAE March, 1964

| A KEY TO ERIOSTEMON SPECIES IN AUS"RA“A
APetals 4. - 77 B

B leaves oblon to ovate - u to I lon Tasmania onl I E.virgatus
g, 7 P g Y-

B leaves thick, appearing cylindrical Flowers be” 5hap¢=d 2.E fabianoides

APetals 5. ' ey c
C Leafless. WA Or\lqv \( A;/‘M/—’;,;f:,.__ 3 E brucei
> X\ var aphglla
C Leaves incurved j(:j‘o " 2k 2 é\‘I lowers nearly sessile. WA only. 4 £ bruce:
Eails Sakd
C lLeaves not incurved to midrib. D

D Leaves with several distinct parallel veins. = | Queenstand 5 I banksii

D Leaves with novisible midrib or only one. ST T‘Q\» E
5N =N
E | eaves narrow-lanceolate, about | |on9, consistently hooked, stems 6 F affinis
: ! ;
E Leaves not consistently hooked ==~ — > — fl’thou{ hairs =
' B}
F Flowers bell-shaped, terminal, nar‘row leaves shghth; g 7 E coccineus
F Flowers not bell-shaped. C,(ék decurvent. WA only G
G lLeaves decurrent as tuberculate « ldoeg on a smooth stem 81 Fnl;goraldii
G | eaves not decurrent WA only H
H Flowers in small terminal clusters (apparent heads) Moruya 9 Ecarruthersii
Subulate leaves with pale hairs. > only
H Flowers in dense é}%& %ermmal heads. Leaves without hairs. 10 ! nodiflorus
TSl e WA only.
H Flowers terminal but not in heads or apparent heads |
5 PP
Lo

H Flowers axillary with some terminal. fzfi M
I Leaves small, oval, velvety A?,,;”.S’ o=

on both sides W.A onlH k%) ) ’::’\1’_;:\ leaf Il £ tomentellus
| Leaves not velvety. J
J leaves needle Mze but % | ‘ cifoli

broadsr At Gib; Z m Fllamonts with long hairs 12 [ ericifolius

Leaves not needle like K
K Leaves narrow-linear, appearing cylindrical,

not much revolute: ’ ")" l )

Flowers in terminal, usually compound racemes. %‘m Y 13 E spicatus
K Leaves fat, small, ovate thin. Midrib prominent = 14 E smithianus
K Leaves flat, small ovate, thin. Midrib inconspicuous. e ¥ 15 E.parvifolius

K Leaves small and thick or cylindrical, ', L
é g ;:yusually no visible midrib /
L Leaves cylindrical Filaments with long hairs, 16 E linearis

L Leaves quite flat above™® £ > convex below. Short hairs on F.I/%ent
Stems not tuberculate. 17 Ethriptomenoides

oo |
L L85 Leaves often deeply grooved never flat and / 18 E.dif formis
plano-convex. Short hairs on filament. Stems tuberculate.
M Flowers not pedunculate. %—(f/é = P

I ’
M ALE =S

Flowers pedunculate. % N
[P
N Most peduncles bearing umbels of several flowers. ~+ 19 F myoporoides
Fruitlets beaked. R . )
N Peduncles bearmg one flower, sometn s two, never more. s h&‘& (e}

2
O Leaves linear to lanceolate, /]/’ concave narrowed to the 20 queenslandicus
pont. Fruitlets not beaked &

O Leaves oblanceolate, cuneateflor spathula%witha small 21 Eglasshousaensis
mucro (abrupt point)

< Fruitlets hardly
beaked.

%Stanthorpe Wyberba. Z@ Mt Beerwah
o



@@@ 13 @@@



March, 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS —RUTACEAE Page 181—Vol. 2.

P Stems labrous, usually tuberculate

P Stems owny or hairy, not tuberculate.
Q Leaves conspicuously over l"long.

Q Leaves l"long or less. “

R At least Zrings of overlapping bracts 4 )R
on pedicel (usu Iy lr;nore). “ \\&‘_(
TEIE

eaves lanceolate. fl =
N.S W onl (==
# s oY ~
z> B

R//Zy racts minute and basal,or none., 23 E trachyphyllus
. %J/;L
c\

Leaves oblanceolate.
S Leaves oval or ovate. \“Q F:dges revolute or recurved. 24 E buxifolius
~ Midrib conspicuous.

S Leaves obovate to obcordate Y O:/‘ 0 Edgcs flat. Midrib not 25 E.verrucosus
‘)( N g 5 visible
5, =N - P &

nA-0

22 Elanceolatus

3
T Leaves oblanceolate. turned downward. WJ\I ~ 26 E hispidulus
Branchlets and leaves downy, without stiff hairs WY
s gt g’ //f
T ‘___v%y%é- %{a‘.‘; Leaves linear, turned upward 27 E.scaber
A =20 Y% Branchletswith stiff hairs. Some short stiff hairs

on leaves
&= Fglabrous Branchlets downy. 28 E.obovalis
P S N.S.W. only

T Leaves cbovate to obcordate, ¢

Drawing [i.. Fur

There are still ten species (E. fabianoides, E. banksii, E. carruthersii, E. affinis, E. coccineus,
E. fitzgeraldii, E. nodiflorus, E. tomentellus, E. brucei, and E. thriptomenocides) which | know only
as dried specimens. This is not wholly satisfactory, especially for those interested primarily in
growing plants, but the key is based on characters easily seen in dried specimens, so even if
some obvious field differences have been missed | hope it will be easy to use .

Since | described E. obovalis as “apparently rare’” my friend Mr Althofer has kindly
sent propagating material of it, with ihe comment that it is widespread in the Blue Mountains
area, where it is protected.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

| should like to express appreciation of the work of Mrs. Spurway, whose illustrations
have been invaluable, and also to thank Mr. Cane. who has provided innumerable fresh specimens
and freely shared his knowledge of unusual forms.

| would also especially thank the Governmsznt Botanists of Victoria and Queensland for
permission to examine dried specimens in the herbaria of those States, and Dr. Grieve, and the
Government Botanists of Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales for making
available specimens for study.

SOIL FOR CONTAINERS

by P. Lindsay

Generally, in horticulture, it would appear that too little attention is
being paid to the soil. Unless the soil structure is suitable and the acid
level of the soil is at a level which will release the elements and the air
has free movement throughout, some difficulty must be experienced in
growing plant life in general.

To this end, the University of California developed a method of plant
culture known as the U.C. method, which is simply a mixture of sterilised
rice husks, peat moss and sand. This mixture has all the desired properties
of a good soil and is used as a form of hydroponics by adding, at regular
iitervals, a complete plant food. At present quite a large number of nurseries
are using the U.C. method which produces plants at a fast rate, under
the correct conditions. This mixture, in itself, is not capable of sustaining
plant life without regular feeding, and, therefore, for home use | do not
believe that it should be generally used.



@@@ 14 @@@



Page 182—Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS--CULTIVATION VMzn‘(‘h, 1964

As a contrast to this method Mr. W. Hart (Horticultural Supervisor of
the Sydney City Council) has been working on a medium which suspends
all the elements needad to maintain plant life without this constant feeding,
and still possesses the same properties. A similar method is used by many
reliable nurserymen to a great advantage and plants grown by them are
very hardy and survive very easily after planting out in the home garden.

With the U.C. method the correct acid level is also very vital. If the ac'd
level is not correct the elements are not readily available to the plants;
therefore, all feeding may be useless and wasted, with resultant effect on the
plants. Bacterial action, which is essential in the soil is prevented by excessive
acidity.

The second factor is the lack of silt content. Some soils around Sydnzy
(particularly some of the Liverpool soils) are very high in silt content and
when used they prevent a free flow of water and air throughout the soil,
causing disastrous effects to plant life. Because carbon, hydrogzn and oxygen
are obtained by the plant from air and water in the soil as well as thz
atmosphere a good soil should allow free movement of both.

The third factor is the presence of organic material, such as rotted
leaves; in fact, almost any decomposed living matter will suffice. This
property is essential to this method because the organic content is needed to
suspend the fertilizer which is needed to feed the plant. Unlike ths U.C.
method, in this way the food is available over a long period and is oniy
applied at potting time and possibly twice a year thereafter at the most.
This applies to open beds as well as pofs.

Finally a complete fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorous and potash
is used. The proportions of each vary quite a lot, depend'ng on the iype of
plant on which it is intended to be used, although there are some exczllent
balanced fertilizers on the market which will do quite well for most gardzn
purposes. Remember the organic content of the soil suspends and dis'ributes
the fertilisers, so you need both.

The method is simply a mixture of 5 parts of silt free sandy loam,
1 part organic material (such as leaf mould, compo:t, cow or horse manure)
and 1 part coarse sand. To this mixture add o complete fertilizer, as an
organic fertiliser at the rate of 4 ounces per bushel of soil, which is 2
cubic feet, or a volume equal to 8 gallons. Hydrated lime is then added but ihe
rate is determined by the acid level (pH), therefore, a reading should be
taken before adding the lime. If the reading is, say, 4.5, then 2 ounces
of lime should be added to each bushel of mix, because the most satisfactory
pH is 6.5, and it takes 1 ounce of hydrated lime to reduce the ac'dity of
1 bushel of mix by 1.0.

Plants grown by this natural method may bz a little slower at first, but
seem much hardier and more able to fend for themselves when planted out.

This medium has been proven very satisfactery and depends on four
factors. The first and foremost is the correct pH. level, i.e. the acidity of
the soil should be reasonably correct. At pH 6.5 most elements are readily
available to plant life. However, in the case of acid-loving plants such as
azaleas, no lime should be added, and the pH should be approximately 5.9.



@@@ 15 @@@



March, 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS - STREET TREES Page 183—Vol. 2.

CUPANIOPSIS ANACARDIOIDES

by H. O. Oakman

Cupaniopsis anacardioides, or Cupania as it is nore commonly
called, has been used as a street tree in the East Coast Cities of Australia
from Newcastle to Rockhampten. Probably the largest specimen is growing
in Church grounds at Maclean, Northern New South Wales. This particular
tree is approximately 40’ high, with a spread of 60’, but the averagz height
is in the vicinity of 18" with a spread of 20

Blockh by courtesy ot Jecaranda  Press trom  Some  Trees  of  Australia -Oakman

The genus name is derived from Francesci Cupani, an ltalian botanist
born in Sicily, 1657, and the specific name refers to its likeness to the cashew
‘fanasardium). In parts of New South Wales it is called Tuckeroo.

The Cupania is a very hardy tree, and is particularly suitable for
streets that have a considerable wind exposure together with poor soil
conditions. It is indigenous to the East Coast of Australia, where it is found
in isolated clumps or as single specimens. It flourishes on thz sandy coaostal
strips where presumably its roots have reached down to the water table.

The Cupania is not affected by average winds and will take sa't-laden
“blows” with a minimum of burn. It cannot, however, take complete exposure
to prevailing salt-laden winds. Under these cenditions, it survives, but
in a sawn-off form. Although so often found in sandy areas, it grows
surprisingly well in heavy soil, providing always that therc is adequate
drainage at all times.

As a street tree, it is ideal for planting where there are szrvice lines,
as it seldom grows high enough to require constant cutting, nor does it
spread laterally to become a nuisance to passing traffic. The Cupania is
an evergreen, with dark green chiny foliage, and its densz branching
provides excellent shade that requires a minimum of pruning.

It appears to be disease free and the on'y insect pest of any con-
sequence is the Indian Wax Scale, which can mcke the tree cuitz unsghtly;



@@@ 16 @@@



Page 184—Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS —-STREET TREES March, 1964

infestations are usually associated with trees that are not in vigorous growth.
Usually, defoliation acts as a fairly effective control, but less vigorous
trees require spraying.

The Cupania is an evergreen shade tree, but it can be most attractive
in appearance from early November to late Decembsr and January, when
it carries a crop of seed capsules containing brightly coloured orange-red
seeds. This tree is another of our natives that could be grown from seleciea
specimens, as only about one tree in thirty has a fruiting habit. There is
no doubt that an avenue of vegetatively propagated cupanias from a well
chosen parent plant could easily compare in beauty with some of our

flowering trees.

EDITOR’S REPORT ON STREET TREES: There are 9 local  Government shires,
Councils, etc., co-operating with us on the study of the street tree problem. Who will
deny that provided we can find trees to meet the special requirements of a street tree,
that add beauty to our dwelling areas. These Councils are  being  circulated  with
specially prepared notes on this supjeet for their comment with o view to the ultimate
preparation of a handbook on this subject. Such notes are available to  those especially
interested on receipt of a stamp addressed envelope. On  enquiry 1 can  advise you it
your Council is interested in this problem and it not you could muake personal enquiries
to try to spur them on in this special civic problem. How many of my readers care
about street trees?

TREES OF QUEENSLAND
PART 2—TREES OF 1HE DARLING DOWNS
Submitted by Dept. of Forestry, Queensland

For the most part the Darling Downs is an area of tree-less plains
with intrusions of open parkland following creek and river flats where
the main species is River Red Gum (£uc. camaicu.ensis) and on slightly elevatad
land where Poplar Box (Euc. populifolia) is the principal tree.

Soils are typically the heavy black clays of great depth and fertility
interspersed with red loams or clays. The black sols are alkaline and this coupled
with the physical nature of the soil which causes it to swell or shrink
markedly with charges of soil moisture largely explains the absence of tree
growth in these areas. Climatic conditions are also adverse to tree growth —
high summer temperatures, rainfall 25 ins., severe westerly winds, frost and
prolonged droughts.

These difficulties together with the value of the soils for agriculture
result in there being no demand for farm woodlots the principal and
important call being for trees to provide shelter for homestead, crop or
stock and for ornamental trees. Plantings by early settlers established the
Pepperina (Schinus molle) as the best species to handle the conditions and
provide shade around the homestead.

Recent work has shown that with careful attention to the following
principles there are a number of species which can be successfully planted.

1. Use only vigorous tubed or potted planting stock.

Provide protection from grazing animals.

3. Cultivate before and after planting to eliminate wezds and conserve

moisture.

4. Water plants immediately after planting.

5. Plant under favourable conditions in late summer or early autumn.

The following species listed in order of preference within size classes are

suitable for windbreak planting and for shade or ornamental use.
«Continued on  page 203
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Queensland Dept. of Forestry is  preparing notes  in  this
series for the benefit of read-rs in the Country arcas. The above notes should be o guide
o all people living in wheat growing areas



@@@ 17 @@@



AMarch, 1964 AUSTRALIAN . PLANTS  SUPPLEMENT  LEGUMINOSAK Puage 185 Vol 2

The Gompholobiums of New South Wales

by Colin Burgess and Loretto Williams

The ecenus Gompholobivm is confined to Australia and consists ot twenty-four
species, eight of which have been desceribed from New South Wales, in addition
to one variety and one apparently undescribed variety or subspecies

The word Gompholobium is from the Greek: gomphos a bolt or nail, and
lobos a capsule or pod. It was bestowed upon the genus by Sir John Smith

in 1798 and reters to the inflated fruiting capsule which resembles the head
of a nail or bolt.

i
Colowr photouraphy bo Froanlo Hurley Diock by courtess ol dobn Sands Pty Lid
|

GOMPHOLOBIUM LATIFOLIUM



@@@ 18 @@@



Page 186»1\7()}_‘.72, AUSTRALIAN PILANTS SUPPLEMENT —LEGUMINOSAE

“(©)

Gompholobium latijolium
ta) Dissected corolla; (b) Calyx
(d)» Fruiting capsule.

with  corolla  removed; (¢) Other types of leaflets;

Gompholobiums are shrubs, varying from tall and erect to straggling or
prostrate and, in New South Wales, have either digitate leaves of up to seven
leaflets, or, as in G. pinnatum, true pinnate leaves. Seedlings and young plants

usually have simple leaves. the divided leaves appearing as the plant emerges
from its juvenile stage.

~ March, 1964



@@@ 19 @@@



March, 1964 ~AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS SUPPLEMENT —LEGUMINOSAE Page 187—Vol. 2.

The notable features of Gompholobium, which distinguish it from other
“pea bushes” are the calyx, which is deeply cleft into five lobes, dark-coloured
outside and whitish-tomentose within, and the large, inflated, almost globular
fruiting capsule, containing four or more seeds. Closely related is Burtonia,
with twelve species and reddish, yellow or bluish-purple flowers. One species
only is found in New South Wales. It has reddish-orange flowers. The fruiting
capsule of Burtonia contains two seeds, and this, apart from any other feature,
readily separates it from Gompholobium.

The following is a brief description ot the New South Wales species:-

1. G. latifolium (Latin: broad-leaved), described and named by Sir John
Smith in 1805.

A shrub, tall and erect, from 1 to 3 metres (3 to 10 feet) high. Near the
coast and in sheltered places it reaches its maximum height, drooping with
the weight of flowers in spring. At high altitudes (e.g. Blackheath, 3,500"), it
is shorter and compact.

The mature leaves are digitate with three leaflets, very variable in size and
shape, from rather broad to very narrow, flat or with recurved margins, the
apex obtuse or acute, cuneate or emarginate, paler on the underside. They
measure up to 57 cm. long and .8 cm. wide (2.2 x .3 inches).

The flowers are large and conspicuous, of a deep yellow colour,
the standard on luxuriant specimens measuring at times 3 cm. x 2.8 cm.
(1.2 x 1.1 inches) and usually with some dark, sooty-green markings on the
outside. The keel measures 18 x 1 ecm. (7 x 4 inches) and is sooty-bronze,
shading to almost white at the base with a conspicuous, white, ciliate margin.
The calyx lobes at times measure as much as 1.7 cm. in length and .5 cm.
in breadth at the base (.65 x .2 inches). They are black to bronze green on
the outside, with whitish tomentum on the inside. The pedicels vary in colour
from black to green and are up to 1.3 cm. (.5 inch) long — measured only to
the pair of small bracts, the rest of the ‘“stem” forming the peduncle.

The fruiting capsule is usually dark green, inflated, oblong, often 2 ecm. (.8
inch) long, containing 12 or more pale seeds.

The flowering season varies from August near the coast, to November-
December in colder mountain localities.

The range of this species extends throughout the coast and nearby mountains,
into Queensland and Victoria but it does not appear to descend the slopes
westward and it has a distinct preference for sandstone country. A selection
of localities from which specimens have been observed in the field, collected
and, in some cases, grown, are as follows:- Hornsby-Hawkesbury River;
Hornsby-Galston; Hawkesbury River-Gosford; Colo Heights-Howe’s Valley; Moris-
set; Limeburner's Cheek; Kulnura; Seal Rocks; Coopernook; Boundary Creek
(36 miles ENE of Glen Innes); Kurrajong-Bell; Mt. Wilson; Lapstone Hill-
Blackheath; Tahmoor-Mitlagong; Thirlmere-Hill Top. Altitudes vary from near
sea-level at Coopernook and Seal Rocks to 3,000-3,500° at Boundary Creek
and Blackheath.

2. G. huegelii — so named by Bentham. in honour of Baron Huegel,
distinguished Viennese botanist, when the description of the species was
published in 1837.

It is a small shrub, often virgate, inconspicuous except when flowering,
rarely exceeding 1 metre (3 feet) in height.

The mature leaves are digitate, with three leaflets, usually grey-green in
colour, rarely deep green, narrow, variable in size, minutely pointed and with
recurved margins. The leaflets sometimes reach a length of 2.5 em. (1 inch),
but are commonly much shorter, and a breadth of .3 cm. (.1 inch) as a
maximum would be rare.

The flowers are coloured bright yellow, the standard measuring up to
24 cm. (95 inch) long and 3.4 cm. (1.3 inch) broad, marked with sooty or
dark shadings on the outside. The keel measures up to 15 cm. (.6 inch)
long and .8 em. (.3 inch) at the broadest part. It is coloured greenish-yellow
or even dark yellow to brown, with dark shadings and becoming paler at the
base. The margin has a distinct, light, ciliate fringe. The calyx is black to
very dark green, the lobes measuring up to 1.5 x 05 c¢m. (6 x .2 inches), the
inner side covered with a pale tomentum. The pedicel measures up to 1.7
cm. (.65 inch) long and, with the addition of the peduncle, the “stalk” may
appear to be as long as 3 cm. (1.2 inch).



@@@ 20 @@@



Page 188—Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT -LEGUMINOSAE WM:*lrQ];l_{)(;l

The fruiting capsule is dark green, inflated, measuring up to 15 x 1 cm.
(6 x 4 inches) and contains 12 or more seeds.

The flowering season is usually November-December.

This is an exceptionally attractive species, the large and showy flowers, on
long “stems”, with the background of grey-green leaves at once catch the eye.
For the most part it is an inhabitant of the mountains and tablelands,
from the Queensland border throughout New South Wales into Victoria
and Tasmania. A selection of localities where it has been studied or collected by
one, or both, of us is as follows:- Clarence (head of Dargan’s Creek); Blackheath
(Hat Hill); Megalong Valley, Kanimbla Valley; Kanangra Tops; Paddy’s River
(north-east of Marulan); Mt, Jerrabomberra; the Brindabella Range (A.C.T.
and near Nerriga (Pigeon House Range, N.S.W.)

“‘”‘W" ?W £ 3

W

. A i
; » . i I r ol aigs,
Yhoto:  Loretto  Williams GOMPHOLoBluM GRANDIFLORUM

My

3. G. grandiflorum (Latin: with very large flowers) was so named by Sir
John Smith in the description published in 1804.

A robust shrub, often exceeding 1 metre (3 feet) in height, but shorter
and more bushy at high altitudes.

The mature leaves are digitate with three leaflets, very narrow, measuring
from .05 c¢m. to .2 em. (up to .1 inch) in width and up to 3 c¢m. (1.2 inches)
or more in length, the margins revolute, the apex ending in a sharp point.



@@@ 21 @@@



March, 1964 AUNTRALIAN S PLANTS  SUDNPLEMENT  LEGUMINOSAR Page 189 Vol 2

The flowers are dark vellow, the standard measuring up to 1.5 om. x
1.5 em. o6 inchy with some dark shading on the outer side. The keel may
be 1.2 em. long and 5 em wide ¢ 5 x 2 inches), and is dark coloured shading
1o vellowish at the pase, the margin almost glabrous. The calyx lobes are
black or bronze, pale and somewhat tomentose within and may reach a length
of T ¢m. and breadth ot 5 cm. 4 x 2 inchesy The pedicel s up to 7 eni
025 inchr long

The fruiting capsule is dark colourcd and mtlated, measurine up 1o 1.5 en
t6 inch) long and containing a varlable number ol seeds from 6 to wver 12

The flowering sceason 1s September-October.

This brilliant Gompholobium has a limited area of distribution but is
common within the area. So far as is known, it extends from the Gosford
district to Jervis Bay and inland to the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands

. . . L+ g 7

%

'/

Plsaer B bl GOMPHOLOBIUM VIRGATUM var. ASPALATHOIDES
A selection of localities trom which 1t has been studied in the field, collected
and grown from i~ as follows: Calga cabout 10 miles south of - Gostordo:
Hawkesbury  River-Hornsby: Hornsby-Galstan Gorge:  Glenorie Wiseman's - Ferry:
Annangrove: Wilbertorce-Colo TTeiehts: Kulnura: Blaxland: Silverdale: Thirlmere:
Kine's Tablelund: Wentworth  Ifalls: Mount  Blackheath

Bargo; Burragorang;
the form

Specimens from the higher altitudes were mostly, but not alwavs, of
with  extremely narrow  leallets

1o Glovirgatume cLauins twigeyy The nome was
published 1 De Candolle’s Prodromus 1 1 162)

boestowed by Sweber, whose

cdescription ot the shrubowas



@@@ 22 @@@



Page 190—Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT—LEGUMINOSAE March, 1964

There are two varieties — one apparently confined to the coast whilst the other
is found further inland.

Variety virgatum is a small shrub, about 1 metre (3 feet) high, of a bushy
and much branched habit.

The mature leaves are digitate, with three leaflets, averaging about 2 cm.
(.8 inch) in length, but frequently shorter or longer — up to 3 cm. (1.2 inches)
—and .2 em. (.1 inch) wide at the widest part. They are broader towards the
apex, with recurved margins, the apex obtuse, sometimes with a small, blunt,
hooked point.

The flowers are yellow, the standard shaded with sooty markings on the
outside, 1.3 ecm. long and 1 em. broad (5 x .4 inches). The Kkeel measures
I em. x 5 em. (4 x 2 inches) and is almost glabrous, dark coloured at the
margin, shading to pale yellow at the base. The calyx lobes measure up to .8
em. x .2 em. (.3 x 1 inches) and are black or brownish green, with the inner side
pale and somewhat tomentose. The pedicels measure about 1 cm. (4 inch)
in length.

The fruaiting capsule, when mature, is dark brown, about .8 cm. (.3 inch)
long and contains up to § seeds.

The range of this variety is limited to the coastal districts from Queensland
to Syvdney. Specimens have been studied in the field and collected from near

Diamond Tead; near Seal Rocks; and at Bungwahl, flowering in August and
September.

////
Gomphololium  grandiflorum Gompholobium  Luegelil
5. G. virgatum variety aspalathoides (aspalathoides — from the Greek,

meaning “‘resembling the Aspalathus,” a heath-like plant, with “pea flowers”).
The name and description were published by Bentham, after Cunningham, in
1864.

This varicty sometimes reaches a height of 2 to 2': metres (say 6 to 8 feet)



@@@ 23 @@@



March, 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT -LEGUMINOSAE  Page 191—Vol. 2.

Gompholobz:um virgatum Gompholobium virgatum
var. virgatum var. aspalathoides

eg. at Owen’s Gap, and is readily distinguished by the leaflets, which are very
narrow, with revolute margins, appearing only .1 cm. broad. They are consistently
shorter than those of var. virgatum — 1 cm. to 1.5 cm. (4 to .6 inches) —
and are of a darker green colour. var. aspalathoides appears to produce more flowers
than var. virgatum.

The range extends along the Western Slopes, chiefly in the north and central
parts, and the inland parts of the Central Coast. The variety has been observed
in the field and collected from Sandy Hollow; Owen’s Gap, 9 miles west of
Scone; and on the rocky hillsides along the Windsor-Singleton Road from 60
miles south of Singleton to within 20 miles south of Singleton-Wallaby Swamp,
Kangaroo Holes, Long Weeney Creek, Putty (2 miles east of the Post Office),
Howe'’s Mountain, and Darkey Creek, flowering from August to October.

6. G. minus (Latin: less — in comparison to other species known at the
time it was small). The name was published by Sir John Smith in 1805.

It is usually a small to very small shrub, decumbent or ascending, rarely
erect, but occasionally reaching a height of one metre (about 3 feet).
Tre stems are covered with short hairs and in some specimens (e.g. from
Blexland’s Ridge) the whole shrub may be noticeably hairy.

The leaves are digitate, with three leaflets, usually coloured bright green.
The leaflets rarely exceed 1 cm. in length (4 inch) except in young vigorous
egrovsth, and are very narrow, with recurved margins and a pointed, often
recuvrved, but not pungent apex.

The flowers are brilliant yellow, those on some shrubs lacking the usual
sooty markings, or almost so. They are arranged terminally on pedicels which
may be as long as 2 cm. (.8 inch) or, on the other hand, be very short. The
standard measures up to 1.5 cm. long by 1.3 em. broad (.6 x .5 inches). Most
specimers have a variable amount of sooty shading on the outer side, but in
some (c 9. from Paddy’s River, north-east of Marulan) it is almost entirely
absent. The keel is almost glabrous and measures up to 9 x 5 cm. (35 x 2



@@@ 24 @@@



Page 192—Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT-LEGUMINOSAE - March, 1964

inches), darker coloured at the broadest part and shading to lighter at the
bhase. The calyx lobes, dark green, may measure up to 1 cm. x 3 cm. (4 x .1
inches). In the unopened buds the lobes make a ridge at their junction. This
is a clear guide in determining the species and we have noticed it in no other
with the exception of some specimens of G. latifolium collected at Manning
River National Forest No. 1, but it was, even in that limited area, not a consistent
feature of G. latifolium, occurring only in a small percentage of buds on individual
shrubs.

The fruiting capsule, of a dark green colour, measures up to 1 cm. (.4 inch)
long and bears about 12 or more seeds.

Late October to November is the usual flowering season.

The range of this species is along the Central Coast from about Maitland
to a little south of Sydney, and inland to the Central and Southern Highlands
and probably the Southern Alps. We have collected and studied it in many
places, of which the following is a good ‘“cross section’”:- Parramatta (North
Rocks); Londonderry ¢ 6 miles due north of Penrith); Blaxland's Ridge (north
of Windsor); Woodford (Blue Mountains); Thirlmere; Tahmoor to Mittagong;
Mount Bullio; Paddy’'s River (Berrima-Marulan); Wingello; Sassafras (Pigeon
House Range); Howe's Mountain.

Gompholobium minus Gompholobium wuncinatum

7. G. uncinatum (Latin: barbed or hooked, referring to the apex of the
leaflets) received its name from Cunningham, whose description of the species
was published by Bentham in 1838.

It is a small, low-growing shrub, diffuse or decumbent in habit, rarely bushy,
often forming small “mats”, but, so far as we know, having one root system and
not rooting at the nodes. The stems are reddish-brown, becoming grey-brown as
they age, and are slightly hairy.

The mature leaves are digitate, with three leaflets, measuring up to 8 cm.



@@@ 25 @@@



sarch, 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT LEGUMINOSAE Page 193—Vol. 2.

long and .1 c¢m. broad (.3 x less than .1 inches), but appearing even narrower
because of the recurved margins. The apex is usually a little wider than the
rest of the leaflet and bears a small, dull, recurved or sometimes hooked point.
The leaves are numerous and crowded and vary in colour from dark to light
bluish or slaty green. On occasional shrubs they are slightly glaucescent in
appearance.

The flowers also are numerous and bright, varying from scarlet to brick-red
with a darker keel. The standard measures up to 1 ecm. (4 inch) long and 1.2
cm. (.5 inch) broad and has a clear, yellowish blotch .3 ecm. x 2 em. (.1 x less
than .1 inches) at the base. The keel measures up to 6 cm. x .3 cm. (.2 x .1
inches), is dark red, shading to whitish-green at the base and is almost
glabrous. The dark green calyx lobes measure 6 cm. x .3 cm. (2 x .1 inches),
and the pedicel may be 4 cm. (.15 inch) long.

The fruiting capsule is usually dark green, inflated, and up to 1 em. (.4 inch)
Jong.

The flowering season is November-December.

This Gompholobium is the only one in New South Wales which has red
flowers when fresh. Many of the yellow coloured Gompholobiums dry to a
reddish colour after being pressed and kept for some time in the herbarium,
but this species is red in the field. With its background of dark, dull leaves it
is a striking sight on wooded hillsides or in open forest. It seems to have a
preference for sandstone soils or those or granitic origin and is found usually
in open forest of the dry sclerophyll type.

The range of the species is from the North to Central Tablelands and
North Western and Ceantral Western Slopes, but there are two rather old
coastal records — St. Marys (1887) and Bulahdelah (1914). Recently we saw
specimens collected in Victoria which seemed identical with the New South
Wales material. Localities from which one or both of us have collected the
species, examined it in the field and at times obtained small plants which grew
readily are:- Granitic hillsides above Bowen’s Creek (a tributary of the Cox River, in
the vicinity of Wentworth’s Sugarloaf); Clarence-Lithgow; Blackheath; Wallera-
wang; Munghorn and between Kandos and Rylstone.

8. G. “Obscuratum™ (Latin: shaded, concealed, suppressed-literally: obscure,
unknown, indistinct) — provisional name only.

This, we believe, is an undescribed Gompholobium, and the name is given,

n  G. glabratum
low-growing | i. A small, low-growing

uncinatum [ G.
small,

~ G. “obscuratum” | B G.
i. A very small prostrate 'i. A

or straggling shrub. shrub, diffuse, decum- ' shrub, decumbent, as-
bent, rather dense, not = cending, slender, rarely
strageling. 30-50 em. (12-16 inches)
‘ high.
ii. Leaflets 3. ii. Leaflets 3. | ii. Leaflets usually 5, oc-
’ i casionally 7, very rarely
3.

ili. Leatlets pale green.

¢laucescent.,

ai

iv. Leaves not crowded. ' iv. Leaves crowded,
Leaflets similar [
and form to G. |

atum.

in size to .8 cm. long, margins
uncin- recurved, apex hooked.
numerous.

iii. Leaflets deep green or ! iii. Leallets pale greenf

"iv. Leaflets up to 1.7 cm.

long, narrow, sometimes
thread-like; or up to
.1 em. broad, margins
recurved, apex blunt;
leaves not crowded.

v. Flowers pale yellow, ' v. Flowers red, numerous, ' v. Flowers yellow, termin-
few, small, inconspicu- = conspicuous. - al, not numerous, often
ous. ! " larger than either of

| ' the foregoing.

vi. Flowering season — 'vi. Flowering season — ' vi. Flowering secason —

August-September. i November-December July-September.

vii. Parts of corolla fre- | vii. Parts of corolla not | vii. Parts of corolla not
quently  adhering to ! frequently adhering to ' frequently adhering to
maturing  fruit. " maturing fruit. I maturine fruit.



@@@ 26 @@@



Page 194-Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SUPPLEMENT —LEGUMINOSAE March, 1964

provisionally, only because in an article of this kind the shrub must be called
something. It may be a species, a variety, or, perhaps, a sub-species. Its
affinities appear to be with G. uncinatum rather than with . glabratum. Three
of the four places in which it has been collected are disjunct and there appears
to be no gradation between it and either of the two species named. It was
first observed by onc of us (Williams) at Blaxland’s Ridge, above Robert's Creek,
about 11 miles from Windsor on the road to Singleton.

The table on preceding page compares its main characters to those ol G.
uncinatum and G. glabratum:-

ine points may be summarised thus:—

(. “obscuratum” differs from G. glabratum in its consistently three-fold,
digitate leaves. In the same locality it begins to flower later than G. glabratum.
It approaches €. glabratum in the flower colour, although, in all specimens
seen, the colour was extremely pale.

It differs from G. uncinatum in the colour and relative sparseness of the
leaves, and in the colour and paucity of its flowers. In contiguous areas it
begins to flower two to three months earlier than G. uncinatum. It approaches
G. uncinatum in having leaves which are digitately three-fold — both seem quite
consistent in this respect.

This  Gompholobium needs further investigation and the writers would
welcome  any  information about it. The following list includes all localities
in which one or hoth of us have observed and collected it:- Blaxland’s Ridge, Colo
Heights, Tinda Creek (near Putty), Kanimbla Valley, Governor's Hill (north
of Goulburn) and more recently at Howe's Valley, Lower Portland and Marulan.

“obscuratum’™ G. glabratum G. pinnatum

9. G. glabratum  (Latin: smooth, bald; perhaps so named because of its
almost hairless branchlets and stems as compared to the sometimes very
“hairy” small species G. minus). The name was given by Sieber and published,
with the description, in De Candolle’s Prodromus in 1825.

It is a low, virgate shrub, usually with slender stems, decumbent or ascending,
occasionally to 50 cm. (20 inches) with support, rarely erect.

The leaves are digitate when mature, with 3 to 7 leaflets (ie. 1 to 3 pairs,
with a terminal leaflet), the usual number being 5. The leaflets are pale green
and dull, up to 1.7 em. (65 inch) Jong and very narrow — almost thread-like —



@@@ 27 @@@



March, 1964 ATISTRALIAN  PLANTS SUPPLEMENT —LEGUMINOSAE  Page 195—Vol. 2.

to .1 em. wide, with recurved margins and a blunt apex. Some specimens (e.g.
in the Bargo-Tahmoor district) have very narrow leaflets which tend to a
pinnate arrangement, with a common petiole a little longer than the short
petiole usually found in the species. The leaves are more distantly arranged
than those of G. uncinatum and have a tendency to fall off, giving a sparse-
leaved impression.

The flowers are borne in terminal heads, few-flowered, and are bright yellow
or greenish-yellow when fresh, with conspicuous sooty markings. The standard
measures up to 1.2 em. long by 1.5 em. broad (.5 x .6 inches), and is yellow
with dark markings on the outside. The Kkeel is black, shading to yellow &t
the base, and measures up to .9 cm. x .5 cm. (.35 x .2 inches). It is almost
glabrous. The calyx lobes and pedicel are dark, sooty-green, the lobes measuring
up to 4 x .8 em. (.15 x .3 inches) and the pedicel up to 1 cm. (4 inch) long.

The dark-coloured fruiting capsule, inflated, may reach a length of 1 cm.
(.4 inch) and bears 8 to 12 seeds.

The flowering season is early spring — commencing sometimes in July near the
coast, to September-October in higher, colder country.

The range of the species is from about Port Stephens to Nowra on the
coast, and inland to the Central and Southern Highlands. It is common on
sandstone. A selection of areas from which it has been collected and in which
it has been studied is:- Wyee; Calga; Hornsby; Terrey Hills; Beecroft; Gladesville;
Loftus; Enecadine: Watertall; Bundanoon; Mittagong: Hill Top; Bargo, Blaxland's
Ridge (north of Windsor); Woodford; Wentworth Falls; Mount Hay Road (6 miles
east of Leura); Blackheath; Clarence-Lithgow.

10, G. pinnatum (Latin: pinna — a feather — referring to the pinnate
leaves). Sir John Smith’s description of the shrub was published in 1805.

This Gompholobium is small and straggling, occasionally ascending or erect,
and is often found in damp or grassy situations.

The mature leaves are green and pinnate, with leaflets numbering up to thirty
or more. The leaflets are about 1 cm. (4 inch) long, usually narrow, with
recurved margins and terminating in a short point.

The flowers are yellow, frecuently with a reddish spot at the base of the
standard, which has darker, sooty markings on the outside. The standard
measures up to 1 em. x 1 em. (4 x 4 inches). The keel is dark coloured, shading
%) pale at the base and measures up to .6 em. x 3 cm. (2 x .1 inches).
Tt is almost glabrous. The calvx lobes. of the usual bronze colour, may reach .6
¢m. in leneth and .2 em. in breadth at the base (.2 x .1 inches), and are pale
and somewhat tomentose on the inner side. Pedicels up to 1 em. (4 inches) long
have been measured but they are often shorter.

The tvpical dark green fruiting capsule may at times be as long as 1 cm.
(4 inches) and contains about eioht seeds.

The flowering season is October-December.

This shy little shrub is not well known and is sometimes hard to find,
excent when in flower. Its range is from Queensland, down the coast of New
South Wales to near Sydnev. with an isolated occurrence around Nowra. It
is not regarded as a highland species, but one of us (Burgess) collected it in
bloom in November, 1942, at Woodford, on the Blue Mountains, at an altitude
of about 1.900°. The following is a selection of localities in which the species
has been studied. collected or erown from: Woolgoolga; Kendall; John’s River;
Nabiac: Strovd: Limeburner's Creek (north of Raymond Terrace); Colo Heights;
Blaxland’s  Ridge (above Roberts’ Creek. about 11 miles from Windsor);
Londonderry (6 miles in a direct line north of Penrith); and Woodford.

GOMPHOLOBIUMS IN OTHER EASTERN STATES

In order to complete the list of Gompholobiums in the Eastern States,
the following notes are appended:—

In Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania there are, apparently, no species
or varieties described other than those recorded from New South Wales and
stated to extend to these states. Some New South Wales species are mentioned
s extending to Queensland. and, in addition, one species and one variety occur
in Quecnsland and are confined to that state. They are:—

1. («. nitidum (Latin: Bright, shining—a reference to the leaves) which
received its name from Solander in the earliest days of Australia’s discovery,
and specimens of which are found in the herbarium of Sir Joseph Banks. It
is 4 smooth, much-branched shrub.



@@@ 28 @@@



Page 196—Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS SUPPLEMENT—LEGUMINOSAE March, 1964

The leaves are pinnate, with seven to eleven leaflets. The leaflets are opiong
to cuneate or obovate in shape, with the apex emarginate, and measure up to
1.3 em. in length. The upper surface is dark green and shining and the lower
surface glaucescent.

The flowers are terminal and solitary on very short pedicels and are
coloured yellow. The keel is not ciliate and the rather thick calyx lobes are
about 1 cm. long.

The fruiting capsule is less than 1 c¢m. long and bears four ovules.

The species is recorded from the Endeavour River, but no doubt occurs
in other districts.

2. G. virgatum Sieb. e¢x DC. var. emarginatum Bailey. (The varietal epithet
“emarginatum’ is a reference to the emarginate—notched -leatlets).

This variety is described by Bailey as similar in other respects to . virgatum
var. virgatum except that the leaflets are somewhat larger and broader and have
an emarginate apex.

References: The Queensland Flora, Bailey, 1900. Comprehensive Catalogue of
Queensland Plants, Bailey, 1909,

GOMPHOLOBIUM FROM SEED
Loretto Williams

Seed of four species of Gompholobium were included in a germination
test with the following result: Gompholobium grandiflorum—100% success;
G. latifolium—50% success; G. obscuratum—100% success; G. pinnatum—
50% success. These figures are approximate.

All seeds were covered with boiling water and left overnight. They were
planted in sandy bush soil and left in a place where they get full sun
from early morning to about 3.00 p.m. Although they were watered
frequently drying out did occur without any ill effects.

Germination took approximatiely six weeks in all cases and growth
was rapid after this.

NATIVE PLANT5 FROM SEED—A no‘e from B. D. Blomfield, Woy Woy, N.S.W.

I have found ‘'Root-o-Pots’”’ (ccmpressed peat moss) a splendid help in  raising
seeds using the bush soil here, which is very sandy. | place a couple of seeds in each
pot and stand the pots in groups on terracotta drip trays used normally with clay pots.
These trays are filled with water and the whole lot carefully slid into large plastic bags.
After about 10 days out on the tank stand where they receive full sun for 4 hours each
day, the seedlings are usvally through.

When the seedlings are high, the pcat moss pots are planted direct into the garden
and a plastic bag and bracken fern kept overhead until well established.

I have used this method successfully with seed of Eucalyptus ficifolia, E. macrocarpa,
E. erythrocorys, E. kruseana, Leschenaultia biloba and Sturt Pea.

BOOK REVIEW
BLUE MOUNTAIN GUMS --by Colin Burgess
This small booklet of 68 puages gives the layman and bush walker o simple guide to
the 45 species of Eucalypts and Angophoras of the Blue Mountains arca of N.S.W. Line
drawings of the buds and fruits of all the species give positive identification. This booklet
will be of special value to all bush walkers in the Sydney-Blue Mountains area. Price 10

THE LANGUAGE OF BOTANY . . . E : » . . 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 terms for reference by the amateur or student botanist. Originally intended
for our laymen readers, it is now being accepted as a reference book for University Students.

AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS % . 3 % s 2 . . Bound Volume 1

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/-
postage. With 350 pages, 75 line sketches and 45 full colour plates, it is exceptional value. It will
be permanently out of print and become very valuable when stocks are sold.

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS g . 5 5 . . . . . Past Issues

Copies of past issues 1-8 are available as individual copies at 4/-, plus 5d postage.
Issues 9, 10, 11 and 12 are permanently out of print. Issues No. 13 onward are 3/-, plus 5d postage.
FOLDIER FOR BINDING YOUR COPIES OF AUSTRALIAN PLANTS . Priced 127 incl. postage

You will need a folder to bind vour copies of Australiun Plants. Produced in cold-lettered
green plastic-covered stiff board with casily removed but concealed strong fixing screws, it
resembles a4 bound book on your pockshelf. It is exceptional value at this cost price. You may
need two-—-one for Volume 1 and one for the present Volume 2 .



@@@ 29 @@@



Murch, 1964 AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS MYRTACEAE Page 197--Vol. 2.

THE GENUS MELALEUCA

The series continued by C. N. Debenham

THE BLACK TEA TREE GROUP

In this group we have brought together species sharing some of the
features of Melaleuca bracteata and M. pubescens, both popularly known
by the group name. The name refers to the somewhat sombre colour of
the bark — dark grey or brown, accentuated perhaps by a rough texture —
which contrasts with the smooth-textured, white or light-grey bark of the
paperbark group. A paperbark (M. linophylla) is included because of its
more probable affinity, a dwarf shrub (M. corrugata) also, more because
of a related habitat, but otherwise the key members are rough-barked large
shrubs or small trees with fecliage dull or ashy-green and forming a bushy,
spreading crown. Their predominant inflorescence is a somewhat loose
spike of white-coloured flowers which are formed towards the ends of
the branches. Their leaves are very closely-spaced and spirally-arranged,
narrow and pointed and rarely above 25 mm. in length.

With Darwin in the north, and Stroud (N.S.W.) in the south-east as
extreme foci, that tract of the continent east of a connecting arc provides
a fairly close approximation to the range of M. bracteata. Within this
tract, the bushy small tree is found on a variety of soils (perhaps favouring
the heavy loams) but is rarely far from the banks of water-courses or
water-fed sites. It reaches an occasional 50 ft. in height but more often is
found now at 15-20 ft., and flowers mainly from October to December.
It is possible that the tropical range of the species may be extended
westward to include the Kimberleys of Western Australia — some specimens
collected by Fitzgerald from this area require alignment with the species
or a very close ally.

The extent of this Black Tea Tree (throughout the coast, inland and
interior of the tropics and sub-tropics) is considerable enough, in fact
about one-third of the total continent, yet its botanic history as a distinct
taxon is relatively short. Mueller’s type plant came from the Moreton
Bay district of Queensland’s south-east coast as early as 1858 but Bentham
could see no difference in it from M. decora and M. lanceolata and included
them all under M. genistifolia. When Baker and Smith (1910) drew attention
to a unique feature of the plant, the combination persisted but, with the
uncovering of the nature of its essential oil, the need to distinguish it from
its allies was emphasized. Fortunately, by the time post-war overseas
interest was directed to the possibility of its establishment as a commercial
crop (e.g. by Kenya) it was much better known.

The interesting component of the heavier-than-water oil of M. bracteata
is methyl eugenol. This phenolic ether is of some significance in rather
diverse fields, e.g., perfumery (it has a carnation-like fragrance), the com-
pounding of pesticides and germicides, and during World War Il its
high refractive index was put to use in the manufacture of optical glass.
A valuable oil, certainly, but until the post-war period M. bracteata as a
commercial source had not been seriously considered. Its yield (from below,
to 1% with methyl eugenol content 60-90%) scarcely compares with that
from a former major source, Huon Pine. The steam-distilled sawdust and
wood-chips from this Tasmanian-confined Dacrydium (D. franklinii) yield



@@@ 30 @@@



Page 198—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS —MYRTACEAE March, 1964

from 4-6 per cent oil with a methyl eugenol content averaging 95 per
cent. However, Huon Pine no longer exists in commercial quantities.

In this age of chemo-synthesis, it remains to be seen whether the
Black Tea Tree will be exploited to an extent comparable with that provided
by Huon Pine. In common with other essential oil-bearing plants, chemical
variants are known. Two, have the methyl eugenol content of the oil
completely replaced by other phenolic-ethers. One yields methyl iso-eugenol,
the other elemicin, hence great care must be taken in the settling of sesd
provenance when methyl eugenol is the desired end-product. Observance over
a number of years of an experimental plot of the three chemical forms
(seed parents from the Warialda district of N.S.W.) at the Mussum’s
plantation (Castle Hill, on shale) impresses a point of horticultural interest.
The general hardiness and thrift of the plant to occasional long spells
of dry conditions and periods of frost indicate some potential as a hedge
or low wind-break for regions further south than the species’ natural
distribution. At the plantation the trees are at 6 ft. spacings and form an
unbroken, ground-reaching canopy. They were planted in 1952 and
progressed slowly for the first year, then reached quickly 8-10 ft. heights
at which they have been stabilized for some years. As a measure of
the adaptability of these plants, a river-side planting was made also at
National Park, Sydney, and flooding of the river brought silt to cover
completely the young seedlings — there was almost no loss. An additional
feature is their profuse and reliable blooming, of some consequence to
the bee-farmer concerned with sources of pollen.

The second Black Tea Tree has a very different range to that of
M. bracteata, for it is at home on the mallee sandhills, shallow soils over
limestone, and desert loams of southern temperate regions. An excellent
account of the species, M. pubescens, is given by J. H. Willis (Vic. Nat.
55(4): 76-84, 1948) under its aliernative local name “Moonah”. The com-
plexities of its nomenclature (e.g. its displacement of M. parviflora), distribution
and ecology are discussed in his article so that, here, it will suffice to say
that Moonah has an almost unbroken transcontinental range from at least
the Eucla district (W.A.) to the Wimmera and Mallee districts of Victoria,
with a disjunct appearance around Port Phillip Bay to Western Port.
A sporadic occurrence is apparent also along the south and west coast of
the south-west province (W.A.) and at Rottnest Is. (Hence “Rottnest Tea Tree’’).
Its particular prevalence is in the districts of Eyre and Flinders (including
Kangaroo Island) with a northern limit at Mt. Lyndhurst. South-eastwardly,
the West Victorian Highlands (e.g. the Grampians) provide an ecologic
barrier. Within this range, Willis notes that it “avoids mountainous areas
and evinces a preference for limestone formations at or derived from the
sea”. At least in the south, its predominant soil-type in N.S.W. is the sandy-
textured red brown earth, its main occurrence in this state being centred
around the Wyalong district, thence westward to the border south of
Broken Hill (e.a. the Lake Papilta area) and south to the Murray (e.g.
at Moama). Allan Cunningham is credited as the collector of the tyoe
material from an undisclosed point of the Lachlan district in May, 1817
/vide White, C. T., 1949). North of the Wyalong district there is a rapid
recession in the species’ present occurrence so that, from known records, a
hypothetical path must be followed from the Dubbo district to connect



@@@ 31 @@@



March, 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS MYRTACEAE Page IQQTVQI- 2;

its prevalence in the brigalow scrubs of the Darling Downs in south-east
Queensland.

Locally, Moonah is not always favourably regarded. Its spreading,
freely-suckering habit renders it at times a pest to the land clearer (e.g. in
the Darling Downs), but its ability to thrive under low rainfall conditions
suggests a use in soil reclamation for the inland. The main flowering time
is from November to March.

’é %4
\ 1 ettt
M preiscianal o

Close by the north-eastern extremity of the limestone-derived plateau
known as the Nullabor, and marking the southern limit of the Great Desert
formed by the Western Shield, lies Ooldea. Here, amid the sandhills,
M. pubescens is noted, finding sufficient moisture for its maintenance from
an annual 8-10 in. rainfall. About 300 miles further north, the granitic
bosses of the Musgrave Ranges arise from the Western Shield. From the
Ernabella Creek area Cleland (1933) gathered material of a dark and
rough-barked shrub with several features of M. pubescens, growing in
association with the paperbark M. glomerata. To this material Black gave
the name M. monticola and drew attention to an earlier collection made
by S. A. White (1914) from nearby Glen Ferdinand. Further material from
the Musgraves, on which is based Black’s M. corrugata, came from a
small shrub flowering at 3 ft. high. This was found on the summit of
Mt. Woodroffe, at an elevation of almost 5000 ft. Both species appear
as relics from a bygone age when perhaps prevalent populations of the
ancestors of M. pubescens abounded, before the northward uplifting and
tilting of the land around the Bight and the consequent formation of
decimating desert.

M pubescens

M. braoteats

Beyond the Musgraves in a north north-east direction (abzout 200 miles
in direct line) lies Alice Springs. Some 60 miles further north is Connor’s
Wells and here a large shrub resembling M. pubescens was discovered by
Mrs. B. A. Dale, honoured in the species name. Blakely cited an additional
specimen from Cloncurry (Q'land) which subsequently proved to be M.



@@@ 32 @@@



Page 200—Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS -MYRTACEAE March, 1964

bracteata. There is reason supporting an affinity with this species — ihe
location of M. daleana lies close to the southern limit of M. bracteata.

From scattered localities north-east of Alice (e.g. Pine Hill), north-east
towards the Gulf (e.g. near the source of the McArthur River) and (according
to Black, 1934) within the Musgraves, the paperbark M. linophylla is noted.
A close ally, M. discitiflora, again has an incomplete recording. Its iypz
locality is the Bonney Creek area south from Tennant’s Creek but Fitzgerald
noted its presence near the Hann River of the Kimberleys. His iree was
found on sandy loam, reached 30 ft. high, and had a bark “rough, greyish,
flaky”. As time progresses, it is likely that currently-active surveys of the
interior and the tropical north will provide some perspective to these species.
Their asscciation with our early history of exploration is intimate. Mueller
states the source of the type specimen for M. linophylla is north-west
Australia, from the 1861 expedition of Frank Gregory. The expedition
of the younger brother led through the arid north-west of W.A. just north
of the tropic and culminated in the discovery and naming of the rivers
Ashburton, Fortescue, De Grey and Oakover. An earlier expedition (1855-57)
of the Gregory brothers, led by Augustus, was accompanied by Mueller
as botanist. Following sea transport from Moreton Bay to the Victoria
River south of Darwin, the main course of the journey by land across the
continent brought them to the rivers Roper, McArthur, Nicholson, Gilbert,
Burdekin, and Dawson. From the expedition, botany was enriched with
detailed descriptions of almost 2,000 species, 800 of them previously unknown.
Bonney Creek was reached by J. McDouall Stuart on April 12th, 1861
during his second attempt to traverse the land between Sturt’s most northern
point and the Gulf. It was to be the following year, and on a fresh
expedition (again through Bonney Creek), before Stuart’s glimpse of the

M.dissitiflora ) )

M. Iinophqlln



@@@ 33 @@@



March, 1964 - AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 201—Vol. 2.

sea at Chamber’s Bay marked the first south to north crossing of the
continent.  Mueller quotes “between the Bonny and Mt. Morphett”
on the 1862 expedition of Stuart, and the presumption is made it
was on this epic journey that the collection of M. dissitiflora was made.
It is by extreme good fortune that Stuart and Waterhouse (naturalist in
charge of collections) survived an arduous return to Adelaide.

Note of appreciation: the writer is indebted to his friends of Western Australia
and Tasmania, to Dr. R. D. Royce (Perth) and Dr. B. Briggs (Sydney) for making available
material necessary for a work of this nature.

Fruit of M. preissiana was not available for the sketch appearing in the previous
part, but an abundance of fruiting material recently received has prompted the inclusion
of a further sketch showing this feature.

The sketch of M. dissitiflora is taken directly from a photograph of a type specimen
made available through the courtesy of the N.S.W. National Herbarium.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

A.21.11. Rough-barked small trees or large shrubs (excluding M. linophylla and M.
corrugata) of the dry or arid inland and interior with higher rainfall coastal occurrences
by M. bracteata and M. pubescens. Flowers near the ends of the branches, white or
cream-coloured, except in M. d tiflora forming spikes. Fruit (where known) not
retaining the hardened sepals. Leaves spirally-arranged, close together and in some almost
decussate, linear or narrowly lanceolate, above 25 mm. long only in M. linophylla and
M. dissitiflora. acuminate and often sharply so, narrowed at the base.

Leaf-length in range 15-35 mm., the leaves flat and usually erect. Stamens in bundles
ot 15-20 or more, the free filament-parts about the length of the claw. *

Leaf-length in range 5-15mm., the leaves frequently curved when flat, or concave
when erect. Stamens either in bundles of 8-15 and then the free filament-parts much
longer than the claw, or 20 or more and then the free filament-parts as long as the claw. wE

Leaves 1525 x 23 mm., narrowly lanceolate to linear, and 3-5 veined, sessile.
Floral shoots usually extended after formation of the spike. Receptacles rounded
at the base. Staminal claws relatively broad. Fruit ovoid to barrel-shaped, 2-3 dia.;
valves at rim-level, the orifice scarcely contracted.

A, G-A, B, B-H, B-C, CI, C. 61. M. bracteata F. Muell. (1858)

Leaves 15-35 x 1-2 mm., linear to narrowly lanceolate, 3-veined or only the mid-vein
prominent, petiolate. Floral shoots usually extended during the early development
of the flowers. Receptacles truncate at base. Staminal claws relatively narrow.

Flowers forming definite spikes. Fruit globular-urceolate, 3.4 mm. dia.; valves
sunk within the contracted neck-like orifice. Paperbark.

A, G (scattered and isolated) 62. M. linophylla F. Muell. (1862)

Flowers axillary and solitary, distantly placed, larger than those of M. linophylla.
Fruit not described. Roughbark?
F, G (restricted and isolated) 63. M. dissitiflora F. Muell. (1862)

#* Filaments 20 or more, the [ree parts about the length of the broad claw. ***
Filaments 8-15, the free parts much longer than the claw. HARS

< Leaves 58 x 1-2 mm., lanceolate, concave, sessile, with soft, spreading bairs,
1-veined. Flowers forming loose, almost leafless spikes 10-20 mm. long before
elongation of the shoot. Fruit not described.
G (restricted, south) 64. M. daleana Blakely (1941)

Leaves 5-15 x 1-2 mm., linear, concave, shortly petiolate, without hairs, 1-veined.
Flowers forming spikes 20-40 mm. long, the shoot produced concurrently.
Fruit flattened-globular, black, wrinkled, pitted, 7-10 mm. broad, the b5-angled
orifice much contracted.

J (restricted, north) 65. M. corrugata J. M. Black (1952)

Leaves 5-13 x 1.5-3 mm., flat and often recurved, obscurely 3-veined or venation
inconspicuous, with a close ashen down when young. Spikes loose, 30-70 mm.
long. Fruit 3-6 mm. dia., ovoid or globular, the orifice much contracted over the
deeply inserted valves.

E-K, K (south coast) 66. M. pubescens Schau. (1843)

D, C-I, E-H (south), E (restricted).

Leaves 4-10 x 1.5 mm., concave and erect, obscurely 3-5 veined.

Spikes very short, few-flowered. Fruit 23 mm. dia., cup-shaped, the orifice
not contracted. _

J (restricted, north) 67. M. monticola J. M. Black (1934)



@@@ 34 @@@



Pfige fl27\'0], 2 AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS—CENTRAL AUSTRALIA March, 1964
CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN PLANTS (Continued from page 1700

Eucalyptus pachyphylla (Redbud Mallee). This is the most attractive
mallee in Central Australia, having red buds about one inch across and
these burst into large creamy blossoms, the many-stemmed tree being
absolutely covered with flowers. Growing to 12 feet, and having dark
green foliage, this tree is worthy of a position in any garden. It could
be used in similar positions to the Blue Mallee, and planted alternatively
with it, it would make a most attractive divide or wind-break.

Eucalyptus gongylocarpa (Marble Gum). Whilst this tree usually is found
in “desert country” it is considered one worthwhile trying in cultivation. It
earns its common name through the appearance of the trunk markings
and colouring. Growing to 50 feet, it would make an attractive spscimen
tree. The trunk is white with small strips of brown bark shedding from it
giving it the marble appearance, the foliage is blue-grey in colour and
is most attractive. For those who admire the unusual, this is a tree well worth
trying.

Eucalyptus thozetiana is a most attractive eucalypt with its principal
beauty being the unusually marked and coloured trunk. It grows to 40
feet and the bark colouring range is brown, red, pink and grey to purplish,
and appears in strips giving a very attractive appearance. The leaves are
narrow and dark green, and the flowers small white.

ACACIA SPECIES

Acacia estrophiolata (Ironwood) is a large tree with pendulous foliage,
growing to 50 feet on the sandy loam areas. The bark is very thick and
rough towards the base of the trunk, and is grey in colour. The head of
the tree is usually a very wide spreading one, making it a most graceful
shade tree.

Acacia murrayana is the most brilliant golden wattle in Central Australia,
having fairly long phyllodes and large sprays of bright golden blossoms
in spring time. It grows to 15 feet and in the garden can be pruned after
flowering.

Acacia victoriae varies in colour from creamy to light yellow and is one
of the most attractive available. At early springtime this wattle is a profusion
of attractive blossom, which almost hides all foliage. This wattle grows
to 20 feet and is frequently used in gardens.

Entering Alice Springs from the south, the traveller passes through
a natural stand of A. murrayana and A. victoriae, and in early springtime
this is a most impressive sight with both acacias in full blossom.

Acacia aneura (Mulga), under cultivaton is a most attractive wattle,
blooming frequently after rains, but not necessarily each spring. It usually
has quite a profusion of blossom. Growing to 20 feet, it would make a very
attractive specimen tree.

Acacia strongylophylla is a wattle growing to 10 feet high with pungent
tipped leaves and stipular nhorns, and large golden blossom. This is a very
attractive species and would be most rewarding when it is in blossom.

Acacia kempeana (Witchetty Bush) usually forms a neat bush to 10 feet
high having fairly thick foliage, and spikes of golden blossom. The foliage
appears fresh green when this wattle gets regular waterings. It is a
very attractive wattle and could be well used in wind breaks or similar
positions. It is also lime-tolerant.



@@@ 35 @@@



aiarch, 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS QUEENSLAND Puage 2()37«\'01. Q_v

PROTEACEOUS SPECIES

Grevillea juncifolia grows to 12 feet high, and is a most outstanding
member of the Profeaceae. The foliage is very narrow, the inflorescences
are vyellow to orange and are borne in profusion making it a really
spectacular sight.

Grevillea wickhamii (Hollyleaf Grevillea), a shrub to 10 feet high
with leaves very similar to “Holly”, and lovely red spidery flowers. Roth

this species and G. juncifolia are worth consideration for the garden, as they
are extremely showy.

Hakea divaricata (Spiny Leaf Corkwood), growing to 15 feet, bark dark
grey, corky, trunk twisted and gnarled. The inflorescences are creamy yellow,
and hang in clusters, and the foliage strikingly unusual, being terete and
divaricate. It makes a very attractive small specimen tree.

Hakea suberea (Longleaf Corkwood), very much like H. divaricata in
trunk, inflorescences and growth habits etc., but the foliage differs in that the

leaves are long, rigid, pungent, hoary, and finally glabrous. This makes an
attractive small specimen tree.

Hakea leucoptera (Needleleaf Hakea) grows to 12 feet high, has pungent
terete leaves with a mass of white flowers in springtime.

TREES FOR QUEENSLAND (Continued from page 170)
A. LOW TREES OR SHRUBS TO 20ft.
Ligustrum lucidum — Tree Privet.
Callistemon viminalis — Red Bottle Brush.
Eucalyptus landowneana — Crimson Mallee Box.
B. MEDIUM-SIZED TREES — 20ft. to 50ft.
(i) Evergreen
Acacia pendula — Weeping Myall,
Acacia homalophylla — Yarran.
Eucalyptus orgadophila — Mountain Coolibah.
Eucalyptus pilligaensis — Molly Box.
Eucalyptus melliodora — Yellow Box.
Lagunaria patersoni — Norfolk Island Hibiscus.
Acacia harpophylla — Brigalow.
Acacia stenophylla — Fragrant Myall.
(1i) Deciduous '(not natives)
Celtis sinensis — Chinese Celtis.
Fraxinus oxycarpa — Desert Ash.
C. LARGE TREES — OVER 50ft.
Casvarina cunninghamiana — River Oak.
Eucalyptus sideroxylon — Mugga lronbark (W)
Eucalyptus hemiphloia — Grey Box (W)
Eucalyptus camaldulensis — River Red Gum (W)
Eucalyptus microcarpa — Green-leaved Box (W)
Eucalyptus ochrophloia — Napunyah (W)
Casvarina cristata — Belah.
Brachychiton populifolia — Kurrajong.
Eucalyptus polulifolia - Poplar Box.
Eucalyptus nubilis — Blue-lecaf Ironbark.

in addition to the larger shade and windbreak plantings, ornamental
and garden plantings are of value in enhancing the beauty of property or
homestead. With this in mind the following highly ornamental species are
recommended as supplementary to those listed above. Generally they are only
satisfactory for garden plantings where some measure of added proteciion
and care can be given.

A. FROST SUSCEPTIBLE SPECIES — NEED EARLY PROTECTION
(i) Producing abundant, and attractive flowers.
Bauvhinia hookeri — Pegunny. Eucalyptus grossa — Coarsc-flowered Mallee.
Grevillea robusta — Silky Oak. Eucalyptus caesia — (?,.ungurru. ,
Fucalyptus torquata — Coral Gum. Eucalyptus woedwardii — Wocdward’'s Blackbutt.
o (?e'i‘;:rr: parviflora — Wilga. Eucalyptus citriodora — Lemon-scented Gum.
B. OTHER FLOWERING SPECIES — GENERALLY SUITABLE.
Fucalyptus sideroxylon — Mugga lronbark.
Melia dubiit — White Cedar.
Fucalyptus lansdowneana — Crimson Mallee Box.

lagunaria patersoni — Norfolk Island Hibiscus.



@@@ 36 @@@



Page 204 Vol 2. AUSTRALIAN TLANTS  NURNSFERYMEN Mareh,  1n6d

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.S.W. 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. I. 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.5.W. At nursery only.

Echberg’s, G. A. & K. M., Nursery—Braeside, Highett & Moorabbin, Victoria.

Greenbriar Drive-in Nursery—55 Britnells Rd., Briar Hill, Victoria. Large & varied selection native plants.
Mcleod, F. C. J.—Warrien Rd., Croydon, Victoria—Quality Plants.

Narrabeen Nursery, 1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen Nth., N.SW. 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 weekonds,

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

Wyalandra Nursery—47 Jacana Grove, Heathcote. Wildflowers of Heathcote area.

BELBRA NURSERY NARRABEEN NURSERY

In the Heart of the Grampians 74 AUSTRALIAN NATIVES

LARGE RANGE OF 1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen
AUSTRALIAN NATIVES Nth., NSW. — XX 2604
Inquiries: Box 12, HALL'S GAP OPEN EVERY DAY
Sonectalist in plants tor sei voast
NATIVE PLANTS — TULLAMARINE PLANT FARM
S Sbarps Road, Tullamarine
USUAL & UNUSUAL e G
F. C. J. McLEOD I mile north ot AMelbourne  Airport

Oper Weeliends . Closed  Mondays

Wild!
dflower Nursery — SHRUBS, TREES, PERENNIALS —
WARRIEN ROAD, CROYDON, VIC. Native & exotie, popular & rare

More than 300 Species . . .

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

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

FORESTRY CONMMISSION

OF N.S.W.

44 Margaret Street, Sydney. Telephone: B 0236



@@@ 37 @@@



March, 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—NURSERYMEN Page 205—Vol. 2.

YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN

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

Free list on application. Special supplies of  West  Australiun  Seed.
Australian Seed C'o., Robertson, N.S.W. Bulk or packet lots, Stamped cnvelope brings lists
Western Wildlife Supply. Gilgandr N.S.W.—Bulk supplies of natives and exotic tree and

shrub  seed to the ImdeiSp(-(ml collections  to  order.

AMAROO NURSERY
86 LANG STREET, PADSTOW, N.S.W. PHONE 77-7342
Ctosed Wednesday
220 Varieties ol hardy native plants. Many are displayed in o garden sctting so
that you can sce how they grow. Send 1°3 for catalogue

DARGAN HILL NURSERY

18-24 Alimar Rd, Glen Waverley,
OVER 600 SPECIES GROWN

Drive-in Nursery
PLANTS

Greenbriar

Wiz, AUSTRALIAN NATIVE

Most Available Now in Plastic Pots. Large and Varied Selection.
CATALOGUE GUIDE 3/- POSTED BRITNELLS RD., BRIAR HILL, VIC.
ALL EASTERN STATES SUPPLIED 12 mile beyond Greenshorough

Telephone 560-8145

(Nursery Closed Sunday and Monday) Phone 43-1468. Open Weekends

PRESERVATION BY CULTIVATION ‘

I TLORALANDS |

! KARIONG, via GOSFORD, N.S.W.
A large variety of the most popular native plants at nursery

| PHONE: Gosford 21142

WYALANDRA NURSERY
47 JACANA GROVE, HEATHCOTE

Wildflowers of the Heathcote area

P. J. PARRY

King’s Park and Botanic
Garden, Perth, W.A.

1963 Seed List now published

(844 species listed) 1/6 post free
Seed — 3/- per packet
Wholesale rates on application.

In stock: Species of Boronia and
Eriostemon

NATIVE PLANTS i
101 HARDY VARIETIES ;
M
P. WYATT, "KANANOOK"’ H
38 Plummer Rd., Mentone, S.11 .
Victoria ;

WII.I.UNGA NURSERY
Native Trees and Shrubs
21 NELSON ST., THORNLEIGH

Closed most Saturdays

PHONE 84- 3709

G. A. & K. M. ECHBERGS
NURSERY
Lower Dandenong Road
Braeside. Tele.: 91-9438
Vs mile west of Springvale Road

THE HOME OF UNUSUAL
PLANTS

NATIVE AND EXOTIC

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS

3,000 varieties
Grown in the Open Plants dispatched
toall  States

Guide 4/
Boddy’s Eastern Park Nursery
32 Denman St Geelong, Victoria
iRel.q ‘7”18

DENOVAN S NURSERY

Catalogue and Planting

SR L i

Good Range of Native Plunts
available at Nursery
188 Marco Avenue, Panania, N.S.W.

Specialists 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



@@@ 38 @@@



Page 206—Vol. 2. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—YOUR SOCIETY March, 1964
THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS
"AUSTRALIAN PLANTS” IS AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL PRESERVATION JOURNAL
(A non-profit making venture, produced quarterly, dedicated to preservation by cultivation.)
. This journal is published by The Publishing Section on behalf of The Society for
Geawing Australian Plants and its member Societies as follows:
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, S.8, Q’land.
Secretary: Mr. P. Hamilton, Carnocola Street, Bardon, Brisbane.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS:
President: Mr. A. Wehster, 26 Avenue 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 GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CANBERRA REGION:
President: Mr. H. Jcnes, 5 Yallourn St., Fyshwick, Canberra, A.C.T,
Secretary: Mrs. T. A. Ovenstone, 20 Savige St., Campbell, A.C.T,
WEST AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWER GROWERS’' SOC. INCORPORATED:
President: Mrs. J. Hamersley, Great Eastern Hwy., East Guildford, West Australia.
Secretary: Mrs. G. Oxnam, 55 Phillip Road, Nedlands, 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.
Sec.: K. Coxhead. Dispatch: V. Hopkins, assisted by J. Birtles, N. Gane, C. Hubner, R. Greenaway,
with families. Stencils: R. Bartholomew. Illustrations: A. Spurway and E. Ham.
Advertising and Sales Representatives in each State: N.SW. P. D. leak; Qld., W. W. Kilgour;
A, G. Cornwell; 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.S.W.
SUBSCRIPTION—Members:  Your 1964 subscription is due shorlly. Why not pay early?
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 1V2 dollars.

NINDETHANA NURSERY

BOX 5, DRIPSTONE, N.S.W.
OVER 1000 SPECIES STOCKED
All Ausfralian natives with special supplies of plants and seed of West Australian species

TIE PIONEER NATIVE PLANT NURSERY

Catalogue — 4/- Posted

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typewriters, office machines and office furniture when you deal
from people interested in your needs.

Complete range of Namco and Olivetti Equipment.

Why not ask for a price list on these items.

Delivery anywhere in the Metropolitan area.

Surrey Beatty & Sons

RICKARD ROAD, CHIPPING NORTON

(at Milperra Bridge) 726522, 727404



@@@ 39 @@@



March, 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—RUTACEAE Page 207--Vol. 2.

Boronias Suitable for the Garden
by DON SANDS

Until careful selection of Boronias under garden conditions has been
carried out for some time the plants in this genus will maintain their reputation
of being difficult to grow. Most of them are very sensitive to poor drainage,
wind burn, extremes of temperatures and other climatic factors, but some
of the species are definitely easier to grow than others. Continual cultivation
of Western Australian species such as the Scented Brown Boronia (B. mega-
stigma), The Red Boronia (B. heterophyila) and the dwarf pink species with
blue behind the petals (B. tennis), has produced some garden subjects.

The Victorian Boronia muelleri, the eastern coastal B. thujona and B.
mollis all show very little resistance to taming. The first iwo mentioned
sometimes attain the dimensions of small trees while B. mollis will grow io
5ft. in a shady spot. These three like a rich sandy loam in a spot sheltered
from the wind and grow better when large shrubs offer them shade. These
have the typical masses of pink flowers somewhat similar to B. pinnata (see
Australian  Plants No. 10, P. 21) and except B. Mollis, have highly scented
flowers. Their leaves have an unusual scent, B. thujona having the peppermint-
like odour of the thujone in the leaves. B. moilis is very rich in Thioglycollic
acid and due to its objectionable odour is not suitable for picking.

Many years ago in a gully in the Naticnal Park near Sydney were
some hundreds of plants of B. thujona flowering in profusion and some
reaching the height of 15ft. wiith smooth trunks up to 6" in diameter.

Very little is known cbout the germination of seeds of Boronias, and
efforts by members of the Boronia Study Group have failed to find a method
for germination seeds of the Eastern Australian species. One exception is
Boronia polygalifolia whose seeds will germinate readily if sown while very
fresh. This little plant of sometimes 1ft. high makes a beautiful rockery or pot
plant and responds well to pruning. The small rounded pale pink to deep
red flowers may be seen at almost any time of the year and although not
seen in great profusion they occur in pairs all over a well trimmed plant.

A boronia that will withstand much less shelter from wind and sun is

Boronia ledifolia. Forms of this species are extremely varied and the flowers
- tConcluded on rear cover)

EDITOR'S NOTE: Don Sands has years of patient research and dedication to Boronia
behind him. He leads the Boronia Study Section and will be pleased to hear from all keen
Boronia growers who are prepared to assist him in growing these plants and reporting
results. D. Sands, 39 Herbert Avenue, Newport.

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

Issue No. 12 announced «a small photographic competition for readers. Results of
this competition are: Hovea—P. Althofer (colour plate to appear in a future issue).
Prostanthera lasianthos and Verticordic—no suitable  slides submitted. North Queensland
Native Orchid—R. F. Leaney (his excellent colour slide of Dendrobium rigidum appears
on the rear cover of Issue No. 13.

Although the quality ol many of the slides was good, the general response was
disappointing. This is only a small competition between [riends without any prizes.
However it provides an interest for some and certainly is a great help to me in getting
good slides. The winning slides will appear in full colour in an issue of Australian
Plants. Let us try another competition to finish in March 1965, a scparate competition being
conducted for each of the following subjects: 1. A North Quecnsland epiphytic orchid; 2.
Any epiphytic orchid; 3. Any terrestrial orchid; 4. A pea flowered plant; 5. A mint bush
Prostanthera or a Westringia; 6. A wildflower ol Tasmania; 7. A Tetratheca (Black-eyed Susan);
8. Verticordia; 9. A species of the family Epacridaceae which includes the heaths Epacris,
Styphelia etc.; 10. A flower from a native tree; 11. A Grevillea; 12. A Banksia; 13. A Hakea;
14. An everlasting flower of any specic 15. A Liliucrous plant of any genus.

Conditions of entry are that the Editor's choice is final. The slides shalll be based
on the features shown in plates already reproduced in the journal with emphasis on it
illustrating a group of flowers in & natural-like arrangement, close up, showing flower,
buds and leaf if possible. Slides may be sent to the Editor at any time up
to 1st March 1965. These will be recorded and judged immediately and returned promptly to
the owner within 4 weeks of receipt.

We also have Photographic Groups for keen photographers. Enquiries c¢'- The Editor.



@@@ 40 @@@



Page om0 vy 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS RUTACE AR
THE EARCY

ALiveh, sy
FLOWERI WG SYDNEY BORONIA

i W
R

Colour

£

PROtouraply, by Franh 1ariey

Hinei by COurtesy of John Nands Pty f.tef
BORONI| A LEDIFOLI A
Continged o page oy
have been

seen to vary from
pink and one plant has been s
in each flower. This species does
but no doubt some forms will
This species as with
cuttings, and cuttings
will strike much

single white varieties through all shades of

een that had 15 perfectly formed flat petals
not seem to have o very long life in gardens,
be found to take more kindly to cultivation,
most of the other boronias is not easy to grow from
taken from q plant that hgs been grown from cutting
more easily than cuttings taken from seed-grown plants,

SUBELY BEayry o Suls. PRI rgs Rickakn Roav, Crippywg Norros - 7