'Australian Plants' Vol.3 No.23 June 1965 +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The text in this file has been extracted from 'Australian Plants' Vol.3 No.23 June 1965. | | | | Please note that the file was compiled from a scan of the original document. As successful | | scanning is dependent on the quality of the original, there may be errors in the text where | | the scanning software was unable to recognise particular words. | | | | PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW THE ACTUAL, ACCURATELY FORMATTED | | JOURNAL, INCLUDING ILLUSTRATIONS AND PHOTOS: | | | | https://anpsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Australian-Plants/Australian-Plants-Vol3-23.pdf | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN 10,000 COPIES Registered at G.P.O., Sydney, for transmissionJUNE, 1965 Vol. 3, No. 23 by post as a periodical. Volume 3 will comprise issues No. 21-28. Colour Photography by J. Glass PILEANTHUS FILIFOLIUS This is a most outstanding plant. A shrubby- little thing 18 high. In the heat and heart of summer it bravely throws out a lovely little Geranium-like head of flowers. This plant is growing in white sand plain country. What a glorious colour. In some areas they grow to 5 feet tall but is a lovely small shrub for that hot position—J. Glass. I could have reproduced from many other beautiful slides some close-ups of the flower being very spectacular but this shows the bush to advantage—Editor. - WILDFLOWERS FOR THE ROCK GARDEN @@@ 2 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 99—Vol. 3 PILEANTHUS THE "“COPPER CUPS” GENUS by F. Lullfitz There are listed three species of Pileanthus viz. P. filifolius Meissn., P. linearis Labill. and P. peduncularis Endl. They are shrubs 2'-7' and are remarkably showy in flower. They belong to the family Myrtaceae and are akin to the Chamaelaucium, Thryptomene, Baeckea, etc., the petals forming the outstanding display when the plant is in flower. However, after the petals have withered the calyx still carries a pleasing display until the seed ripens and falls—one seed per flower. The best known of the species is P. peduncularis—"Copper-Cups”. This plant inhabits the true sandplain (a fine sand with very fine particles overlying usually a gravel bed at depth from a few inches to several feet) and its range would be roughly from Great Eastern Highway to north of Carnarvon. In the more southern occurrence it is usually a fairly dense shrub to 2, of rounded appearance, which becomes o coppery-gold mass in August- October. The leaves are short and stubby and close to the stem. It will propagate fairly well from cuttings and even the tiny side shoots up to Y2-inch root quite well. It is a brilliant flowering plant and when the main show of flower is over the calyx and the ripening fruits are quite showy until they fall. North of the Murchison River there is an occurrence of this plant with rich red flowers, most dazzling. North of Carnarvon on the red sand dunes appears a form which is up to 6’ high and about 8’ across with coppery-gold masses of flower in August. The next in order is P. linearis. | have only recently come across this one and the plants | found were windswept, a half-mile from the coast and of necessity only about 18” high and 5 across. The petals were almost white bearing a faint tinge of pink and the leaves were slightly larger than the previous species. It was equally attractive. It was growing on yellow sand dunes. P. filifolius occurs further south, from Gingin north to the vicinity of the Murchison River. It grows on deep white sand, usually with Banksia and other coastal types. The plant is bushy at the base with the corymbose flower heads borne on woody bare stalks up to 2’ and the whole plant not exceeding 4'. It regenerates from a woody stock after fire. Flowering time is October-January. Leaves resemble Geraldton Wax. The flower is much larger thon the two first species, being up to 1-inch across and held face to the sun. The large petals, sometimes frilled, are a rich pink to geranium-red and are of the delicacy of fine silk. It is incredible that they should put on such a display in the heart of summer. There is another form of Pileanthus which only grows on the top of red sand dunes above the Murchison River. It is reported to be a form of P. filifolius. | would say the resemblance ends with the flowers as the plant is like a very loose Geraldton Wax, slender and branching, with flowers in terminal groups. Flowerina time is August-September when it is most attractive but rather colourless and lank ot other times. A notable exception in the occurrence of this one was an apparent hybrid. The tall form was confined to a definite area of the rise and top of the dune, and below on the flat immediately adjacent was P. peduncularis—the normal form of “Copper- @@@ 3 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CULTIVATION Page 101—Vol. 3 ROCK GARDENS — 2 by J. R. ENGLISH | have found over the last three years that many West Australian plants which were hard to grow in Sydney with our summer rainfall, were com- paratively easy to handie when placed in a rockery filled with our local sandy soil. My conclusion has been that they are given two conditions with this type of situation, which help to offset the effect of a climate opposite to their natural one. Firstly, they have a virtually unlimited (non-competitive) rootrun, and secondly they have a dry collar of soil fairly soon after watering. Again, here their roots are encouraged to go deep, because of rock obstruction for the first few inches. A most important point would appear to be sure to always water the West Australians at night or on dull days only. For myself, | give my rockeries one good soaking weekly with the sprinkler, during the hottest part of the Summer. | intermingle Hawkesbury sandstone plants with various West Australians (in their own pockets, though sometimes two to a pocket). Generally they are growing well in full sunlight, but | have replaced the rare losses (e.g. Verticordias) in broken sunlight, really treating them more as undershrubs. Mulching with a small amount of leaf mould; then small stones, helps to conserve moisture and also relieves the bare appearance of your soil pockets until the plants have covered. The Leschenaultias (red, blue and orange) really thrive, especially if they are propagated “in situ” (tips planted with a jar over them), and grown with a hot reflecting rock behind them. Kangaroo Paws (Anigosanthos spp.) and our local Christmas Bells (Blandfordia noblis) can be planted in multiples of say three for better effect, and these plants will be thankful of a little bit of irrigation from time to time. Make sure however, that there is no Leschenaultia below them as they certainly do not like extra water. The dwarf Prostanthera denticulata will give a very lovely and long lasting flowering if planted in scattered pockets in full sun—incidentally most of the other mints prefer some shelter. Our Hawkesbury Sandstone Boronias will all thrive in the rockery and can be kept in shape by tip pruning, however, they are most vigorous with a modicum of protection from a larger shrub, especially Boronia serrulata (the Native Rose). Boronia viminea, B. megastigma lutea, B. elatior will relish full sun, and B. denticulata is happiest with shade at the base. If you have a lawn at the top of your rockery, as | have, it is wise to grow vigorous shrubs in the highest rock pockets. Here, the blooming Thryptomene dielsiana (Paynei), Pimelea ferruginia and some of the lower- growing Grevilleas are valuable, as they are unharmed by dogs and romping children. This is qualified by giving the Pimelea the support of two parallel rocks—I| understand that in their natural environment (in southern W.A.) they grow in clefts in the coastal cliffs. Foliage and floral relief is given by prostrate Hibbertias with their constant golden yellow flowers, and the perpetual flowering Correa prostrata. They are also very easy to propagate. Incidentally, | find that alternating the red and green forms of Correa reflexa make an interesting contrast, @@@ 4 @@@ JUNE, 1965 o AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CULTIVATION Page 103—Vol. 3 very poor in this sand. Many of the sands sold by contractors come from coastal deposits and are usually alkaline, containing salt, and should not be considered for the purpose. In fact, however, one can expect best results with a mads up soil of good, well drained loam, containing humus, and of slightly acid reaction. The extra work in preparing such a soil is usually well repaid. Most of us with limited garden space and a keen desire to grow all the bush plants we admire, tend to crowd these beds with one of nearly every plant we can fit in (the writer admits to being just as guilty in this regard.) Aesthetically, however, the use of a much simplier planting using only a few species is better than a botanical collection of plants. An excellent example of this is a bed near the glasshouses at the rear of the Adelaide Botanic Garden office block, where only 3 different plants are combined very efficiently. Creeping Boobialla (Myoporum parvi- folium) clothes the ground and spills out over the roadway, the grey blue Cushion Bush (Calocephalus brownii) appears in natural clumps contrasting vividly with the Myoporum, whilst a solitary background bush of Callistemon "Harkness Hybrid” adds height and a splash of colour in spring. All of these plants thrive in limestone soils, and in this case there was no need to improvise with imported soil. PLANTS OF SPECIAL MERIT Adenanthos obovata 2'-3' oval light green foliage, tightly clasping the stem, with orange flame gland flowers, winter and spring. Astraloma conostephoides (Grampians Flame Heath) 1°-3' with grey green slightly prickly foliage and spectacular bright red tubular flowers, winter and spring, grows in light sandy soil. Astraloma Pinifolius (Pine Heath) 1°-2° with light green, fine, pine like foliage; is slightly erect with yellow and green tubular flowers, grows in light sandy scils in the Grampians and adjacent flats, and on the North East coast of Tasmania. Calytrix brevifolia 2'-3' has minute foliage and masses of blue flowers late winter and spring. Dryandra calophylla 2'-3' of very uniform habitant spreads out like a cart wheel. The young bronze foliage resembles that of young tree fern growth, developing deep serrations. Dryandra polycephala 3'-4° with finely serrated foliage and small creamy yellow flowers, has great potential winter and spring, but requires light very well drained soil. Hemiandra pungens (Snake Plant) is a prostrate and trailing plant with mauve Prostanthera like flowers, very bright in the summer months and delights in full sun and well drainad soil, ground coverage 1-2 sq. yards. Xanthosia rotundifolia 1/-2° (Southern Cross) as a rambling plant has an interesting white flower in the shape of a cross. The new foliage is colourful and ornamental. A light climber from W.A., as yet not indentified, now in flower, with narrow peinted leaves and deep blue bells, resembles Sollya, but the blue is more intense than thot of the Hoveas. Thomasia grandiflora var. augustissima makes an interesting plant to 2" with rough bronze green foliage and soft thick lilac flowers, is exceeded in brilliancy by Thomasia grandiflora which is of much the same habit, both plants delighting in partial shade, flowering winter into early summer. @@@ 5 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 105—Vol. 3 BELLENDENA MONTANA The only Species of the Genus Bellendena by A. M. GRAY PART 2 OF A SERIES ON “TASMANIAN PLANTS” Bellendena montana belongs to the family Proteaceae (Banksias, Wara- tahs, etc.) and occurs only in Tasmania. It is a small shrub, seldom attaining much more than 18” in height. It grows mainly at fairly high altitudes, 2,000'-4,000" being about its limit, and is a very common shrub on most of the Tasmanian mountains, preferring damp soils; but will grow quite readily in fairly dry situations, or on the other hand badly drained sites. The vernacular name applied to this shrub, is “Mountain-rocket”, the bright scarlet-crimson heads of seed follicles appearing as small flames, when viewed at a distance. In an extensive patch of Bellendena, about March- April, it indeed seems as though the ground is aflame with the nodding scarlet spikes. Bellendena montana R.Br.—Proteaceae. A small, erect shrub seldom exceeding 18”. leaves are obovate or obcuneate with obtuse terminal lobes, occasionally they may be entire. They range from %”-1%" in length and occur alternately on the small branches. The flowers are quite small but very numerous, borne in a dense terminal raceme, about 1%2" long and supported by a long stalk 2”-6” long. The perianth is %"-%" long, white or creamy pink, on a pedicel as long as itself. The fruit is a follicle, thin-walled, pear-shaped in outline. Crimson to bright scarlet in colour and containing one wingless seed. PROPAGATION Although Bellendena may be grown from cuttings, quicker results are obtained from seeds, which are collected from the plant when they ripen in March or early April. After drying for about a week, the seeds should be sown in a light porous mixture of one-third well decomposed humus, one-third vermiculite and one-third coarse sand (all by volume), for the humus, rotted she-oak needles or banksia leaves are ideal. The seeds should be scattered on top of this mixture and about %"-%” of mixture sprinkled on top. The soil should be kept damp but not saturated, and left in a cool but sunny position. As soon as the seedlings appear (about two months later) the watering should be increased a little and the seed tray placed in a warmer sunny position. The seedlings should be pricked out into trays or pots as soon as they have gained their secondary leaves. It may be advisable to treat the soil with a fungicide, to guard against "damping-off”. The most suitable soils for this plant are those fairly heavy in texture, but porous enough to allow reasonable drainage. The soil should be neutral or just slightly acid in nature. Once established, it may be planted in a damp but sunny position, however if desired it may be left in a reasonably large tub or pot, in which it makes an attractive specimen. Bellendena does admirably as a backing shrub in a rockery garden. A rainfall between 40”-100” p.a. is most suitable. Lime is to be avoided, but a light application of aquasol or similar fertilizer may be of benefit if applied during the spring or early summer. Editor’'s Note: A colour plate of this plant will appear in our next issue in association with this series. @@@ 6 @@@ o7—Vol. 3 page 1 oT BOX PROPAGATION H WARMED PROPAGATIN ecommen G BEDS ded loading of pro his will provide @ soil temperatur oot are required for a rooting agation. For normal prop ture should be used an uch coarser sand is essential to pagating beds is 772 10 9 watts o of 60-65°F. Loads of temperature O B agating beds a fine The normal ¢ per sd. ft. and t 15-18 watts per square f F. necessary under mist prop clay sand which will retain mois damp. For mist propagation @ m d drainage. d this must be kept provide the require WARMED PROPAGATING BED ROD-TYPE THERMOSTAT 78 . [ ) V77007 7 SAND WARMING CABLES SEED BOXES DIRECT POTS PRESSED INTO SAND PEAT AND SAND MIXTURE ON SAND BED AND SURROUNDED PLACED ON SAND BED FOR WITH PEAT ROOTING OF CUTTINGS FIGURE ! AGATING CASE A CLOSED pPROP AlR WARMING IN OR FRAME ROD-TYPE THERMOSTAT CONTROLLING AIR HEATING GLASS COVER \* SPACING BETWEEN CABLES e Ly PROPAGAT\NG BED 7 / AS FIGURE | MING CABLES FIGURE 2 @@@ 7 @@@ JUNE, 1955 AUSTRALIAN _PLANTS-TREMANDRACEAE Page 109—Vol. 3 PLATYTHECA VERTICILLATA A promising Rockery Plant by Patrick Stanley The Tetrathecas are among the most colourful of Spring wildflowers tc be found in the sondsicne arecs around Sydney. Perhaps the commonest rpecies is T. ericifolio, which varies in ferm bztween an erect and rather sparse type and a squat, compact litile shrub only o few inches high, reminding one of a Rugby scrum. The flowers, like well irained forwards, have their hzads down, and it is necessary to lift them in order to see the black eyes. From their blackish anihers they derive their common name— Black Eyed Susans. The petals are magenta or deep mauve in colour; and in spite of the shy, pendulous hcbit of flowers the effect, when the plant is fcund growing amongst brokan sandstone in the sunshine, is oftzn dazzling. According to Florence Sulman (Wildflowers of New South Wales) the plant flowers all the year. ~ PLATYTHECA VERTICILLATA The colour piate does not do this delightful plant full justice. An excellent plant for the rockery for ihat sheltered moist position. Tceiratheca is very closely related to this plant and are also beautiful dainty plants. We are preparing an issue on Tetratheca and I need reports from thosc who have grown them and a colour slide of every species. They are commonly known as Bluck-Eyed Susuan. @@@ 8 @@@ JUNE. 1965 AUSTRALIAN FLANTS—SUCCULENTS Page 111—Vol. 3 SUCCULENT NATIVE PLANTS FOR THE ROCK GARDEN by Ron Hill, Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Little is known amongst gardeners of our native succulents and even less is generally known about their culture. All that can be defined is that they must have warmth, sunlight and good drainage, but from there on we must try them out for ourselves. The following species have been grown in Adelaide with a certain amount of success, some proving easy and some proving somewhat difficult. Aizoon quadrifidum is a shrubby plant found in the dry areas of Australia. It grows 1-2 feet high and spreads 2-3 fest across being very compact in growth. The succulent leaves are silvery green and attractive, about Y2 inch long and the four petalled starshaped flowers are white with a red centre. These are about 1 inch across and usually appear during spring and summer. This shou!d prove an interesting species for the larger rock garden or bank. Aizoon zygophylloides is an annual species, only found in dry areas vsually after good rains. Growing from 2-6 inches high and spreading slightly these plants often cover acres of the interior making a very colourful display. The contrast of bright green leaves and showy four-petalled yellow flowers makes this a desirable plant for dry rock pockets. There is a beautiful pink flowered form which is not as common as the yellow, but this is even more desirab'e. This is considered to be a different species by some authorities and is then known as Aizoon kochii. Calandrinia remota Parakeelya” or “Munyeroo” is usually an annual plant appearing in dry areas after good rains on well drained sandy soils. The long. round leaves are very fleshy and form a cushion from which arise the slender stems to about 6 inches in height which carry the large showy cerise flowers. These are an inch or more across and have a satin texture which make them one of our most attractive succulents. Two other soecies C. polyandra and C. balonensis are similar but differ only in leaf shape. All are eaually attractive as those who have seen them on the red sand dunes of Centralia will surely agree. A colour plate of C. balonensis appears in our last issue. Carpobrotus equilaterale is a “Pigface” with large pink flowers which are very showy but only open in bright sunshine. The plant has a spreading habit and grows easily from cuttings. It comes from a wide area of dry and temperate Australia. Disphyma australe is another “Pigface” which is rather rampant, but makes an excellent ground cover, and when its thousands of cerise pink flowers are seen open together it is a nsver to be forgotten sight. In very poor dry situations it becomes a tidy trailing plant useful for rock walls and banks. It withstands saline conditions very well. Anacampseros australiana. This rare native is found only in the very dry stoney and rocky areas of inland Australia, sometimes amongst gibbers and sometimes on rocky hill slopes. It makes a small rosette of reddish brown leaves which come from underground tubers and bears insignificant flowers on short stems. Not a showy plant but sought after by collectors. All other species of Anacampseros are found only in South Africa. @@@ 9 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN FLANTS—SUCCULENTS Page 113—Vol. 3 SUCCULENT PLANTS NATIVE IN THE ALICE SPRINGS AREA Part 2 of a series on “Wildflowers of Central Australia” by D. J. Nelson The most notable of Central Australian succulents are the Calandrinias, known as “Parakeelyas,” these have been dealt with previously so | will mention here some other succulents which have been used or are worthwhile trying in the garden. Attempts have been made to propagate some of these plants from cuttings but no success has occurred to date. CHENOPODIACEAE Arthrocneumum halocnemoides and A. leiostachyum. “Samphires”. Peren- nials up to 3 feet tall with pencil thick, many jointed, very succulent, bright green leaves. They inhabit saline areas in the red sandy deserts being found on the edges of salt lakes and claypans. Pachycornia tenuis is a “Samphire” with leaves similar to the former. It grows 18" tall, has a small white trunk and grows on slopes of stony sandstone hills. Kochia triptera. A most attractive shrub attaining a height of 2 feet. It has thin linear blue-green succulent leaves. The fruit usually has 3 vertical wings, sometimes reddish, mainly green turning black on maturity. It is found in clayey loam low lying areas which are swampy in wet weather. Perennial. Kochia aff. spongiocarpa. Somewhat resembles K. triptera but foliage not as dense, fruit larger, bell shaped, winged, green to dark with age. A very drought hardy perennial shrub, 15" tall growing on the slopes of red sandstone hills. Babbagia dipterocarpa. A tiny perennial succulent 4” high with fine pale green leaves and small green winged fruit. Occurs on stony hillsides. AIZOACEAE Trianthema crystallina var. clavata. This might be useful in a rockery. It is a prostrate annual, red stemmed, with small green leaves. It is the hardiest of our annual succulents, plants of this are still to be found on sun-baked flats, still quite healthy in spite of our present devastating record drought. Occurs on sandy open flats throughout the year but probably at its best in Summer. PORTULACACEAE Portulaca oleracea. This quite common prostrate succulent is known in the centre as “Munyeroo.” In spite of its familiarity in cooler weather, with extra watering “Munyerco” will spread to 2 ft. in diameter and bear masses of pleasing bright yellow flowers over %’ diameter. An annual, it will grow anywhere but is at its best in sandier soil. It has short, broad, very succulent leaves. Portulaca filifolia. An erect annual with linear succulent leaves, grows about 9 tall and has yellow flowers over %" in diameter, the stem is lightly golden hairy. Usually occurs in cooler weather after rain, in sandy oreas. Readily raised from seed and grows rapidly. CENTRALIAN BOTANICAL SERVICES, P.O. Box 371, Alice Springs for secd supplies and all botanical services, etc. Send stamped addressed envelope. @@@ 10 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LEGUMINOSAE Page 115—Vol. 3 CASSIAS PLANTS FOR GARDENS IN WARMER DISTRICTS PART 1 OF A SERIES by F. Lullfitz In recent trips to areas north of Perth, quite a few plants have been cbserved which should do well in gardens with a hot, dry summer. Among some of the most notable are the Cassias. The ones we know and cultivate are introduced species and it is not to our credit that we have neglected our own Cassias which in various ways are equal or better for different treatments. Cassia sophera growing in the wild at Wyndham is doing even better in cultivation at the Botanic Gardens in King’s Park and is seeding well. It thrives on the improved conditions. C. eremophila, C. artemisioides, C. pleurocarpa, C. chatelaineana have been in cultivation successfully for quite some time. They have been clipped, pruned, fertilised and treated as hardy domestic plants. Why should this not apply to the others from similar conditions in the wild? In the main Cassias are shrubs producing showy foliage soon after germination—suitable for pot plants too—and then in the first season they will be 12 inches or more and showing first flowers. They all have golden yellow flowers sometimes borne in terminal spikes and sometimes in clusters or axillary branches. Leaves are pinnate as in some Grevilleas, with the leaflets showing all variations in width from flat to slender. C. artemisioides—Slender shrub 4'-6'. C. chatelaineana—Slender shrub 3’-8'. C. desolata—Leaflets broad and slightly crinkled, usually attractive grey- green, and perhaps this is where the name originates—desolate. However, quite desirable. C. eremophila—Shrub 3'-5’. Fresh green leaves with lots of flowers in bunches all along the upper stems. C. leursenii—Graceful shrub 2'-5'. C. notabilis—Usually called “Cockroach Bush” owing to the enormous crop of golden yellow to dull brown, shiny seed pods it develops after flowering. Broad leaflets with contrasting green and yellow colours of foliage and stems. Fast growing. C. oligophylla—Shrub about 4’ thick and dense, producing a heavy crop of flat pods about 4” long which turn from green to brown as they ripen, giving a long season. C. pleurocarpa—Shrub to ¢, fairly dense, vigorous, fresh green foliage, black-hooded terminal bud spikes and large bunches of black, crisp pods. C. pruinosa—A very delicate, slender shrub to 5 with flat leaflets almost silvery white and gold flower heads. A most striking plant. C. sturti—Shrub about 5, dense foliage. C. venusta—Vigorous shrub 3-8’ with large divided leaves similar to the Cockroach Bush, very attractive foliage, and to make it way out in front of others, it has long, golden-hooded bud spikes which open into bunches of butter-yellow blossoms. @@@ 11 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CULTIVATION Page 117—Vol. 3 A Garden Near the Sea by H. BELL In September 1963, whilst living at Queenscliff, Victoria, | decided to plant a native garden. As the soil was alkaline, | built up a garden to a depth of two feet, using acid soil from the Otway Ranges. The location of this garden was 70 yards from the open sea, in what must surely be one of the stormiest climates on the Australian coast .During our stay, the wind blew almost constantly, and three 90 miles per hour gales were experienced. In spite of some shelter afforded by low dunes and a growth of Leptospermum laevigatum, our garden was subject to considerable salt spray and our windows were frequently caked with salt. In these adverse conditions, some 40 plants of 32 species were put in. Some were my own seedlings, others were transplanted from the path of a Road’s Board bulldozer, but the majority were obtained from Boddy’s Nursery at Geelong. The subsequent performance of these plants proved a great surprise. More than half of the species were completely successful, not so much as losing a leaf. These were Oxylobium lanceolata, O. tricuspidatum, Caloce- phalus brownii, Thryptomene paynei, Pimelea ferruginea, Melaleuca micromera, Pelaregentum rodneyanum, Thomasia petalocalyx, Banksia ericifolia, B. margin- ata, B. baxteri, Acacia suaveolens, A. longifolia, Epacris impressa, E. longiflora, Correa reflexa, Hardenbergia monophylla, Kennedya prostrata, Hibbertia stricta, H. volubilis, Anigosanthos humilis. Some examples of their progress in the 15 months are:- (a) Oxylobium lanceolata, 9 inches high when planted, 6 feet high and in full flower. (b) Banksia ericifolia, 6 inches high with one main stem and the start of four others, when planted—3 feet high with dense foliage. (c) Hardenbergia monophylla, 8 inches high when planted—3'% feet high and in dense flower six months after planting. Several other species were badly salt-burnt after a heavy gale which came up soon after planting. However the consequent effect was that the shrubs grew very dense and in some cases semi-prostrate, which probably made them more resistant to salt-spray loter on. These were Acacia merrallii, Grevillea glabrata, Agonis flexuosa, Callistemon citrinus. Some smaller species, while suffering from the heavy weather, grew reasonably well later on. However, | would not consider them worth the trouble of growing in extreme conditions. These were Hypocalvmma angusti- folia, Chorizema diversifolium, Dillwynia glaberrima and Platylobium obtus- angulom. Finally, three species were absolute failures, shrivelling up at the touch of salt sorav. These were Baeckia diversifolium, Acacia discolor, Jasminum lineare, Banksia latifolia and Angophora cordifolia. Nothing was added to the soil and mulching consisted of 3 inches of ordinary % inch blue metal. Although rainfall at Queenscliff is light (about 25 inches vearly), it is freouent. Accordingly the garden was not watered except at the few heat-wave occurrences. @@@ 12 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 119—Vol. 3 Each issue has comprehensive articles on our native orchids, alternate issues dealing with terrestrial and epiphytal orchids. In this issue A. W. Dockrill reviews the genus Eria and describes for the first time, a new species. The cultivation of Eria in the Southern States is described by R. Deane at the end of this article. Unfortunately a suitable colour slide was not available for a colour plate. The Genus Eria Lindl. in Australia by A. W. DOCKRILL In this review, a new species, E. intermedia, will be described, and E. linariiflora Rupp. and E. liparoides T. E. Hunt reduced to synonyms of E. inornata T. E. Hunt. The genus Eria is not very well represented in Australia and the 6 known species are confined to Eastern Tropical Queensland. The species are quite distinct and little difficulty is encountered in the identification of them once some of the peculiarities of the genus are understood. Eria is usually placed in the same subtribe (Dendrobiinae) as Dendrobium, but differs from that genus by having 8 pollinia rather than 4, the base of the labellum never forms, together with the column foot, a mentum, and (in Australia at least), the pseudobulbs are more fleshy and the leaves, for the size of the pseudobulb, comparatively longer. 1t should be stressed, however, that the labellum of each of the various species is remarkably variable in every feature and due consideration should be given to all other features of the flower and plant when attempting identifications. Comparatively little controversy has occurred over the various Australian species. Podochilus australiensis (F. M. Bail.) Schlir. was originally wrongfully placed in Eria and E. eriaeoides (F. M. Bail.) Rolfe was originally placed in Dendrobium. The descriptions of E. irukandjiana St. Cloud and its synonym E. Johnsonii T. E. Hunt were, unknown to the authors, with different publishers at the same time and the former happened to be the first published. During the past 6 years, the present author has seen, over an area extending from the Tully River to the Bloomfield River, hundreds of flowering plants of but one species of large Eria which is not E. Fitzalani F. von Muell. Considerable variation occurs within this species, but no more than what occurs within any of the other 5 species. In an endeavour to arrive at its correct diagnosis, a careful examination of type material of E. linariifolia Rupp. and of descriptions and illustrations of E. inornata T. E. Hunt and E. liparoides T. E. Hunt was carried out. It conformed quite well with Hunt's description and illustration of E. liparoides, but Rupp’s species proved to be conspecific and Rupp must have mistaken the edges of the concave section of the labellum for keels. When consideration was given to the fact that Hunt's description and illustration of E. inornata were prepared, for the most part, from herbarium material, it immediately became apparent that this species was synonymous with the other 2. Since E. inornata T. E. Hunt was the first of the 3 to be published, this name should stand and E. linariiflora Rupp. and E. liparoides T. E. Hunt reduced to synonyms thereof. Most of the species are readily cultivated when suitable conditions are provided, but none of them could be classed as showy and all of them occur almost entirely within the North Queensland Flora and Fauna Reserve from which the removal of plants is forbidden by law. @@@ 13 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 121—Vol. 3 E —~ — LAC I TR S | o Cm. CZRIArIAmHEDQWE Plant . . . Pollinia ERIA INTERMEDIA DOCKR. to indicate scale. Flower from the front . . . to scale x 5. Flower from the side . . . to scale x 5. Column and labellum from the side . . . to scale x 5. Labellum, lateral lobes flattened out . . . to scale x 5. Column from the front . . . to scale x 5. Labellum from the front . . . to scale x 5. . . to scale x 20. Anther from above . . . to scale x 20. Capsule . . . Pseudobulb from the side . . . indicated scale. . Pseudobulb from the front . . . indicated scale. Leaf flattended out . . . to indicated scale. Median longitudinal section of column and labellum . . . to scale x Tl. to indicated scale. @@@ 14 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 123—Vol. 3 BEFRMEmQEEOOwNs | Sadilas - A 2 ERIA INORNATA T. E. Hunt Portion of plant . . . to 'z scale. Flower from front . . . to scale x 5. Flower from side . . . to scale x 5. Labellum from above . . . to scale x 7. Labellum from side . . . to scale x 7. Column from side . . . to scale x 10. Column from front . . . to scale x 10. Anther from below . . . to scale x 20. Pollinia in situ in clinardrium . . . to scale x 20. Anther from the side . . . to scale x 20. Anther from above . . . to scale x 20. . Longitudinal section of column and labellum . . . to scale x 10. @@@ 15 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 125—Vol. 3 N OQQ N\ c: £ - K ERIA QUEENSLANDICA T. E. Hunt Portion of plant . . . to scale. D. Dorsal sepal . . . to scale x 5. Flower from the side . . . to scale x 10. E. Lateral sepal . . . to scale x 5. Flower from the front . . . to scale x 10. F. Petal . . . to scale x 5. Labellum from side . . . to scale x 10. Labellum from front . . . to scale x 10. Anther from above . . . to scale x 20. Anther from side . . . to scale x 20. Column from side . . . to scale x 10. Column from front . . . to scale x 10. Pollinia, greatly enlarged. Labellum from above . . . to scale x 10. Long. sect. of column and labellum . . . to scale x 10. Widely opened (naturally) flower from the front . . . to scale x 10 NRHOZZNA-EROW> Column from the side . . . to scale x 10, after pollinia have contacted stigma. @@@ 16 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 127—Vol. 3 ERIA ERIAEOIDES (F. M. Bail.) Rolfe A. Portion of plant . . . to scale. B. Flower from side . . . to scale x 10. - C. Flower from front . . . to scale x 10. D. Column and labellum from side . . . to scale x 10. E. Labellum flattened out . . . to scale x 10. F. Column from front . . . to scale x 10. G. Column from side . . . to scale x 10. H. Pollinia . . . to scale x 20. I. Anther from above . . . to scale x 20. K. Anther from side . . . to scale x 20. L. Median longitudinal section of column and labellum . . . to scale x 10. @@@ 17 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MINMOSATLAE ~Page 129—Vol. 3 DWARF ACACIA (continued from page 104) Acacia tayloriana is another dwarf shrub from W.A. i, too, has feathery, leathery leaves but it has ball flowers. It is covered with small hairs which give the shrub an unusual appearance. Acacia pulchella is a small 3-4 ft. shrub. It has feathery leaves but these cover prickly spines along the branches. In W.A,, it is sometimes referred to as “prickly moses.” The only plants | have seen of this have been dense ground hugging plants that have done well in a variety of soils. It has a long flowering period in the springtime, when the large yellow balls cecver the bush. In some cases it is short-lived, but it is also a rewarding garden specimen. Acacia mitchellii is a small shrub from Victoria. It has bi- pinnate leaves and pubescent branches. The flower is on slender peduncles and in groups. In its natural state it is widespread though not common. The areas Acacia pulchella in which it is found are usually dry rocky or dry sandy soil. It forms a small open bush about 4 ft. high. It will grow in gardens where it has good drainage. In December last year | found plants with seed pods hanging and still blooming. The flowering pericd is usually in the spring. Acacia spinescens, as mentioned earlier has dispensed with any forms of leaves at all. It is a small shrub to about 3 ft. and when not in flower we could well doubt that it was an acacia. It flowers in the spring when large yellow ball flowers appear along the stem and make it an attractive shrub. The only success in Melbourne seems to be in well-drained soil, but it is at home in the Mallee. Acacia continua is ancther dwarf dry area shrub. It is unusual in that the phyllodes are curved and rather stiff. It will grow 2-3 ft. and has some of the largest ball flowers of any species. They are a golden yellow, and in the early cpring transform the shrub from something that we may overlook to a shrub that is a focal point. Unless the plant has good drainage it is short lived in gardens. Acacia lanigera is a species that has lasted well as a cut flower. Last year pieces were picked for indoor decoration. At the end of a fortnight it was still satisfactory and some fresk flower balls had come out too. It makes a shrub about 4 ft. and is at home in the dry well drained soils and puts on its show in the early spring. A ground hugging, spreading, dense shrub is Acacia alandulicarpa. This plant looks very like A. armala but it lacks spine at the leaf axils. @@@ 18 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE rage 131—Vol. 3 Turpentines as Street Trees by G. H. HEWITT, Bellingen, N.S.W. The turpentine trees would appear to be good street tree subjects at least for areas with similar climates to Bellingen, N.S.W. Syncarpia hillii This tree comes from Frazer Is.,, Queensland and is a large timber tree there. In Bellingen, N.S.W., it has grown freely and appears to bz suitable for street planting. Cutting back will be necessary where overhead wires create a height limitation. The leaves are a dark green above and silvery below, about 5” long and entire. An attractive feature is that aged leaves turn red and are held cn the trces for some time before falling. Syncarpia leptopetala Syncarpia hillii Syncarpia laurifolia Similar in statue to Syncarpia hillii, the aged leaves of S. laurifolia turn an orange brown before falling. Flowers are white, in globular heads, freely produced and relished by bees. The trees are upright, conical and very pleasant to behold. Syncarpia leptopetala This is usually a small tree under natural conditions in coastal rain forests. The leaves are four inches long and entire but have a wavy margin. They are yellow green above and light brown below, giving the tree a yellowish green appearance which is quite pleasant. Flowers are creamy in globular heads and the stamens persist on the mature fruits. The tree flowers when quite young and often in containers. This is a pleasant small tree, somewhat slow growing but quite trouble free. As it has a globular well branched head and does not aspire to great heights it should never require any cutting back. @@@ 19 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRAILIAN PLANTS—CULTIVATION Page 133—Vol. 3 MINIATURE GARDENS Notes by the Editor What is a miniature garden. My impression is that it is a rock garden on a small scale. The wildflowers that are ideal for such a garden are very numerous and to commence this subject a few such plants are presented in the certainty that there are some gardeners interested in miniature, often artistic creations. One really tiny shrub from W.A. is Thryptomene hymenomena, scarcely more than four inches high, but rather spreading. New shoots in early summer radiate from the centre of the plant, each bearing a spike of pale shell-pink flowers, quite large for a Thryptomene, and of firm texture. Grown with two other beautiful little “dot” plants, the white form of Baeckea ramosissima and the beautiful deep velvety red of Leschenaultia formosa “Sundowner”, with perhaps a small ground cover plant such as Pultenaea pedunculata, a most pleasing effect is produced over a long period, free of all maintenance. This quotation from a leading nurseryman, describes a miniature garden. He goes on to warn that Pultenaea pedunculata will thrive only in soils with a goodly clay content, although permanent moisture in sandy soil will some- times suffice for it to exist. Thryptomene hymenomena has proved remarkably hardy when not too hot. He mentions one of a number of smaller Leschenaultias that have been overshadowed but not outshone, by the well known, larger, blue Leschenaultia biloba. All are colour magic, red, orange and yellow. A small Boronia of great potential for small gardens is Boronia tenuis of W.A. Less than a foot high, it is hardly a showy plant, but its pale lavender- blue flowers and sparse foliage produce a charming effect grown in close proximity to Boronia nana (Vic.), B. filifolia (Vic.) or Boronia polygalifolia of N.S.W. These and many other tiny Boronia such as B. spathulata which is prostrate, seldom if ever need cutting back, and make up for their tiny size and small flowers by a very long flowering period. My Boronia filifolia is rarely without a number of starry pink flowers at any time of the year. Without a doubt, the hardiest Boronia | have ever grown. It can be pruned to form a small bush to 9 inches or to become almost prostrate, the fine foliage blending into the background thrusting its flowers from behind other small plants. Trigger Plants—The ideal plants for the miniature garden. Most are prostrate or small foliaged up to only a few inches high. Flowers are dainty and numerous, red, pink, mauve, yellow or white, often on long stems nodding their superiority in the breeze as a challenge to the friendly insects to come and receive a pat on the back as reward. Near many a mossy slope of the Victorian Grampians, dainty bright pink flowers seem to float in air on almost invisible stalks—Stylidium calcaratum, the fairy of the Grampians. It will be October. Come back on a sizzling day in January, follow a forest access road along the top of the sheer Mt. Difficult range above Halls Gap and there beside and between the wheels are cushions of hundreds of green rosettes. Over these, pink flowers, blushed to dark red, are crowded—Stylidium soboliferum, endemic to these ranges. Such reports are common from those who have stopped and looked at the massed beauty of these tiny plants. Stylidium despectum, a giant of two inches high also hugs the Grampians but many other species from the south and west of Australia are also tiny gems. @@@ 20 @@@ JUNE, 1965 ATJSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 135—Vol. 3 ISOPOGON AND PETROPHILA PART 2 by D. lewis, ¢/- P.O. Bindoon, W.A. Both of the Pefrophila described in this part are well worth growing. Both have been known to be quite large, 5-6ft., but in the areas | am now familiar with they are only small bushes and could be kept quite small in the garden. Petrophila linearis Petrophila linearis prefers the sandy soils. In Western Australia, the plants are scattered throughout the coastal plain from Jurien Bay south. There are a few in the lighter soils of the Darling Range and a few still survive on vacant land around Perth. The plants are not large as a rule, 2 feet high and 2 feet wide, many being smaller, and a few growing to 3 ft. As with many other Petrophila, this plant also suckers from the top of the root. The sturdy branches are upright with thick undivided sickle or boggan shaped leaves. Flowers are terminal and although the flowers are fluffy, the flower head looks rather like a pink chrysanthemum. The style is red with a yellow brush. In spring it is a pleasure to see the bushes flowering along the side of the Northern Highway. Peirophila media The natural habitat of Petrophila media is sand plain around Badgingaria and extending through to the coast. | have grown health plants in gravel. It is a small compact little bush. Those | have measured being no more than 2 feet high and wide. The plants not only sucker from the top of the root but also from the ends of surface roots several feet away from the original plants. The stiff little leaves are like short pieces of fencing wire, not very attractive most of the year. Flowering in November and early December with terminal flower heads, many bushes look like large daisies. Although there are not many flowers in each head, they spread out flat around the receptacle. The furry cream flowers are about an inch long and half as thick as a pencil. When the petals open they are brown on the inside. The orange style has quite a large brush. Propagation My methods are the same as for “Trigger Plants”, see page 106. Seedlings from seed sown in a bowl of gravelly loam and others in a bucket of gravel with a surface of sand, have both remained healthy throughout the hot summer in spite of the fact that | had to use salty water sometimes. Where | had mixed the sand and gravel together the seedlings died. The soil tended to dry out quickly during the hot weather and this might have been the cause. Editor's Note: Mrs. Lewis is leading a study group in Isopogon and Petrophila. Who else would like to grow them and receive free seed. Our next issue will feature Isopogon latifolius and Isopogon cuneatus. Who has had experience in growing these. @@@ 21 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 137—Vol. 3 The following varicties are common all down our coast—Plerostylis nutans, Pterostylis longifolia, Acianinus exsertus, Cawudenia carnea, Glossodia major, Microtis parviflora, I'hetymitra pauciflora, 1helymitra grandiflora. The following list covers all varieties that I have located on the coast since 1958, and are listed against their representative localities. 1. DETENTION—Acianthus exsertus, Acianthus caudatus, Pterostylis nutans, Caladeniu carnea, Thelymitra paucijiora, 1hewymitra ruora, aAClGNLAUS TeNijornuis, Lpodium punctatum. 2. ROCKY CAPE—Acianthus reniformis, Acianthus exsertus, Acianthus caudatus, Corybus uuguiculatus, Coryous auatatus, Lriochuuus cucutlatus, 1helymitra flexuosa, 1helymitra paucijiora, t'hewymuira ixiowdes, 1hewmitra grandifiora, 1helymitra rubra, Thelymitra venosa, rterostylis nutans, rierostyus oarvata, Pterostylis pedunculata, Pterostylis pedoglossa, Pterostylis longijoua, Diuris maculata, Diuris sulphreu, Culochilus campestris, Catochilus Robertsonii, Catochilus paludosus, Cryptostyiuts suvulata, Frasophyllum juscum, Prasophyllum elatum, Microtis parviflora, Lyperanthus nigricans, Caladema Patersonii, Cataaenia diiatatus, Caladenia carnea, Caladenia menciesii, Glossoaia major. Caladenia latifolia, Caladenia carney var. pygmaea. 3. SISTERS CREEK—Caleana major, Thelymitra venosa, Gastrodia sesamoides, Pterostylis pedunculata, Calochilus paludosus, Pterostylis nutans. 4. SOMERSET—Acianthus exsertus, Acianthus reniformis, Acianthus caudatus, Corybus aconitiflorus, Pterostylis parvijiora, Fterostylis vittata, Pterostyus nutans, Pterostylis longijolia, Chiloglottis gunnii, Chiloglottis reflexa, Thelymitra grandiflora, Thelymitra pauciflora, Microtis parviflora, Fterostylis pedunculata, triochuus cucullatus, Pterostylis aphylla. 5. FERN GLADE, BURNIE—Corybus aconitiflorus, Pterostylis pedunculata, Pterostylis nutans, Pterostylis longijolia, Caladenia carnea, Caladenia angustata, Maicrotis parviflora, Kriochulus cuculiatus, 1helymitra pauciflora, Theiwymitra izioues, 1helymitra grandiflora, aristata, Calochilus campestris, Gastrodia sesamoides, Acianthus exsertus, Acianthus caudatus, Chiloglottis reflexa, Catadenia cucullata. 6. ROUND HILL, BURNIE—Dipodium punctatum, Eriochilus cucullatus, Cryptostylis subulata, Pterostylis parviflora, Pterostylis longifolia, Acianthus reniformis, Caleana major, Microtis parviflora, Acianthus exsertus, Acianthus caudatus, Caladenia carnea, Caladenia Patersonii, Glossodia major, Thelymitra grandiflora, 1nelymitra ixioides, Diuris maculata, Pterostylis mana, Corybus aconitiflorus. 7. BLYTHE RIVER AREA—Pterostylis longifolia, Pterostylis nutans, Corybus aconitiflorus, Pterostylis barbata, Pterostylis pedunculata, Caladenia carnea, Caladenia angustata, Glossodia major, Thelymitra grandiflora, Thelymitra pauciflora, Acianthus exsertus. 8. MT. MONTGOMERY, PENGUIN—Pterostylis nutans, Pterostylis longifolia, Pterostylis pedunculata, Calochilus compestris. Calochilus paludosus, Calochilus Robertsonii, Caladenia carnea, Caladenia angustata, Caladenia cucullata, Thelymitra pauciflora, Thelymitra irioides, Chiloglottis gunnii. 9. BLACK BUFF—Calochilus campestris, Caladenia alata, Thelymitra pauciflora, Thelymitra irioides, Thelymitra aristata, Pterostylis nutans, Caladenia carnea. 10. LATROBE—Microtis parviflora. 11. DEEP CREEK—47!2 mile peg from Launceston—Pterostylis nutans, Microtis pauciflora, Prasophyllum australe, Diuris maculata, Caladenia carnea, Thelymitra izioides, Thelymitra pauciflora. 12. STRAHAN—Thelymitra irioides, Microtis parviflora. 13. HELLS GATE, CAPE SORELL—Spiranthes sinensis, Microtis parviflora. 14. LAUNCESTON—Diuris maculata, Calochilus campestris. 15. CENTRAL HIGHLANDS—Lyell Highway Ht. 110 mile peg—Prasophyllum fuscum, Thelymitra venosa. 16. CRADLE MT.—Eriochillus cucullatas, Townsonia viridis. 17. HAMPSHIRE—Fterostylis cucullata. 18. TEWKESBURY—Pterostylis pedunculata, Pterostylis alata. 19. MT. ROLAND, SHEFFIELD— Pterostylis alata. 20. HELLYER GORGE—Corybus dilatatus. 21. ULVERSTONE—Pterostylis longifolia, Pterostylis nutans, Corybus aconitiflorus. 22. FORTH FALLS, WILMOT-—Pterostylis longifolia, Caladenia carnea, Glossodia major, Thelymitra ixioides, Thelymitra aristata, Chiloglottis gunnii, Acianthus exsertus. NATIVE PLANTS — DISEASES — INSECTICIDES USE OF INSECTICIDES & EFFECT ON BIRDS etc. GARDENING TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR HOME All the above are related. When I first started with natives I thought insects and plant maladies were a problem and sprayed often. Now I do not spray at all, except to Jeat my Kangaroo Paws. ’ Mr. R. Nash writes, “Do you ever get complaints from people about the damage caused to plants by some of the modern insecticides? Could you please ask any person who has this trouble to contact me (R. C. Nash, 77 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood, South Australia) as a group here is very interested in damage caused to plants and animals by insecticides.” Who will help this important study? It is intended to have an issue dealing properly with each of the above subjects and any correspondence on them would assist considerably.—Editor. @@@ 22 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—NURSERYMEN Page 139—Vol. 3 YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT NURSERYMEN Alerander Plant Farm—2 Winifred Street, Essendon, W5, Victoria. Aanaroo Nursery——sb Lang Street, Paasiow, N.5.W. Une of ule widest ranges of natives. Belbra Nursery—Box 12, Hall's Gap, Vic. W. and R. I. Stanton. The home of the Thryptomene, Boddyfs Eastern Park Nursery—s2 Denman St., Geelong, Victoria. 3,000 varieties. Clearview Nursery—W. Cane, Box 19 Maffra, Victoria. Specialist in developed plants. Deane’s Orchid Nursery—157 Beecroft Road, Cheltenham, N.S.W. Denovan’s Nursery—188 Marco Ave., Panania, Sydney, N.S.W. At nursery only. Echberg’'s. G. A. & K. M., Nursery—Braeside, Highett & Moorabbin, Victoria. Greenbriar Drive-in Nursery—55 Britnells Rd., Briar Hill, Victoria. Large & varied selection McLeod, F. C. J.—Warrien Rd., Croydon, Victoria—Quality Plants. Narrabeen Nursery—1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen Nth., N.S.W. Plants for coast. Parry, P. J.—‘“Floralands”, Kariong via Gosford, N.S.W. A wide range. Postal orders taken. Tinderbox Nursery—Tinderbox Blackman Bay, Tasmania. Tullamarine Plant Farm—8 Sharp’s Road, Tullamarine, Vic. Closcd Mondays. Willunga Nursery—21 Nelson Street, Thornleigh, N.S.W. Wyalandra Nursery—47 Jacana Grove, Heathcote, N.S.W. Wildflowers of Heathcote area. KING'S PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN, PERTH, W.A. 1964 Seed List now published (844 species listed) 1/6 post free Seed: 3/- per packet Wholesale rates on application BELBRA NURSERY NARRAREFN NURSERY In the Heart of the Grampians 74 AUSTRALIAN NATIVES LARGE RANGE OF 1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen AUSTRALIAN NATIVES Nth., N.S.W. — XX 2604 OPEN EVERY DAY iries: 5 LL’'S GAP Inguiriess Box .12 HALLS Specialist in plants for sea coast. NATIVE PLANTS — TULLAMARINE PLANT FARM 8 Skrarps Road. Tullamarine USUAL & UNUSUAL Phone: 30-7893 1 mile north of Essendon Airport F" C. J. McLEOD Closed Mondays — Phone: 30-7893 Wildflower Nursery — SHRUBS, TREES, PERENNIALS — WARRIEN ROAD, CROYDON, VIC. Popular and Rare More than 300 Species . . . Native and exotic trees and shrubs available from Forestry Commision nurseries at Pennant Hills, Dubbo, Forbes, Muswellbrook and Narran- dera, N.S.W. For free catalogue giving complete details and prices of species contact: FORESTRY CONMMISSION OF N.S.W. 44 Margaret Street, Sydney. Telephone: B 0236 @@@ 23 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR ROCKERIES Page 141—Vol. 3 PROPAGATION OF LESCHENAULTIA by Les Scott The beautiful Leschenaultia is among the very easiest of natives o propagate. Cuttings strike so well, that 2-3" pieces may be stuck in odd places around the garden, say against a rock. In any reasonable weather ihey will strike without any attention. Pieces may also be struck in substantial quantity in the glass house, or under a shady tree. Pieces from 2" io 4" long may be used. Planis should be grown in light soil, built up fairly high. Do not water. A sunny spot is best but not essential. Plant red and blue species iogether for contrast. THE BLUE LESCHENAULTIA The Perfect Rockery Plant (See also the third para- graph on page 101) Our last issue described a number of species and many forms that have been developed for spec- tacular garden cultivation. They all make excellent rockery subjects. It is im- possible to capture the true bright blue of Lesch- enaultia biloba. FLANNEL FLOWERS A NOTE ON ACTINOTUS FORSYTHII MAIDEN ET BETCHE by Colin Burgess On page 64, Vol. 3 of Australian Plants, Mr. Blombery states that “this particular species is restricted to the Blue Mountains of N.S.W.” For many years | had shared this view with Mr. Blombery; however, | find that in our Herbarium we have specimens collected in flower in February, 1950 and February, 1956 from the southern mountains between Nerriga and Sassafras on the Pigeon House Range. On the Blue Mountains this species is a summer flowerer, beginning in mid-December and continuing to February. The seed is ripe in April-May when the plants are nearly dead. When the cold winter westerlies blow, the now dead plants are snapped ofl at the roots and blown away, sometimes collecting in small mounds against rocks or shrubs. It is often a difficult species to raise from seed. The seed, however, seems to remain viable for a long time as the plant appears only sporadically in its natural environment, e.g. on Narrow Neck, Katoomba. Here it may be common in some years, rare in others and altogether absent in yet others. There appears to be some factor or factors unknown to us which govern germination, but, as Mr. Blombery says of the genus as a whole, one important factor is fire, followed, of course, by rain. Editor's Note: Flannel Flowers were described fully in our last issue. They are also excellent as rockery plants but should be pinched back to form a more dense head and prevented from growing too high and lepgv. The factor in seed germination could be their water imperious woollv coat that is damaged bv fire. Scatter on sandy soil, light a fire over them and water and they will germinate freely. @@@ 24 @@@ JUNE, 1965 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 143—Vol. 3 GREVILLEA AT ONGERUP by Ken Newby The colour plate of Grevillea macrostylis in your No. 21 issue prompted me to report on a similar species from this area. GREVILLEA TRIPARTITA MEISSN. This species grows to 9ft. on sandplain country from the Pallinup River plains to the Fitzgerald River plains but rarely more than 30 miles from the coast (rainfall 14”-20"). Has an upright, open, untidy habit which is not fully appreciated until it comes into full flower. Flowers at its best from mid-August till the end of October but usually carries some flowers throughout the year. The leaves are rigid and prickly, which is the main drawback of so many Grevilleas. Although it flowers all the year round it only matures fertile seed early in November. An easy species to germinate from seed, it makes quick growth and should flower in about 18 months. Specimens grown locally from seed in granitic soil (rainfall 15”) have reached 6ft. in 3 years without any care. Specimens grown in shallow subsoil in exposed positions may require staking. Grevillea macrostylis F.v.M.has similar habit and flowers, and grows in the same type of soil but differs in the leaves and locality. It grows in an area between Ravensthorpe and Hovetoun. Leaf differences illustrated below. Editor’'s Note: Refer to the note at the foot of page 134. GREVILLEA FROM SEED by G. H. MATTINGLEY I use 4” x 3" squat plastic pots with four % holes in the bottom filled with vermiculite “crumbs”’—not in fine flakes. This is thoroughly wetted and firmed down. A little coarse sand is sprinkled on top and levelled off. The peeled seeds are sown on this and covered with a thin layer of coarse sand. Pots are placed out in the open, no glass, and watered once a day in normnl weather. When the young shoot is about %” long between the cotyledons, the roots will be down to the bottom of the pot. At this stage, | separate the young plants out in a bucket of water and pot them up in normal 4" pots, usin Formula 20 to water them in. Grevillea for Rockeries— There are a number of low-growing species (and forms) that come to mind as being very suitable for this purpose, such as the following which range from prostrate to 2’6" high. Grevillea alpino: a prostrate and several Jlow-growine forms to 2’6" high. Bright red and yellow flowers. There is also an amber-coloured form that makes a nice rounded bush about 18” high. (7. aquifolium: prostrate form. G. australis: semi-prostrate, slow-growing, clambers over rocks on top of Mt. Buller. Sweet scented white flowers. G. brevicuspis: snreading nlant. can be kept to 2’6’’. Lacey bronzy foliage, white flowers. C. Browni: bright red and gold flowers. G. confertifolias low-erowirg, dense bush, wine-coloured flowers. Maranoa Gardens, Balwyn, have an excellent form. (3. ericifolia: 2', pink flowers. . fascicularis. G. juniverina: prostrate form with lemon-vellow flowers. G. ijuniperina trinervis: slow-growire, stiff prostrate foliagce, many red flowers. G. lavandulrcea: a verv good form with nendrlors branches, grey foliage and clear red flowers g3 ¢ Ie] G i at tho Maranoa Gardens. One of the best. . repens: prostrate. rosmorinifolia: dwarf 2’. Masses of pink flowers, prev needle-like leaves. stiealitzinmn: 2, shinv hollv leaves, bronzy new prowth., red flowers. . thelsmanniana: verv good. but I have been unahle to establish it in my heavy clav