'Australian Plants' Vol.2 No.20 September 1964 +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The text in this file has been extracted from 'Australian Plants' Vol.2 No.20 September 1964.| | | | Please note that the file was compiled from a scan of the original document. As successful | | scanning is dependent on the quality of the original, there may be errors in the text where | | the scanning software was unable to recognise particular words. | | | | PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW THE ACTUAL, ACCURATELY FORMATTED | | JOURNAL, INCLUDING ILLUSTRATIONS AND PHOTOS: | | | | https://anpsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Australian-Plants/Australian-Plants-Vol2-20.pdf | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ PUBLISHED BY THE SCCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN 8,800 COPIES PRICE: THREE SHILLINGS Registered at G.P.O., Sydney, for transmission SEPTEMBER, 1964 : . Vol. 2, No. 20 by post as a periodical. Volume 2 will comprise issues, No. 13-20. Reprinted from ‘Shrubs and Trees for Australian Gardens’”’ by Ernest E. Lord by courtesy of Lothian Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd. STEEDMAN HONEY MYRTLE — Melaleuca steedmanii Bottle Brush Flowers are Showy Wildflowers There are hundreds of Australian bottle brush wildflowers growing in all parts of Australia. They can be obtained in all colours and on bushes of all sizes to suit any position in your garden. They are very easy to grow. This issue provides a guide to dozens of plants with bottle brush type flowers with articles by competent gardeners of their cultivation. SUN ORCHIDS—A feature illustrated on Page 26]1. GROWING WARATAH—See page 259. @@@ 2 @@@ Page 250—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE | Sept., 1964 A NOTE ON BOTTLE-BRUSHES by C. N. DEBENHAM Up to the point of being asked, “Well, what is ‘a bottle-brush?,” most cf us are prepared to accept quite happily that” a “bottle-brush” is a bush plant with a very showy bloom which resembles the utensil of ihat name. To be more positive in our reply, however, there are two aspects which we must consider. Firstly, does the name refer to a particular type of bloom (or inflores- cence?) The answer can be only partly in the positive because, if in our bushland wanderings we sampled all that bloom which could qualify as typical “bottle-brush’” encountered and examined closely the flower, a problem would arise. We would find, in fact, and to a degree according to the wealth of flora available, very dissimilar structure in the floral segments. For example, the chances would be that Callistemon, Melaleuca and Banksia were represented in the sample. Second, does the name refer to a particular type of plant which bears a bottle-brush-like inflorescence? The origin of the term is lost from record so we cannot say really how the word became fixed in our vocabulary. But at least this approach would narrow considerably the list of candidates for the title. It would be reasonable to say that although many Banksias bear “bottle-brush” bloom, we prefer to refer to them as “Honeysuckles” ond for bottle-brushes be guided by the prominence and number of stamens possessed by each flower making up the “bottle-brush” or spike. Prior to the early nineteenth century, the genus Metrosideros of Joseph Banks provided a repository for the placing of many of the unique members of its family forwarded from ‘Terra australis’. Later knowledge of ihis con- tinent’s flora gradually brought a sweeping change to the conception of the genus so that, after the removal of certain members to Agonis, Angophora, Melaleuca, Eucalyptus etc., a solitary Australian representative of Metrosideros remains. This is M. eucalyptoides F. Muell. of the tropical north. CALLISTEMON In the Appendix lll to Matthew Flinder’s “A Voyage to Terra ausiralis” (1814) the great Robert Brown founded a genus Callistemon. ” a genus formed by those species of Metrosideros that have inflorescence similar ‘o that of Melaleuca, and distinct elongated filaments”. Some 25 members ncw are accepted for this genus (although, as genetic studies show, ihe picture is far from satisfactory) with the bulk widespread in the =astern tropical and temperate regions. Western Australia is poorly represented in number, although not in floral wealth, for there are but two species here. Two other members are indigenous to New Caledonia. The members ore remarkedly stable in their floral features except for a loss in some (e.g. C. salignus) of the rich-red pigment of the filaments, but there is some diversity in their habit (compare, for example, C. sieberi with C. salignus). In summing the character of his ten listed species, Bentham remarks “They might, indeed, almost be considered as varieties of one species.” Characteristicaliy, however, the members are robust, strongly-growing shrubs or trees bearing flowers closely sessile in dense spikes at first at the tips of the shoots, and fruit woody, long-persistent and containing seed which takes about 3 years to mature. This fruit is found at the base of new growth. The conspicuous part of the flower, of course, is made up by the lengthy stamens, profuse in number. With this introduction to Callistemon, the next 5 pages will describe many species of Callistemon as bottle brushes. This is the generally recognised common name for these plants. However, many other groups of wildflowers with bottle brush type flowers will be generally introduced to the reader by Mr. Debenham in the continuation of the article on page 267. @@@ 3 @@@ Sept., 1964 : AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 251—Vol. 2 How to know Bottle Brushes by emest . tord The beauty and, usefulness of the Callistemons for garden growing is only matched by their. bewildering variety. More than a score of species are now recognised and the various forms of many of these often make it difficult for the ordinary grower and nurseryman to know just which are which. Reference books are sometimes contradictory, and even the botanist at times hesitates to name a specimen. This hesitance, of course, gives the ordinary grower renewed confidence in his own hard-learned knowledge. Nevertheless he rightly looks forward 1o the time when better definitions of species are available in publications he has access to (not obscure herbarium journals), and when the best of :he many forms of these species now being grown are properly registered as “cultivars” under International Rules, and standardised. Perhaps these notes from one who has tried to sort out his bottlebrushes will be of some help to others who want to be able to distinguish one from the other with some degree of certainty. Take 6 to 8 feet as average height unless otherwise stated, and November as the main flowering month. Some species are in bloom by October and some extend into December or even later when grown in kigher altitudes. Callistemon acuminatus, N.S.W. has large crimson flowers with prominent overlapping leafy “bracts” all through the brush. Broad smooth wavy- edged long-pointed leaves are 3-4%2 inches long by Y2-% inch wide. C. brachyandrus, S.A., Vic., N.S.W., has thin red flowers, 1-2 inches long, tipped with yellow anthers. Leaves are very narrow, stiff and sharp- pointed, about 1 inch by 1/16th inch. A variety of this from U.S.A., with larger leaves (2 by 1/12th inch) which have incurved margins, is in Melbourne. The flowers are richer scarlet and o greater diameter (1% inches). It could be called ‘California’ unless a prior cultivar name is discovered. C. citrinus (syn. lanceolatus), Vic., N.SW., Q., blooms in autumn s well as spring, often in winter too. The flowers are deep red, in brushes 2-4 ins. long, not as dense as most others and tipped with dark anthars. Flat rigid pointed leaves are 1%2-2 or even 3 ins. long, by 1/8-3/8 wide. The species is very widely grown, and is sometimes of tree dimensions. A variety of this in Melbourne has pinkish red flowers (R.H.S. colour Tyrian Rose 24/1), many of them in conspicuous clusters of 6 or 7 brushes on 2-3 inch leafy stalks branching from the top of a common stem. A suitable name might be C. citrinus ‘Pink Clusters’. Another variety of the same species, raised at Kew Gardens, London, and grown in English glasshouses, is called ‘Splendens.” It has brilliant crimson flower-brushes 3 inches in diameter. C. flavo-virens, N.S.W., has flowers of yellowish green (4 by 2 ins.) and larger leaves (2-4 by %-'% ins.), pointed, and dotted with oil glands. C. laevifolius, S.A., N.S.W., sometimes considered to be a variety of macropunctatus, has very small broad leaves (1-2 by '%-3/8 ins.) and red or pinkish flowers, yellow-tipped, 2-4 by 1%-2 ins. C. lilacinus, N.S.W., is one of the two Callistemons frequently called C. Violaceus’, a name which seems to have no valid basis. The purplish mauve or purplish violet flowers (RHS Magenta), sometimes smallish, are distinctive in colour. Leaves are very thin and sharp pointed, rather glossy, and wider towards the outer end (2-4 by 3/8 inch). This bottlebrush was @@@ 4 @@@ Page 252—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Sept., 1964 believed to have originated in Berlin from Australian seed in 1913, but had actually been collected by the botanist Betche near Como in 1894. C. lilacinus ‘Carmina’ is a purplish red variety I(RHS Tyrian Rose), 4 Photo: Quinton F. Davis Blocks by Courtesy of Angus and Robertson Reprinted from that wonderful book on growing wildflowers in the garden, ‘‘Australian Plants for the Garden,” by Thistle Y. Harris. Enquire from your bookseller. CALLISTEMON VIMINALIS No articles on bottle brushes are complete without a colour photograph of a good free flowering specimen. This is such a good one that readers will forgive the Editor for repeating it. This is the weeping bottle brush. Other species are more upright but all should flower well, many with large flowers. @@@ 5 @@@ Sept., 1964 {‘ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 253—Vol. 2 by 2% ins., with dark anthers. It was raised by Edwin Ashby in S. Australia and named in 1925. There is a very large specimen in Melbourne Botanic Gardens. C. linearifolius, N.S.W., has the bracts among the large crimson flowers in a similar way to C. acuminotus, and narrow (% in.) leaves to 3 inches or more long, with prominent side-veins. C. linearis, N.S.W., is a popular and easily grown species with large red brushes (3-5 by 2% in.), dark-tipped, and stiff narrow concave leaves 2-5 by 1/12th inch. A dwarf form of this species, no more than 2 feet high, is called ‘Pumila.’ C. macropunctatus, S.A., Vic.,, was first called coccineus, and later rugulosus. lts red flowers, sometimes pinkish chiefly because of the yellow anthers tipping the bristles, sometimes bright scarlet, are 2-4 ins. long by 1%-2 ins. in diameter, not as densely packed in the brush as most others. The leaves are narrow, pointed and rough surfaced (1-2%2 by 1/8-% in.). Much grown in Victoria, variable in height. C. pachyphyllus, N.SW., a bush of 3 to 4 feet, often found in swampy soils, has rather large deep crimson flowers (3-4 by 2% ins.) and very thick smooth blunt leaves up to 4 by % inch, but often narrower. A variety of the last named called ‘Rubro-lilacinus’ is often labelled Violaceus’. The flowers are reddish lilac, leaves are thick and narrow, quite unlike those of C. lilacinus, (the other ‘Violaceus’). C. pallidus, Tas., Vic., N.S.W., is the Lemon Bottlebrush, an erect shrub or small tree with pale yellow 2-3 inch flower-brushes. Leaves hairy at first, later smooth, 1-2%2 by 1/8-%2 inch. C. paludosus, (C. salignus australis), S.A., Tas., Vic.,, N.S.W., is a tall bush, sometimes a tree, in swampy ground. The brushes are usually creamy yellow, sometimes pale pink, 1-2%2 by 1 inch, and the leaves smooth, narrow (under % in.) and rather thick. C. phoeniceus, W.A., is a splendid species with rich scarlet flowers (RHS Carmine), 2%2-4 inches by 2 inches diameter, not densely packed, quite hairless. Narrow leaves, 2-4 by less than % inch, are thick and greyish, with no visible side-veins, sometimes dotted with oil glands (under a lens). C. pinifolius, N.S.W., is the Green Bottlebrush, with rather large flower- prushes of an uncommon shade of green, and needle leaves 2-4 inches long. Sometimes a tall bush of 20 feet. A variety of the above with red flowers is ‘Rubra’, not so tall and of more weeping habit of growth. C. rigidus, N.S.W., Q., is a much grown and satisfactory species with large deep red flowers, 3-4 inches long, 2-2%2 ins. in diameter. The flat stiff and pointed leaves 2-5 inches are very narrow (usually under % inch). A variety of this species has many of its flowers in attractive stalkless clusters of about 6 together, radiating from ends of main stems like spokes of a wheel. It might well be called ‘Crimson Spokes.’ C. salignus, S.A., NS.W., Q., has been known as Pink Tips, from ihe rich bronze-pink of its young leaves. These are prominently veined, up to 3 or 4 inches long, by %2 inch. The pale pink flowers are in thin brushes, 12-3 ins. long. Pink Tips is frequently used in street planting and in gardens. Under some conditions it can attain full tree dimensions. There is a White Bottlebrush, it is C. salignus ‘Albus’, and has the same nink tips in its young growth as the parent species. C. salignus ‘Rubra’ is a handsome form of this species with rich cerise- red flowers which darken to violet-red with age. It will reach 15 or 20 feet @@@ 6 @@@ | { Page 254—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE | Sept., 1964 at times, as has an old specimen in Melbourne Botanic Gardens (labelled salignus phoeniceus). C. shiressii, N.S.W., is rarely seen in the south, but is worth growing for foliage alone. Small leaves 1-2 ins. by 1/6 in., with iapering points. The small brushes are pale yellow. 3 C. sieberi, Vic., N.S.W., is the Alpine Bottlebrush, a shrub of 4-6 feet or a tree of 15 feet. The small leaves are almost needle-like, ¥2-3% ins. long, and the late-flowering blooms rarely exceed an inch long, pale yellow. It has little garden value except for cold wet climates. C. speciosus, W.A., the Albany Bottlebrush, is one of the best. The flowers are magnificent brushes of deep red, 3-5 ins. long by 2-2% ins., the calyxes very hairy and the main stalk downy. Leaves also are large, 3-5 ins. by %-%2 in. Always worth growing but sometimes wrongly labelled. C. subulatus, Vic.,, N.S.\W., is a spreading shrub of 4 feet with rich crimson flowers 2-3 ins. by 1%-2, and very narrow sharp-pointed leaves (1%2 by % inch). C. teretifolius, S.A., has crimson flowers, dark-tipped and bearded at their bases, 2-2%2 ins. by 1%2-2 ins. diam. The prickly needle-leaves, 2-5 ins. are not finely grooved as are those of pinifolius ‘Rubra’. C. viminalis, N.S.W., is the Weeping Bottlebrush, it grows the largest of all, sometimes a tree of 50 feet. The willow-like leaves are reddish whilst young, 2-3 ins. by % in. and sharp-pointed. The red flowers (in 2-4 in. brushes) may be identified by the filaments (or bristles) being united in tiny rings at their bases. So you see that each species or variety has distinctive features which in almost all cases should enable the ordinary grower to identify and name a plant without a special knowledge of botany. A word of advice: try to select mature leaves or other features that represent a fair average in size or shape. A small folding lens magnifying six diameters is a great help. TWO NEW BOTTLE BRUSHES by H. W. CAULFIELD, Curator, Brisbane Botanic Gardens The genus Callistemon has provided many excellent garden shrubs and trees. However, despite the virtues of attractive flower form and the free blooming habit of the majority, along with the added attraction of encouraging nectar-looking bird life into the garden, they can generally be regarded as being of harsh or scraggy appearance when not in bloom. However, in recent years two new species have come under notice and promise to brighten up our garden landscape. Each is distinctly different and they lack many of the failings associated with other species already established as accepted garden subjects. One is Callistemon montanus C. T. White ex S. T. Blake, the description of which was published by Dr. Blake of the Brisbane Herbarium in the Pro- ceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland Vol. LXIX, No. 7, 1958. This plant is recorded as growing naturally about the cliff edges of sections of the MacPherson Range in Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales. C. montanus can be classed as a shrub or perhaps a small tree of dense growth habit. The small leaves, which are at maximum 2 inches by Y4 inch, are close and clothe the full length of the stems. New foliage is at first of a light reddish brown to pink then bright green, eventually changing in maturity to a dull mid-green. The inflorescence when compared with C. speciosus could be regarded as short; 3 inches appears to be the maximum length. However, many of the brushes are much shorter, the stamens @@@ 7 @@@ Sept., 1964 ‘ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 255—Vol. 2 are dark red with large deep yellow anthers, width of the brushes is from 2-2%2 inches. The plants growing in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens were raised from seed received trom Dr. Blake in 1957. Growth rate of our plants cannot be classed as fast, as having been planted out in the Australian section for 3%2 years the tallest bush is now only a litlle over 3 feet high. This slow growth rate may be due to local conditions as plants are sited along an exceptionally well-drained high river bank and have to withstand the competition of close- planted mature Bunya Bunya Pines. (Reports are to hand which indicate ihat it will move along at a faster rate). Due to permanent restrictions on the use of sprinklers in Brisbane, plants in the Botanic Gardens can only be watered during their early establishment period.. Once established they are at the mercy of nature, and should receive some assistance from heavy mulchings of wood shavings and occasional aressings of superphosphate and sulphate of ammonia. Callistemon montanus has a definite future as a cultivated shrub and ere long this bushy free-blooming bottlebrush will be a much sought-after item in the floricultural world. The other bottlebrush with o difference is Callistemon formosus S. T. Blake which was described in the same publication as C. montanus. This plant is a delightful free-flowering small with tree with decidedly weeping branches. In some respects it resembles C. salignus, however it must be regarded as a superior subject. It varies from salignus in that the bark is not papery and the branches more weeping. The length of the flower spikes average 3 inches and are a rich cream-white with tightly bundled stamens. Young foliage is decidedly ruddy and renders the tree most attractive when not in flower. Mature foliage is between 2 and 3 inches long and % inch wide of a light to mid green colour with obvious dotting. Three (3) plants are well established in the Brisbane Gardens. These were raised from seed collected from the type specimen; all are six years old and have been sited in different areas of the gardens. The plant in the much drier Australian Section has furnished well, is shorter, and as yet has not fiowered. Another plant situated in the Curator’s private garden has flowered but is somewhat spindly in growth due to a shady environment. Callistemon formosus is aptly named, formosus “meaning” beautiful. This plant has much to offer the cultivator, firstly its delightful weeping habit with the accompanying pendulous flowers which are borne in abundance, and invariably over two distinct flowering periods, while ever-present are the beautiful pink to red tips of new growth. With such natural attributes C. formosus is much more than a collector’s plant. The natural distribution of this plant is in the Burnett district of Southern Queensland around Biggenden and Kingaroy. GROWING BOTTLE BRUSHES This article by I. Holliday was written from years of experience in Adelaide but the conclusions reviewed could apply equally to garden conditions anywhere in Australia. Callistemons or bottle brushes come into that hardy group of shrubs which can be expected to succeed in almost any soil or situation. They respond to fertilizers, but this is by no means essential. It is important to cut back beyond the flowers each year once the bush has attained ihe size desired, as this treatment ensures prolific flowering and eliminates the woody look which is common to many unpruned Callistemons. A number of the larger shrub varieties make lovely small trees eventually, if the lower branches are trimmed and the top left to fan Continued on page 287 @@@ 8 @@@ Page 256—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROPAGATION Sept., 1964 PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS USING MIST SPRAYING & BOTTOM HEATING TECHNIQUES by R. D. Johnston Mist Spraying— Previous issues have mentioned mist spraying techniques briefly. | have had considerable experience of misting systems both for watering glass- house plants and for propagation and | can appreciate the problems of setting up a small system for experimental work. Perhaps the most difficult problem is to reduce the volume of water so that while the leaves are kept wet, the rooting medium is not overwatered. Excess water reduces rooting by restricting aeration and lowering the soil temperature and also bleaches out the nutrients so that the cuttings are starved. The smallest spray | have found is the “Monarch” fogger, which delivers about one gallon of water per hour. The trouble with this jet is that, because of the fine droplet size, coverage is small (each spray covering an area of about two feet in diameter) and the sprays must be placed high in the glasshouse or bush-house to get the best distribution of spray. Also these units are difficult to adjust, as to volume or droplet size. | have found that the “MacPenney’s” atomiser is satisfactory for my requirements. The No. 1 jet gives about 3%2 gallons per hour, with a coverage of 4 feet diameter and these units can be adjusted to some extent. (These units are distributed by L. P. Gough, Heatherton Road, Springvale, Vic., for 30/-). The problem of excess water, as | see it, cannot be solved by using smaller jets as the smaller the jet the less the area covered, so one must use more jets to cover the same area. This is the reason why people have used intermittent misting. With a spray system operating for ten seconds every ten minutes, one can use only a sixtieth of the nominal throughput of the sprays and still keep the plants wet. With an automatic controller, available from Watermatic Controls, Box 145 P.O., Chatswood, N.S.W. at £6/15/0 and a solenoid valve from Goyen Controls, Marigold Street, Revesby at £5/10/0, a spray system can be modified, to give intermittent misting for about £13. Admittedly the intermittent spray system is more expensive than con- tinuous misting and with a single spray jet the additional cost may not be considered justified, but as soon as multiple jets are used, the extra cost is relatively less, whilst the increased efficiency becomes more important. Propagation with a Small Spray System— The Editor has requested me to provide details of a small frame easily constructed, suitable for backyard propagation of native species. | have not had much experience with these, but | have seen references io units which were used successfully in Kent, England, in conjunction with mist spraying and soil warming. If you consider that the main object in propagation is to reduce water loss from the tops of cuttings while inducing the development of roots, it will be realized that different temperatures are needed in the two zones — "warm feet, cool heads.” By using mist spraying and soil wires, this difference in temperature can be achieved fairly simply. The English frames are 2 x 1" hardwood, &' x 4’ x 3, with a sloping removable roof. This frame is covered with plastic, 0.002” clear polythene, 3 feet wide is available from most hardware stores (glass would be better as it retains the heat better at night). | would also suggest multiples of 4 @@@ 9 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROPAGATION Page 257—Vol. 2 feet in length to match the coverage of each spray unit. The top can be removed or partly opened, by day, to control temperature, and closed by night. UK. reports suggest that light shade is better than full sunlight but this would be a matter for experiment with different species. “Saran” (a shade cloth also marketed as “Sarlon”, or “Tygan” available at hard- ware stores and garden centres) provides a ready means of providing controlled shading. These are available in a range of densities (36%- 909% shade). The spray jets are mounted on 15" risers of '2” water pipe. Several other types of propagating frames have been used overseas, but this is the simplest and appears to be effective. Other types used are:- 2. Clear plastic stretched over a semi circular frame of wire mesh, with the water supply pipe running along inside the top, has been used extensively both in Europe and U.S.A. These can be portable, but tend to have insufficient clearance along the sides. 3. Dutch lights (glazed frames about 5’ x 2) on edge to form walls around the propagating bed, with coarse hessian cloth for shading. Dutch lights are used extensively in Europe but would not be readily available here. 4. An American firm is marketing the “Mistic Bubble,” a plastic dome stretched over wire ribs. It is four feet in diameter and height with a centrally placed spray nozzle. The plastic must be shaped to fit, and ihis would be more difficult than a square frame. Bottom Heating— For soil heating, B.G.E. market a 100 watt soil heating unit (in England, probably available here), and a friend of mine has adapted a blanket element for a small seed germinating cabinet. | have used Pyrotenax cable with a thermostat. This is a 240 volt unit and there are good arguments for using a lower voltage. In fact | saw one set up several years ago, where 32 volt was put through a calculated length of galvanised fencing wire and it worked quite well for propagating Leptospermum species. The heat load recommended is 10-15 watts per square foot, and cable should be laid about 4 ins apart. A suitable floor would be 6" cinders on the ground, 1” coarse sand on which the cable is laid and then 4" rooting medium. The latter could be sand and leaf mould (3:1) or sand, leaf mould and peat (3:1:1). Pots, Flats or Beds? | have described a bed above to receive cuttings. This is the method often used commercially because of the large quantities handled. For small batches of cuttings the use of pots has several advantages, not least being that this allows the cuttings to be moved without disturbing the roots. Roots tend to be rather brittle, especially if too much water is used, so ihe less disturbance, the less injury. If the cuttings are set in groups in 4 inch pots (terra cofta), then set the pots in sand on top of the 6 inch cinders. Hot Beds— I would like to suggest an alternative method of getting warmth :o the roots, the old hot-bed method of burying a layer of fresh manure beneath the frame. This method calls for some judgement in deciding ihe right moment to start the cutings, but this should not be difficult for a good gardener. The length of time a hot bed lasts depends on the depth of filling and covering but is usually up to 4 months. Pest Control— If cuttings are clean to start with, then the general experience is that less disease develops under mist, possibly owing to the frequent washing @@@ 10 @@@ Page 258—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROPAGATION Sept., 1964 of the leaves. Should infested material be used (e.g. red spiders) then ihe build-up is rapid and hard to control. Virus infected cuttings usually develop symptoms more quickly under mist, and here again control is impossible. The moral is, use clean stock! Ventilation is also important in the control of fungal diseases—damping off and mildew. Some growers use fans to aid circulation, and opening the top of the frame is necessary in hot weather. This can be done without reducing the effectiveness of misting. Preparation of Cuttings— This is where experiments are needed. | would suggest soft-wood cuttings should be tried under mist. Overseas experience has shown that softer cuttings can be used, and that these root more readily. Rooting hormones should also be tried, although with soul warming and intermittent mist, results are not likely to be improved greatly. Hardening Off— Plants should be hardened off by progressively reducing the time under mist. Thus switch the mist off at night, and gradually shorten the time it is on during the day, over a period of 10-14 days. At the same time, shade should be reduced and ventilation increased. After the plants have been potted up they should be returned to the mist for a few days. Editor’s Note: This article is intended for those keen types who wish to try and propagate some of the more difficult plants. Our last issue described a very simple method of propagation by cutting for the less ambitious, using a polythene covered, easily made box. I pack as many cuttings as I can into a 4” pot of very coarse, clean sand and stand this on a bench under a Casuarina tree. With filtered sun, protection from wind and frequent water to keep it moist, I get quite good results with most natives. BOTTLE BRUSH FROM SEED The very simple methods of germination of the bottle brush flowered bushes from seed have been described in past issues. As it is the policy to always publish simple methods of propagation of the plants featured in the issue to encourage readers to try and grow their own, one easy method is again described. It is so easy to get results with these plants. Medium: It does not seem important. | use a sterile medium, vermiculite or pearlite, but others get equal results with sand or even bush soil. Container: | use a 4 plastic pot, well crocked, with the medium 1 from the top. A piece of glass is placed on top. Sowing: The very fine seed is sprinkled sparsley on top and just covered. Watering: It is essential to keep the surface very moist. | sit the pot in a container of water about 2" deep until ready to plant out. Aspect: Full sun for 2-3 hours per day. | sit mine on a rock in the yard. Remove the glass gradually as the seedlings grow and harden by giving more direct sun. Potting: Pot on the seedlings to 4” pots when 1” high. — Editor. BOOK REVIEW SEASIDE PLANTS OF THE WORLD by E. A. Menninger This fine book is an American publication. The problem of trving ‘“‘to provide a setting where people can live by the sea’” and even grow a picturesque or functional garden is world wide. The book describes how to provide obstacles to sand, wind and salt that will not detract from the ocean’s loveliness when it is peaceful, yet will prove successful barricades against its violent moods. Hundreds of species of suitable trees and flowering shrubs are described with recommendations as to landscaping to meet the elements, but to nreserve the scenic characteristic. Superimposed on this subtle bastion can be a beautiful but resistent flowering garden. Australian native plants are well represented and take their place with the world’s finest exotics. To round off the book is a chapter by T. R. N. Lothian. Director of the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide. This chapter places the book squarely in focus for Australian gardeners and makes one realize what a fine job the author has indeed done and how well the book may be applied to Australian coastal conditions. VICTORIA’S RESOURCES — A Wildflower Issue Vol. 6, No. 2, August 1964 This onarterly neriodical is the official organ of the Natural Resources Conservation League of Victoria. The aim of this League is to encourage and interest the people of Victoria into the wavs in which the soil. water, forest and wildlife are linked together and to recognise the need for their natural conservation. Each issue of their journal ‘‘Victoria’s Resources’”, is devoted to an asnect of this work and Angust, 1964 issue is. especgally devoted to those wildflowers of Virtoria. This 32 vpage issue contains many interesting articles for those lovers of the Vistorian bushland. Ohtainable from the League Secretary, P.O. Box 104, Springvale, Victoria for 2/- plus 6d. postage. @@@ 11 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 259—Vol. 2 GROWING WARATAHS by F. H. STONE As a student of bush and cultivated waratah plants and a successful grower for some years, | feel the following observations maybe of interest and helpful to promote their cultivation in home gardens. If half the thought and care that is given to exotic shrubs in the home garden was given fo “Waratahs”, | am sure every suburban garden would have and be very proud of this beautiful and interesting plant which with very little care and attention, during the first few years, will grow to 10 fi. or more and bear up to 100 flowers each year. So many people have been disheartened with failures because so little publicity has been given to the essentials of cultivation. Firstly seedlings must be grown in “mother” soil which inoculates the plant with the necessary micro-organism. Don’t waste your money on soft young plants or stunted rubbish. The seedlings should be at least 6 ins. high and about 2 years old (or more) with a vigorous appearance and a little “knob” (which is the beginning of the bulbous root) at or just below ground level (preferably in 7 Ib. tins). At this stage the plant is firmly established, past the “damp off” stage and ready to transplant. Choose if possible a position where some shade is available, particularly in the afternoon (too much sun tends to dull the color of the flowers) but shade is not essential providing the top soil is kept cool and is kept from drying out. The first essential is any well drained friable soil. If the soil is a very heavy loam or clayey, plant on sloping ground if possible, and dig in a couple of buckets of river sand and gravel to provide drainage downhill. If water tends to “lie around” on flat ground, build up 6 ins. or more with odd bits of sandstone or rock so that the surface roots have good drainage as the waratah as it grows accumulates a mass of fibrous roots close to the surface. Do not dig around the plant but give it a liberal mulch preferably of leaves or leaf mould. This will keep the top soil and the fibrous roots cool and moist and help to keep down the weeds. As the plant grows ii will shed leaves and these should be left around the plant. A handful of blood and done sprinkled and lightly raked amongst the mulch in early spring and late summer will work wonders. Increase the quantity each year. The plant should flower at four years on one tall stem (one or two small suckers may also appear). When the first flower is spent, cut back to 4 or 5 eyes above the “ring” which plainly marks the seasonal growth at a convenient height to prevent straggly growth. Two or more shoots will quickly appear and produce flowers usually the next year but in colder climates it may take 2 years for the flowers to develop. If the suckers (do not leave more than two or three) are weak leave them alone but if they are vigorous you must choose whether to cut the old stem right back to the bulb or cut out the strong suckers. When the plant is 5 to 6 years old, and the growth is vigorous the flowers maybe left unpruned, when seeds and shoots will appear from the woody centre of the spent flower and produce often two or three flowers each next year. This will 2 or 3 years later, give a beautiful mass display of anything up to a dozen flowers. Don’t crowd your “Waratah”, give it plenty of air and root room. If the plant after some years becomes “staggy,” dont be afraid to cut it right back to the ground after flowering. This is equivalent io a @@@ 12 @@@ Page 260—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Sept., 1964 “bush fire”. Burn around it if you like. In either case vigorous suckers wil' soon appear and commence flowering one or at most two seasons later. | have seen in home gardens pure white waratahs growing, also bright red flowers with each tiny tip pure white (of which | have colour slides as proof). These beautiful specimens are no doubt “sports” or mutations and with thousands in cultivation what variations maybe produced? Treat your Waratah not as a freak or an invalid, but as one of ihe hardiest and most beautiful flowers in your garden. Don’t be afraid to water it or feed it or smother it with mulch, but dont let the grass grow all over it — don't dig deeply or disturb the top soil around ihe perimeter anymore than necessary. Don’t shove it in some out of the way corner where nothing else will grow. Give it pride of place with plenty of room amongst your exotics. “WARATAHS” 3,000 Vigorous 2nd Year Seedlings in prune tins — Bush grown in Native Soil — 12/6 each APPLY WEEKENDS— ‘“Waratah Park’’, Valley Ridges Road, off Bells Line Rd., 4!z miles west of Bilpin, or ’phone, F. H. Stone, XW 6619. GROW OUR “SUN ORCHIDS” LEO CADY, Kiama, N.S.W. “Sun orchids” or Thelymitra genus consist of some of our loveliest ground orchids, having a colour range unsurpassed by any of our other terrestrials, ranging from white through green, yellow, pink, purple, reds, blue and in some cases variegated. The genus is one of our larger ones, containing an extraordinary varied array of floral types, consisting of species single flowered and rarely over %in. across, to many flowered types of brilliant colour, having florets of up to 1%in. across. They are found to habit varied types of soils and conditions. From alpine bogs to the dry ridge area of the western slopes, to swampy coastal tracts, this variation in habit makes the selection of a suitable compost somewhat difficult to arrive at, but the Terrestrial Orchid Study Group have had some success with the following compost: 50% peat moss, 30% sharp: sand and 20% natural leaf mould This genus at present has presented quite an amount of difficulty in its culture, owing to a susceptibility to tuber rot in its dormant period. If this is found to occur, we suggest that more sand be added to the compost, making sure that you have provided perfect drainage to your pot. The size pot recommended for the general culture of Thelymitra’s are 6in., as the plants appear to require plenty of room, the larger types of plants, e.g., I. ixiodes, T. medea and T. grandiflora, no more than two tubers per pot: but for the smaller types, e.g., T. pauciflora, T. carnea and T. rubra, which in nature appear to grow in clumps, | would suggest up to six or eight tubers in the centre of the pot. Thelymitra’s DO NOT like artifical manure’s but apparently they receive enough nourishment from the accumulation of leaf mould in the pot, so it is often wise to place say a small handful of well rotted leaf mould on the top of the pot when the plcnt is dormant. Watering may require the grower to do an amount of research with his plant, but as a general rule the plants should be kept moist in their growing period, and somewhat drier in the dormant period. Being “sun orchids” they require a goodly supply of sun, and a position where the plants can get all the morning sun with the roots still in the cool is ideal. @@@ 13 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 261—Vol. 2 SUN ORCHIDS THE COMMON SPECIES OF THE GENUS THELYMITRA by L. CADY, Kiama The genus Thelymitra (from the Greek, Thelys. women—mitra a cap) is scattered widely over the Commonwealth of Australia, extending also ‘o New Zealand, New Caledonia, Timor, Java and the Philippines. It is though, mainly an Australian genus having somewhat above 50 species named for this country. This genus contains some of our most colourful ground orchids with a colour ranging from white through green, yellow, red brown, purple io blue. Being such a large genus we find an amazing variation in habitat, size (with plants from a lowly 6" to giants of 3’ 6" to 4’ high with florets of 1 to 1%"” across) and floral structure; which often, causes differences of opinion in Botanical circles. For a genus that has such variations( it only stands to reason that their habitat is also variable) some species pertain themselves to one particular nabitat e.g. T. venosa and its Var. are rarely found out of highland moss bogs whereas T. ixioides, T. media, T. pauciflora and its allies can be found from swamp lands to dry hard ridges, of course the plants found on the dry ridges are by far inferior to those collected in damp swampy areas, but they usually improve when placed with the other plants. Note: Thelymitras ixioides Sw. and T. venosa R.Br. are protected flora in N.S.W. and should be treated as such. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES— 1. T. ixioides Sw. “Spotted Sun Orchid" One of the commonest species in Australia extending to New Zealand and possibly New Caledonia. A robust or slender species to 60 cm. high. Leaf singular, linear io broad linear. Flowers to 12 or more to 5 cm. across, colour most variable violet-mauve-blue-pink or white. Segments usually broad and rounded to 16 mm. long, the upper 3 spotted with darker dots. Column erect, secondary lobes ciliate the primary wings divided into 3 cristated sections. Note: This species can be found without spots, and then if not checked properly can be mistaken for No. 2 species. Distribution: All states, New Zealand, and possibly New Caledonia. Flowering: August to December. There are also 2 varieties named— la. var. subdifformis Nich.: A rather robust plant with large flowers with green sepals — a striking contrast to the spotted lavender colour petals of the type. Dist.: Victoria. 1b. var. truncata (Rogers) Nich. A small or robust plant distinguished by its truncate mid lobe to the column. lc. forma merranae (Nich). Nich. Appears to be an intermediate between 1b. and the type form, having its column midlobe widely dilated at summit and less truncate than in var. truncata. Dist: Victoria (rare). 2. T. media R.Br. ’The Tall Sun Orchid” This species resembles T. ixioides but is easily separated by the lack of spots to upper segments and a dark “collar” at top of column. A slender to extremely robust plant to 100 cm. high. Flowers numerous pale blue to deep blue with purple markings rarely white, to 3.5 cm. across. Segments elliptical-lanceolate. Column erect, not hooded, appendages mostly at horizontal to column, pencillated, the midlobe tripartate front lobe usually @@@ 14 @@@ Page 262—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Sept., 1964 KEY TO PLATE Plant showing typical Thelymitra habit: T. irioides var. irioides, column—side and rear. a. column side T. ixioides var. subdifformis b. column side T. irioides var. truncata c. column side T. irioides Forma merranae 2. Thelymitra media var. media, showing flower-column side and apex of column from rear. a. T. media var. cornea-lutea, showing flower-column side and apex of column from rear 1% 3. T. garistata var. aristata showing flower-column side and from above. @@@ 15 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 263—Vol. 2 a. T. aristata var. megcalyptra, showing column top side, from above. it pauciflora var. pauciflora, showing flower column side from rear (variations). T. pauciflora var. holmesii, showing flower and column side. . T. pauciflora var. pallida, showing flower and apex of column side. fusco-lutea, showing flower column side and front. antennifera, showing flower column side and top of column front. venosa var. venosa, showing flower column side and front. T. venosa var. magnifica, showing flower. T. venosa var. cyanea, showing flower-column side and front. All flowers half not size — other segments variously enlarged. Ao TP HNHD R shorter than the rear, a conspicuous dark band or collar encircling midlobe. Dist.: Victoria, N.S.W. and Western Australia. Flowering: October to January. 2a. var. cornea-lutea Nich. Perianth segments pink, the sepals marked yellow externally, column pink and yellow. Dist.: Victoria, N.S.W. (one plant only found and checked with iype by Mr. J. H. Willis, Melbourne Botanic Gardens). Flowering: October-November. 3. T. aristata Lindl. “The Scented Sun Orchid’ A plant resembling T. media in flower shape only. Its main dionostic features are its beautiful scent and the hooded midlobe to column with the toothbrush like hair tufts. A variable plant, slender with few flowers or robust to 100 ¢cm. with 35 flowers. Leaf sheathing at base, short, broad to 25 cm. long. Flowers (usually scented) in shades of mauve, purple or pink. Segments elliptical-lanceolate. Column erect, hooded, hair tufts white (rarely yellow) resembling a small toothbrush midlobe, cap shaped, darkly coloured towards the back, yellow towards apex, with a V notch in centre. Dist.: All states and New Zealand. Flowering: August to November. 3a. var. megcalyptra (Fitzg.) Nich. Colour pinkish with largish flowers. Column hood usually large and inflated. Flowering: October. 4. T. pauciflora R.Br. “Slender Sun Orchid"” This species is the commonest Thelymitra in Australia being found in all states and also in New Zealand. It may be collected in most types of soils and in many different habitats and shows an enormous variation, from diminutive plants with one flower a few centimetres high to plants 50 cm. with 15 or 16 flowers. The leaf varies from slender terete to broad and fleshy. Colour is from white to deep purple with all the intermediate between. This species is a self pollinating species and therefore as often as not it does not open its flowers except in a very favourable period, i.e. in hot sunny weather. Dist.: All states and New Zealand. Flowers: August to January. There are two named varieties. 4a. var. holmesii Nich. Flowers deep violet, the perianth more acute than in the type, often veined. Column hood large, hair tufts yellow. Dist.: S.W. Victoria (Portland). 4b. var. pallida Nich. A wholly dull sage green plant, with purplish markings, the flowers yellowish. Dist.: Bell area N.S.W. Flowering: November. 5. T. fusco-lutea R.Br. “’The Blotched Sun Orchid This species is common in Western Australia but also extends to South Continued on page 266 @@@ 16 @@@ Page 264—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Sept., 1964 TERRESTRIAL ORCHID SEEDLINGS II WARREN P. STOUTAMIRE, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, U.S.A. In the Sept. 1963 issue of Australian Plants | described the early growth stages of Australian terrestrial orchids as they appeared in culture. The present article is a follow-up report of these seedling cultures, after another year of aseptic growth in nutrient agar. Many of the seed cultures which were illustrated last year have continued to grow, and are now being transferred to pots in the greenhouse. Individuals who provided me with seed also furnished information on growing conditions, and this has helped in preparing appropriate soil mixtures. Some, but not all, plants are beginning to grow. Many more seed samples have been received and have been started during the year, using the same cultural methods outlined in the previous paper. Some of these are now in the protocorm stage and their growth will provide additional information on the early developmental stages of terrestrial orchids. | am engaged in research on the seed germination and growth of terrestrial species and the seed collections from Australia have nroduced some of the most interesting seedlings. The greatest problem which has appeared during the past year has been the high mortality of seedlings in the protocorm stage. Over 90% of the plants in some cultures have turned brown and ceased development. Too many protocorms in a limited volume of medium, and improper light and temperature conditions, are possible contributing factors. Many proto- corms do survive, however, and their rapid growth in fresh media sometimes makes me wish that the protocorm mortality were still higher. The rapid die-off of very small seedlings is characteristic of orchids in nature as well as in the laboratory. Protocorms have been found in large numbers in the vicinity of mature plants in Europe and in North America, but very few of these protocorms ever grow to mature plants. The camera lucida drawings illustrated here are from seedlings growing in Knudson C agar medium. Root position has been influenced by the form of the culture bottles and is not necessarily the position roots might assume in native habitats. Inter-specific variation in protocorm growth was described in the previous paper, and more variety has appeared in later growth stages of the same species. Leaves of most species are dark green except in the Caladenia cultures, which have failed to develop normal green structures: the leaves here are cream to pale green. Most plants of Thelymitra, Caladenia, and Caleana species have developed a single thickened, awl-like leaf while Pterostylis and Spiculaea species have produced a larger number of wider and thinner leaf blades. Legend for figures: All seedlings are natural size. The number following the species name is my accession number, followed by seed collector and number of months seedlings have been in culture. 1. Thelymitra sp. 4126. L. I. Cady. 18 months. 2. Thelymitra flexuosa 4162. B. J. Dudman. 18 months. New shoot developing. 3. Thelymitra irioides 4179. E. B. Mills. 18 months. 4. Thelymitra fuscolutea 4224. F. Coate. 16 months. 4. Thelymitra nuda 4178. E. B. Mills. 18 months. 6. Thelymitra pauciflora 4161. B. J. Dudman. 18 months. New shoot developing. 7. Thelymitra rubra 4196. B. J. Dudman. 18 months. 8. Thelymitra rubra. 4182. E. B. Mills. 18 months. New shoot developing. 9. Caladenia carnea var. gigantea 4181. E. B. Mills. 18 months. 10. Caladenia carnea 4163. B. J. Dudman. 18 months. 11. Caladenia patersonii 4156. E. B. Mills. 18 months. 12. Caleana major 4165. S. Clemesha. 18 months. Root buds forming. 13. Pterostylis falcata 4194 S. Clemesha. 17 months. 14. Pterostylis nutans 4160. H. C. England. 18 months. 15. Microtis media 4223. F. Coate. 14 months. 16. Microtis wunifolia 4167. S. Clemesha. 11 months. 17. Spiculaea irritabilis 4259. S. Clemesha. 14 months, @@@ 17 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 265—Vol. 2 FULL SCALE SKETCHES OF SEEDLINGS OF AUSTRALIAN TERRESTRIAL ORCHIDS, 11-18 MONTHS, AFTER GERMINATION OF THE SEED. @@@ 18 @@@ Page 266—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Sept., 1964 Root systems are highly specialized in most of these species. The first root which appears in Thelymitra and Caladenia produces numerous root hairs as it grows through the medium. It frequently develops a spiral as it grows and then begins to swell near the end. These swollen tips contain buds which have started growth in culture in some cases, and are now producing new shoots. The roots of Caleana major produce vegetative buds along the roots without accompanying corm-like swellings, at least at this stage of development. The root system of this orchid resembles that of the North American Pogonia ophioglossoides, which produces a wide-spreading root system and new shoots at considerable distances from the parent shoot. Roots of Pterostylis, Microtis, and Spiculaea at their present stage appear to function only as roots, and not as vegetative reproductive structures. Plants of Microtis unifolia and M. media develop structures which draw the growing points downward into the soil. A long, thread-like leaf is initially produced from one end of each protocorm and this is followed by two slender roots from the vicinity of the leaf base. The tissues at the junction of the roots and leaf then elongate rapidly in such a way that the leaf is pulled downward. Plants of Microtis unifolia which have been potted in sand and peat mixtures for a month are now developing roots from this lcwered growing point. Spiculaea irritabilis seedlings have grown rapidly in culture, and their growth at this time is less specialized than that of the other species described here. Leaves follow each other in quick chronological succession, and roots develop from the leaf bases. No corm-like structures have been produced. Seedlings of these Australian orchids exhibit a variety of growth forms, ond several specializations for vegetative reproduction. More knowledge of these early growth stages, both under laboratory conditions and in natural habitats, should ultimately help in our attempts to preserve these unusual plants. Footnote: 1 would like to correspond with anyone having access to ripe seeds of terrestrial orchid species. Any seed received here will be used for experimental growth of these highly specialized plants. I would also like to thank Dr. A. G. Norman of the University of Michigan Botanical Gardens for placing a controlled temperature room at my disposal. COMMON SPECIES OF THELYMITRA — Continued from page 262 Australia and Victoria. It is a distinct species and very handsome. Appears to like a well watered ground but still with good drainage. A slender to robust plant to 45 cm. high. Leaf large and leathery ovate-lanceolate to oblong lanceolate. Flowers to Il in a loose raceme yellow or vyellowish brown, heavily spotted and marked with dark or red brown. Perianth segments broad-oblong-lanceolate. Column with conspicuously fringed wings, forming a mantle on both sides of the club shaped dorsal appendage. Anther with a finer like appendage. Dist.. W.A., S.A. and Victoria. Flowers: October to January. 6. T. antennifera (Gunn ex. Lindl.) Hook. f. “Rabbit's Ears’ A common species in its distribution favouring open forest country and heathland scrubs. Often emitting a rose like scent. A slender plant to 23 cm. high. Leaf terete. Flowers to 3 pale yellow o deep yellow opening widely. Perianth segments yellow inside sepals with red brown strip on exterior, elliptical or oblong elliptical. Column erect, topped by two erect brown spathulate appendages. Dist.: Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. Flowers: August to November. @@@ 19 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 267—Vol. 2 OTHER BOTTLE BRUSH FLOWERS Kunzes o Leptospermum N & . VK ‘}\ \_ O fi NS b SR : A.Spurwale Continued from Page 250 — ‘A Note on Bottle Brushes’’ The plants Callistemon already mentioned as usually bearing the common name of “bottle brush”, belong to the large plant family Myrtaceae. Other Australian plants with a bottle brush type flower are closely related botanically, belonging also to this plant family, in fact, to the same division or sub-family of Myrtaceae known as Leptospermece, and even further, to two of the sub- tribes of this sub-family, namely Leptosperminae and Calothamninae. A common feature of all plants in these sub-tribes is the type of fruit or seed capsule. It is hard and woody with two or more compartments, which, when mature, splits along indefinite lines at the top into segments (or valves). These woody seed capsules usually stay on the bush until the plant dies or is damaged after which the seed is released, one of natures ways to try to preserve the species. If the older seed capsules are removed from the bush and placed in a warm dry position, they will shortly open and spill out the very fine seed for planting. The sub-tribe Leptosperminae, comprises the genera Agonis, Sinoga, Leptospermum, Kunzea, Callistemon, Lamarchea, Melaleuca and Conothamnus. @@@ 20 @@@ Page 268—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Sept., 1964 The flower types are shown in the sketches above. It will be noted that in the first three, the petals are prominent or conspicuous in the flower, but in the remaining genera, which are the plants we are interested in on this occasion, the petals appear to be absent, and the stamens are the conspicuous part of the flower. It is when a number of these flowers are clustered around the stem, that the assembly of stamens from the many flowers, give a bottle brush type of flower head. The sub-tribe Calothaminae, comprises the genera Calothamnus, Eremea, Phymatocarpa, Regelia and Beaufortia. Here again the petals are inconspicuous and the flowers, clustered on the stem, could give a bottle brush like flower- head. Comments on a few of these genera follow before we proceed in greater detail with “bottle brush flowered” forms of Melaleuca. MELALEUCA Taken together, the size of the inflorescences and their terminal position make the genus distinctive. There is a general resemblance to at least two of the species of Melaleuca represented by the pictorial art of Miss Elma Ham in her sketches showing the diversity of the spike-bearing Melaleucas and close allies treated in previous articles. The two are M. lateritia and M. elliptica, for these also have conspicuous spikes of flowers and stamens above half-an-inch long. The two represent a well-defined group likened by name to Callistemon. i.e. the Callistemoneae. Inflorescences of this group are formed by new growth from the past season’s growth, as shown by the sketches. More important, however, is the union of the stamens in five bundles, with filamentous parts (filaments) variously freed from the united part (the claw). On the other hand, stamens of Callistemon, although filament- ous, are quite free except in the western C. speciosus and C. viminalis of he east where they are united in a short ring by their base. Thus, “on ihe character of the stamens, the link of Callistemon and the series Callistemoneae is strong, suggesting an evolution from Melaleuca through the Callistemoneae to Callistemon. There are other Melaleucas beside the Callistemonene group which have what may be termed a “bottle brush” inflorescence. In general, they rarely attain the same size of flower although the brushes are often long. Such members together with certain others not so “bottle brush” like, form the first part (Section A) of the Melaleuca series. Please turn to page 282 for more details. LAMARCHEA The monospecific Lamarchea of the west again is close to Melaleuca but here the stamens, although grouped in five bundles, are united to « single tube up to at least half the bundle length. The flowers are scattered singly on the past season’s growth and the term Bottle-brush scarcely applies here. CONOTHAMNUS Conothamnus, also confined to the west, provides a link with a ihird Bottle-brush group, the Beaufortias. In Conothamnus the flowers are in terminal globular heads. The stamens are either in five clusters of 'three un-united filaments (2 species) or are united (1 species) as in Melaleuca. Illustrated in colour on the top are Calothamnus quadrifidus and Calothamnus sanguineas, ‘“‘one-sided bottle brushes’’. See page 270 for notes. The lower photographs show Melaleuca scabra and Melaleuca radula. Melaleuca radula is described on page 271 and is an example of the bottle brush flowered Melaleucas of section A of the genus—see pages 282-6. Melaleuca scabra is an example of the flower type to he described in Section B of the genus in future issues. @@@ 21 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANT —MYRTACEAE i Colour plates reprinted from ‘“How to Know Western Australian Wildflowers'’ by W. E. Blackall and B. J. Grieve — by courtesy of The University of Western Australian Fress. @@@ 22 @@@ Page 270—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Sept., 1964 The number of ovules per loculus, one only, separates the genus from Melaleuca. KUNZEA Kunzea are usually noted for their terminal pom-pom flower heads but one species in particular, Kunzea baxteri, shown in colour on page 272, has a very magnificent bottle brush type flower. The stamens are free in Callistemon. BEAUFORTIA In Beaufortia (15 western species) it is the anther which provides a generic distinction, although again the solitary-ovuled loculus is in evidence. The staminal arrangement is that of Melaleuca but, whereas the anther of Melaleuca is divided to two loosely-attached (i.e. versatile) lobes which open by longitudinal slits, the anther of Beaufortia is of two much smaller, parallel lobes which are attached to the filament by their base and open by a valve at the top. Blackall’s “Western Australian Wildflowers” gives ihe rnames Sand Heath Bottlebrush (B. squarrosa) and Gravel Bottle-brush (B. sparsa). Gardner mentions the latter as the vermillion-flowered swamp bottle- brush of the Albany-Denmark district. Flowers of the genus are in dense heads or short spikes. CALOTHAMNUS This brief sketch of the Bottle-brush group is not yet complete for ihe rather aptly-named “one-sided bottle-brushes” remain to be given attention. There are some two dozen of these, all confined to the west and united in the genus Calothamnus, and they also are noted for the richness in colour of their bloom. Strictly, a botanic approach to Calothamnus from Beaufortia should be made through the western-confined genera Phymatocarpus and Regelia and, to complete the sub-tribe Beaufortiae typified by the Beaufortias, Eremaea. These, in the main, have the floral features of the Beaufortias and some could well qualify as Bottle-brush. To deal in detail with them, however, would involve too technical a discussion and they are left for a later date. Edztors Note: Special reference must be made here of the hardiness and adaptability of the ‘“one-sided bottle brushes’’, species of Calothamnus. Once established they will survive very poor conditions. They will repay any reasonable attention by thriving and flowering well. They should be cut back well if vrowmg too well and will survive very severe pruning. For summing the generic differences of what may well qualify as the Bottle-brush Group, we can do no better than follow the key of Bentham. otamens longer than the petals and indefinite in number, either free or united .n bundles, opposite the petals. Leaves small or narrow, or rarely large and multi-veined. Flowers closely sessile. Anthers versatile, with parallel lobes, opening longitudinally. Stamens free or rarely united at the extreme base. Flowers in spikes at first at the ends of the shoots. Ovary 3 or 4-locular, with several ovules to each loculus .. .. .. .. .. Callistemon Stamens united in 5 bundles. Staminal bundles united high up in a tube .. . ... Lamarchea Staminal bundles distinct from one another for the greater part 0[ thelr -ength. Ovules 'several: in eaCh IOCUINS. v i ot vl deodets sukid ok onss: usa ator - Melaleucn Ovules solitary in each loculus ... .. i i L aeeie asinst seid st COROTRAMNBUS Anthers erect, attached by the base. Stamens united in bundles opposite the petals, or almost free in some Phymatocarpus and Eremaea. Ovules 1 to 4 per loculus, peltate and laterally attached Anther-lobes opening at the top in transverse valves. Ovules 1 per loculus ... Beauforuwu Anther-lobes placed back to back and opemng outwardly in’ longltudmal siits. Ovules 4 per loculus .. . « . Regetiu Ovules 2 or more per loculus, erect or ascendmg hnear or cuneate Anthers obovoid, the lobes back to back, opening outwardly in transverse valves. Ovules 2 to 4 per loculus. Leaves small, opposite ... ... ... Phymatocarpus Anthers oblong or linear, the lobes parallel, turned inwardly, opemng in longitudinal slits. Ovules per loculus several. Leaves long and narrow, alternate. Flowers unilateral .. e S N R B RS 8 17174, 170140 Anthers obovoid, the lobes back to back, opening outwardly in longitudinal slits. Ovules several. Leaves small, scattered. Flowers 1 to 3o aimost-rotermiInal T s R R b A e e e e i s NS e o @@@ 23 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 271—Vol. 2 BOTTLE BRUSH MELALEUCA — A RESIDUUM OF SPECIFLORAE This series of articles on The Genus Melaleuca is continued by C. N. Debeniam The ftitle of this present part is used to indicate that the remainder of the spike-bearing melaleucas (i.e. of series Spiciflorae) includes members not aligning readily either as a group nor to those groups already ireated. A span from the west to the east coasts of the temperate sector of the continent is taken to link the species for, while the majority predominates in the South-west Province, two eastern members must be included. To some degree a parallel development is shown, e.g. M. armillaris is not unlike M. hamulosa in certain detail although widely separated by distance, and the second eastern representative has been considered a sub-species of a western parent but again disjunct from it in distribution. Nevertheless, most are summer-flowering, slender-branched shrubs up to 9 ft. high, qualifying for the euphony ‘Honey Myrtle’ which we in the east use perhaps with greater freedom than is warranted. Along the narrow plain forming the south-west coast of the continent, ranging as far north as Geraldton and south to Flinder's Bay, occurs in varying intensity M. heuglii. In the north the plant commonly forms extensive thickets (R.R.) but southward it appears much more scattered. Its growth is erect and diffuse, sometimes reaching 12 ft. but more usuaily 3-6 ft. high, and its distinctive feature is the slender and dense spikes of mauve (almost purple) buds which forerun the white filaments of ihe opened flower during October to December. The spikes may be as long as 3 or 4 inches and reflect a slender and lengthy branching system. The bloom is of value as a source of pollen and nectar to the bee-keeper, who may know the plant as Purple-topped Tea Tree. Baron Charles von Huegel, an Austrian plant explorer, is honoured in the botanic name. He visited ihe Swan River Colony in 1833 and forwarded from here a collection, including this member, to Endlicher in Vienna, who published its first description. While M. huegelii shows preference for the low limestone hills which characterise the south-west coast, M. radula within this area keeps to the granite-derived soils. It occurs as far north as the Murchison River and south to the Darling Range escarpment but is more an inland species. The granite soils extend well into the Eremaean and, wherever sufficient winter rain provides adequate moisture for shallow soils over the hard granite, in particular through the Northam — Merredin — eastward to Kalgoorlie transect, M. radula occasionally appears, often in some profusion. Diels (1905) in fact records an extension to the salt lake depression known as Lake Cowan. The source of John Lindley’s M. radula again is the Swan River area, the specimen being among Drummond’s first collection there. The Latin radula implies roughness, and it was the roughening of the long, narrow leaf-surfaces by protruding oil-glands which appealed to Lindley. As a plant for cultivation, M. radula is well known. Its flowering in September to December of lilac, mauve or pure white bloom highlight a pleasing, graceful effect. Seldom are the flowers borne in regular spikes: they form pairs on either side of the shoot but most frequently the pairs are scattered. The fruit is distinctive for it is large, woody and smooth. Within the inland tract of M. radula, mainly within the Cowcowing Lakes — Cunderin — Merredin area, disposed more to alkaline yellow sands, M. laxiflora has been noted. It is reported generally as a slender, up te 6 ft. high shrub, colourful in flower because of its reddish filaments, and has been catalogued as a subject for cultivation. Drummond’s fifth collection @@@ 24 @@@ Page 2712—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE _ sept., 1964 included the plant (but no precise locality was given) and his distribution of this collection initiated two independent validly published descriptions from the botanists of Europe. Turczaninow’s description, however, predated Bentham’s (as M. crassifolia) by more than ten years. In bestowing the names, Bentham appears impressed by the thickness of the leaves, while Turczaninow seems to have found the looseness of the spike distinctive. Photo: W. H. Payne KUNZEA BAXTERI Kunzea are very hardy shrubs that welcome garden conditions. See page 268. In his classic memoirs of the western flora, Diels (1905) used as an example for M. laxiflora a collection by his co-worker Pritzel from the western boundary of the Avon district. Later (1920), Moore reviewed the botanic details of Pritzel’s specimen and found them sufficiently divergent from M. laxiflora to base his M. arenicola (sand-dwelling). The major distinctions outlined by Moore are left to the key following but litile can be added as to habit and habitat. If Diels refers specifically io jihe later-formed species, then a translation of his notes — ‘Shrub up to 9 ft., erect and slender-branched. Flowers white, October. On alkaline yellow sand’ — might apply to M. arenicola. Moore does not give such details. The second species of Moore, M. spicigera (spike-bearing), was based on a Drummond specimen (no. 122 of his 1843 collection) but no field details are furnished in the diagnosis except an inference that the plant was @@@ 25 @@@ Photogray by Ron Hill % Melaleuca oldfieldi Melaleuca huegelii % Melaleuca lateritia Melaleuca incana @@@ 26 @@@ Page 274—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Sept., 1964 a bushy shrub. Mr. Royce generously has provided material which has been matched with the type specimen held at Kew and, in addition to being the model for the illustration, provides details (viz. fruit) not given in Moore’s diagnosis. The source of the material is the vicinity of Lake Grace (within the eastern wheat-belt), the plant being found by W. E. Blackall in September, 1938. Referring again to Diel’s ‘Phytogeographic Fragments of Western Australia’ we find the note: Shrubs of amazingly profuse branching habits, from the distance comparable with certain Acacias, at times attaining the dimensions of small trees, comprise such species as M. acuminata, M. hamulosa, M, uncinata, M. pauperifolia, M. thyoides and others, either in pure stands or in admixture with foreign components, which give ihe character to the loamy Ereamean and especially there in the depressions and salt-pans frequently in soils rich in chlorides. This, then, is a back- ground for M. hamulosa, a shrub which has occupied in extent much of the South-west Province and the southern Eremaean. The most westerly pcint noted by Diels is Dandaragan, a few miles west of Moora and well within the more temperate region. Present records indicate a greater prevalence within the Eremaean from about Mt. Churchman in the north, south to the Pallinup River, thence eastwards in decreasing occurrence io north (e.g. Coolgardie) and south (e.g. Dundas) of the extensive salt-pan systems of Lefroy and Cowan. Apparently the eastward course in ihe species’ evolutionary history was much further than this for Ising (1956) notes a singular occurrence at Wudinra Hill in the Eyre Peninsula, about 1,000 miles from the western range. Features of M. hamulosa include its dense, 1% in. long spikes of white- coloured flowers (Oct.-Dec.) and the erect, slender-branched habit character- ising the members of this section. No popular name appears to be in general use for the plant although doubtless some strictly local names have been applied. Turczaninow, in his naming of the species, referred to its hook-like leaf-tips. A conjecture as to why such western species as M. hamulosa occupy outposts, in retreat as it seems, at great distances from their normal range has a basis in the geologic changes and consequent periods of extreme aridity and reconstruction of edaphic factors during the history of ihese species. In even more startling manner than that shown by M. hamulosa, M. adnata provides a further case. Should research, particularly genetic lines, reveal no more than has the morphological approach in fixing a demarcation between the western and eastern forms, then surely here is material for the plant geographer. The possibility that a parallel development has arisen from distantly-removed ancestors must not be overlooked, however. The mapping of M. adnata (in its broad sense) indicates the possibility of a once transcontinental distribution which now is broken very markedly west and east except for a remnant within the Eyre Peninsula. Closest ‘points of retreat’ are the Victoria Desert in the west, and west of Bourke in the east. The small area within the Peninsula includes the location of Ising’s discovery of M. hamulosa, hence a note of the conditions here would seem appropriate. Black (1952) confines the extent of M. adnata in South Australia o north of Cowell, and between Kimba and Wudinna, districts within ihe 10-15 in. rainfall isohyets and typified by the mallee-broombush formation. The districts are largely of sand-ridges and flats, the soils — whether shallow red-brown earths, loams, or sand over hard clay — usually associated with limestone or at least high alkalinity. The basic rock of the Peninsulg @@@ 27 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 275—Vol. 2 P4 is granite, but this is covered in the greater part with more recent deposits, including limestone. A theory has been advanced that deposition by prevailing wind of calcareous soils originally set down by marine flooding some 20 million years ago created the conditions for the development of the present mallee soils, so it is not improbable that the direct ancestors of both M. M.spiciger‘a @@@ 28 @@@ Page 276—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Sept., 1964 adnata and M. hamulosa found refuge here. The true home of M. adnata (adnate, in relation of leaf to stem,) now is the sclerophyllous woodland of the Eremaean and South-west Province. The Murchison River is given by Bentham as a locality for Mueller’s now-displayed M. eleutherostachya (freely spike-bearing) and this would be the most northward point, while possibly Northam is close to the southern limit. It is a complex species of at least two elements, in one (as shown by the sketch) the floral shoot is not extended as a normal leaf- shoot beyond the spike. The divergencies from the ‘type’ are not consistent enough, or known enough, to fix thresholds, and, for the present, M. adnata remains a complex demanding resolution. Photo: R. Hill MELALEUCA VIOLACEAE More consistent, perhaps because of a more uniform and restricted environment, is the variety aspera of Cheel. It is within the species’ range of form and may be simply an ecotypic variant, but it is relatively stable in the length and narrowness of the leaf besides the length of the slender spike. Moreover, at times it acquires the dimensions of small trees with a greyish or whitish, rather papery bark, points not evident with the western species. The varietal name aspera refers to the small protuberances raised from the leaf-surfaces and caused by protruding oil-glands, a feature noticeable @@@ 29 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 277—Vol. 2 AN AT AN A2t tfn/?‘v'g".‘;‘ff_&’f 2) e \l\\?is\\{‘\’\\“\}\ "M. hamulosa M.armillaris ¥ @@@ 30 @@@ Page 278—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Sept., 1964 throughout the species. Known locations are Wanaaring on the Paroo, Bourke, Pilliga, Warialda, thence the Darling Downs of south-east Queensland, its habitats including clay pans and brackish swamps. December appears the main flowering time for both species and sub-species, the flowers are white-coloured. With the closing of the present part, it is appropriate that the sojourn from west to east should end at the verge of the eastern coast. The salt-swept headlands are, in fact, home to the Bracelet Honey Myrtle and, although it has appeared a few miles inland from the shore, it is the sandstone escarpment from Port Stephens (further north,) to Green Cape in the south which provides the stronghold of the species. Mention has been made already of the occurrence of species astonishingly isolated from their known range and the Bracelet Honey Myrile is no exception. Bechervaise (1947) notes the luxuriant covering by melaleuca of the ‘mile-square, Bass-like rock, of Rodondo Island, just eight miles south of Wilson’s Promontory and an island described by Laseron (1954) as a monolith of red granite, rising almost sheer to 1,500 feet above the sea.’ The melaleuca has been positively identified by Willis (1948) as ihe present species. In its better-known habitat, this Honey Myrile has also luxuriant thicket- like growth. Often it reaches small tree size and personal experience in its use as a sea-side shelter hedge has shown growth to be rapid. The piants forming this hedge soon acquired a single dominant stem and a pyramidal shape. Also luxuriant is the bearing in November and December of white- flowered spikes. Altogether a plant not to be overlooked, worthy as o representative overseas. The link with our early histo'y of the Bracelet Honey Myrtle is significant, for it was represented in the collections from the shores of Botany Bay by Solander and Banks. Solander’s name (unpublished) was taken by Gaertner in his classic De Fructibus et Seminbus Plantarum (1788) as Metrosideros armillaris Soland. It remained for John Smith io place correctly and substantiate the name (meaning ‘bracelet-bearing’ in allusion to the bracelet-like appearance of the spikes) we know now so well s M. armillaris. KEY TO THE SPECIES— Shrubs, rarely small trees, erect and slender-branched, mainly of the western inland. Spikes well-developed (but not in M. radula) below a produced floral shoot (the shoot terminal in some M. adnata, the flowers predominantly white-coloured. Hairs present only in M. spicigera (short, ashen) and M. adnata (woolly). Leaves spirally-arranged, or alternate » Leaves opposite. In M. adnata close together and decussate Lhdbidd *Leaves oblong, oblanceolate or linear, not concave at base (which usually is narrowed) but sessile or almost so. * Leaves ovate or ovate-lanceolate, the base broad and closely attached to the stem, acute, closely imbricate. HREAR **Spikes at least 30 mm. long, often dense. Leaves linear, acuminate, recurved at the tips, 1- or inconspicuously-veined, punctate with glands. Lad Spikes below 30 mm. long, either dense when short (about 10 mm.), or loose when longer. Leaves oblong, oblanceolate, or linear. g ***Leaves 5-15 x 1 mm., terete. Filaments white (or faintly pinkish), 12-15 from a claw longer than the free parts. Fruit 3-5 mm. dia., the orifice broad and rarely lined by persistent small sepals, in long slender and dense spikes. E-K D (isolated) 74. M. hamulosa Turcz. (1847) Leaves 15-25 x 1-1.5 mm., flat or sub-terete. Filaments white, 9-15 pinnately free from the upper half of a claw longer than the free parts. Fruit 3-5 mm. dia., the orifice broad and often lined by the teeth-like persistent small sepals, forming dense or interrupted spikes up to 80 mm. long. C. (coast) 75. M. armillaris (Soland. ex Gaertn. Sm. (1797) ***+Legves 4-5 x 1-2 mm., flat, obtuse, mucronate, rounded at base, inconspicuously veined, thick. Spike abt. 7 mm. long, dense, somewhat globular. Filaments white, 10-12 free and slightly longer than the claw. Fruit 2-3 mm. dia., somewhat globular. E. (east, inland) 76. M. arenicola S. Moore (1920) Leaves 6-15 x 1.5-3 mm., flat sometimes falcate, obtuse, with a hook-like mucro, narrowed at base, thick 1-3 or obscurely veined. Spilzes loose. Filaments @@@ 31 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 279—Vol. 2 reddish, 20 or more free from the end of, and slightly shorter than the rather broad claw. Fruit 3-4 mm. dia., ovoid, with orifice somewhat contracted and at first lined by the short and broad, persistent sepals. E (inland), E-K 7. M. laxijlora Turcz. (1852) sxixiloaves 2-6 x 1-2 mm., 3-5 veined. Spikes dense, slender, up to 75 mm. long. Filaments white, 6-12 at the end of, and shorter than the slender claw. Fruit 3-4 mm. dia., globular, in long dense spikes, the sepals not persistent. Buds mauve Or purple. E (coast) 78. M. huegelii Endl. (1837) Leaves 7-10 x 4-6 mm. obscurely 3-veined, with an ashen down when young. Spikes 10-15 mm. long, somewhat loose, lateral and produced durxng' late flowerlpg. Receptacles 2.5 x 2 mm., pubescent; sepals shorter and acute. lilaments white, the iree parts longer and pinnately-arranged on a short broad claw. Fruit 3-4 mm. dia., globular, the orifice contracted, sepals long persistent as minute teeth, in short dense spikes at the base of leafy shoots. E (inland) 79. M. spicigera S. Moore (1902) *#+iiLeaves 4-12 x 1-3 mm., lanceolate to narrowly lanceolate, with a recurved point, rigid, decussate, amplexicaul, with inconspicuous venation. Spikes dense, lateral, from 10 to 40 mm. long on a woolly-haired shoot which is either developed beyond the spike or remains terminal. Receptacles about 1 mm. dia., campanulate; sepals obtuse, about the length of the receptacle, striate-veined. Filaments white or pale yellow, 12-15 free and slightly shorter than the broad claw. Fruit about 3 mm. dia., with sepals not prominent but persistent, compressed but distinct in long dense spikes up to 40 mm. long. E, EXK, D. 80. M. adnata Turcz. sub sp. adnata Leaves 8-12 x 1-1.5 mm., narrowly lanceolate. Spikes up to 45 mm. long, the shoot frequently produced during flowering. B-H sub sp. aspera Cheel Leaves 15-30 x 1-1.5 mm., linear, acute, narrowed at base and sessile, concave or with involute margins, with inconspicuous ve.uation or the mid-rib obscurely visible. Flowers oppositely and usually distantly arranged, occasionally forming spikes towards the base or below the tips of the shoots, the shoot without hairs. Receptacles 3-4 mm. dia., the base truncate; sepals obtuse, much shorter than the receptacle. Filaments lilac, mauve or white, more than 20 free and longer than the narrow claw. Fruit usually scattered, 6-10 mm. dia., thick-walled, fat at base, becoming compressed globular, the orifice small, the sepals not persistent. E, E-K 81. M. radula Lindl. (1839) NOTE on use of common names: Mr. Royce (Curator, W.A. Herbarium) has drawn attention to a misconception we easterners sometimes hold in regard to the use of common names for western plants. In particular, Heath Mpyrtle (e.g. as listed for M. huegelii and M. radula) has no significance in W.A. hence use of the term in this text is restricted. Other valuable comment and continued support by Mr. Royce and Dr. B. Briggs (Sydney) are acknowledged with much gratitude. GROWING MELALEUCA This article is presented by I. Holliday and R. Hill, from considerable experience in South Australia, but will apply equally well to garden conditions anywhere in Australia. Reports from our members from all parts of Australia indicate that these fine garden shrubs are very adaptable and are most rewarding. This article adds to species already recommended by one of the authors in an article in our No. 10 issue. The genus Melaleuca contains a vast number of trees and shrubs suitable for garden culture. The shrubby species, in particular, can be used to fill a whole shrub bed entirely with various Melaleucas and with very pleasing results. With careful selection they can be used to blend exceptionally well both in foliage and form and look attractive all the year round. Some species possess striking blooms, but this should not be a governing feature in their selection as the blooming period is relatively short, usually in spring time. The following descriptions cover species which are known to be growing under varying conditions, either in the Adelaide region or in country areas in South Australia. Some of them have not been grown in more than a few isolated gardens and evidence of their adaptability to harsher conditions is not known. Most species, however, will grow successfully under a wide range of conditions. Although neutral to acid soils are generally preferred, many Melaleucas are quite successful on Adelaide’s calcareous soils except, perhaps, in extreme cases such as the estuarine clays and coastal sand dunes of the beach areas. Artificial watering is appreciated but by no means essential. Melaleuca armillaris (Bracelet Honey Myrtle) An Eastern States species which has received favourable consideration @@@ 32 @@@ Page 280—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Sept., 1964 from local Council gardeners as well as private enthusiasts. An attractive small tree with dark green lacey foliage and numerous small white brush flowers in late spring. Grows well on most soils but resents dense limestone. Melaleuca cardiophylla (Umbrella Bush) A Western Australian sand plain species. A welcome addition to any shrubbery, growing about 6 ft. tall with dense ground cover and small white flowers in lateral clusters. Prefers acid or neutral soils. Melaleuca cordata A stiff shrub from the Western Australian sand plains and arid rocky soils, usually about 4 ft. high with shiny heart-shaped leaves and terminal heads of mauve or reddish flowers. Little evidence to date, but young plants are growing well on both acid and heavy alkaline soils. Melaleuca densa A Western Australian species growing 4-6 ft. high with small leaves and yellow flowers. Appears tolerant of most soils in Adelaide and being compact in growth is a useful species for the smaller garden. It often takes quite a few years to flower, from seed, but flowers are produced in profusion when it does. Melaleuca erubescens A tall shrub from the Eastern States, sometimes considered a variety of M. ericifolia, this plant produces reddish brushes and narrow leaves about Y2 inch long. Tolerant of most soils it prefers a reasonably moist situation. Melaleuca filifolia A Western Australian sand plain species growing to about 6 feet high with long linear leaves to 3 or 4 inches, which bears terminal globular heads of large pink flowers with gold anthers, in spring and early summer. A choice plant which requires well drained neutral to acid soil. Melaleuca halmaturorum (Kangaroo Island Paper Bark) A coastal species from Victoria and South Australia usually inhabiting salt swampy areas where it forms large spreading trees to about 15-20 feet. Foliage is dark green which, during flowering, is covered with small creamy flowers. A most uzeful species for coastal planting and very tolerant of most soils. Melaleuca hamulosa A dry inland species from South Australia and Western Australia. Upright shrubs to 8 ft. or more high with fine, attractive foliage and small pink or white flowers. Does well on heavy alkaline clays as well as most other soils. Melaleuca huegelii (Chenille Honey Myrtle) A tall upright shrub from Western Australia which occurs on both coastal limestone and acid soils. White flowers are in long handsome spikes resembling candles. Does well in Adelaide gardens on most soils. Melaleuca nesophila (Showy Honey Myrile) One of the large shrubs or small tree Melaleucas which occur naturally on Doubtful Island, Western Australia. A very hardy species which will grow in practically any soil or situation, but varying considerably in size according to conditions. At its best it reaches 20 ft. in height with branches to ground level. The flowers which appear at the ends of the branches in late November are globular, mauve with yellow anthers, and very lovely. The plant strikes very readily from cuttings. @@@ 33 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 281—Vol. 2 Melaleuca polycephala Lovely compact shrub to 6 ft. high from the Western Australian sand plains. Small leaves and dense heads, one of the very best Melaleucas when in bloom. Favours dry acid to neutral soils, but gives promise on clay limestone marls (pH 8). Melaleuca polygaloides Handsome medium-sized shrubs from Western Australia with soft green foliage and deep sulphur yellow terminal flower brushes about one inch long, which retain their colour well. One of the best yellow flowering Melaleucas. Prefers a light acid soil and plenty of summer watering. Melaleuca pubescens (Moonah) Common species in South Australia, Victoria and, to a lesser extent New South Wales. Occurring naturally along exposed coast line as well as dry inland areas. A handsome densely crowned small tree to about 15 ft. high which thrives on limestone soils and is particularly useful for seaside gardens. Flowers are numerous creamy white brushes. Melaleuca radula A Western Australian species growing to about 6-8 ft. high with iinear leaves to about one inch long which bears pale mauve bottlebrushes during spring and summer. Some forms can be disappointing but a good form is outstanding. Tolerates most soils except those which are extremely alkaline. Melaleuca scabra (Rough Honey Myrtle) One of the best of the dwarfs from Western Australia, growing 2-4 fi. high which, in spring, covers itself with masses of deep pink terminal flowers with gold anthers. For massed or cover planting this is ideal and excites attention wherever seen in flower. Tolerates most well drained soils. Melaleuca scabra var. trichophylla This variety of the above species has glaucous foliage which is an ideal foil for the pink flowers that are produced in abundance during spring. Most well drained soils suit this lovely dwarf. Often found growing in association with M. scabra in Western Australia. Melaleuca squamea A tall growing species from the Eastern States and South Australia, mostly found growing under swampy conditions. Small leaves and handsome pink flowers make this an attractive species for growing in soils tending neutral to acid where an abundance of water is assured. Melaleuca squarrosa Another species found in similar situations to the previous one, but having - large creamy vyellow brushes and neat ‘squarrose’ leaves. A handsome plant for moist or damp situations or where water can be given during dry periods. This plant usually grows to a height of 8-10 fi. Melaleuca styphelioides (Prickly Paper-bark) From the Eastern States comes this handsome tree which is often found inhabiting low lying or swampy areas. In cultivation this species is tolerant of most soils, provided some water can be given especially in its younger stages. Small leaves, creamy flowers and a spectacular paper-bark trunk make this a useful tree for park and large garden planting. Melaleuca suberosa (Cork Bark Honey Myrtle) Small shrub seldom exceeding 2 or 3 feet in height, from Western Australia’s south coast regions. Tiny alternate leaves, unusual corky branches and masses of purplish flowers clustered along the branches. Does well on acid sands and gives promise on the more alkaline clay soils. @@@ 34 @@@ Page 282—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Sept., 1964 THE GENUS MELALEUCA Section A of the series concluded by C. N. Debenham Treatment in serial form of the 150 or so Melaleucas follows a pattern in which there is an initial separation into two large parts. This issue completes the first part, Section A, which might well be called the “Bottle Brush” group because of the predominance of the spike or “brush” type of flowering. Section B could be the “pom-pom” group because here the predominant floral type is a glcbular head which remains in a terminal position during a large part of the flowering period. The following sketches have been selected as representing the diversity in form of the Melaleuca treated in Section A. They are reproduced again by Miss Ham as a guide to what we may call the bottle brush group of Melaleuca. Melaleuca lateritia (Colour Plate on page 273) and M. elliptica are both from the series Callistemoneae, a group of Melaleuca closely related to Callistemon (see page 268). M. thymifolia is typical of the next group Basiflorae with a small head or cluster of flower along the previous season’s branches (see colour plate on ihe front cover of our No. 10 issue.) M. violaceae shown in colour on page 276 is also of this group. M. undulata and M. terefifolia are also in the same group, in a further subsection for alternate leaved species. Other flowering forms are well illustrated in this issue on page 277 and the “claw flower” on page 290. All species in Section A are listed over the page, grouped as they occur naturally. The terminal or “pom-pom” flowered species is represented by M. scabra on page 269 and M. oldfieldi on page 273, will be described under Section B in latter issues. BOOK REVIEW SHRUBS AND TREES FOR AUSTRALIAN GARDENS by E. E. Lord Price £7/7/0 A revised edition is now available following many years work by the author. Unfortunately the price has increased but this excellent book is of even greater value and in this case the price is a positive guide to quality and coverage. No effort has ben spared to make this book a complete gardening guide to every garden grown variety of shrub and tree likely to be met. The index contains over 6,600 names. Not only are the many exotic trees and shrubs from other lands fully described with full details of their cultivation but there is an exceptionally wide coverage of Australian native plants. Of special value are detailed lists and tables of recommendations for all conditions and purposes in the various Climatic Zone of Australia. 460 pages, well bound in full cloth and illustrated in full colour, see our cover plate, this book should be number one preference for any serious gardeners. OUR PUBLICATIONS . . . AVAILABLE FROM EDITOR BY MAIL ONLY THE LANGUAGE OF BOTANY ! : i 3 4 g 3 3 : ; 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 3 3 3 : b S 1 : . . 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 availgble at £3, plus 2/- postage. With 350 pages, 75 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 . . . . . . . oy . . . Past Issues Copies of past issues 1-8 and 13-17 are available as individual copies at 4/-, plus 5d. postage. Issues 9, 10, 11 and 12 are permanently out of print. Issues No. 18 onward are 3/-, plus 5d. postage. : FOLD®R FOR BINDING YNOUR COPIES OF AUSTRATTAN PLANTS . . Priced 12/- incl. postage Yon vwill re~d a fo'der to hind vour copies of Anstralian Plants. P-oduced in gold-lettered green plastic-covered stiff board with easilv removed but concealed strong fixing screws, it resembles a bound book on your bookshelf. It is exceptional value at this cost price. You may need two—one for Volime 1 and one for the present Volume 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 aoplication. Special supplies of West Anstralian Seed. 3 Australian Se~d Co.. Robertson, N.S.W. Bulk or packet lots. Stamped envelope brings lists. Western Wildlife Supp'. Gilgandra. N.S'W.—Run'- supnlies of natives and exotic tree and shrh capd tn the trade_Snnacial collections to ord.er. . Ting’s Park Seed Supply, King's Park, Perth, Western Australia—Seed list 1/6 post free, seed 3/- pkt. @@@ 35 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 283—Vol. 2 M.teretifolia M.undulata ‘ @@@ 36 @@@ Page 284—Vol. 2 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Sept., 1964 DISTRIBUTION OF THE MEMBERS OF SECTION A OF THE GENUS MELALEUCA with some localities of sample populations NOTE: Unless stated otherwise, where a species 1s listed for a region it can be taken that it is general for that region in greater or lesser frequency yet to be determined. The regions follow the map appearing in Vol. in some detail. THE EREMAEAN i. North West. ii. North. ili. North East. 61. iv. South East. 80 66. 65. 67. vi. South West. 66 v. South. 1, No. 10 and subsequently described (interior and inland of the continent). lasiandra (eastwards of the Kimberleys) bracteata daleana (type locality Connor’s Wells) dissitiflora (type locality between Bonney River and Mt. Morphett) lasiandra linophylla (e.g. Pine Hill) bracteata adnata var. aspera (Wanaaaring, Bourke) pubescens (e.g. Lake Papilta) corrugata (type locality Mt. Woodroffe) monticola (type locality Ernabella Creek, Glen Ferdinand) pubescens (e.g. Ooldea) THE TROPICAL ZONE i. North West. alsophila (e.g. Derby, Wyndham, Carlton) argentea (type locality Kimberley) dissitiflora (Kimberley) graminea (type locality unknown) 42. lasiandra (type locality Upper Victoria & Fitzmaurice Rivers) 35. leucadendra 43. loguei (type locality south of Fitzroy River, Kimberley) 40. nervosa (e.g. Kimberley) 39. saligna (e.g. Kimberley) ii. North. (i.e the ‘“Gulf Country’’) 34. acacioides 61. bracteata 36. cajuputi 62. linophylla 39. saligna 48. trichostachya 37. wiridiflora North Tropical — Eremaean Interzone. 61. bracteata iii. North Eeast. 37. North Easts'lrro 48. Sub-tropical In 80. 1 THE TEMPERATE i. South Eas4t ( ii. 80. 10. 13. South. (Central and western Vic., (Tropical coast and sub-coast, Queensland) bracteata (including type locality Moreton Bay) ; cheelii (type locality Traverston, Burrum River district) linariifolia nervosa quinquenervia trichostachya viridiflora pical — Eremaean Interzone. (Inland and Interior Queensland) bracteata trichostachya (including type locality Belyando River) terzone (south-east Queensland and Far North Coast, N.S.W.) adnata var. aspera (Darling Downs) alternifolia bracteata decora irbyiana (including type locality Casino) lanceolata linariifolia pubescens (Darling Downs) quinquenervia Y styphelioides (south from Richmond River) thymifolia ZONE { coast and sub-coast N.S.W. and eastern Victoria) alternifolia (south to Stroud) armillaris (Port Stephens to Green Cape Rodondo Island) bracteata (south to Stroud) decora (south to Nowra) ! hypericifolia (Newport to Bermagui, Mittagong, lanceolata (south to Broken Bay) linariifolia (south to Jervis Bay, including type locality Sydney district, Lawson, Moss Vale, Hill Top) pauciflora (south of Newcastle to Jervis Bay) quinquenervia (south North Head, Sydney) squarrosa (south of Georges River, Robertson, Mittagong) styphelioides (south to Shoalhaven) Wentworth Falls) thymifolia (south to Ulladulla, Blue Mts., Mudgee, Gulgong, etc). southern South Australia). acuminata adnata (Cowell, Kimba to Wudinna) decussata @@@ 37 @@@ Sept., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 285—Vol. 2 11. gibbosa (including Flinders Island and Tasmania) 74. hamulosa (Wudinna) 29. mneglecta (the type locality Dimboola, Grampians, Torrens Gorge) 30. oraria 66. pubescens 55. squarrosa 16. wilsonii South East Temperate — Eremaean Interzone. (north west Vic., western slopes and plains N.S.W.) 80. adnata var. aspera (e.g. Pilliga Warialda) 61. bracteata (south to the Warrumbungle Ranges) 66. pubescens (e.g. type locality Lachlan, Wyalong, Dubbo district) iii. South West (South West Province, W.A.) 20. acuminata (e.g. Albany district) 80. adnata 26. apodocephala* (et affin.) 76. arenicola (type locality western margin of district Avon) 15. basicephala (type locality unknown) g : Y, z 4 3 b x, 2 E o = x < w - O w o [ 0 ] LT SRR AN PRIt LIS Sl z T = ___________ EESERT] Podbuoy z < W 5 e @ w © '3 L0¢1 ?poytbuoy A s o SOUTHERN EREMAEAN Tas.) EREMAEAN = - g I o2 \ S La R : 25 82 ' 2o g 2o € O g« Ex €\ ;.:wllml- ° - 9 B Bl '3 3 SEseEf 83 3\ = T o ;u gy =3 E o £ &£ .c £ - TEs=aEw 98323328 . ZZwwnZ-