'Australian Plants' Vol.3 No.21 December 1964

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PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN 10000 COPIES

Revistered at PO, Sydney. tor transmissiorn DECEMBER, 1964 Vol % No 2
VOPOst as i periodicad Volume 3 will comprise assues Noo 2128

Colowr phaotography by Frank Hurley Block by courtesy ot John Sands Pty Ltd

BRIGHT CONE SHAPED FLOWER HKEADS OF GREVILLEA ERIOSTACHY A (see page 47
I'his issue describes many Grevillea for the garden, some species known us “Spider Flowers®
® Bottle Brush fHower heads of Melaleuca steedmanit See page 44



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Vol 34 Page 2 AVSTRALIAN PLANTS  INTRODUCTION DEC 19654

WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT AND WHY?

Iniroduction to Volume No. 3—

“Australian Plants’” is produced by a group of Societies from each
State of Australia whose members come from all walks of life in the community,
but who all have a love of flowers, in particular, the wildflowers of Australia.
The objective of the publication is to encourage their preservation in the wild
and their planting in public and home gardens.

Growing Wildflowers?

Under correct conditions, many make excellent garden subjects. Each
issue describes the conditions most desired for the plants described. Generally
speaking, garden conditions that are good for the usual exotic garden
subjects are ideal. A good drained soil with protection from extreme conditions
will grow most of the more beautiful natives. General maintenance differs
only in that the soil should not be cultivated or limed and fertiliser applied
cnly sparingly. Pruning after flowerings is also important. Every issue gives
full instructions.

By following the simple instructions given every amateur gardener
can grow wildflowers. As in past volumes there will be special issues for
problem applications such as clay or heavy soil areas, arid conditions, wind
breaks, etc.

Where to Obtain Wildflowers?

Definitely not from the bush. If the plants survive, which is very unlikely,
they will rarely prosper. Each issue lists competent nurserymen who have for
sale plants propagated from the best forms of wildflowers that have proved
adaptable to garden conditions.

Why not propagate you own? Seed is easily obtained quite cheaply and
simple and reliable methods of germination are given in each issue. Good
success with most species is assured.

Which Wildflower is That? What is its Name?

Here lies one of our problems. There are thousands of wildflowers.
The use of common names often leads to much confusion and botanical names
often scare off beginners. This issue features the Grevilleas. There are about
740 species. One group are called “spider flowers”, another group has
toothbrush-like flowers while still others, cone shaped flowers. Botanically
they are all given a collective or generic name of Grevillea as each small
flower that comprises the whole flower head resembles a clenched fist with

a raised index finger.

Recause of the magnitude of the task of classification, amauateun
be patient with those sections devoted to botanical classification of species. One  day their
cxperience or curiosity will be such that they will want to know who is the differsnce
hetween two snecies and how to identifv them. Withont this svstem there wonld he chaos
and  after all what publication has only articles all ol studied interest to o readers?

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DIEC 1964 AUSTRASTAN  PLANTS  PROTEACEAE Vol. 3 Puage 3

GREVILLEAS

Patrick Stanley, Canisius College, Pymble, N.S.W.

"Grevilleas are amongst the easiest of plants to grow.” This quotation is
vrom a periodical, The Garden, 1882. It would be interesting to know to
which Grevilleas the old gardener was referring, for there are so many.
Not all are easy to grow, but they are among the most fascinating of
Australian plants.

Grevilleas were named after Charles Greville by botanist Robert
Brown. Greville was a vice-president of the Royal Society, and a patron of
botanists. Grevilleas are closely related to Hakeas, Waratahs, etc., and to
the South African Proteas, from which the family Proteaceae takes its
name. The individual flower resembles a clenched fist with the index finger
raised. This raised finger represents the style, the pollen being carried on
the stigmatic surface of the extremity of the style. The cone-shaped arrange-
ment of these flowers in the Waratah is well known. In some Grevilleas
there is an arrangement similar to a tooth brush, while the grouping of
flowers in some common Sydney species gives us the popular name of
“spider flowers.”

Grevilleas, with about 240 species, are almost exclusively Australian;
a few, however, are found on adjacent islands. None is found in New
Zealand.

It is well known that they range from tall trees, G. robusta, to prostrate
plants, G. laurifolia; but the subjects treated here will be mainly garden
plants.

COLOUR RANGE OF GREVILLEA FLOWERS

Grevilleas are plants with outstanding possibilities. They have a range
of colours hardly exceeded by any other genus of Australian plants. Red
is the predominant colour, and that seems true of Australian plants in

»

general. A very common Grevillea around Sydney is the red G. punicea.

GREVILLEA BANKSII
A Report trom the  Australian  Cultivar  Registration  Authority
In the light of the results of recent research. the members of the Authority
respectfully wish to draw your attention to a misnomer which appears on Page 80 of the

June, 1963 issue of the magazine, “Australian Plants.”’
It has now been established that the name “banksu  actually refers to the red colour
torm. thus rendering “‘variety fosterii’” superfluous, so that it should not be used. The

cream variety has apparently been designated as the “‘variety alba.

H. Willis. Chatrman
A Queenslander, G. banksii, has settled well into garden conditions here,
and would probably be, with G. rosmarinifolia, the commonest garden-grown
Grevillea in Sydney. G. wilsonii from West Australia is red also, but a quite
aifferent red from the above.

A local white species, G. linearifolia, is common around Sydney, while
a short leafed form trom Heathcote, N.S.W. has possibilities as a garden
shrub. There are many West Australian species which have been used in
gardens in the East, such as G. brevicuspis, G. triloba etc. Again, a local one,
G. sericea, will do for the mauve group; indeed, it could represent ihe
pink and extend almost to purple, with its multiplicity of forms. From ihe
Blue Mountains area come G. acanthifolia and the rare G. asplenifolia var.
shepherdii, both mauve and of the tooth brush group.

G. mucronulata from the vicinity of Galston Gorge and extending io
the Blue Mountains area represents the green flowered Grevilleas. Some good
forms of this peculiar species are to be found; perhaps the mountains have
the more showy forms. It is worth noting that this flower seems to defeat



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AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS

Colowr photagraphiy by Franh Huoriey Do T

GREVILLEA PUNICEA — THE RED SPIDER FLOWER

it own purpose, for green is the most unusual of floral colours, morging,
as it does so well in this species, with the green leav The  whole
purpose, we have been told, of the colourful flower is to attract o pailinating
agent in some cases insects, in others birds. With Grovillia the agent

more likely to be a bird. A bee, for instance, could go o ihe el
at or near the base of the style without touchino the ot o e n



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DEC.. 1964 AYUSTRALIAN PLANTS PROTEACEALR Vol. 3 Page o

of the style. The pollen has to be brushed of or added io at .he
appropriate time to cause the setiing of fertile seed. However, G. mucronulata
succeeds in setting fertile seed as was well illustrated in our Sydney
September show with a specimen from Glenbrook, N.S.W. This small branca
carried flowers and a plentiful supply of well developed seed.

Coming from the Brisbane Ranges out from Geelong, in Vicioria, and
near Bacchus Marsh, is a golden or yellow flowered Grevillea, G. chrysophaca.
inland N.S.W. is the home of G. juncifolia. Mr. G. W. Althofer, pioneer
Australian nurseryman, whose contribution to Australian Plants and heir
preservation is unique, writes of this species as “The beautiful orange
flowered inland species. Flowers held high above foliage like jolden
candles. | have had no success with this species near Sydney. Better ‘ortuns,
lhowever, has attended another golden flowered species, G. pteridifolia, =
Queensland shrub. This species seems well suited to Sydney where it prefers
a sunny to a shaded situation. Mr. J. H. Willis, in the Australian Efcyclopaedia,
has this to say of it: ‘It is a magnificent small tree of river banks and seasonal
swamps in the tropics. Its pleasing ferny foliage and great profusion of
golden flowers render it one of the most decorative plants to be scen in .he
Northern Territory.’

Blue is about the only colour missing. But is it missing, A very rare
N.S.W. species, G. shiressii, is that indefinite colour where it is difficult .o
say whether it is green or blue. An investigation may prove that ihere
are blue forms. If there were a rose of that colour then the blue rose would
soon be a certainty.

The colours referred to so far have been mainly a single c<olour.
Consider for a moment the variety of colour combinations, and iaking ane
species alone, G. alpina (or G. alpestris) let us refer to a Victorian zatalogue:
‘Scarlet and gold, shell pink to blush, yellow and white, green-white’
and this does not exhaust the colour-range of this one species. No painting
weuld be complete without what Mr. Althofer describes an ‘an exquisite dwarf,
with pale pink wax-like flowers 9-12 inches high.’ That little gem is G.
ericifolia.

SWEET SCENTED GREVILLEA

Perfume among Australian native plants is generally associated with
Boronias or Acacias. A few notes, therefore, on perfumed Grevilleas will
not be out of place. | can speak only of those varieties with which | am familiar,
and this means that | shall have to pass over a lot of West Australian
species.

Starting to bloom, at times in mid-summer, or in early autumn is o
form of G. parviflora, reputed to come from the Quontong cemetery area
near Horsham, Victoria, but apparently not found there now. The shrub
is naturally well-shaped about three feet high, and carries masses of small
white flowers. It has a sweet, hcney-like perfume, and ithe advantage of
blooming when few other natives are in flower.

As it bows out another Grevillea is taking over, one of a group of
white flowered Grevilleas from West Australia which are closely related
and which have been referred to previously as G. tridentifera, G. paniculata,
and G. biternata. The nomenclature of these is very complicated, so until
botanists have decided their exact relationship, | shall refer to them as :he
sickly-sweet, the cinnamon-scented, and the prostrate white scented Grevilleas.
There is no doubt about the perfume from the first of these three. On =
warm still day in winter, you can detect it a stone’s throw away. Two
ohrubs have this strong sickly-sweet odour at close quarters. One grows .o
cbout six feet in height with a spread of the same distance. and is about



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Vol. 3 Puage 6 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS PROTEACEAL DICG., 1954

5 years old. The foliage is trident-like, somewhat prickly, but quite attractive.
The other shrub is only about three feet high, and adopts a squat habit. Both
these Grevilleas should be flowering in late July it planted in a sunny
position. They have a creamy-white inflorescence, and the flowering is
profuse. Passing by the shrubs, or at a distance, the perfume is not un-
pleasant; but in a confined space it becomes sickly-sweet.

Coming into flower at about the time these two are past their best is
oncther Westerner. The foliage is rather similar to those just described, but
finer and softer, and of a golden green colour. It is a very handsome
shrub even when not in bloom, growing to about 5 feet in height. However,
in full flower, in mid-August, it is a creamy-white cloud filling ihe air
with a sweet cinnamon-like perfume. This shrub takes well to pruning, even
drastic cuiting back. Thus it can be kept to a compact shape. A six year
old shrub growing here is about five feet tall and well shaped. It is quite a
hardy shrub with distinct possibilities as a lawn specimen.

Ancther shrub from the West, and this one a smaller shrub, only about
a foot high, is G. acerosa. The flowers coming in early August are a greyish-
white colour, and smother the otherwise unpretentious little needle-leafed
bush. It is a striking transformation, as if a soft grey veil had been draped
over the shrub. The perfume from the blossom is very sweet; it, too, has
been likened to honey, but it has a sort of indefinite sweetness — a
blending of the scented elements of the bush in Spring.

| am grateful to Miss Jean Galbraith, author of Wildflowers of Victoria
and ambassador at large for Australian wildflowers, for a note on G.
australis. Miss Galbraith says that she gathered a few flowering sprays of
G. australis on the Bogong High Plains where they flowered among snow
drifts in October. During the day the fragrance was sweet, but at night it was
so intense as to render sleep almost impossible.

Mr. J. H. Willis in his valuable reference to Grevilleas in the Australian
Encyclopaedia says that G. australis is the only Grevillea found in Tasmania.

A prostrate white flowered Grevillea is a perfumed species. It has
vivid green foliage, and masses of white flowers in August. This Grevillea
would be a gem in a rockery. An upright shrub, a form of G. cuneata
superficially resembling G. glabrata, is a scented species. This shrub is
hardly ever without blossoms. A form of G. sericea collected by Mr. Althofer
near Ulan, N.S.W., is very interesting. It was catalogued as G. linearis forma
pumila, but, as Mr. Althofer predicted, is now regarded as a form of G.
sericea. A very floriferous mauve flowered bush, about three feet high, it
has a very pleasant fragrance. This is surprising. If we exclude a couple
of grey ones, it is the only colcured Grevillea | know of that has a perfume.
Why this form should be perfumed and not the local G. sericea is an interesting
point.

GREVILLEA FOLIAGE RANGE

While the colour of the flowers and the perfumes differ, perhaps :he
greatest difference among Grevilleas is in the type of foliage. G. pterosperma,
tor instance, from the dry inland areas of the East and extending, like :he
Cassias, to West Australia, has needle-like leaves similar to some of ihe
Hakeas. This shrub has a beautiful silvery appearance, and has been jrown
successfully in Sydney. G. barklyana, from around Jervis Bay, has leaves
fike a Eucalypt; yet the Victorian form has leaves like an elongated oak
leaf. It would be an ingenious person who could devise a form of iripartite
'eaves not found among Grevilleas. Quite unique foliage is found even
umong the N.S.W. species, such as the deeply cut leaves of G. acanthifolia,
and the fern-like leaves of G. asplenifolia. Varying again we have the soft



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DISC., 1864 AUSTRAVIAN PLANTS PROTEACEAL Vol. 3 Page 7

divided leaves of G. caleyi. Holly type foliage is exemplified in G. steiglitziana,
a Victorian species. A West Australian species, G. hookeriana, introduces
G type of foliage like a fish bone.

SCME GREVILLEA HYBRIDS AND FORMS WITH THEIR REGAL PARENTS

As we are a society for growing Australian plants, let us consider
some Grevilleas that would make desirable garden plants. For a brilliant
floral display, it would be hard to equal G. lavandulacea. It is a small shrub
usually, trom the drier areas, and many forms are in cultivation. A sunny
spot suits it best. It seems likely that G. ‘crosbie morrison’ is of this parentage.
G. juniperina, a N.S.W. native, is a fine hardy shrub, growing io about
five feet in height, and bearing spectacular red, orange or pink flowers. A
form commercially known as G. “pink pearl” is probably the richest in zolour,
and is a very reliable garden shrub in Sydney. The now well-known
‘Poorinda’ hybrids are said to be derived on one side from G. juniperina, and
have found their way into many gardens. However, Grevillea fanciers
will sit up when they see some of the later ‘Poorinda’ hybrids. Here is what
one of the best known Australian plant growers, Mr. W. Cane of Clearview
Nursery, Maffra, Victoria has to say: “ ‘Poorinda Beauty’ has the flowering
iype of G. juniperina at its best (orange). It also has the advantage of soft
grey foliage and more erect habit of growth. ‘Poorinda Splendour’ is a red
coloured form of the above. 'Poorinda Firebird” has the unusual zharacter
of flowering profusely on the old wood when heavily cut back. 'Poorinda
Ruby’ grows to three feet, with red flowers along two foot stems, making one
complete dense circular spike, about four inches in diameter. It has o be
seen to be believed.”

Mr. Cane’s own hybrid Grevillea, G. ‘clearview david’ was obtained
by crossing the hybrid G. ‘crosbie morrison” with G. rosmarinifolia (North
Gippsland form). Mr. Cane says that it was bred for vigour, but has appealed
1o most people on account of its attractive flowering habits. A Grevillea
from Hurstbridge, an outer suburb of Melbourne, a form of G. rosmarinifolia,
is a fine garden shrub growing to about three feet in height.

GREVILLEA TO GROW

Small plants are always more keenly sort after. Two undescribed
Grevilleas, one from near Calga and the other from Mangrove Mountain,
both in the vicinity of the Hawkesbury River, are promising garden plants.
Both are related to G. capitellata, have red flowers and are quite small
plants. From West Australia comes G. brevicuspis. Now here is a shrub very
seldom seen in gardens. In catalogues it is generally described as a small
shrub, three feet high. However, given favourable conditions, it will grow
higher, and spread to six feet or so. The foliage is very attractive, and,
as indicated, small-toothed. In winter, the colour turns from green o
clmost purple, before the September floral display begins. Then small,
creamy-white flowers smother the bush, releasing o delicate perfumec.

Again from West Australia we have a small Grevillea with vivid
red and gold flowers, like drops of liquid. This is G. brownii. Apart from .his
brilliant sparkle, its chief interest is the exceptionally short style. A Grevillea
from Black Mountain, Canberra, has a similar flower, but not quite so0
colourful. G. wilsonii from the Jarrah forests of West Australia is a small
shrub with large attractive red flowers, more subdued than the usual ‘Pillar
bbox’ reds. G. rosmarinifolia and G. punicea are sturdy plants, and 3jood
«xamples of hard pruning of these plants may be seen in ithe Sydney
Botanic Gardens, near the Kiosk. G. ‘dallachiana’, a form of G. alpina, is
very common in gardens and, when kept pruned, is a good little shrub.



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Vol. 3 Pagce 8 AOSTRAVAN PLANTS PROTEACEAE DISC., 1964

G. alpina, G. rosmarinifolia, and G. lanigera have a variety of ‘orms.
Specialist nurserymen dealing with Australian natives are reliable guides, |
have found, when seeking advice on those forms best suited for cultivation.
G. baveri from the Dividing Range in N.S.W., with its cerise {lowers,
always attracts attention. Unfortunately, its soft leaves also attract .he
caterpillar kingdom and, at times, fungus. if these however, are controlled,
the shrub will repay this atiention with a display of flowers for about four
monihs, commencing in August. G. longistyla from Eastern Australia, and
G. pinaster frem ithe West are both splendid shrubs carrying red owers.
The latter shrub flowers for most of the year. If space permits, G. glabrata
is a fine addition to a garden, with its buish-grey foliage and dainty white
flowers. | have known a large shrub to be blown right over, and with half ‘he
roots being exposed, to go on growing as if this was normal procedure.

PROPAGATION

The usual method of reproduction with Grevilleas is by ihe striking
of cuttings, os this is the reliable way to ensure that the new plant is 2
‘eplica of the old one. Detaiis of the methods used are to be found in
‘hose books which are devoted to the cultivation of Australian plants, and in
ihis journal. A very simple method, however, used by Sydney member
Mr. L. Sweeney, and suggested for part-time gardeners, is a 50-50 mix
of ccarse sand and peat moss. This is wetted and the excess moisture well
squeezed out. The mixture is put in a clean pot, the cuttings set in it,
and the pot is then placed in a plastic bag. This is tied at the top and
suspended in a light place, but out of direct sunlight. Watering is not
necessary for about three weeks, the conditions simulating mist propagation.
Ancther Sydney member, Mr. j. Wrigley, uses a small fruit case to contain
the cutting medium, the box then being wrapped in clear plastic and sheltered
from direct sunlight. Quite remarkable success has followed ihese simple
methcds. Information on the types of cuttings will be found in ihe references
given above. Regarding the growing of Grevilleas from seed, it is not
proposed to offer any advice here, but the reader is referred o some
excellent articles in “Australian Plants,” June, 1963.

Most of the Grevilleas mentioned here like to grow where ihey receive
a good deal of sunlight. it is a mistake, however, to isolate them where
they are at the mercy of strong winds. Certainly, those species growino
naturally around Sydney have the protection of low growing scrub. I
good drainage is then added to these other requirements, no specia!
difficulties should be met with. At the same time no promise is held our
that the growing of these beautiful shrubs is easy.

It is not essential, however, that Grevilleas be grown in gardens or parks.
For those whecse gardens are limited to container-grown plants, Grevilleas
can offer a surprising range. Four gallon oil drums, if they are well drained,
will support quite large plants. It should be remembered, however, ihat
when the plant is well advanced, it will need more frequent watering.
Wilting of new growih will indicate this. Waratahs, for instance, can be
grown fo flowering size in these drums, and the notoriously fickle Eriostemon
lanceolatus is perfectly at home in this limited amount of soil. A Grevillea
that you would not expect to adjust itself to these cramped conditions is G.
hookeriana, which naturally grows to small tree proportions. At the moment
(in late July) a plant in a four gallon oil drum has a hundred well developed
flower spikes on it. G. barklyana (the Jervis Bay form), a younger plant
than the former, has sixty swelling buds. Two other tooth-brush types, G.
asplenifolia and G. caleyi, while providing a fine show of foliage, are
inclined to go for height, disregarding flowers. G. ericifolia iust covers the



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DEG.. 1464 AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS  PROTEACHAL Vot & DPage 8

top of the drum like a pink atomic cloud. The prostrate white scented Greviliea
referred to earlier flows over the top and down the sides of ihe drum. A
list of others would be monotonous, but experience shows that few species
will fail. It seems well in this type cf ‘gardening’ to take the plant along by
degrees — small tins, prune cans and then the oil drums. This avoids
the situation of a small plant’s roots being left floundering in « quantity
of unconsolidated soil.

Finally, a word of thanks to Mr. L. Johnson of the Herbarium
staff, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney fcr checking the nomenclature of these
plants.

And for those who think that Grevilleas are “amongst ihe casiest of
plants to grow,” let them regard the ‘raised index finger’ as a beckoning
symbol, bearing in mind the words of well-known Sydney wildfllower grower,
Ross Doig: "“Growing Australian native plants is o challenge.”

Grevillea for the Garden

by R. DONEY

Being a large genus, Grevillea has plants to offer for any garden purpose,
espalier, specimen, background, rockery, hedge, ground cover or “fill in.”
In fact, though not suggested that it should be done, it would be possible
to make an attractive garden using only Grevillea species, as the vast variety
of foliage, form, size, floral colour and production, provide so much choice
as to make final selection difficult.

The lengthy flowering period of most Grevillea is a solid asset, particularly
as many flower throughout the winter. Adaptability to soils and climates,
considerable freedom from pest and disease and general hardiness are
others factors which contribute to the value of Grevillea as garden subjects.

Hybridism, accidental or induced, frequently produces interesting variants
many of which are available commercially though the writer considers
that few of these hybrids are so outstandingly different as to be found more
worthy than the parents. If asked to made a recommendation, my choice
would be confined to a few named (officially?) crosses fairly readily available:-
Grevillea x "Crosbie Morrison”, G. x "“Magic Lantern’”, G. x "“Pink Pearl”,
G. x "marian”, G. x "Williamsii”, G. x “Jenkensii’, and a careful selection
from progeny of a nameless accidental cross between G. caleyi and probably
G. asplenifolia which shows some interesting variations in foliage and form
from those of the parents. This selection is on the basis that each plant shows
at least one characteristic which allows the plant to stand above its parents,
but in view of the many fine species of this genus, none of these nlants is
sufficiently outstanding as to warrant high praise. In short there are more
good species than good hybrids.

Though the ultimate life span of Grevillea species is as yet unknown,
quite a number still living are known to me, of ages from 17 to 21 years, a
fact that causes me to infer that a potential of 30 years is not too much to
expect. Longevity is an important quality for plants performing structural duties
in a garden.

As most Grevillea produce flower upon young growth, annual pruning
after flowerina, or a few months prior thereto, will increase the density
of the plants form and also induce greater flower production.

Though many grow naturally in sandy loam, Grevillea seem to benefit
from the greater food and water supply potential to heavier soils containing



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Vol 3 Page 10 ] AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS  PROTEACEAE DIC. 106y

clay, provided the structure of the soil is good, i.e. friable and not “tight.”
Some West Australian Grevillea will quickly die apparently from a dramatically
fast fungus growth occurring during and subsequent to, over wet soil conditions.

A few Grevillea are subject to scale attack and consequently “sooty
mould”, but this occurs usually only when the plant is not growing freely.
Thus it pays to fertilize.

Cool poultry or cow manure may be used, or a packeted fertilizer
of no greater than 59 nitrogen content should be used. Feed in spring
wtih possibly a light feeding in early autumn.

Of the many Grevillea species which can be used, the following list
is compiled with a view to availability and variety, but must not necessarily
be considered as a “best selection.” Species mentioned elsewhere are omitted.

Grevillea amplexans (F. Muell.). A large shrub 6-10ft. with glabrous and
often glaucous orbicular tc cordate, somewhat prickly leaves. Flowers are
white in great profusion.

G. asteriscosa. A little known shrub of good form and attractive appear-
ance with dark green hairy and prickly leaves resembling an asterisk in shape.
Flowers brilliant red.

G. barklyana (F. Muell.). A variable shrub 8-10ft., flower pale red to pink,
with attractive cblong-lanceoclate leaves 4-10ins. long and often with several
lobes.

G. baxteri (Br.). A medium shrub 4-6ft. high and wide with stiff dark
green divided leaves and brilliant red tooth-brush flowers.

G. biternata (Meissri.) A vigorous prostrate plant sometimes with some
ascending branches to 18ins. or so with narrow-linear divided leaves of light
green and a profusion of creamy-white flowers. A valuable cover and rockery
plant, fond of water but sensitive to poor drainage.

G. caleyi (Br.) An open, almost straggly medium to tall shrub 12ft. high
and across with flexible branches which lend themselves to espalier work.
Leaves deeply pinnate or pinnatifid, grey-green and densely villous. Flowers
dull but not dark red “tooth-brush” racemes 3-dins. long. Appreciates deep,
well drained but moist soils.

G. capitellata (Meissn.) A variable shrub sometimes dense low and
rounded, sometimes taller (to 5ft.) and “rangy”. Leaves most often linear-
cblong, midgreen often with red margins. Dense short racemes of dark red
flowers borne on slender and sometimes rather long peduncles. A form which
cccurs near Gosford, N.SW. is probably the most valuable.

G. confertifolia (F. Muell.) A small rounded shrub 3-4ft., with dark green
narrow-linear, small leaves and red flowers.

G. crithmifolia (Br.) A spreading shrub of variable height 2°¢"-8’. Small
leaves, hairy and crowded, narrow linear and pinnately divided presenting
a grey-green appearance. Dense masses of creamy flowers producing much
nectar with a somewhat festid odour.

G. didymobotrya (Meissn.) A shrub or small tree, 10-15ft. with dark green
slender leaves covered with minute silvery hairs which reflect light. Racemes
terminal in erect cones of pale yellow. A lovely plant.

G. ericifolia (Br.) A charming dwarf plant, 1-2ft., with light green small
and narrow leaves and delicate wax-pink flowers.

G. floribunda (Br.) An excellent brown and yellow flowered shrub of
4-6ft. with dull green hairy oval-oblong leaves. Likes will drained deep moist
soil.



@@@ 11 @@@



DEC.. 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS  PROTEACEAL Vol 3 Pawe 11

G. integrifolia (Meissn). A lovely shrub with handsome oblong-cuneate,
silky-hairy, shining leaves and rich yellow fowers. Good form 5-8ft.

G. miqueliana (F. Muell). A lovely foliage plant with good red flowers
favouring cool areas. 5ft.

G. obliquistigma. A lovely fine leafed plant of good form and cream-
yellow flowers from W.A. Hardy and growing to 8-10ft.

G. vestita (Meissn.) A usually rounded shrub, 5-8ft., leaves grey-green,
with white flowers in immense quantity producing much nectar.

GREVILILEA AS GARDEN SPECIMENS
by E. M. M. BODDY, Eastern Park Nursery, Geelong

The Grevilleas are so numerous and such an interesting and satisfactory
group of Australian plants, that they could have been selected io represent
Australian native flora with advantage.

The common name (Spider Flower) applies to many varieties, but in
time some one will devise a common name that will be more suitable.

It is unfortunate that the species was introduced into gardens ihrough
the species Grevillea rosmarinifolia, which although extremely hardy and
a good hedge plant, has had very little to recommend it from the point
of view of flower. G. rosmarinifolia var. jenkinsii and a seedling developed
by Mrs. Woolard, a member of Melbourne S.G.A.P. are both more com-
mendable plants.

The Grevilleas attract the honey eaters, and in particular ihe New
Holland hcney eater and the Watile bird, which gives an added attraction
to the garcden by their presence throughout the year.

The majority of the Grevilleas are adaptable and hardy, but here
are still some West Australian varieties that are difficult to grow unless
the drainage and soil conditions are right.

Many varieties of Grevilleas are long flowering, and gcod winter Nower
may be anticipated from a large number. They are hardy planis which
respond well to cutting back, and they do not attract scale.

The habit of growth is such that they may be grown as around cover
plants, low, medium and tall shrubs, and Grev. robusta as a tall iree. | am
informed that Grev. banksii, in its red and white forms has been developed
in Queensland Streets as a small tree.

As | write we are in the last week of June and the following varieties
in our own plantations have a show of flcwer or are in full bloom.

TALL GREVILLEAS WINTER FLOWERING—

Grev. leucopteris 6'-8'. Creamy white plumes of flower on long stems.
Ashen grey, long narrow foliage. Requires well drained soil.

Grev. petrophiloides 4'-8', large bright cerise bottle brush lowers on
long stems, fine mealy grey green fcliage. Requires well drained soil.

Grev. tripartita 6'-12' long red and yellow flowers, short prickly light
areen foliage, previously known as G. macrostylis, which has a similar
flower, but dark green holly shaped foliage.

Grev. juniperina rubra 4-8' bright wheel shaped clusters cf flower, short
and slightly prickly dark green foliage.

Grev. stemomera 6'-12' large sprays of lacey red flowers, long and
narrcw dark green foliage, a very vigorous plant.

Grev. banksii ¢'-12', large erect cream flower heads. Foliage resembling
that of Grev. robusta. Reauires protection from frost.

MEDIUM GREVILLEAS WINTER FLOWERING—

Grevillea hybrids “Poorinda”, “Queen”, orange to apricot Nowers,



@@@ 12 @@@



Vol § Page 12 AVETRANLIAN PLANTS PROTEACIAL DEC., 1964

“Constance” red and “Leanne” buff to apricot. Soft mid green foliage. “Pink
Fearl” 6’-8' long, pointed branches carrying bright red flowers over the whole
length. Fine and pointed dark green foliage.

Grevillea hybrid thought to be a hybrid of Grevilleas asplenifolia and
cualoyi, 6-8', vigorous, excellent foliage, and large red toothbrush fowers.

Grev. tridentfera ¢'-8', masses of white flower, long narrow light green
triple fcliage. The variety erinacea 5-6', masses of cream flower, highly
perfumed, light green triple foliage. A G. ftridentifera form 4'-5, masses
of lime green flowers and light green coarse triple foliage. A G. iridentifera
form, 6'-8’, masses of cream and white flowers and light green coarse iriple
foliage. All the tridentifera forms of Grevilleas are very vigorous, hardy, and
very bright in flower.

Grov. tiiloba, 6-8’, masses of crcam and white flowers and ihick triple
faliage.

Grov. glabrata, 6'-8', a vigerous shrub with long lacey sprays of white
flower and light green holly like foliage. A G. glabrata form 6'-8’, a vigorous
chrub with long lacey sprays of white flower and darker green holly like
foliage.

LOW GREVILLEAS WINTER FLOWERING—

Grev. chrysophaea 3'-4, large golden flowers and mid green foliage.
The Anakie, Victorian form, being of very good colour.

Grev. sericea 3'-4, large cerise flower heads and dark green pointed
foliage.

Grev. baveri 2'-3', bright red flowers and bronze green foliage.

Grev. pinaster, 4-6' in width, a wide spreading shrub with grey green
long narrew foliage and lacey sprays of bright red flower.

Grev. rosmarinifolia form 2', cascading and semi prostrate, bright red
flcwers and thin ncedle steel grey foliage. Excellent on walls or rockeries.

Grev. buxifolia 2'-3’, grey to red flower heads and soft green foliage.

Grev. oleoides 3'-4', bright red flowers, long and narrow deep green
foliage.

Grev. dallachiana 3'-4', red and ivory flowers and ashen grey foliage.

Grev. pritzelii 3'-4', black tooth brush flowers and long narrow pointed
athen grey foliage.

Grev. fasciculata 2'-3', bright red and orange flowers and dark green
soft foliage.

Grev. punicea 3'-4', dark red large spidery flowers and dark green
pointed foliage.

Grev. patertiloba 3'-4', large sprays of soft ivory pink flowers which
are similar to those of Grev. bippinatifida, short stalky grey foliage.

Grev. victoriae 3'-4', dark red flowers and long bread dark green
fcliage.

Grev. alpina 4'-5', orange and red flowers, soit mid green fcliage.
There are many forms of Grev. alpina ranging in height from semi-prostrate
to wide shrubs & in height.

Grev. lavandulacea, prostrate to 4'. The many forms of this Grevillea make
il o very interesting variety of the species. The flowers range from large
pink, light mauve to dark red. The foliage is normally fine and steely
grey green.

And Grevillea hybrids, “Coral” 2'-3', a dense and rounded shrub
with light green foliage, and masses of red and ivory flowers. A hybrid
thought to be G. lavandulacea and G. rosmarinifolia cross, 3’, bright red
flowers and shcrt steel green foliage, arching branches. “Olympic Flame’ 3'-4/,
bright red and ivory flowers and short mid green foliage.



@@@ 13 @@@



i 15 HINTRALIAN  PLANTS  PROTEACEAE Vol 3 Page 13
Photography by P Althofer

notosrapbin by Jdoe Gl



@@@ 14 @@@



Vol. 3 Page 14 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS PROTEACEAE DEC., 14
GREVILLEAS AS GROUND COVER PLANTS—

Many of the Grevilleas are excellent for the purpose of ground cover,
some of the best are as follows:-

Grev. laurifolia may cover an area 10° x 10" and if unimpeded will
remain absolutely flat. The flowers are dark red of the toothbrush form,
glossy foliage large and broad, ranging from copper to dark green.

Grev. trinervis, deep red round shaped flower heads and small dark
green foliage.

PROPAGATING WARATAHYS
by Les Scott

Waratahs are one of the easiest natives to propagate. Here are
some suggestions. Put 2-3 inches of sand in a seed box, scatter your seed
on the surface of a medium grey bush sand, then lay an old towel on top,
and keep it wet. After a couple of weeks, lift the towel and check the seed.
Remove seed that has developed a root at least 4 inch long, or more, and
place it in a small 2-3" pot. Again place a wet towel on the germinating
seed, until the seed casing comes away.

When the plant starts to make a little growth, transfer to a 6 inch
pot and do not water any more. Seed and young plants must be put in an

open sunny position at all times.

_ Editor’s Note: Waratah and Grevdlea are from  the same plant family and  generally
require similar treatment. With some species. however. it has been found expedient to peel
the seed See Vol 2, No. 15 issue.

DISEASES IN BANKSIAS AND OTHER PROTEACEAE by F. Lullfitz

I have observed with some dismay the heavy mortality in Banksias particulariyy and
to a lesser degree in the other Proteaceae. Possibly the apparently heavier losses in Banksias
may be due to the fact that they are being cultivaled 10 a greater degree than Hakea,
Grrevillea, etce.

The spectacle of a healthy Banksia dying suddenly within two or three days
i summer is a matter which needs some investigation and research. 1 feel this subject
should be thoroughly thrashed out and full reports nvited on every case that can  be
observed so that the mass of data may provide some solution.

Most of the dead plants show a complete decomposition ot the root  bark  just
@ few inches below ground level. This is not confined to the Danksias alone. Sturts Pea and
Ashburton Pea are also healthy, vigorous plants one day and then, in the midst of healthy
erowth they wither and display the symptoms of sudden drought This is no doubt due to the
destruction of water bearing tissue just below ground level.

Is the cause a fungus? 1 have heard mention of Phytophthora being the  causal
organism. If so is it confined to particular species? Will it spread in the garden to other
plants indiscriminately? Can we use some  remedial treatment? Would liberal  applications
of fungicide clean it up?

One of the obvious causes of the disease 1s summer watering which no doubt gives
the soil a condition ideally suited to fungal growth when the stricken plant 1s inoa state
of normal summer dormancy.

It is indeed a fact that some Banksias die in the bush occasionally. This happens mostly
in the vicinity of newly cleared and settled areas. Very rarely in the “bush’ proper and
then perhaps the cause can be traced to white ants or a particularly dry summer reducing
the water content of the soil below survival requirements.

Banksias coccinea and brownii seem to have the least resistance and a4 year old
Banksia brownii twelve feet high dying in February is something to weep about

Could we interest a study group in hte S.G.AP. to follow this up?

FROM DR. L. R. FRASER, DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE. N.S.W

Your Banksia problem may have several components. Death ol Proteaccous seedhings
in the early stages is not uncommon. Waratahs in particular are subject to znmqk by «
species of Pythium which causes them to damp oft. A potting medium with a high peat
content might help to obviate this if yvou do not wish to use sterilized soil. Also the
maintenance of strict hygiene, destruction of diseased material,  sterilizing  contaminated
pots, boxes, benches etc. is 1mportant.

The death of established Banksias referred to by your W.A  correspondent  sounds
like Phytophthora attack. We occasionally get Banksias and other native plants  dving 1o
undisturbed bush due to attack by Phytophthora cinnamomi under wet conditions.  Good
drainage is the only solution to this problem. _

If the W.A. plants are growing 1  well drained soil our experience here  would
suggest that Phytophthora would not be involved
GREVILLEA ON HEAVY SOIL » )

From J. Howard, Nurrawading, Victoria (Heavy clayey loam with tairly good dramage
uwing to the slight slope of the ground). Grevillea of all kinds srow well. In the driest.
very unfavourable spot of the north-west fringe of a big pine tree, (yrezjzlleu tridentifera, {,
tripartita, and G. crithmifolia. all from W.A. have all done very well in contrast to quite
@ few others. e.g. tea trees. which died. G. burifolic proved hard to establish several times
in a better position, even though <oil was lightened (7 banlosie s thriving in a4 wiarnm spo?
with plenty of humus on 1on



@@@ 15 @@@



DEC. 1964 AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS - PROTEACEAE Vol 3 Page 1d

WARATAHS IN HEAVY SOIL

(by H. Brackpool)

The common beliet that Waratahs only grow in sandy soil is a fallacy.

Otherwise the healthy plants that | have had growing in the heavy
Eastwood soil for twenty years, would have been dead long ago. One
variety of these two originals seems established at about six feet, whilst
the other is around nine and still trying to go higher. Many gardeners,
like scientists, are always learning and in the process many experiments
are conducted, therefore, since my article on waratahs in the September
1961 issue of “Australian Plants”, | have a few further comments (o make.

Some years ago | began trying to make a grove of about 20 waratahs
and  what has happened there has increased my knowledge. In long
periods of excessive rain, plants died off, one after the other, three even
after reaching 5 to 7 feet, whilst smaller 2 year old plants, even though
mulched, summer shaded, and not hand watered at all still died.

Yet about 7 in the grove survived to reach several feet in height,
iemam robust, and bloom. Why?

Well, it appeared that the ones that lived and remained healthy
were those that were growing in ground that was slightly higher than that
a foot away from the trunks. It was then, after losing several plantings from
excessive rainy periods, or as the result of these that | remembered ihe
words of o friend of mine whose family had been nurserymen for years.
He told me that at the base of every waratah plant is the early crown
from which the new canes eventually sprout; (you know how this develops
into something like half a coconut shell, convex side up, as the plant grows
bigger); and if this crown gets too much moisture it rots and the plant dies;
especially a young plant.

My next plants, when | have raised them from my own seeds and they
are two years old, will be used to fill in the gaps in the grove, but, ihis
time they will each be planted in small mounds of about 12 inches in
diameter and 4 io 5 inches high at the centres to slope down to the level
of the rest of the soil. These mounds actually will be shaped like inverted
washing-up basins. The surplus water then should drain away properly
from the young crowns and success should be assured.

When transplanting my two-year-old plants from their pots they will
of course be watered in, but after that, unless there is a long very dry
spell, the mulching and the overhead shade in the hot weather, until ihe
plants reach a couple of feet in height, will conserve enough moisture.

With waratahs, at least, my experience shows that too much water
kills, rather than too little, particularly in heavy soils.

i will never forget in 1949, at Araluen, Western Australia, on a half
day tour from Perth, what a pleasure it was to see some waratahs
flowering magnificently on the drier side of our continent and looking
guite at home.

GREVILLEA LIKE WARATAH ARE PROTEACEAE

Fditor s Noteo Many consider Waratah prefer a light sandy soil. While they grow in a
Light soil it well watered and ted with blood and bone, they prosper in a good deep soil with
drainaee. The above article will give heart to those in heavy soil areas. people who should
realise their advantage over others less fortunate. The main problem is drainage to avoid
the discase  problem mentioned  on page 14

Flsewhere reference is made 1o some Grerdlea that are difhieult Treat them as Waratah
. above The foomote pp 14 will adso apply to the fortunate with heavy soil. We shall l)c:
Paving oospeckil isste o The erow e Dt aatives it heavy soil and oreaders experiences wonld

oyl glavia



@@@ 16 @@@



Vol. 3 Page 16 AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS PROTEACEAE DEC., 1964

b i g . !
iAbover: Reprinted from Shrubs and Trees for Australian Gardens, by FKrnest F Lord by
courtesy of Lothian Publishing Co. Pty Lid.
A spike of ROSEMARY GREVILLEA, Grevillea rosmariniiolia
(Below) o Reprinted trom Victoria's Resources by courtesy of the Natural Resources Conservition
League  of  Victoria, OLIVE GREVILLEA Grevillea  oleoides

e



@@@ 17 @@@



DEC.. 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS- PROTEACEALE Vol. 3 Page 17

GREVILLEA IN ADELAIDE
by I. G. HOLLIDAY

Grevilleas, those very desirable shrubs from the family proteaceae,
are not generally grown successfully in Adelaide. The main reason for this
is their dislike for calcareous soils.

Of those in cultivation, Grevillea rosmarinifolia (rosemary grevillea) is
the only one readily available from all nurserymen, and even this well-known
species is not completely successful on the very alkaline soils of parts
of the Adelaide plains. In general, it should be assumed that grevilleas
are only suited for the Hills districts, the river and creek valley soils (usually
gcod well-drained loam or sand) which occur in a few isolated areas, and
the outer foothills areas where, due to elevation, leaching of the soil
effectively decreases the alkaline soil effects.

Some of the more desirable Grevilleas, which demand an acid to
neutral well drained soil, can be successfully grown by the enthusiast by
preparing raised beds 12ins. or more above normal ground level and
filling with friable loam cr sand bolstered with leaf mould or peat moss,
or even just an acid sand.

Ot the Grevilleas grown here, the following have proved the most
reliable, and can be grown on the soils previously mentioned without any
special treatment.

GREVILLEA ALPINA (Mountain Grevillea)

A dwarf shrub occurring in two forms, one stiff and upright, the other
prostrate with cascading foliage. Lovely red and yellow flowers in profusion
in early spring.

GREVILLEA AQUAFOLIA and its near relation.
GREVILLEA ILLICIFOLIA, the two holly leaved grevilleas.

Both are spreading shrubs 3ft. or 4ft. high with dense prickly, but
handsome holly-like foliage, bronze new growing tips, and red toothbrush
flowers in early spring.

GREVILLEA ASPLENIFOLIA (fern leaf grevillea)

A dense, large spreading shrub to 8ft. high with attractive serrated
ferny foliage and red toothbrush flowers.
GREVILLEA BIPINNATIFIDA (Bipinnate Grevillea)

A prostrate bush with prickly ferny leaves and dull brick-red large
spider flowers which blooms for 12 months continuously. Very effective in a
raised bed or rock garden.

GREVILLEA CHRYSOPHAEA (Golden Grevillea)

A loosely branched shrub to 4ft. high with small golden flowers, which,
although not showy, have the attraction of blooming for 12 months of
the year.

GREVILLEA LANIGERA (Woolly Grevillea)

Closely resembles grevillea rosmarinifolia, but has more prominent
cream and red flowers. Dense fine dark green foliage with good ground
cover.

GREVILLEA LEUCOPTERIS (White Plume Grevillea)
This spectacular dry area grevillea can be successfully grown on the

calcareous soils if drainage is good. A tall shrub with large ferny leaves
tContinued o page 25



@@@ 18 @@@



Vol. 3 Page 18 AUSTRALIAN 'LANTS  ORCHIDACE AL DEC. 190

GROWING ORCHIDS FROM SEED

by G. C. SIMMONS
iNTRODUCTION:

Most books describing the cultivation ot orchids include details on
growing them from seed under sterile conditions on an agar gel medium.
The “Australian Orchid Review”, Val 17, pages 99 and 119 (1952) describes
the subject , as does the article in “Australian Plants’”, Vol. 1, page 9 (1961).

It is not difficult to obtain satisfactory germination if suitable seed
is used, and the nutritional requirements of the particular orchid are known.
Fortunately most orchids do not have strict nutritional requirements. In the
author’s opinion, however, the criticai stage in growing orchids from seed,
is the transferring of the seedlings from the sterile bottle to the non-sterile
environment in pots. This is especially so if a heated glasshouse is not
available.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

Centainers — Square half pint cream bottles (Fig. nos. 1 and 8);
subber cork, through the centre of which is a piece of glass tubing plugged
with cotton wool, is used to seal the bottle. This is shown clearly in Fig. 2.

[ prefer Difco. BBL seems to give a rather sloppy agar gel and while the  seeds
grow in a satisfuctory manner, one has to be careful when handiing the bottles otherwise
the agar will break and the seed or seedlings are immersed in the medium insteac of
lying on top of it.

Sterilizer — The recommended apparatus for a person without access
to a bacteriological autoclave, is a Namco Pressure Cooker-Canner Model 15
(Fig. 1, No. 1) for the reason that it has a pressure gauge. It is u 16 pint
pressure cooker and will take seven cream bottles.

Medium — Dehydrated media are available from laboratory equipmeni
suppliers. Both Difco and BBL brands have been used with success.

Distilled or fresh rain water is required to dissolve the medium. The
agar in the medium does not supply nutrients but is used to hold the
mineral salt-sugar nutrients and form a gel on which the seed can grow.
Agar has the peculiar quality of melting at about 95 C., but solidifying at
about 44 C.

Scales — These are required to weigh out the dried medium. Many
vitchen scales of dietary type have sufficient accuracy if access to
iaboratory or chemist’s balance is not possible.

Calcium hypochlorite (bleaching powder) — This is required for seed
sterilization. Only material smelling strongly of chlorine should be used.

Other equipment required is a spirit lamp or gas Bunsen Burner, Platinum
or nichrome loop, measuring cylinder, and beaker (500 ml. is a con-
venient size).

METHOD:
Preparation of Containers:

The containers recommended require about 3C ml. of medium eact.
The total amount of the dried medium is weighed out and put into the
beaker and the water added. For example if 10 bottles were being prepared,
10 x 30 (equals 300) ml. medium would be required. If using BBL orchid agar,
the makers recommendations are to dissolve 34 g in 1 litre (1,000 ml), hence
for 300 ml, it would be necessary to weigh out 10.2 g of the dried medium
to add to 30 ml. of water. After dissolving the medium as recommended
by the manufacturer, the medium is dispensed (Fig. 3) into the bottles, taking



@@@ 19 @@@



DIC.. 164 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS ORCHIDACEAE Vol 3 Page 14

iy o B 1

FIG. L. Materials 1 Pressure Cooker, 2. Beaker: 3. Distilled Water, 4. Funnel with hlter
paper in container (1o filter Culeium  hypochorite solution); 5. Seed containers and  bottle
to hold sterilizing solution: 6. Methylated spirits burner; 7 Dehydrated medium; 8 Measuring
cylinder: 9 Containers tor medimm: 10 Platinum  loop

FI1G. 2. Two containers ol meditn one aninocudated, altoil cover on tube, and the other
with the small plants showing as <hidows through the glass, the alfoil cover and cotton wool
plug  pushed down  the tnbe

FIG. 3% Pourmge the mednu mto the eontaaner Cork ol container is bemng held  between
litile  finger and padoe ol hand  holding  the evlinder

FIG & Pressure Coolic Wil bl coninners



@@@ 20 @@@



Vol. 3 Page 20 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS  ORCHIDACEAEK DEC . 1964

care to avcid spilling it cround the neck of the bottle where it will be a
fertile field for fungi. The stoppers are inserted.

The bottles are stood in the pressure cooker (Fig. 4), the lid put on, and
pressure is raised. The medium is sterilized at 15lb. for 15 minutes. The
containers are removed from the pressure cooker as soon as the pressure
has dropped so that the lid can be removed. The bottles are placed on
their sides, to allow the agar to form a layer. If the agar does not form
a firm gel it is possible that the gauge is inaccurate and the excessive
temperature has caused the agar to break down. The remedy is to try the
next batch at 12lb. per square inch during the 15 minutes sterilizing period.
The same breakdown may occur if the medium is kept hot for a long
pericd. The prepared containers of medium may be left for several days
at room temperature to determine whether sterilization has been effective.
If it has not, colonies of fungi or bacteria will grow on the surface and are
readily apparent on close inspection.

PREPARATION OF SEED STERILIZING SOLUTION

Ten grams of calcium hypochlorite are mixed with 140 ml of water
and allowed to stand 30 minutes with occasional shaking. The fluid is
filtered or decanted off after the insoluble material has settled out. A drop
of detergent or wetting agent such as “Agral” (I.C.I) may be added to
assist wetting the seeds.
STERILIZING THE SEEDS

A small quantity of seed is put into a bottle, the bottle is half filled
with the sterilising solution, tightly capped and then left for 30 minutes with
frequent vigorous shaking. It will be noticed that seeds will sink, remain
dispersed or float depending on the batch of the seed.
SOWING THE SEED

If seed in the sterilizing solution sinks, pour off most of the solution.
Sterilize the platinum loop in the gas or spirit flame, allow to cool in the
fluid and then pick up some of the seed on the loop. After removing
the cotton wool plug, place the seed onto the surface of the medium
(Fig. 5). There is usually a small quantity of water of condensation in the
bottle and the seeds can be manipulated into this to disperse them. Replace
the plug. The end of the cotton wool plug should not be allowed to touch
anything while it is out of the container. This can be accomplished easily
by holding it between the third finger and the little finger of the hand that
helds the loop. The protruding end of the plug is burnt off and it is then
pushed down the glass tubing slightly (Fig. 2, bottle 2). If desired a piece
of aluminium foil may be pressed around the glass tube as in bottle 1, Fig. 2.
The medium is then inspected and if the seed is not evenly distributed or is
adhered to the side of the bottle, the condensed fluid is tipped gently to
wash the seed into the desired position. It is highly desirable that the
process of seed sowing be done as quickly as possible to minimise the
chances of fungal spores getting into the bottle. If undue delay occurs,
pass the glass tubing through the flame several times to kill any fungi
or bacteria that may have settled into the entrance of the tube before
replacing the cotton plug.
INCUBATION OF CONTAINERS

After sowing the seed the containers are placed in o warm, dry
area where reasonable light reaches the seed. Once germination is evident



@@@ 21 @@@



DIC 1964 AUSTRALIAN DPLANTS  ONCHIDACE AL Vol 4 Page 21

Fig 5 Fig. 6

Fig. 7 Fig. 8

FIG. o Transplinting seed  from sterilizing  solution to  container. Note cap of bottle held
between palm and little finger and cotton wool plug between third und little finger. Bottles
and  container are held on side to minimise the risk of fungal spores dropping into them.
The procedure is done near the burner.

FIG. &: Dish with orchid scedlinegs floating in water

FIG. 7 Containers contaminated with fungi  (black areas».

FIG. 80 Kstablished Dendrobinm seedling. Seed sown 24-3-57 and transferred to the pot on $-2-60,

the light intensity may be increased. Inadequate light intensity will be
readily apparent by the growth of plants towards the light source.

When it is desired to remove the seedlings, the medium with seedlings
is shaken out into a dish of water (Fig. 6) and the small plants placed in



@@@ 22 @@@



Vol. 3 Page 22 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS  ORCHIDACEAL DIC 1964

community pots. Fig. 8 shows a Dendrobium scedling in a three inch pot.
The seed was sown on 24th March, 1957.

TYPES OF AND REASONS FOR FAILURE

1. Fungi (moulds) appearing within a few days of cowing seed

The dark areas in the bottles in Fig. 7 are colonies of fungi. This may
be caused by seeds so badly infected that sterilization is not effective.
Unless so valuable that a second attempt is worthwhile, infected seed should
be destroyed. Alternatively contamination has occurred during sowing. The
remedy is to take more care, bearing in mind always that the task is to
prevent fungi in the air entering the bottle when the plug is removed.
2. Fungi appearing several months after sowing

This may be due to germination of spores lying dormant in the flask
after having entered when sowing. It is more likely to be caused by
fungi getting into the container through an inadequafe cotton wool
plug, perhaps as the result of caturation with water on one occasion. In
this regard the possibility that fungi will grow down through the cotton wool
plug will be greatly increased if the ccntainers are kept where they are
drenched with water or small insects can gain access. To act as an
additional barrier to contamination, the cotton wool may be saturated
with mercuric chloride (note this is poisonous and care should be taken
when using it) or copper naphthenate. Providing the aluminium foil s
not so tight as to restrict entry of air, the author considers, this method
does not require chemicals as an additional safeguard.
3. Seeds swell and possibly turn green, but fail to develop

This is caused by inadequate nutrients in the medium. Some orchids
require more than the mineral salts-sugar mixture to germinate and grow.
For example, one of the vitamin B group stimulates growth of some
orchids, hence extracts of yeasts may have to be added. Common extracts
used are coconut juice, tomato extract and digests of fish meal.
4. No germination

Seeds are sterile. This can usually be recognised before sowing as
under the microscope the fertile seeds have a plump embryonic germ
~vhereas infertile seed are collapsed and without this yellowish lump. It ic
suggested that contents of the containers be discarded if no growth appears
within 2-3 months after sowing.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Generally seedlings will be ready to take out of containers about
eight months after sowing but the rate of growth may be markedly influenced
by the temperature of incubation, nutritive quality of the medium and the
species of orchid.

The dried medium recommended is based on Knudsen’s formula. This
is one of the earliest suggested and many orchid growers will be quick
to point cut the great advantages of many fruit and plant extracts to
stimulate growth.

On the other hand the dried media has two great assets. These are
ease of preparation and uniformity of the product. The last point is very
important if one dces want to experiment with additives such as colchicine
or coconut juice because centainers of untreated medium can be used as
controls to compare with growth of the seedings on the modified medium.



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DEC.. 1964 AISTRALIAN PLANTS - INDEX TO VOLS. 1 & 2 Vol 3--Page 23

INDEX TO VOLUMES No. | & No. 2

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS Index Volumes 1 & 2
An index is provided (o assist readers to find subjects of their choosing. A study

ol the indexes of other books impressed me with the diligence of the compilers but their use

is often a time consuming occupation. They usually attempt to index every name and item.

As it is our desire to eventually mention all Australian wildflowers an attempt at an ind»x

along orthodox lines would result in an enormous list tending to become a complete

census of Australian Plants. This index is, I hope, styled in a more practical way to the
requirements of this publication and its readers.

For definition of words or terms, please refer to our extensive glossary of botanical
ferms, ““The Language ol Botany.” -Editor.

ABUTILON —A. leucopetalum, 19:215.

ACACIA — Commonly called wattle (not extensively treated yet but the species commonly
used in gardens have all been mentioned.)

‘Some Dwarf Acacias™ by 1. C. Holliday--6:1—A. muyrtifolia, A. rotundifolia. A. colletioides.
A continua. A, acinacea, A. pulchella. A. drummondii. A. buxifolia.

Wattle Trees” by A, E. Brooks, 6:4 - 4. baileyana, A. cyanophylla. A decurrens, A.
drummondii. A, elata. A, howltie, Ao longifolia, A, podalyrifolia. A. pycnantha, A.
rhetinodes. A, spectabilis.

‘Acacia Growing in Pouwr Soils and Under Wet Conditions' by A, C. Keane. 9:11,

cAcacia botrycephala syn. A, discolor”™ by R. D. Croll, 11:21.

Acacia from Central Austr: L 18:202—A0 anewra, A estrophiolata, A, kKemprana, A, muwrragana,
A, strongylophylla. . nictoriae.

Acacia Study Section, 9:11. A group of readers interested in Wattles.

“Wattle Trees —- Which One Is That. an investigation by R. D. Croll, 9:12

ADENOSTEMMA A viscosum. 19:231.

AGONIS - A passing reference, 10:3.

ANGIANTHUS - A, acrophyalinus, 19:211.

ANGOPHORA — The Genus by C. N. Debenham, 7:19 (All species described).

ANIGOSANTHOS — The Kangaroo Paws, all species described in:

‘The Kangaroo Faws of W.A." by B. J. Grieve & N. Marchant, 16:107.

cGrowing  the Kangaroo Paws'™ by J. S, Beard, 16:106.

Diseases are discussed in ““/nk Disease . . ., 16:115 and "Black Disease . . ., 16:116.

AUSTRALIA - Climatic zonecs for classification of native plants habitat, 10:16, 11:19.

ATRIPLEX A, nummularia, 19:215.

BANKSIA — Only a few species have been mentioned so far:

Banksia sphaerocarpa, 7T:14 B. collina, 12:30 B. ericifolia, 12:32 My Banksias™ .
13:11 — “Banksia From Seed’'. 12:31.

BAUERA — The Genus by A. M. Blomberv. 17:149 All species described

BEAUFORTIA A passing reference, 20-270.

RET.LIDA — B. major. B. graminea. 19:211.

BLANDFORDIA — The Genus, 13:3. All species described in:

CCultivation of Christmas Bells by P, J. Parry, 13:3—Christmas Bells from Seed, 13:4.

BOOKS — Books are reviewed in cuch issue and the Editor has taken the liberty of listing

them in the following order, based on his personal opinion.
Reference books for general home gardening with excellent coverage of natives.
“The Practical Home Gardener’” by T. R. N. Lothian. 5:6. Especially for dry areas.
“Shrubs and Trees for Australian Gardens™ by E. F. Lord, 9:18, 20:282.
“Seastde Plants of the World” by E. A, Menninger, 20:258 — An Ame=rican vublication.
“Flowering Trees of the World for Tropics and Warm Climates’ bv E. A. Menninger, 11:22,
Reference books dealing wholly with the garden cultivation of wildflowers.
CAustralian Flants  for the Garden™ by Thistle Y. Harris, 13:16.
“Growing Australian Plants' by Noel Lothian and Ivan Holliday, 21:36.
cAustralian Natire Plants for Home Gordens' by A. E. Brooks, 6:8, 10:20
Reference books describing wildflowers and trees:
“The Ewcalynts” by J. L. Willis, 8:13.
“Rlue Mountain Gums' by Colin Burgess, 18:196. A small booklet.
“Some Trees of Australio”” by H. Oakman. 14:90. Mainlv Queensland trees.
“Wildflowers of Victoria™ by Jean Galbraith, 6:8. For the Victorian bushlover.
“Wildflowers of Western Austrolia’ by C. A. Gardner, 3:12. Beautifully illustrated
“Wildflowers of Australic’” by Thistle Y. Harris, 12:12.
Books on Wildflowers, a little technical, but styled for the interested lavman.
“How to Know Western Australian Wildflowers''. Vol. 1 and 2 by W. E. DBlackall and
B. S. Grieve, 8§:23.
“Trigaer Plants'. bv Rica FErickson. 9:18. A delightfully writfen book.
“Torie Plants of Western Australic”. by C. A. Gardner ond H. W. Brnnets. 10:20.
“The Wattles of the Australian Capital Territory . by N. T. Burhridge. 11:22. A booklet.
“A Handbook 1o the Plants of Victorio” bv 1. H. Willis, 13:16. Exce'lent.
‘Handbook  of the Vaseular Plants of the Swudneu District and Blue Mountains™ bv
N. S. W. Beadle, O. D. Evans and R. C. Carolin, 17:162. The only comwlete guide
to  wildflowers in this area.
“Dictionaruy  of  Australien  Flant  Genera” by N. T. Burbridge, 14:90.
Coloured booklets on wildflowers :
“Anstralian Notive Plonts and Trees’ . nublished by Patterson Brokensha Pty. Ltd., 11:22.
cREastern  Australia Wildflowers™ by Thistle Y. Harris, 12:12.
Books specialising in orchids: i
CAustralian  Orchid  Review'™ . 12:12 Published by the Orchid  Societies.
“Orchids of the West™ by Rica rickson, 6—Terrestrial orchids of W.A.
“Orchids of Australic’” by W. H. Nichols, 1162,
A book for the lover of fauna as well as flora: _ . )
“Along the Track” by Croshie Morrison, 9:18. Well written and very interesting.
BORONIA — “The Cultivation of Boronio™ by W. N. B. Quick, 17:139. This adequatelv covers
most aspects of their enltivation being  supnlemented by. “Roronia  from Cutting lbv
1. M. Corkery. 17:145 “How | growe Native Rose’” by J. Twyford, 17:163, and “Growing
Raoronia™ 1467 .
“The Bell Flowered Boronia™ hy W. N. B. Quick, 17:14. i
Boronia, mostly from the Svdnev Distriet, are covered eenerallv hv - Beronua &.juluhlul for the
Garden” by Don Sands, 18207 - Boronia pinnata. 10:21-"Sydney Boronia™. 17:138



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Vol 4 -Page 24 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS INDEX TO VOLS. 1 & 2z DEC. 1964

BOTANY SERIES by H. Lee, nee H. Purnell. A series of articles to present the essential
features of boiany to the amateur g'\rdener
“The Inflorescence’’ (The first in the series was by R. C. Carolin), 1:11:_ p
“The Flower part 1, 2:7 part 2, 3:9 - part 3, 4:15 part 4., 5:15.
Pollination, 6:7 — Fertilization, 7:15 — Fruits, 9:27.
The Seed, 11:13 — Germination, 13:7, 44 - Dormancy, 15:91.
BOTTLEBRUSHES - The introduction, 20:250 and 20:267 (will refer the reader further).
BRACHYCHITON — “The Genus'' by C. N. Debenham, 9:3 (All species described).
“'Brachychitons’ by E. E. Lord, under the headings of Flame, Kurrajong, Bottle,
Lacebark, Hat and Dessert Kurrajongs, will cover all gardeners queries.
“'Brachychiton In S.A."" by R. G. Gray

BRACHYCOME — B. culiaris, 1.":213: B. latisquamea, 19:241, B. iberidifolia. B. multifida,
19:228.
BRASSAIA B. actinophylla by H. Oakman- The Umbrella Tree.

BUCKINGHAMIA — B. cewissima by H. Oakman, 19:245 and R. J. Peach, 19:244.

CALANDRINIA — C. balonensis, C'. remota, 19:217.

CALLISTEMON — ““How to Know Bottle Brushes' by E. E. Lord, 20:251 (Mentions most species).

“How to Grow Bottle Brush' by J. L. Abel, 3:1. “Growing Bottle Brushes' by 1. . Holliday.

Callistemon  viminalis is featured as a street tree, 13:21.

“Two New Bottle Brushes’ by H. W. Caulfield, 3:4, 20:254, introduces ('. montanus and
C. formosus.

How they are classified botanically is mentioned on 20:250 and 20:267.

CALOCEPHALUS C. platycephalus, 19:213, 19 214 C. brownii, 19:228,

CALOTHAMNUS — A passing reference, 270

CASSIA A reference to dry area spe(, s from Central Australia, 19:214.

CELMISIA — (. longifolia. C. sericophylla, C. saxifraga. 19:228.

“"CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN' by R. F. GG. Swinbourne. WildHowers
from the area for planting in Alice Springs. Part 1, 18:170 Part 2, 19:212.

CENTAUREA — C. australis, 19:230.

CEPHALOTUS - “'The Genus' by B. J. Grieve, $:26 Describes the W.A. Pitcher plant.

CENTIPEDA - The species, 19:230.

CERATOPETALUM — “The Genus,”' by J. L. Willis, 5:4. Describes all species.

C‘eratopetalu  gummiferum, the N.S.W. Christmas Bush is mentioned in “How to Grow
N.S.W. Christmas Bush' by P. J. Parry, 5:2 and “Grow From Seed . 5:3

CHILOGLOTTIS — “The Genus' by L. Cady, 8:5. Describes all species.

CHRISTMAS BELLS — See Blandfordia—Christmas Bush, see Ceratopetalum above

CHRISTMAS TREE OF W.A.—-see Nuytsia.

CHTHONOCEPHALUS The species, 19:229.

CIENFUGOSIA — (. gossypioides, 19:214, Sturts Desert Rose.

CLIANTHUS — C. formosus, “The Sturt Desert Pea’” by F. Bridgeman, 12:
seed germination, variations in plants, nutrition, climate, soil, etc.

All aspects of

COMPOSITAE — “The Family by J. H. Willis, 19:223. All genera of the family listed
CONOTHAMNUS - A passing reference, 10:3, 20:250.

CORREA — “The Genus' by Paul Wilson, 11:3. All species are described.

“How to Grow Correa” by A. E. Brooks, 11:1 “Girow Correa in Pots.” by R. Hardie, 11:5.
COTULA —— The species, 19:230.

CRASPEDIA — The species, 19:229.

CROTALARIA — C. cunninghamii, 19:214.

CROWEA — "'The Genus' by Jean Galbraith, 4:2. All four species are described.
“How to Grow Crowea and ‘‘Fropagation . . . by W. Cane, describes cultivation.
CUPANIOPSIS — C. anacardioides by H. Oukman, 187183, A street trec.

CUTTINGS -— see propagation.

CYMBONOTUS — C. lawsenianus, C. pretssianus, 19:231.

DAISY FAMILY OF WILDFLOWERS - See Compositae and Olearia.
DASYPOGON — D. bromaliefolia by Gray and Strun 7:12.
DENDROBIUM — ‘“'Dendrobium in Brisbane' by W. M. Bristow, 9:13.

D. bigibbum, The Cooktown Orchid, 15:75, 15:77, 17: 151, 19: 248, 19:239.
D. dicuphum by A. W. Dockrill, 19:239 and closely related to D. superbeins, 17:152

i /8 /alcorostrgm — “Australian Orchids’ by R. F. Leaney, 2:15—"The Mystery Of" by H. J
Bear, 2:14.

D. kingianum by R. F. Leaney, 4:18 — D. rigidum by R. F. Leaney, 13:31.

D. speciosum by R. F. Leaney, 11:32.

DIPODIUM — “‘In Australia” by L. Cady, 14:40. All Australian species.

DIURIS — “The Commoner Diuris in Australia’ by L. Cady, 19:172 — D. aurea. 19:176.

DRYANDRA — "'The Genus' by R. D. Royce, 7:5, 8:22, 8:14. A key to all species, 8:22.

Articles on cultivation of various species are 'Dryandra for the Garden’~ by Alf Gray, 7:1—
“Dryandra in East Australian Gardens' by R. Doney, 7:3 - D. formosa and D. mucronulata
by E. Ashby, 7:6 — D. sessilis by Gray and Strutt, 7:12 — D. speciosa by R. D. Rovce,
8:21 — "'Dryandra in S.A.”" by R. J. Stewart, 8:20 — “Dryandra in 2ld.”” by B. Hockings,
8:20 “Dryandra from Seed’ by A. Gray, 8:20.

EMU BUSHES — See Eeremophila.

ENCHYLAENA - E. tomentosa, 19:215.

EPACRIS — E. impressa by W. N. B. Quick, 15:1(13 Principally propagation.

EPIBLEMA -- “‘“The (Genus' by Rl(,d Erickson, 5:23. The only species.

EREMOPHILA - Emu Bushes — "'Shrubs For Drz/ Conditions' by R. Hill, 10:5 — * bremnunuu
for Qld.”". 19:220 — “Eremophila for Central Australia’”, 19:216 — Pxopagdtlon 19:221
ERIOSTEMON —~ “The Genus by Jean Galbraith. All species are described in serial form

with Part 1, 4:2 — Part 2, 3:7 — Part 3, the S.E. species, 6:9 — Part 4, garden cultivars
of E. myoporoides, 14:71 — Part 5, the N.E. species, 15:95 - Part 6, the W.A. species,
18:179, with a key to all Australian species, 18:180, correction, 20:295.

Eriostemon lanceolatus by R. Doney, 5:11 — E. verrucosus by M. McAllister, 6:12.

Eriostemon, How to Grow. 4:5 and To Propagate, 4:7, by W. Cane.

ERODIUM — E. crinitum, E. cygnorum, 19:217.

EUCALYPTUS — The large genus of trees commonly known as the Eucalypts or gum trees
has not yet been extensively treated as we refer readers to ““The Eucalypts' by J. L. Willis,
8:13. However the gardener will find a wide coverage in the tfollowing:

“Small Eucalypts to Suit Heavy Soils,” 11:7 — “Eucalupts for Inland Areas.” 8:14 -
“Ewucalypts in Other States''. 8:15 — “Eucalupts in S A7, 8:25 — “RKucalupts for Qld.”
15:79 — “REucalypts for Central Australia’. 18:170 — “Eucalypts tor High Raintall Areas’

14 :67 “W.A. Malley In Tuwrramurra. N.S.W.7. 14:59 - “Growing Small Eucalypts™



@@@ 25 @@@



DEC.. 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS--INDEX TO VOLS. 1 & 2 Vol. 3—Page 25

Hig “Fucalypts as Street Trees™ by J. Wallace, 14:49. Also 14:55, 10:9 und 11:8
“The Bloodwoods™ ', 14:3¢ describes a special group of Eucalypts to support the following
articles on the red flowering gum listed with other species given special treatment.
Eucalyptus ficifolia, “The Red Flowering Gum' by L. D .Pryor and R. R. Willing, 14:35.

One ol its diseases “‘Red Stem Canker Disease’ is mentioned by J. S. Beard, 14:62.
E. calophylla var. rosea by J. E. Watson, 14:61. A disease free alternative to E. ficifolia.
E. erythrocorys by E. J. Thompson, 11:8.
E. torquata, Coolgardie or Coral Gum, by E. J. Thompson, 10:9.
CEucalypts for Your Garden' and “Eucalypts to Flower All Year Round'', 14:38.
Propagation of Eucalypts is adequately described on 14:54-56 and 14:35.
EVERLASTING — Well treated in issue no. 19 in the following:

“The Compositae or Daisy Family” by J. H. Willis, 19:223 — “Western Australian
Everlasting Daisies” by P. J. Parry, 19:210 — “Some Showy Species of the Daisy Family
in W.A." by Wittwer and Lullfitz, 19:211 — Daisies and Everlasting from Central

Australia, 19:213.

EWARTIA — E. meredithae, E. nubigena, 19:228.

FLAVERIA - F. australasica. 19:231.

GALEOLA G. foliata, 16:123 —- (. cassythoides, 16:125, 20:287.

GLYCINE - G. sericea, 19:214.

GOMPHOLOBIUM — All East Australian species are described in “Gompholobium of N.S.W.”
by Colin Burgess and Loretto Williams, 18:185 —  “Gompholobium in Other States',
18:195 and From Seed, 18:196.

GREVILLEA — Not adequately covered — Refer Issue No. 21—Vol. 3.

“Grevillea banksii™, 15:81 and Queensland Grevillea” by L. Cockburn, 15:81 describes ine
good garden species from QId., and 19:203 recommends two of these for Alice 3vprings.

“Grevillea From Seed’™ by J. S. Howard adequately covers germination.

GROWING NATIVE PLANTS — The principal theme of the publication.

“Hot Weather Gardening” by J. Hammersley, 13:13 and “Natives in Hot Weather by
L. Baker, 13:13, are important articles for growers in hot dry areas.

“Mulching Techniques', 12:18 — “Sawdust as a Mulch'', 12:19 — “Mulching with Sawdust
and Shavings™. 12:19 and “"Mulching the Garden', 13:14.

“Care of Native Plants' by D .Ali, 12:2 stresses the need for cover plants and mulch.

“Ground Cover Plants', 12:13 — “Ground Cover Plants for (Coastal Planting'', 12:15, 12:16
and “Cover Flants for Qld.”". 12:13.

“Growing Plants In Pots” by R. Hardie, 11:5 and “'Soil for Containers’, 18:181.

“Treatment of Plants with Magnesium Sulphate’ by H. Boyd, 13:6.

“Growing Wildflowers” by E. Ashby contains sound advice.

“Central Australian Plants for the Garden' by R. G. Swinbourne, Part 1, 18:170, Part 2, 19:213.

HAKEA — A reference only to 3 species from Central Australia, 18:203.

HARPULLIA - - H. pendula by H. Oakman, 16:127 — A street tree.

HELICHRYSUM - A reference to the genus and a few species, 19:213, 19:227 ,19:241.

HELTPTERUM - There is frequent mention of very good garden species in Issue No. 19.
HIBISCUS — H. farragei, 19:215.

INDIGOFERA — [. leucotricha, 19:214.

KANGAROO PAWS — See Anigosanthos.

KENNEDYAS by Alf Gray, 12:21 — All species are described.

KUNZEA — A short reference only, 10:3, 20:270.

ILAMARCHEA - A short reference only, 10:3, 20:268.

ILEPTOSPERMUM — A short reference. 10:3 — Lentosperminae, a tribe of Myrtaceae, 10:19.
LIPARIS — L. coelogynoides by C. K. Ingram, 13:29.

LUISA — “The Orchid” by A. W. Dockrill, 13:26.

LYPERANTHUS — “In Australia” bv L. Cady. All species described, 12:9.

MARIANTHUS M. erubescent., §:27.

MELALEUCA A very large genus, 10:23, 19:262. Half of the genus or Section A is

described botanically by C. N. Debenham in serial form. All species described in this
section are listed on 20:284, arranged in order of the native habitat with a “umber
given to it in the descriptions as follows: Part 1, 10:23 (1-20) —Part 2, 13:23 (21-34)—

Part 3, 17:156 (34-56) - Part 4, 18, 197 (61-67) — Part 5, 20:39 (68-73) -—
Part 6, 20:271 (74-81).

‘Melaleuca in Cultivation' by A. E. Brooks, 10:2 — “Shrubs for Wet Conditions™ by 1. G.
Holliday. 10:4 “Growing Melaleuca™™ by Holliday and Hill, 20:279 — Wy Melaleuca'
by A. L. Harerave, 13:25 — “Melaleuca neglecta’ by Fred Hall, 13:25 and “‘Growinge
Melaleuca in Melbourne by 1. Hammet, 20:286, covers growing conditions.

“Melolenca as Street Trees” by C. Johnson, 17:155 — M. Styphelioides, M. linariifolia.

MICROSERIS — M. lanceolata, 19:230.

MYRIOCEPHALUS - M. stuartii, 19:213.
MYROCEPHALUS — M. guerinae, 19:241.
MYRTACWAE — “The Family by C. N. Debenham, 10:17.
MYRTLES — See Melaleuca.
NABI.ONIUUM N. calyceroides, 19:231.
NAMING OF PLANTS by J. H. Willis, 3:12, 4:4-—in reprints only.
NOTOXYLIN N. pedatum, N. australe, 19:215.
NUYTSIA N. floribunda, The Christmas Tree of W.A. by L. O'Grady, 13:9.
OLEARIA — General reference, 19:229 — O. muelleri, 19:241. )
ORCHINS Alternate issues dea! with Epinhytal and Terrestrial Orchids.
ORTHOCERAS The Genus by Leo Cady, 1-8. o
Eniphytal Orchids — “How to Grow' by R. F. Leanev, 7:8 — Cultivation by N. R. Jupn, 11:11.
“Seed Germination by H. Boyd, 8:9, 9:29 and Natives From Seed, 11:31.
“Where They Grow' bv H. I Bear. 9:25. 15:96.
See also Dendrubiuén.d Lu;‘,sz}, Ligarl‘%ix,CSarlgchtixliu.ls‘h .
Terrestrial Orchids — Growineg bv I.. Cady. 8:1 an . C. Nash, i o A
“Orchid Seedlings” bv W. P. Stoutamire, Part 1. 16:119, Part 2, 20:264. )
See also Chiloglottis, Dipodium. Diuris, Epiblema, Galeola, Orthoceras, Phaius,

Spiculaea.

PAPERBARKS - 10:3. See Muyrtaceae. ]

PHAIUS — The Genus by W. H. Nicholls, 8:11 — The Orchid by R. . Leancy, #:3 —
P. nictns by T. F. Hunt. 8:17. All species described.

PHOTOGRAPHY — 12:25, 18:207.

PODOLEPILS P, aristata, P. auriculata, P. lessonii, 19:241.



@@@ 26 @@@



Vol. 3 Page 26 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS -INDEX TO VOLS. 1 & 2 DEC. 1864

POISONOUS PLANTS — Toxic Plants of W.A., 10:20. o . .
PRESERVATION - “‘Preserving the Rare and Local Species™ by J. H. Willis, 2:12 Reprints only
Perth’'s New Botanic Garden, 11:23. :
PROSTANTHERA - The Genus by C. W. Althoter - A series to vvontuully describe  all
species. Part 1, 2, 3, P. induta, P. megacalyx. P. nivea, P. ovalifolia, P. denticulata: Part 2,
3:5, F. suborbiculars, P. striatiflora, P. ovalifolia — Part 3, 5:12, P. nivea, P. phylicifolia.
F. linearis — Part 4, 9:19, P. stricta. P. parvifolia, P. teretifolia, P. discolor. P
prunelloides, P. incana. P. rhombea, P. rotundifolia, F. striatiflora. P. aspalathoides.
P. microphylla, P. calcina, F. arenicola, P. grytloana, P. magnitica. P ccxersleyana.
PROTEACEAE — An introduction to the Genus by S. G. McKern, 1:5.
PTEROCAULON - P. sphacelatum, 19:213.
PTILOTUS — Pussy Tails from Central Australia, 19:215 - From W.A.. 19:219.
PROPAGATION — The production of new plants by seed, cutting, ete, For a particular plani
this aspect is usually mentioned in the same article describing the plant or genus
of plants. As it is policy to include an article on propagation in each issue rather
than index a lot of names or numbers and force the patient reader to look through
them all. the Editor has attempted a review of the methods. For Orchids sce under
ORCHID.
PROPAGATION BY SEED - The mechanism of seed cermination is  deseribed in The
Seed,”" 11:13 and Germination, 13:17, 14:44. Here requirements for a viable seced 10
germinate are Water, Temperature, Oxygen and Light. These are controlled by the
propagating medium used, the condition in which it 15 maintained and its environment .
the manner the seed is treated and sown,

Propagating Medium -- Soil, 1:3; Loam and peat moss, 4:7; Vermiculite, 7:11

Universal or Full Sun Method for most species. “Grow from Seed Withou! a Glasshouse’
H. Boyd. T:1l:

Wet or Bog Method for plants enjoying wet conditions. “The Treatment ot Seed [Under Wet
Conditions”” by H. Boyd, 3:3 10:14.

Articles on other methods — These vary from reports by readers who usce these methods
15:83 - 16:117. The usual seed box propagation used for exoties 47, 53, 5:17 to a
near bog method, 15:103.

Treatment of Seed - Boiling water, 6:5 — 12:8 Chemical  action, 2:5 Mechanieal
damage, 12:6 — Peeling off Testa, 15:83.

Germination prior to planting, 12:17, 1:4. A useful check.

Seedlings — Pricking, 7:22 — Nutrition, 13:6

PROPAGATION BY CUTTING

“Native Shrubs from Cuttings™ by H. Brackpool, 17:147 and by G H. Mattingly, 19:22]
methods for beginners.

Mist Spraying Techniques and Bottom Heating for the more ditheult species are deseribed
by R. O. Johnston, 20:256 and H. Boyd, 17:146.

Stimulation of Cuttings is mentioned by H. Boyd, 5:19. 17:146

PROPAGATION AIDS .

“Propagating Frames for the Home Gardener’” by R. Hardie, 14:47. Also 19221 and 20256

PROPAGATION BY GRAFTING
Methods described for “The Red Flowering Gum,” 13:35, can be widely applied.

RHODODENDRON — “'The Mystery Of° by C. Morrison, 9%:9. R. lochae, 15:87

ROCKERY PLANTS — From Central Australia, 19:217

RUTIDOSIS R. helichrysoides, 19:214.

SARCOCHILUS - S. falcaius by R. F. Leaney, 6:23

SARCOSTEMMA - S, australe. 19:217.

SAUSSUREA — S. affinis, 19:230.

SCHOENIA — S. cassmiana, 19:241.

SEED — See Botany and Propagation.

SENECIO — S. gregorit. S. magnificus.

SIGESBECKIA - S. orientalis, 19:231.

SINOGA — A passing reference, 10:3.

SPICULAEA — The Genus in Australia by L. Cady, 10:11.

STERCULIA — S. guadrifida by K. Kennedy, 15:88 S. laurifoliac by C. N. Debenham, 15:89.

STURTS DESERT PEA — See Chanthus.

give

STYLIDIUM — An Introduction by Rica Erickson, 9:15 — Triggers for the Garden, 9:31
STREET TREES -— Each issue features an Australian trec as a Street Tree.
Brassaia actinophylla. 15:85 — Buckinghamii celsissima, 19:245 Callistemon  vinunalis
13:21.
Cupaniopsis anacardioides, 18:183 — Eucalypts as Street Trees, 14:49, Lists many species
suitable for dry areas - E. torquata. 10:9 - E. erythrocorys. v1:Y Harnullin
pendnla. 16:127 Melaleuca as Street Trees, 17:155, M. styphelioides. M. linariifolia

An introduction to the Street Trece Section, 9:22
TEA TREES, 10:3. See Melalenca.

Report, 12:27.

TELOPEA - “"How to Grow Waratah™™ bv P. J. Parrv, 1:1 - “The Genus Telopea™ by J. L
Willis. 1:7 —  “Nutrition of Waratahs™ by N. 1. Hannon, 1:12 cHow Do Waratahs
Grow?” by H. G. Bleaklev, 1:15 “How 1T Growe Waratahs™ by H. Brackpool, 1:6,
20:259 - Growine Waratah, 20:259.

TREES For Queensland Part 1, Introduction, 17:161 Part 2 18184

UMBRELLA TREE See Brassaia actinophylla.
VERNONIA V. cinerea, V. scandens.

VERTICORDIA — Some Observations by W. N. B. Quick. 3:13. The habitat ot 5 species
are observed and their cultivation and propagation discussed i

“Verticordia in South Australia” by K. J. Stuckey, Fyperiences  with 7 species

“Verticordia Can Be Tamed by R. Doney, 4:13. 12 species mentioned.

“Verticordia For the Gorden' by W. A. Strutt, Part 1 ““For Coastal Areas™, 6:15 Piart 2 “For
Inland Areas,”” 13:17.

“Verticordia From Seed’ by M. L. Roberts, 5:17 Further notes 6:20

WAITZEA — W. acuminata. W. podolepsis. 19:241.

WARATAH See Telopea.

WATTLE See Acacia

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWERS CNorth Western Austratwn™ 3 S0 Beard, 192148

XANTHORRHOEA X. gracilis by Gray and Strutt, 7:13



@@@ 27 @@@



DEC., 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS ORCHIDACEAL Voi. 3 - Page 27

Dendrobinm Kz'flgz'mzz/m
Their Cultivation by C. M. Taylor

Dendrobium kingianum grows in large clumps, generally on rock faces
and frequently in such a position that in times of heavy rain, large volumes
of water flow over them. On close inspection most of these clumps of from
10-40 squares in area will be found to consist of plants with bulbs only a

few inches long, while other plants only o few feet away will have bulbs
18" leng.

The colour is just as variable ranging from pure white, through various
shades of pink and pink spotted to a deep pink almost to red. In my opinion
the colour variation has no relation to the size of bulb or locality.

An interesting cbservation is that when the plants are growing in a
pocket of rich leaf mculd, aerial growths are conspicuous by their absence.
When growing in heavy shade the plants are spindly with aerials and poor
rcot systems. In artificial cultivation (garden bush house) it has been found
that a healthy plant with good roots rarely produces aerials thus indicating
that “Kingianum” in common with many other Dendrobes, produces aerials in
an effort for survival when cultivation is not good.

I have found that the best manner of cultivation is to discard the old
plant and grow on from aerials, thus getting a shapely plant with all growth
coming from the central rhizome.

D. Kingianum will respond to regular careful feeding. Artificial manures
have scme beneficial results but great care is needed in their application.
If fowl or cow manure is used either liquid or dry, after the new growth is a
few inches high, a very strong good flowering plant will be the result. Give
the plants good light and in the growing season, water freely.

GRIEVILLEA IN ADELAIDE continued  trom page 17

and magnificent heads of cream flowers which rise several feet above
the foliage.

GREVILLEA OLEOIDES and Var. DIMORPHA (Olive Grevillea)

Small shrubs to 3ft. high with shining green leaves and bright red
flowers clustered along the branches. The variety dimorpha has narrower
leaves.

GREVILLEA PINASTER — small shrub with lovely foliage and masses of
red flowers. Does well on alkaline soils. See photograph on page 36.

Other Crevillea that are adequately described elsewhere, that have done
well here are Grevillea robusta, G. banksii, G. rosmarinifolia, G. tridentifera,
G. nematophylla, G. hookeriana, G. laurifolia and Grevillea lavandulaceae,
probably the best of the red Grevillea if a good form is chosen.



@@@ 28 @@@



Vol. 3 -Page 28 AU

STRALIAN PLANTS ORCHIDACEAF DEC . 1464

DENDROBIUM DISCOLOR LINDL.

A REVIEW OF THE SPECIES IN AUSTRALIA by A. W. Dockrill

In this paper Dendrobium fuscum Fitzg. is reduced in status to a variety
of D. discolor Lindl.,, D. undulotum R.Br. var. broomfieldii Fitzg. is reduced
to a form of D. discolor Lindl. var. discolor, D. undulatum R.Br. var. carterae
F. M. Bail is reduced to a synonym of D. discolor Lindl. var. discolor forma
broomfieldii (Fitzg.) Dockr. and D. undulatum R.Br. var. fimbrilabium Reichb.
F. is given a new combination as a variety of D. discolor Lindl.

Dr. A. D. Hawkes, Aust. Orch. Rev. 28, No. 3:152 (Sept. 1963) indicated
that the name Dendrobium undulatum had been used by Persoon in Syn.
2:524 (1807) and that consequently the name D. undulatum R.Br., (Prodr.)
332 (1810) was not acceptable for the Australian plant and that the next
name used for this latter plant and the name by which it should now be
known, was D. discolor Lindl., Bot. Reg. Pl. 2, Misc. 21 (1841). Dr. Hawkes
made no effective transfer of any of the varieties etc. of D. undulatum R.Br.
to D. discolor Lindl., and the present paper, at the suggestion of Dr. Hawkes,
is an endeavour to overcome this need as far as the Australian forms are
concerned.

Lindley's Dendrobium discolor is an extremely variable species and as
has been recognised by most botanists familiar with North Queensland
species of Dendrobium, Fitzgerald’s D. fuscum falls well within the variation
of Llindley’s species and consequently is not deserving of species rank. D.
undulatum R.Br. var. broomfieldii Fitzg. is merely a colour form, a striking
one notwithstanding, of the type variety of Lindley’s species, showing no
morphological differences from this latter plant and consequently is not
deserving of varietal status. Bailey’s var. carterae is also a yellow-flowered
form of the type variety of Lindley’s species and as such, should be included
in Forma broomfieldii.

A systematic treatment and description of the Australian forms of
D. discolor Lindl. will follow:

Dendrobium discolor Lindl., Bot. Reg. Pl. 2, Misc. 21 (1841); A.D.
Hawkes, Aust. Orch. Rev. 28, No. 3:152 (Sept., 1963).

Syn:- D. undulatum R.Br.. Prodr. 322 (1810); [TLindl., Gen. et Orch 87 018300,
Benth., Flor. Austr. 6:279 (1873);, Fitzg.. Aust. Orch. 2:Pt. 3 (1888); F. M. Bail
Qld. Flor. 5:1525 (1902); Rupp & Hunt. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 720 249 cJun. [948)
Non Persoon, Syn. 2:524 (1807).

A complex species of at least 3 varieties and one form (as well as the
type form) occurring in Australia.
1. Var. discolor.
A. forma discolor. (The "“Golden Orchid” of Queensland).
A very large and striking membei of the genus, common in its habitat,
where it grows on trees, rocks or even on the ground where the soil is

sandy and well drained.

Stems (pseudobulbs) growing in large tufts, 30-500 x 1-5 cm., somewhat swollen in
the middle and at the very base, leafy in the upper 2/3rds. Leaves 5-12 x 2.5 cm . ovate
or ellintical, obtuse or emarginate, Hat or concave, straight, decurved or recurved. Racemes
1 to about 6 or more from the upper nodes, 20-60 cms. long. Flowers, on pedicels 2-3 cm
long, numerous. 3-8 cm. diam.. widely exnanding. dingv vellowish-brown
bronze, segments undulate and twisted to varving degrees. Dorsal sepal |1
narrow oblong, obtuse or acute, twisted. curled, margins undulate. Latera
x 0.3-0.6 ¢cm. triangular-oblong, obtuse or acute. usually recurved, somewhat t
margins undulate, joined at their bases at the back to torm. with the column foot, a
narrow, straight or curved obtuse spur (mentum). Petals 2-5 x 0.4.0.8 cm.. suberect, narrow
oblong or narrow obovate. twisted, margins undwlate. Labellum 1.5-2.5 x 0.8-1.5 cm. (when
flattened), trilobate; lateral lobes erect, 3-5 x 8-15 mm., transver blong  or snherescentie;
mid-lobe 3-8 x 1.5-3.0 mm., -+ triangular-acute, decnrved, margins undulate;  dise  usuallv
white or violet wit 3 main longitudinal ridees which are indistinet in the posterior hilt
but become prominent in the apical half where fthey are sinuate and extend on to the



@@@ 29 @@@



DEC.. 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS - ORCHIDACEAE Vol. 3—Page 29

mid-lobe, on the outside of these 3 ridges are 2 less distinctive ones which do not extend
on to the mid-lobe, sometimes between the 3 main ridges, where they are prominent, are 2
short  sinuate ones. Column prominent, 3-6 mm. long, stout, with a foot 5-10 mm. long
base of the labellum to form a fattened hollow-cylindrical spur. Stigma oblong. Rostellum
almost at right angles to it; foot tapered towards its apex and its apical half fused with the
the merest extension of the floor of the clinandrium. Anther with an extremely short, very
broad, crescentic, minutely hirsute rostrum. Pollinia + typical of those of the <enus.

cOm>

i

DENDROBIUM DISCOLOR LINDL. var. DISCOLOR

Portion ot plant x '« indicated scale.  H. Top of column (anther removed)—to scale x 4
Flower (rom the front--to scale x 2. I. Anther from above-—to scale x 10.

Flower from the side to scale x K. Anther from the side to scale x 10.
Labellum from the side -to scale x L. Pollinia from the front—to scale x 10.
Labellum flattened out- to scale x 2. M. Pollinum from the side—to scale x 10.
Column from the front —to scale x 4. N. Longitudinal Section of Column and
Column from the side -to scale x 4. Labellum x 3

2.
2



@@@ 30 @@@



Vol. 3 Page 30 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS - PITTOSPOREALE DEC ., 14964

Distribution:- From about Cape Curtis (Gladstone) to Cape York
(Somerset) in Queensland, extends to most of the islands of Torres Strait,
Southern New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Flowering Period:- Usually July to December.

B. Fcrma broomfieldii (Fitzg.) Dockr., Stat. Nov. et Comb. Nov.

Syn.:- D. undulatum R.Br. var. broomfieldii Fitzg., Aust. Orch. 2:Pt. 3 (1888 I'. M. Bail
QId. Tor. 5:1525 (1902); D. wndwlatum R.Br. var. carterae F. M. Bail.,, Comp. Cal
QIid. Pls. 524 (1909); et Contrib. Qld. Flor., Qld. Agri. Journ. 305-306 (Dec. 1911

Plant similar to that of forma discolor but flowers canary-yellow with the
ridges of the disc of the labellum usually white. In some specimens the
vellew colouring is very bright and shining, quite enamel-like.

2. var. fimbrilabium (Reichb. F.) Dockr. Comb. Nov.

Syn.:- Do oundwlalum R.Br. var. timbrilabium Reichb., F.. Gard. Chron. 1:40 1878

Plant similar to that of var. discolor but flowers with a labellum which
has fimbriate lateral lobes.

Distribution:- uncertain. Most areas in which var. discolor occurs in
quantity.

3. var fuscum (Fitzg.) Dockr. stat. Nov. et Comb. Nov.
Syn.:- D, fusenm Fitzg., SMH. 249 1879; ¢t Gard. Chron. 11:680 (1879 et Ined
Mitchell Lib. No. 83,

Plant similar to that of var. discolor. Flowers seldom exceeding 4 cm.
diam., sepals and petals reddish-brown with paler margins. Sepals averaging
abcut 2 c¢m. long, margins not undulate. Petals averaging about 2.5 cm.

long, not greatly twisted, but margins near the apex undulate.

Editor's Note: Once again I regret thaat 1 could not obtain a suitable colour slhide for a
colour plate of these plants. Photographiers, get busy next season.

THE PITTOSPORUMS
AS STREET TREES by H. Oakman

The Pittosporums are brush and rain forest trees which do well under
cultivation. The most popular is Pittosporum undulatum, often referred to as
Mcek Orange, and this species has occasionally been used as a street tree In
New South Wales and Victoria. Under forest conditions it develops a columnar
trunk and will grow up to 80ft. But in the open it is of a naturally bushy habit
and it must be trained to form a frunk when used as a street iree thereby
necessitating fairly regular attention for the first three years. In good soil it s
a fast grower and develops dense branching and foliage. In Springtime it has
a mass of creamy white, very f{ragrant flowers which last for about ihree wecks.
Its foliage is quite attractive, leaves are 3-5 inches long. lanceolate, and dark
oreen. The flowers are followed by ':” round, yellow seed capsules, which split
open to display ruby-coloured seeds, these are coated in a sticky substance
which, while it helps in seed dissemination, detracts from the popularity of
the tree. Propagation is almost invariably from seed.

The chief disadvantage it has is being prone to Indian Wax nd ihe
associated sooty mould. When the attack is severe the trees are quite un
aftractive and control is, of course, tedious and expensive. The bark is ereyish
and sand-papery in texture. One merit this tree has is its ability to withstand
mild sea breezes, making it a useful subject for coastal plantines, provided
the position is not too exposed. It is also fairly adaptable to both sand and
clay, although preferring rich soil. Its tendency towards low-branching and its
denseness make it an ideal choice tor tall hedges and wind breaks.

Pittosporum  rhombifolium is  another native that has been  occasionally
used for street tree planting. It is an ecxcellent tree for this purpose but has
never gained the popularity that it deserves. Possibly this is due to ‘ailures
which inevitably occur if the tree is given an unfavourable situation. It is
native of the rain forests where there is rich soil and no lack of moisture
together with protection. Given conditions that approximate to this, it will erow
into an excellent, well-established street tree, producing cream coloured dowers
in late Spring, followed by a very dense cover of yellow capsules each with two
black seeds. These are quite showy and last until almost mid-Winter. This
Pittosporium is propacated from seed and voung plants tend to be slow Lrowing
tor the first two or three vears. There is also some variation in rate ol _ux"uwvi:



@@@ 31 @@@



DISC.. 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS - PITTOSPOREAE Vol. 3 Page 31

and it would be advantagcous to plant out only well-advanced evenly sized
<pecimens that have been forced into growth and have not been retarded beiore
planting out. Leaves are glossy green and diamond-shaped which has originated
the seldom used common name, diamond-leaved laurel.

Pittosporum phillyracoides. This  Pittosporum is native to the ~astern
part of Australia and although it has been grown as an ornamental it does
pot appear to have been used as a street tree. However, it should be useful
in the dryer western districts as it is quite drought resistant. This Pittosporum
orows into a small tree with pendulous branches and willow-like leaves. During
Spring and early Summer it is covered with oval fruits, *s: inch in size nd
varying in colour, from green to yellow and bright orange, which make it a
very attractive subject. It can stand fairly regular pruning, but requires staking
while young to induce upright growth. As the foliage is cdible to cattle it is
advisable not to plant it where there is straying stock.

PITTOSPORUM

THE GENUS by H. C. Hayes

(From the gummy matter surrounding the sceds)

Petals usually connivent or cohering in a tube at their basc oHr above
the middle. Anthers ovate-oblong. Ovary sessile or shortly stipitate, incompletely
or almost completely 2 celled, or rarely 3 to 5 celled; style short. CTapsule
clobose, ovate or obovate, often laterally compressed; the valves coriaceous or
thick and hard, bearing the placentas along their centre. Seeds thick or globular,
not winged, often enveloped in a viscous liquor—shrubs or trees, glabrous or rarely
tomentose. Leaves usually evergreen, entire or minutely tocthed, the upper
ones frequently collected into a false whorl. Flowers not large, axillary or terminal,
solitary or in close corymbose panicles.

A large genus, dispersed over the warmer regions of Aftrica, Asia, (he
Pacific Islands, and New Zealand. The Australian species are all endemic oxcepting
one which is common to eastern tropical Asia and eastern Archipelago.

KEY TO SPECIES
]-'luwm'_s“nlunwmm. small, i compound terminal corymbs, with the lower branches
axtliary.
Leaves ()VE‘\H("I'h()nll)()i(i, toothed. Sepals obtuse . Poorhombitoliwm 1
Pecwicies  atl terminal, clustered. short, cach bearing o short  simple  cyme
or umbel. Glabrous, or the young shoots and inflorescence  very  slightly

pubescent. Flowers about !.in. long . . P.oundulatum 2y
Young shoots and inflorescence rusty tomentose or hirsute. Flowers about ' .in.

Capsule  fqin.,  very rough : 3 P, revolutum 3
Pedicles  axillary, solitary or clustered, 1-flowered, the uppermost sometimes

in @ terminal cluster, Leaves glabrous, flat. Flowers yellow P. phillyracoides (4)
Flowers 3 to 4 lines. Capsule !'-in. Leaves on long petioles. Ovate 1o oblong

Lanceolate.  Tomentum  short  and  crisp.  ferruginous . P ferrugmeum (5
Leaves  oblanceolate,  aristate. Sepals broadly  ovate . P.osetigerum 16y
Leaves  (rom obovate to oblong or lanceolate, quite cntire. Scepals  subulate

or subndate-pointed. Plant  glabrous I’ melanospermum (7
Vemns ol the leat dark-coloured, 8 to 10 lines P venulosum Ry
Leaves ol thin texture, petioles of medium length. Capsule velvety P oawcmgn (4
Leaves  nearly  sessile,  oblong-lanceolate.  Tomentum  almost  hirsute,  verv

dense : ’ : . Poorubraimosune 010
Spinose,  lowers solitary  on arrested  branchlets PooOredllyanum 11y

Leaves  tomentose  beneath;  petals  yellow marked with red to purplish-red:
capsule  valves  coriaceous, less than Imm. thick . . bicolor (12

PITTOSPORUM RHOMBIFOLIUM A. CUNN.

A clabrous tree with a smooth grey bark sometimes attaining a height of
S0ft. Leaves alternate or approximated in groups of 3-5 at ends of branches or -t
nodes, rhomboid-oval or broadly lance-shaped 2-4in. long, margins toothed in
upper part. entire and straight lower half narrowed into a petiole of ': to lin.
Venation distinct both surfaces.

Flowers small, white, numerous 1n a dense terminal corymb, the branches
sometimes minutely gelandular.

Fruit yellow, pear-shaped about 3/8in. long each containing 2-3 black seeds.

Habitat —-From the Clarence River, N.S.W. to Proserpine, Queensland.
Wood almost white, hard and close-grained, suitable for carving.

Flowers in November, December and January.

Vernacular names—White Myrtle, Diamond-leal Laurel, Rhombus-lcaved
Queensland Laurel.

(2
PITTOSPORUM UNDULATUM VENT.

A (ree. attaining in favourable situations 40ft. but in luxuriant rain ‘orest

S01L. Quite elabrous. except a slight appressed pubescence on the young shoots and



@@@ 32 @@@



Vol. §-Page 32 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS —PITTOSPOREAE DEC.. 1964

inflorescence. Leaves from oval oblong to lanceolate 3-5in. long approximated
in groups of 3-6 at ends of branches or at nodes, margins wavy, coriaceus and
shining above, narrowed into a petiole 3/8-5/8in. Venation inconspicuous. Flowers
white, fragrant, in terminal clusters much shorter than the leaves, mostly
bearing a simple cyme or umbel of 3 or 4 flowers. Capsule yellow, globose,
3/8-'2in. diameter containing numerous ruby-coloured seeds. Habitat—from the
Victorian Alps to Logan River, Queensland.
Wood pale, close-grained, hard and tough, considered suitable for carving
engraving, golf-heads, etc.
Flowering in September.
Vernacular names—Wave-leaved Pittosporum, Engraver's Wood., Box Trec,
Mock Orange Native Laurel, Victorian Laurel.
(3)
PITTOSPORUM REVOLUTUM AITON
A shrub, the young shoots hairy. Leaves apnroximated in groups ol
4-3 at ends of branches, stalks 3/8-*4in., blades ovate-elliptical or elliptical-oblone
acute to shortly acuminate 2 to 4 in. long occasionally undulate dull green ~nd
glabrous above, clothed underneath with a loose rusty tomentum ecasily rubbed
off. Peduncles terminal, few or solitary, usually decurved., bearing sometimes
a single rather large flower, but more f{requently a short dense ovate or
corymbose raceme. Petals yellow nearly ':" long, often united to above the
middle, shortly spreading or recurved at the top. Fruit a capsule egg-shaped
lin. long almost woody, opening in 2 or 3 valves, seeds globose numerous with
sticky surface.
Habitat—{rom south-cast Gippsland, Victoria to Gympie, Qld.
P. revolutum is not often seen in cultivation as it seems to require shade
and protection for its successful cultivation.
Vernacular names—Wild Yellow Jasmine, Yellow-flowered Brisbane Laurel,
Genoa  Pittosporum  (Victoria).
(1)
PITTOSPORUM PHILLYRAEOIDES
A small graceful tree or slender shrub with pendulous branches, grevish
brown, tomentose when young. soon glabrate. Leaves alternate usually oblong
or linear-lanceolate with a small hooked point 2 to 4in. long. Quite entire, thick
coriaceous and indistinctly veined margins flat or revolute petioles 1-15cm. lone.
Flowers yellow, usually about 4 lines long, solitary or in sessilec or shortly
pedunculate clusters or umbels, or the uppermost forming a terminal cluster.
Ofien dioecious the females rather larger and fewer together than the males.
Capsule ovate or round-cordate, much comvressed, quite smooth. Varying from
4 to 9 lines in length. but usually about ':in.
Habitat—An inland species which occurs throughout Australia.
Vernacular names—Berrigan, Butter-wood, Locket Bush, N.S.W.,
Flowers from July to October.
(5)
PITTOSPORUM FERRUGINEUM AITON
A tree. flowering sometimes as a shrub, but attaining a height of 50 to
60ft.. the young shoots thickly clothed with a loose rusty tomentum which wears
off. Leaves from obovate or ovate, and obtuse or scarcely acuminate, to nblong
or almost lanceolate acuminate 3 to 4in. long, qiite entire, narrowed into 2
petiole ': to *sin. rusty-tomentose on both sides when very young, but glabrous
above, or on both sides when full grown. Flowers terminal or axillary, rather
small, in cymes or umbels, netals narrow, about 3 lines long, spreading above
the middle. Capsule sessile globose, 2 valved scarcely 4 lines broad containing
usually 15-16 black seeds.
Habitat—Occurs mainly on the coast from Rosedale to Cape York, Queens-
land. From the Solomon Islands to the Nicobar Islands and Malaysia.
Flowers from June to August.
Venacular name—Rust-leaved Pittosporum.
(6)
Queensland  Species {from  the Queensland  Flora
P. sctigerum  (bristle bearing) Bail. A small glabrous tree. Branchlets
furrov ~d, with the bark often reddish. Leaves coriaceous, the reticulate veins
close and raised, 2': to 4in. long, *s to 1 in. wide, tapering from above tho
middle to a rather long slender petiole, the apex terminating in a prominent
bristle. Flowers, judging from the dried ones, seemingly light-yellow in a broad-
spreading terminal panicle longer than the leaves. Pedicels slender, sepals broadly
ovate, minute. Petals [ree. patent, about 2': lines< long. obtuse., veins obscure



@@@ 33 @@@



(ALY [EOE) W ST EALIAN PLANTS PHTTOSPOREAF Vol 3 r'age 33

%i*m“

Cofonr ahotageggin, e Frooso Hurley Block by courtesy of John Sands Pty Lid.

PITTOSPORUM REVOLUTUM

Stinnens shortly exceeding the petals. Ovary on a short glabrous stipe, densely
covered with o white tomentum, Capsule globose, 4 lines diameter, exuding an
amber-coloured resin or gum. Seeds black, angular, from 2 to 6 in each capsule.

Habitat  Walsh River, North Queensland. T. Barelay —Millar.

(7)

omclanospermum (black seedh, ooV M. Frag. 1.0 70 Benth, FI Austr. 10 111
A\ small tree. guite glabrous, or with a scanty minute glandular pubescence on
the mflorescence. Leaves trom obovate to oblong or even lanceolate, shortly
qeuminate, muceronate or obtuse, 2 to 4in. long entire and flat or slightly undulate
on the margin, narrowed into petiole of 4 or 5 lines. Coriaceous, but not shining,
ot w pale hue and  prominently veined, Corymbs compound, terminal, many-
canceolate-subulate, the petals 3 or scarcely 4 lines long, spreading from about the
dower, but shorter than the last leaves. Flowers small, the sepals subulate or
middle. Ovary shortly stipttate, with 10 to 12 ovules to each placenta. Capsule
obliquely globular or pear-shaped. somewhat compressed. with a few or sometimes
a4 osingle black seed

flabntat - Tropieal parts ol Queensland



@@@ 34 @@@



Vol. 3 Page 34 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS PITTOSPOREAE DEC.. 1964

(8)

P. venulosum (leaves beautifully veined) F.V.M. Fragm vi. 186, A small
tree of about 30ft. high; the ultimate branches almost verticillate slightly ferrugin
ous—tomentose. Leaves lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate acuminate, almost whorled
2 to 4in. long, *s to 1':in. broad, the reticulations close and deep-coloured,
margins thickened, tapering to the petioles. Flowers in a terminal corymbose
panicle. Capsule globose-pyriform, 2 rarely 3-valved, slightly compressed, 8§ to
10 lines long, yellow insides; seeds 1 to 1Ys line long.

Habitat—Ranges of the tropical Coast, as Rockingham DBay, etc.

(9)

P. Wingii F.V.M. Leaves ol almost herbaceous lexturc, on very short stalks,
nvate or elongate-lanceolate, acuminate, hardly or slightly recurved at the
rargin, beneath prominently penninerved and as well as the branches brownish
silky-tomentose; corymb. umbelliform; solitary short-stalked or almost sessile:
sepals velvet-hairy, narrow-lanceolate, gradually pointed; corolla about one-third
longer than the calyx, its tube widened upwards, shorter than the bluntish and not
much-spreading lobes; anthers fully half as long as the filaments, many times
longer than broad; ovary brownish-silky; capsules not large, rather turgid, almost
globular or somewhat depressed, velvet-hairy, valves 2, hard; funicles thick and
very short, seeds several, from garnet colour turning brown-black, somewhat
viscid.

Habitat  Bellenden Ker and other high ranges ol the tropical parts of the
colony.

(10)

P’. rubiginosum (foliage reddish coloured). A Cunn. A sparmngly branched
shrub, the branchlets, petioles, and inflorescence densely clothed with a rust:
coloured tomentum, consisting of much more spreading hairs than in P.
ferrugineum. Leaves almost whorled, cblong-lanceolate, acutely acuminate, 5 to 10in.
long, entire or slightly sinuate-toothed, narrowed at the base, but almost
sessile, herbaceous, glabrous above, softly pubescent underneath. Peduncles stout.
Sepals with scattered hairs, the petals 3 times as long as the sepals, cohering ior
about two-thirds of their length into an almost cylindrical tube, thin summits
pointed and much recurved; filaments twice as long as the anthers. Capsule large.
rugose, ovate-cordate, deep yellow.

Habitat —Common on the ranges about Bellenden Ker.

(11)
PITTOSPORUM O'REILLYANUM WHITE

A shrub spinose, brown, tomentulose when young, soon glabrate. Leaves
altecrnate, sometimes clustered on the branchlets, ovate to elliptic-oblong, acute to
cuspidate at apex, obtuse at base, entire 2-5in. long, green above, paler beneath
with a sparse tomentum when young. soon glabrous, margins flat or recurved.
petioles up to Im. long. Flowers axilliary of terminal on arrested branchlets,
solitary cylindrical or slightly tubular. Petals 6.0-9.5 mm. long, 1.2-15 mm.
broad on pedicels 1-2mm. long. Capsule globose 2 valved, 7-12mm. broad, smooth.

JTabitat—Occurs at high altitudes in south east Queensland.

IFlowers in September-October.

(12)
PITTOSPORUM BICOLOR

A shrub or small tree to 400t. high, branchlets greyish-brow:n, the young
parts of first rusty-tomentose but soon becoming glabrous. Leaves alternate.
oblong-lanceolate to linear, obtuse or apiculate at apex 2-5in. long, glaucous-green
and glabrous above yellowish to brown-tomentose beneath, coriaceous, margins
revolute, midrib and lateral nerves usually distinct above, midrib alone distinct
beneath petioles 2.5 mm. long hairy when young. Flowers axillary, solitary, or
tascicled, clustered at the ends of lealy branchlets. Flowers yellow or yellow
marked with red or reddish-purple, petals lanceolate-oblong 9-15mm. long,
2-4mm. broad. Capsule almost globose, 2 valved, 7-13mm. in diameter, slightly
tomentose, seeds 10-20 pale reddish to reddish-black, irregular.

Habitat—Tasmania, Victoria, Southern N.S.W.

Flowers from July to December.

Vernacular names—Whitewood, Tallow-wood. Tolosa-wood, Dragon's Blood,
Fittosporum (Tasmania), Cheesewood (Victoria), Banalla (Victoria. aboriginal
2. bicolor is cultivated in California and Eneland



@@@ 35 @@@



DEC. 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS PITTOSPOREAE Vol 3 Page 35

Queensland Pittosporum
by LEN MILLER

The Pittosporum is a member of the Pitlosporcace funuly  which ancludes
Hiymenosporum, Bursaria, Marianthus, Citriobatus, Billardicra and Cheiraataera,
[t derives its name from the gummy substance surrounding the seeds.

According to Bailey there are ten species in Queensland, being widely
dispersed, from the southern border to the tropical north and inland to the
eastern Downs. All are indigenous to this country except one, this being
P. ferrugineum which extends to the Malaysian peninsular and the adjoining
islands and the Philippines. The Australian form has rather larger flowers
and narrower pointed sepals than the common Malayan form.

Of the ten varieties, six are from the tropical north mainly being lound
on the ranges which would naturally be, more or less, rain forest typoes. Foliage
on these varieties is fairly large some leaves measuring up to ten inches in length
by two inches broad. These tropical types would be most unsuitable for
southern gardens but could possibly be grown in sub-tropical areas wherce
they could be protected from f{rost.

A quick run through these varieties thus:-

P. steigerum, a small glabrous tree, leaves to 4 inches long by one
inch wide, veins close and raised, large heads of fower, light yvellow in colour,

P. melanospermum, a small tree, leaves obovate to four mches long. pale
e colour and prominently veined.

P. revolutum, a tall shrub, the young shoots tomentose, leaves olhiptical
2 1o 4 inches long, the underside being covered with a rusty coloured “bloont”

P. venulosum, a tree of some 30 feet, leaves lanceolate, veins being close and
decp coloured, flowers borne in panicles.

P. ferrugineum, ultimate height 50 ft.. yvoung shoots covered with rusty
coloured “bloom”, leaves lanceolate or obovate.

P. rubigosum, as the name suggests the growth on this specie is covered
with a rust coloured tomentum. The leaves are large. lanceolale, measuring
up to 10 inches long.

Of the varieties suitable for garden cultivation and one which is very
widely grown, P. undulatum is a handsome tree. In its native habitat, ranges
of Southern Queensland, it attains a height of 40 ft.. but in drier and cooler
areas this would be considerably reduced. It is an ideal tree for speciimen,
windbreak and avenue planting, its large dark green foliage is outstanding. Its
natural habit of growth is pyramidal. The flowers are borne in heads and arc
white and sweet smelling thence its name “Mock Orange.”) The berries are
most attractive too, being orange in colour, a big laull with this specice s its
susceptibility to  white wax  scale.

P. phillyracoides is an excellent tree for planting i dry arcas. Up here
m Queensland it thrives in dry rocky country, with no ill effects. 1t is o
graceful tree of some 15 feet or so, not over endowed with foliage, bul most
attractive. Leaves are long, 4 to 6 inches, and narrow, and arc droopine in
habit. Flowers are small and yellow, but not a floriferous tree. Does not set
many seeds in a good season, probably one year in three would be good. Tirows
on the Eastern Downs at Linthorpe and Goombungee. Have not used his
variety at all but would consider it to be a tree for street planting.

Completely Revised — Fourth Edition
SHRUBS AND TREES FOR AUSTRALIAN
GARDENS

by ERNEST E. LORD, F.R.H.S.

Recognised  as the complete reference book on the
subject, this FOURTH edition has been almost
«ompletely re-written, and there are now over 3.500
different shrubs and trees from this country., New
Zealand and overseas, described in detail and classi
fied for growing under every possible  condition
471 PAGES. SIZE 1070 x 1
166 Illustrations 18 m tull  colour
THE INDEX CONTAINS 6650 ENTRIES T
PRICE, Y7 7 apost 2 3»

OBTAINABLE FROM YOUR BOOKSELLER



@@@ 36 @@@



Vol. 3—Page 36  AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—BOOK REVIEW DEC., 1964

Growing Australian Plants

by NOEL LOTHIAN & IVAN HOLLIDAY

Australia is a vast continent. Climatic conditions vary from desert areas to tropical,
and each different pnyironment throughout the continent has its own particular vegetation or
plant species. Yet it is the wish of many to grow species from all these environments in a
single habitat, namely, their own garden. If the gardener knows the conditions under which
a plant flourishes in nature then he can simulate these conditions as near as possible.

What is needed is for species that would make good garden subjects, to be grouped
under habitat headings. The species should also be grouped into plant types: trees, medium
to large shrubs etc., and further related to their suitability to soils and conditions. Particular
emphasis should be made to the difficult clay soil problem such as occurs in Adelaide
and some parts of Sydney.

Just what a home gardener needs you say. Where can I get this information in a simple
easily read style with hundreds of the finest species fully described in my language? This is
the text and style of a new 166 page book by the two authors above. Included also is a
chapter on ‘‘Plant Propagation,” another on ‘‘Planning the Garden’ and many full colour
plates, two of which are shown below and two more on page 45.

Excellent value at only 37/6 at your book seller. Review and recommendation, W. H. Paync.

Sooery, 0t o o N [

Photographs by Ron Hill HAKEA PURPUREA

Hakea, or is it Grevillea. The above colour plate is not produced to confuse the reader.
Closely related to Grevillea is the large genus Hakea, and the difference is not very obvious
to the beginner. One difference is that Hakea has a hard woody seed case that often stays
on the bush, where as with Grevillea the seed case is a leathery capsule that releases seed
when ripe. . A

Hakea purpurea is a very fine specimen to 4 feet from Queensland.

The flower should be a bright red with green leaves. An unfortunate error occurred
with the blocks and printing. _ _

We will be treating Hakea shortly and members experiences or colour slides should be
forwarded to the Editor.



@@@ 37 @@@



DEC., 1964 VST RALIAN . PLANTS  PROTEACEAR Vol. 3 Page #7

THE SILKY OAK (Grevillea robusta)

H. OAKMAN

The silky oak is grewn as an ornamental throughout Australia and does
surprisingly well under conditions that are unlike thoze of its habitat. In its
natural state it is found along the N.E. coastal fringe of Australia in open
and rain forest areas with a rainfall varying from 25" to 50”.

As a Street tree it has some disadvantages particularly its fastigiate
habit of growth which precludes positioning it under overhcad wires. lts
foliage is sparse, it dislikes regular pruning and the branches are brittle
and its life span of 50 years is relatively shert. The best location for the
Silky Oak in streets is where there is deep, well-drained rich sail, shelter
from strong winds, no overhead wires and preferably where the naiure strip
is wide enough to allow hedge type planting rather than in widely spaced
rcws so that the trees can be closely planted to protect onz another.

When in full bloom the Silky Oak is a spectacular tree and from the
point of view of display the best specimens are found north and south of the
Queensland/N.S.W. border. Here they flower from late October io November,
displaying a pyramid of orange-yellow flowers on leafless branches. In
colder regions therc is a tendency towards remaining evergreen with «
censequent loss of brilliance.

Forest trees grow up to 100 ft. high but average height of plantation
trees when fully grown is approximately 50ft. The young trees are very
fast growing and almcst invariably sparse in foliage and branching unless
regularly pinched out to induce bushiness. Young branches are covered with
rust -colcured hairs and are velvety in appearance. The leaves, 8 inches
long, are pinnate and deeply lobed with recurved margins, smooth on the
surface and silky underneath. The bark is furrowed and greyish brown, ihe
flowers arc a bright crange-yellow in racemes 3" to 5" of typical proteaceous
form and produced on the cld wood. The seed pods are boat shaped
fellicles 34 inch containing flat papery seeds winged a!l round.

There are some 20G Grevilleas of which G. robusta is the largest. It
was named by Robart Brown after C. F. Greville, a 19th century patron
cf botany. The common name was according to Hooker (1832) given to it
by the Mcreton Bay pine cutters because the timber resembled the English
oak and was silky when newly split. The timber is sought after for cabinet
viork, it is a light soft wood, strong and tough with good figure.

Propagation is invariably frecm seed, growth is fast and the young
plants are most aftractive with brown-tipped fern like foliage. Overseas
the ycung plants are used extcnsively as indoor plants and for outdoor
bedding. Although early growth is rapid, flowers are seldom produced under
seven years.

The Silky Odak is relatively pest free, can stand a short period of
drought and has rcot growih that is seldom troublesome, these are factors that
balance some of its diszucvantages. However its ultimate height should be
kept in mind so that winter shadows cn residences will be avoided.

Another Grevillea, often referred to as the Red Silky Oak, Grevillea
banksii known previously as the variety fosterii, is occasionally grown as a
street trez and there are a few streets where this has been successful.



@@@ 38 @@@



Vol. 3 -Page 38 AVISTRALIAN  PLANTS PROTEACEAE DEC., 1964

STREET TREES [Grevillea robusta]
by ROS GARNET

What of it as a street tree? What are its virtues? What are its undesirable
characters?

Well, that depends where the street is located.

Bailey, in his Queensland Flora, notes it as a native of Southern
Queensland, extending from Moreton Bay to many southern localities —
“a tree sometimes small and slender, sometimes robust and 80 to 100
feet high.”

The species also occurs naturally in New South Wales but does not
extend further south into Victoria nor is it indigenous to South Australia
or the Northern Territory and this would seem to suggest that the species
might not thrive well far removed from its natural habitat. Yet those who
have had the good fortune to roam from one end of the continent to the other
will have seen Queensland’s Silky Oak thriving to perfection in many
unlikely places. Alice Springs is one such place—a town where one
might expect to see only vegetation indigenous to arid places—trees like
the Athol or Cedar. In the Alice it has achieved a good reputation for
shapliness, a capacity to survive with a minimum of watering and a rate of
growth slow enough to pose few pruning problems to municipal authorities.

A good specimen iree is almost pyramidal in shape, spreading its
lower limbs well above ten feet from the ground and, remembering that in
30 or 40 years’ time it could stretch 80 or more feet toward the sky, the
wise planter would make sure that its summit will rise to a place above where
some power or telephone lines swing (if he can forecast that far ahead). A
beheaded pyramid is a pitiful substitute for the beauty that nature creates.

The Silky Ocak has several other good features which commend it as
a street tree in localities suited to its needs. It does not “sucker.” lIts root
system is fairly deep in the soil and tractable enough to withstand some
pruning if needbe but, from all accounts, it is a rare circumstance when
root pruning would be necessary. Such a one, is perhaps, when excavating
a deep drain or conduit channel nearby.

The streets of the Alice and their 150 Silky Oaks, have their counter-
parts in many Australian municipalities. For example, at Gunnedah, 400
of these trees adorn the streets, ranging in age from two-year-olds of four
feet to sixty-year-olds thirty-five feet high. How old will they be when they
reach their hundredth fcot? But, the people of Gunnedah have little need
to be concerned about the future of their trees for Grevillea robusta may
survive ten or fifteen generations of the people who enjoy the shade they
nrovide. It is a good shade tree, one not so densely leafy that the grey
skies of winter cannot be seen through the foliage.

In Victoria it is much less favoured than in more northerly areas as a street
tree. Nevertheless, in some localities and situations it grows supremely well
but a good deal more slowly than in the warmer north. Because of this
slower rate of growth the tree has to withstand for a longer time the hazards
which beset young and growing trees—broken branches and tops, carelessness,
accident or vandalism. But then such hazards are common to all young
trees whether they are in the streets or elsewhere.

We seem to have emphasized the virtues of our Silky Oak but surely
it has some undesirable characters?



@@@ 39 @@@



TIG. 1 A street irer In Alfge Spnamge

Ti¢s. 2. Silky Oak in NaTgHEs St
Gunnedah, N.5W. Note the crown
iopped  because  of overhead wiv
Rud uravelly soil

FI1G. 3: Oxley Hwy (South St Gunne
dah. The tirees ure 20 vears old
i hard red gravelly soil. Notz nat
the tree line is a little 1o one side
{ the overhead wire lIin:

FI1G. 4: The Silky Oak as a styeet
iree in Muswellbrook, N.8.W

FIG. 5. A street in Alice Springs lized
with voung Silky Qak Trees

{R)INE

IRLIEEY

VISTI LT AN PLANTS

PROTE

ACEAE

)

Vol.

3

P

da

Q

op

29



@@@ 40 @@@



Vol. 3- Page 40 AUSTRALIAN I LANTS -BOTANY DEC.. 1964

One possibly, is its habit, shared with most other non-deciduous trees,
of shedding leaves in that irregular and untidy way <o much deplored by
those who have the task of keeping streets neat and tidy. The good old
favourites—planes, poplars, oaks and ash—get ihe job over in a week or so
(and, for several months of the year look like dead sticks) but our Grevillea
may hold its leaves for two or three years and drop them with unpredictable
irregularity in any of the four seasons. Consequently, it is always pleasingly
umbrageous and, perhaps, unpleasing, slightly littered beneath with dead
leaves but when it flowers, as it does from Spring to Autumn (according
to ceasonal conditions as much as to situation) it become a blaze of gold
until the big combs of spider flowers fall to mingle with the blackened fallen

leaves.
THE PLANT BODY

Helen Lee

Externally, the plant body can be divided into various organs. Three
of these, the leaf, the ctem and the root are vegetative organs and ihe
flower is the reproductive organ. Internally, the organs are composed of
various tissues and these, in turn, are made up of small units called cells.

The plant cell consists of:-

1. the cell wall, which surrounds
2. the protoplast.

The cell wall, which is relatively rigid, is secreted by the enclosed
protoniast. The first-formed wall is called the primary wall and is made
chiefly cf a substance called cellulose. The walls of adjacent cells are
ivined fegether by the middle lamella which is mainly pectic substances.
As ihe ccll gets older a secondary wall may be laid down on the inside
of the primary wall. The secondary wall may bs many-layered and
frequently becomes many times as thick as the primary wall. It is often made
of cellulose or of cel'ulose in which various other compounds such as
lignin, cutin and suberin arc included. The protoplasm of adjacent cells
is in contact by means of thin strands called plasmodemata which pass
from cell to cell through structures called pits. The pits are places where
the secondary wall has not been laid down leaving a cavity in the wall.
The cavity is normally adjacent to a similar cavity in an adjoining cell so
that the pits occur in pairs.

The protoplast may bz further divided into protoplasm and other
substences such as crystals and starch grains. The protoplasm consists of
a nucleus and cytoplasm. The nucleus is often more or less sperical and is
darker in colour and denser than the surrounding cytoplasm. Part of the
nuclear material includes units called chromosomes, which are constant in
number for each species. Chromosomes are concerned with the control of
growth and activity a~d will be the subject of a separate article. The
cytoplasm is a clear fluid in which are various dense bodies known as
plastids and mitochondria. These structures of the protoplast are chiefly
concerned with cell functicn and will not be further concidered at this
stage.

TISSUES

The chief tissues of the flowering plants can be grouped into three
systems.

1. Dermal tissue—This includes the primary protective layer of the



@@@ 41 @@@



DEC . 1964 VSTRATIAN 1 LANTS —BOTANY Vol. 3 Page 41
plant which is known as the epidermis, and the secondary protective layer,
the periderm or bark, fermed during increase in girth.

2. Vascular tissue—This contains two types of conducting tissues, the
xylem (chiefly for water conduction) and the phloem (for food conduction).

3. Ground tissue—This consists of the parenchyma which may be
regarded as packing tissue; collenchyma, a thick-walled supporting tissue;
and sclerenchyma, a thick and hard-walled supporting tissue.

apical meristem Vascular or

\(:)one of cell division) conducling
leaf primordnum tissue
ssllry bnad % corbex
axillary bud // epidermis

‘(Jlf_rcrenhahon ol et

x

aone of cell

3one of cell

/ epidermis X dif ferentiation
/B < -cortex X apical meristem
— —piH\ (3one of cell
livision)
Vascular or ¢
u)ndu(ting tissue
X vool cap

i'l‘g?. l. D\a.‘;v'an\ ol a \ungnl udinal
scoction Un'ough a shoot apex
Fl}; 2. Dia}_?r'am ot a
longitudin._fl section
1 hrough a root apex

ORIGIN OF THE TISSUES

A flowering plant usually produces new cells and forms new organs
throughout its life. Except in the very early stages of development, new
cells only arise in certain parts of the plant body. These special areas
in which new cells are produced are called meristems. There is a meristem
at the apex of each shoot and root and these are known as apical meristems.
Cells produced in these differentiate behind the meristem into the typical
cell-types of the various tissues which make up the stem and root. Not all
apical meristems are active all the time and dormant meristems are found,
for example, in the apices of axillary buds. Increase in girth of plants,
often referred to as secondary growth, is due to a meristematic tissue
called the vascular cambium. Both the vascular and cork cambia form a
cylinder inside the stems and roots in which they occur and their activities
will be dealt with in a later article.

At the shoot apex the meristem is a dome-shaped mass of rapidly
dividing cells. At the side of the dome are small bumps which eventually
will become leaves and are known as leaf primordia. Behind the meristem
some of the cells differentiate to form the epidermis, others differentiate into
conducting tissue (phloem and xylem) and others form the cells of the
cortex (See Fig. 1).

At the root apex the meristematic tissue is protected by a root cap.
Behind the mass of meristematic cells there is once again a zone of differenti-
ation where the cells of the epidermis conducting tissue and cortex appear.
(See Fig. 2).



@@@ 42 @@@



Vol. 3 Page 42 AUSTRALIAN FLANTS- NURSERYMEN DEC Ly
F C PAYNE li
l
WILDFLOWER GARDEN I
Addison  Ave., Athelstone, S A il
Matiagoer 1T R Holliday F'elephone S HitR) I
AUSTRALIAN AND SQUTH AFRICAN D'LANTS 1

See mature  specimens  of  plants vou  buy

Open Erveruy  Day [~] No o Slaw Orders
DARGAN HILL NURSERY Greenbriar Drive-in Nursery

18-24 Alimar Rd, Glen Waverley, Vic
OVER 600 SPECIES GROWN
Most Available Now in Plastic Pots.
CATALOGUE GUIDE 3/- POSTED
ALL EASTERN STATES SUPPLIED
Telephone 560-8145
(Nursery Closed Sunday and Monday)

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS
Large and Varied Selection.

BRITNELLS RD., BRIAR HILL, VIC
2 mile beyond Greensborough

Phone 43-1468. Open Weekends

PRISERVATION BY CULTIVATION

]IMB@]IRA]IBAN]D&

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

PHONE: Gosford 21142

AMAROO NURSERY — UU 7342
856 Lang St., Padstow, N.S.W.

160 plants. Many
setting.

Hakea,
Paws.

varieties of native
displayed in a garden

Eucalyptus, Banksia, Dryandra,
Acacia, Hibiscus, Leschenaultia,

Send stampcd envelope for list.

B T Y TSP,

P. J. PARRY
afha e ol ot
AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS
3,000 varieties
Grown in the Open Plants dispatched
to all  States

WILLUNGA NURSERY
Native Trees and Shrubs
21 NELSON ST., THORNLEIGH

Closed most Saturdays

PHONE 84-3709

R T

Famnimn s TR

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

Lower Dandenong Road
Braeside. Tele.: 91-9438

Y2 mile west of Springvale Road
[}
THE HOME OF UNUSUAL
PLANTS
NATIVE AND EXQOTIC

Catalogue and Planting Guide 4

Boddy’s Eastern Park Nursery
32 Denman St Geelong, Victoria
Tél 2508

o

DENOVAN’'S NURSERY
Native Plants
Nursery

Good  Range  of

available  at
188 Marco Avenvue, NS W,
Specialists in plants for clay areas.

Panania,

{L I R Rt

WYALANDRA NURSERY
i JACANA GROVEL HEATHCOTI,
NS W

Wildflowers of the Heathcote area

Specics of Boronia and

Eriostemon

In  stock:

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

Seed Tast
snecies listed) 1/6 post
Seed — 3/- per packet
VWholesale rates on application.

144 published

1844

now

free

NINDETHANA
NATIVIES PLANT SEEDS

By Paclet. Qunee or Pound
Large selection. Send  for free
NINDETHANA
G W Althofer
Dripstone V=L

list

7% SUPPORT THE NURSERYMEN
WHO SUPPORT YOUR
JOURNAL



@@@ 43 @@@



DEC. 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS NURSERYMEN Vol 3 Page 43

YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT NURSERYMEN

Althofer. o W, Nindethana Nursery, Box 5, Dripstone, N.S.W. Very wide range.

sundron Nursery -soo Lang Street, Fadsiow, N.S.w. One ol the widest ranges of natives
secora Nursery  Box 12, dall’s Gap, Vieo W. and R. [, Stanton. The home ot the Thryptomene.
Roddy's  Fastern Park Nursery o2 Denman St Geelong, Vicetoria. 3,000 varielies.
Clearview Nursery W. Cane, Box 19 Maflra, Victoria. Specialist in developed  prams.
Dargan 1Hill Nursery 1824 Alimar Road. Gien Waverley, Victoria Native trees and shrubs.
Denorvan’s Nursery 188 Marco Ave., Panania. Syvdney. W, At nurserv only

Fehberg's, G.oA. & K. M. Nursery Braeside. Highett Moorabbin, Victoria

Greenbriar Drive-in Nursery 55 Britnells Rd., Briar Hill, Victoria, Large & varied selection
MelLeod, F. (. ). Warrien Rd., Croydon, Victoria -Quality Plants.

Narrabeen Nursery 1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen Nth., N.SW. Plants for coust.

Parry. P.J “Floralands’, Kariong via Gosford, N.S.W. A wide range. Postal orders taken
Tinderbor Nursery Tinderbox Blackman Bay, Tasmania.

Tullamarine Plant Farm # Sharp’s Rouad, Tullamarine Vie. Open weekends

Willunga Nursery 21 Nelson Street, Thornleigh, N.S.W. TFrom 2.6, Mail orders  accepted
Wyalandra Nursery 47 Jacana Grove, Ilcatheote, N.S.W. Wildflowers of Teatheote arca.

BELBRA NURSERY NARRABEEN NURSERY

In the IHeart of the Grampians 74 AUSTRALIAN NATIVES
LARGE RANGE OF 1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen
AUSTRALIAN NATIVES Nth., NS.W. — XX 2604

Inquirics: Box 12, HALL'S GAP OREN EVERF DAY
Speclalist in plants for sea coast.

NATIVE PLANTS — TULLAMARINE PLANT FARM
8 Skarps Road, Tullamarine

USUAL & UNUSUAL Phone - 30-7893
F. C. J. McLEOD 1 mile north of Melbourne Airport

Open Weekends, Closed Mondays

Wildflower Nursery — SHRUBS, TREES, PERENNIALS —
WARRIEN ROAD, CROYDON, VIC. Native & exotic, popular & rare

More than 300 Species . . .

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

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

FORESTRY COMMISSION

OF N.S.W.

44 Margaret, Street, Sydney. Telephone: B 0236



@@@ 44 @@@



Vol. 3 -Page 44 AUSTRALIAN  PLANTS  MYRTACEAE DIESC., 1954

Bottle Brush Flowering Plants

The front cover illustrates Melaleuca steedmanii with its  beautitul bottle brush type
flowerheads. Our last issuc describes many bottle brush flowered plants for the garden with
distinguishing features between the closely related generic groups of plants. Fuardher details
that missed inclusion in that issue are given below.

NOTES BY E. WITTWER OF PERTH, WEST AUSTRALIA

Propagation—It is very little trouble to get good seed from Melaleuca
bushes. If the larger seed capsules found back down on the branches (not
the newer cnes still forming) are collected and placed in a bag or bottle
in the sun for a few days, the very fine seed, as fine as dust, will spill out.
Sprinkle the seed lightly over a drained container of good friable soil and then
mulch lightly. Sewings can be made in autumn and spring, but winter pricking
out seems to be more successful. Prick the seedlings into single pots when
they are about '2 inch high.

Variety of Foliage and Habit—Other writers have mentioned the range
of colours of these adaptable plants but the variety of leaf form and shrub
formaticn is werthy of special mention as value in landscaping:—

Melaleuca violaceae: a flat spreading shrub growing at Ravensthorpe
and Ongerup. Purplish flowers.

M. micromera: very erect, almost conifer-like. The foliage of tiny leaves
is a mossy green and the flowers are yellow. It grows at Mt. Barker and
Kendenup.

M. incana: a grey usually weeping foliage. It grows at Cannington and
Busselton and is very adaptable in cultivation.

M. uncinata: a form in South Australia, is widely grown for brush fences.

M. nesophila: its large leaves (for a Melaleuca) and mauve flowers make
an attractive bush to 8ft.

M. eclliptica: the small leaves with almost a pinkish colouring blend with
red flowers.

M. diosmifolia: a very attractive green foliage.

Others grown for fclicge or form were M. megacephala, M. cardiophylla,
M. nematophylla, M. armillaris and M. conothamnoides.

NOTES BY F. LULLFITZ OF WEST AUSTRALIA

Melaleuca range in size from tiny shrubs, for example a form of M.
scabra is sometimes 6-9 inches high, to huge trees such as M. leucadendron
growing as large as a jarrah. Fortunately for gardeners, the large trees
usually have white flowers while the small shrubs suitable for gardens are
often brightly coloured.

As Mr. Debenham has decne in his series of articles, the many hundreds
cf species may be grcuped as two flowering forms, those with terminal or
capitate flowering, which he has yet to describe in the second section of the
series and those with lateral flowering usually in the form of a bottle brush.

The best garden cpecies of the first, capitate group are: M. cordata,
3 fi. shrub with pink pom pom flowers; M. nematophylla, 8ft. shrub with red
flowers fading fo pink; M. nesophila, 8ft. shrub with mauve flowers. A good



@@@ 45 @@@



DEC.. 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS - MYRTACEAE Vol. 3—Page 45

Eremaea beaufortioides

Photographs by Ron  Hill  reproduced  from  “Growing  Australian  Plants™ by courtesy of
Rigby Ltd.. Adelaide. See book review on page 36.

on the pom-pom Howered Melaleuca and similarly flowered plants such as

An issue
Please send notes and coloured slides

Eremaea is being prepuared.

pruning each year results in a good display of flowers. Pruning produced
many new shoots each of which bore flowers.

Of the second group with lateral flowers recommended plants were:
M. lateritia (“Robin Red Breast” bush) red brush flowers; M. elliptica, red
flowers; M. macronycha, red flowers on a 4ft. open bush of quite striking
appearance; M. fulgens, bright red flowers; M. steedmanii, a bush to 4 feet

with red flowers.



@@@ 46 @@@



Vol 3 Puge 46 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—YOUR SOCIETY DEC., 1964

THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS
“AUSTRALIAN PLANTS" IS AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL PRESERVATION JOURNAIL
(A non-profit making venture, produced quarterly, dedicated to preservation by cultivation )
This journal is published by The Publishing Section on behalf of The Society for
Growing Australian Plants and ils member Societies as follows:
So¢ II"TY_F()R GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS - N.S.W. REGION
President: Mr. C. M. Taylor, 142 Ernest Street, Crows Nest, N.S.W.
Secretary: Mrs. R. Bartholomew, 1431 Anzac Parade, Little Bay, N.S.W
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS- QLD. REGION:
President: Mr. P. Hamilton, Carnoola Street, Bardon, Brisbane.
Secretary: Mr. M. W. Hodge. 25 Barford St.. Marooka. Qld.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS
President: Mr. A. Webster, 26 Avenue Parade, Frewville, South Australia
Secretary: Mr. E. J. Thompson, 115 Wattle Street, Fullarton, South Australia
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN FLANTS VICTORIA & TAS.
President: Mr. F. Rogers, 108 Wanterna Rd., Ringwood, Victoria.
Secretary @ (Sister) E. R. Bowmun, 4 Homebush Cres.. Hawthorn, ¥ 3. Vic
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS CANBERRA REGION
President: Mr. (. E. Blakers, 46 Vasey Crescent, Campbell, A.C.T
Seceretary . Miss S, Rosengrave, Hotel Acton, ((mhcl'r.n ACT
WEST AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWER GROWERS' SOC. INCORPORATEL
President: Mrs. J. Hamersley, Great Eastern Hwy., East (.mldf(n(l West  Austrahia
Secretary . Mrs. G, Oxnam, 55 Phillip Road, Nedlands, West Australia.
Membership is open to any person who wishes to grow Australian  native plants
Contact the Secretary of the Society for your State for information without obligation
PUBLISHING SECTION FOR  SOCIETIES
Publishing Committee for this e R. N. Dallimore, P. D. Leak.
See K. Coxhead. Dispatch: V. Hopkins, assisted by J. Birtles, N. Gane, . Hubner, R
Greenaway, with families. Stencils: R. Bartholomew. Illustrations: A Spurway and 5. Ham
Advertising and  Sales  Representatives in each State: NSW.. P D. Leak, Qld., W W
Kilgour: S.A., 1. G. Holliday, Tas., GG. van Munster; W.A., F. Lullfitz, Viet., F. R. Jefls
MAIL- Addres\ mail to the FEditor, 860 Hemv Lawson Drlvv Picnic Point, N.S.W
SUBSCRIPTION -—Members: Apply state \e(xeidr\ above.
NON-MEMBERS: You may receive the next 4 issues direct to your home by forwarding
an annual subseription of 1270 Overseas subscriptions are 12 sterling or 1'. dollars

YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN

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

Austrahuin Seed (‘o.. Robertson, N.S.W. Bulk or packet lots. Stamped envelope brings lists

Western Wildlite  Supply, Gilgandra, N.S.W. Bnlk supplies of natives and  exotic  tree and
shrub  veed  to the trade —Special  collections  to order.

King's Fark Seed Supply, King's Park, Perth, Western Australia - Seed list 16 post free, seed
37 pkt

7 /;l.ll/nzl.rl(/ o/

TYPEWRITERS, ADDING MACHINES, OFFICE EQUIPMENT,
STATIONERY AND ALL TYPES OF COMMERCIAL PRINTING

® You can get satisfaction and efficient service on office supplies,

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

Complete range of Namco and Olivetti Equipment.

Why not ask for a price list on these items.

Delivery anywhere in the Metropolitan area.

Surrey Beatty & Sons

RICKARD ROAD, CHIPPING NORTON
(at Milperra Bridge) 6026522, 602-7404



@@@ 47 @@@



DEC.. 1964 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS GREVILLEAS Vol. 3 Page 47

THE FLAME CONE GREVILLEA

by A. S. George

There are apparently only three Grevillea species with this type of
‘ntlorescence. These are G. eriostachya Lindl., G. excelsior, Diels, and G.
pteridifolia, Knight. The two former species have identical flower and leat
structure and only seem to differ in their habit of growth; hence tne
difficulty in identifying a single flowering branch. G. eriostachya is a shrub
up to 2-3 metres with several spreading stems and the flowers borne on long
branches which are generally sparsely-leaved. G. excelsior is a more upright
shrub or small tree of pine-like growth, up to 5 metres in height, and usually
with only a single main trunk. The branches are spreading and generaily
leafy right up to the flowering soike. The flowers are often a much deeper
crange in G. excelsior but this is not always so.

In South-Western Australia both species grow on sandplain but rarely,
if ever, together. However, while G. excelsior is confined to an area extending
trom the Murchison River southwards to Lake King and eastwards almost
to the Goldfields, G. eriostachya extends from a similar area northwards
to Onslow and eastwards throughout the deserts of Central Australia.

Grevillea pteridifolia is a tree of tropical Australia. It grows to 8
metres, having a single trunk and spreading-erect branches giving the
upper part ~ mich more rounded annearance than the two previous
soecies. Alse the lerves are coorser and flatter, and the flowering spikes
slightly less dense. though the floral structure is very similar. The flowers
are bright orange.

Several other srecies of Grevilleas are closely related to these three,
but have somewh~t differently arranged flowers.

From D. N. Gordon

Grevillea excelsior and G. eriostachya are both susceptible to wet
teet and require perfectly drained deep sandy gravelly soils. Grevillea
oteridifolia on the other hand will tolerate much wetter conditions and also
nigh humidity. The form known to me from Central Inland Queensland (Alpha
urea) has not the habit mentioned by Mr. George, but is a large many
siemmed shrub. It is a very beautiful plant, long flowering, at times prolific.
It has proved very successful in Brisbane and would do well in Sydney
cheltered from cold winds.

When illustrated the flowering racemes of G. excelsior and G. eriostachya
are shown standing in a vertical position. For instance they appear that way
on the cover plate and also in Gardner’s "Wildflowers of Western Australia.”
This is not their habit on the bush. The racemes of three of these species
are always borne in a more or less horizontal position. There are some
beautiful Grevillea that do shoot up a long stem topped by a conical spike
and we should have an article on these fine plants in the future.

For growers wishing to cultivate any one of these three, Grevillea
pteridifolia would be the most easily handled. It is drought hardy, tolerant
of wet feet and high humidity and fairly frost hardy. Also it is very prolific
and will reach maturity in one year. It is smaller and more compact ihan
the others (my form) with beautiful foliage and flowers that are borne almost
throughout the year. In my opinion it would excel the W.A. species in Perth
under garden conditions.

GREVILLEA FROM CFENTRAL AUSTRALIA SAonote by GooChprendols

The species of Grevillea in Central Anstralia ave Grevillea  eriostachya, G.o pnnertolia,
(. refracta. (. stenobotrya, G. striata and G. eickhamii. Although  thev  would  all b
thighly decorative in gardens, 1 have not seen any being so used



@@@ 48 @@@



Vol 3 Page 48 AUSTRALIAN '] SOOGREVILLE AN DI G
Grevillea  petrophiliodes Corertllea patentidobe Photo P Althoter

Grevillea  puradosa R s
Photographs by J. Gluss  Geraldion

SURREY BEA C & SONS Prisiers Rickura Rowd Chippity Nerton [HIREETE