'Australian Plants' Vol.3 No.27 June 1966

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|  The text in this file has been extracted from 'Australian Plants' Vol.3 No.27 June 1966.     |
|                                                                                               |
|  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-Vol3-26.pdf     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+




PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN 10,000 COPIES

Registered at G.P.O., Sydney, for transmission JUNE, 1966 Volume 3, No. 27
by post as a periodical. Volume 3 will comprise issues No. 21-28.
Price: 30¢

Photography by R. F. Leaney.

CYMBIDIUM SUAVE

GROW AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWERS
STURT'S DESERT ROSES FOR THE GARDEN
WILDFLOWERS THAT PREY ON INSECTS



@@@ 2 @@@



Page 290—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—THIS ISSUE June, 1966

CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE

’ This is not an orchid publication. The last issue featured Corybas prominently and this
issue our native Cymbidiums. We are concerned with the preservation and -cultivation of
all Australian wildflowers of which orchids are an important segment with a very wide
following. Every issue presents a genus of our orchids, the terrestrial and epiphytes beig
in alternate issues.

CYMBIDIUM IN AUSTRALIA, by A. W. Dockrill—page 293.

NATIVE CYMBIDIUMS, by L. P. Butt—page 296.

CYMBIDIUM ORCHIDS, ty R. F. Leaney, page 291.

Our principle effort goes to the presentation of simple articles that will assist the home
gardeners in the cultivation of wildflowers in their gardens and these are listed below under
“‘Growing Wildflowers’’ for easy reference.

The major article in the issue is ‘“Desert Roses’”” and it would have warranted a cover
colour plate if a suitable colour slide could have been obtained. Articles in this issue may
be indexed in order of interest of the non-orchid grower as:—

DESERT ROSES, ‘“The Wild Cottons of Australia” by P. A. Fryxell—page 301—A further
article in our series of articles on Malvaceae or Hibiscus like piants. All species are fuly
described with notes on their cultivation.

AUSTRALIAN CARNIVOROUS PLANTS, by Rica Erickson—page 319—This well known author
describes the families of wildflowers that prey on insects and explains the wonders of
nature that enables a stationary plant to capture mobile creatures.

BYBLIS, ‘““The Rainbow Plant’’—page 321—A beautiful small plant.

THE NATIVE LAUREL, Anopterus glandulosus by A. M. Gray—page 324 and Anopterus
maclecyanus by H. C. Hayes, page

SMOKE BUSHES—page 304—Unusual landscaping plants.
RUPICOLA, by Betsy R. Jackes—page 322—Part 3 in our series of articles on the Epacridaceae.

WILD BIRDS IN THE WILDFLOWER GARDEN-—page 307—The third article in this series
giving details of how to feed the beautiful wild birds.

GREVILLEA—“Their Use as Street Tree<” by G. M. Hewitt—page 309.

LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVES—page 304.

GROWING WILDFLOWERS

The emphasis in this issue is the cultivation of wildflowers in areas of clay and
heavy soils. Home gardeners in these areas do not know how lucky they are.

CROWING WILDFLOWERS by C. Jaede—page 297—This presents one solution to heavy clay
areas, the building up of gardens. The method described here will be of particular interest
to all home gardeners keen to grow the least hardy, or more demanding plants such as
Boronia.

WILDFLOWERS IN CLAY, by N. Lothian, Director, Botanic Gardens, Adelaide, S.A.—page
298—Plants that have been grown in clay soils are listed.

CARDENING ON CLAY, by F. Haworth—page 299—To take full advantage of heavy soils it
is essential that the gardener understand his problem. To all gardeners this first article
in the series on soils is recommended.

NATIVES FROM THE SEASIDE OF W.A., by Prof. J. D. Sauer—page 335—Part 3 of the
series recommending wildflowers for seaside planting.

PRUNING, page 305—An essential activity for the care of wildflowers in the garden.

PHOSPHORUS NUTRITION OF HEATH PLANTS, by Dr. R. L. Specht—page 323—Results
of research of value to the home gardener.

OUR PUBLICATIONS . . . AVAILABLE FROM EDITOR BY MAIL ONLY
860 Henry Lawson Drive, Picnic Point, N.S.W. — Please be patient for a rgply‘.'

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS . A : . Price 30¢

The annual subscription of $1.20 includes postage of the next 4 issues to your home
Past issues (excluding No. 2 and No. 12, that are now permanently out of print) are available
as individual copies at 40¢ plus 4c postage. Some issues 9-17 are out of print and are availabie
only in the bound volume.

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—Volume 2 g . 8 g Price $6.00 each plus 20¢ postage.

Volume 2 comprises issues 13-20. Bound in the same volume is the publication Descriptive
Catalogue of West Australian Plants, see below, giving this volume its exceptional value.

These volumes are beautifully presented in gold lettered, hard covers and include
The Language of Botany,

DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF WEST AUSTRALIAN PLANTS . Price $1.20 plus 16¢ post & pazx

This book lists all the wildflowers indigenous to Western Australia, giving for each
species, kind of plant, general size, flower colour, flowering months, localities of occurrence
and type of soil and/or vegetative type. Illustrated with many full colour photographs and
supplemented by articles such as ‘‘Planning, Making and Growing A Native garden”, ‘“Notes
on Growing W.A. Plants”, ‘‘Recommended Subjects for the Beginner”’, ‘Propagetion”, etc.,
it is fantastic value.



@@@ 3 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 291—Vol. 3

CYMBIDIUM ORCHIDS

R. F. Leaney, F.R.H.S., describes species found in N.S.W.

Cymbidiums, large plants epiphyte or semi-epiphytic, found generally
on trees in decayed sections, occur in Africa, Asia, the Malayan regions down
to and including Australia. There are about forty species, but only three
have been cfficially reccrded in N.S.W. Listed in the order of their
prevalence are Cymbidium suave, C. canaliculatum, C. madidum. It will be
noted that the Cymbidium formally called C. iridifolium and before that
called C. albucaeflorum must now be called C. madidum due to a certain
amount of tidying up in the naming procedures.

Cymbidium suave is the N.S.W. Cymbidium most frequently seen. It grows
in a number of our native trees, generally high-up in breaks and faults and
the rocts have been observed down in the decomposed heartwood more than
30 feet from the plant. It is a grass-like almost bulb-less Cymbidium which
grows and flowers from the apex continuously and | have seen these pseudo-
bulbs more than 3 feet long which must have been over 25 years old.
Bush-fires burn them off periodically but out they come again with new young
growths shcwing apparently, little damage.

C. suave, which means sweet, apparently has the ability to ‘send
rhizomes considerable distances down the inside of rotting trees for they
will frequently pop out eight and ten feet away and certainly quite often,
shorter distances. Careful observation splitting the trunk, will often show other
plants above, but generally below the main plant to be connected. C. suave
must have been quite common arcund Sydney at one stage, as | know of at
least two large plants that have survived within a few yards of a public
thcroughfare within ten miles of the G.P.O., Sydney.

C. suave is quite easy to cultivate specially if it is given good drainnage
and potted in the red clay-like substance in which it is generally found
growing, which, with a bit of scouting arcund can be obtained from the
centres of old stumps or roiten logs.

Flowers of C. suave are many on a stem, very fragrant, closely packed,
usually a shade of light green, but can be quite golden-green at times
with a red blotch.

Cymbidium canaliculatum—Until recently | always believed this plant
to be a tableland and inland species of northern N.SW., but understand
on a very good autherity, that plants have been found recently ir coastal
areas with high rainfall. Personally | have not been able to grow this plant
well. However putting it in the full sun where it received practically no rain,
ten or twelve inches in the year at the most and with very good drainage,
gave best results. Water seems fatal to its cultivation.

| have added further notes on this species on the rear cover.

Cymbidium madidum. A very large epiphyte of the rain-forest areas,
not common and | have not seen it growing except in the presence of
staghcrns and elkhorns. It forms tremendous masses and | know where there
is one on a tree thirty feet up, the tree only about ten inches in diameter
and the plant as big as a large mctor car. It must weigh more than the tree



@@@ 4 @@@



Page 292—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE June, 1966

Photography by R. F. Leaney.

CYMBIDIUM CANALICULATUM

and some day expect the tree to give a bit of a shake and the weight of the
plant will bring it sliding down the trunk to ground level.

C. madidum makes large bulbs up to ten inches long and three inches in
diameter a big massive grower with long pendulous sprays of flowers
and slightly pendulous long strap-like leaves. Flowers fairly well spaced on
sprays up to and over four feet long, very heavy textured flowers, mostly a
green-brown shade.

C. madidum can be easily cultivated and grows and flowers well with
me in the bush-house. It is potted in tan-bark, leaf-mould and as much
of the material from rotten stumps as | am able to lay hands on, with
very good drainage. | find it much the best idea to suspend the pots so that
the long pendulous racemes can come out over the edge of the pots and
this they do with excellent effect.



@@@ 5 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 293—Vol. 3

CYMBIDIUM Sw. IN AUSTRALIA

by A. W. DOCKRILL

The Australian species of Cymbidium grow on trees, with, for the most
part, their roots deeply embedded in the decaying hollows of branches or
trunks, their stems closely appressed to each other and forming up to quite
large masses at the entrance to these hollows. Stems rather short and
pseudobulbous or rather thin and wocdy cnd continuing to grow for a
number of years. Leaves rather long and slender, linear, channelled above to
varying degrees but never plicate, thin, or occasionally somewhat thick, in
texture. Inflorescences from near the base of the pseudobulb or near the
lower leaves, racemose, when long enough, pendulous or at least downcurved.
Flowers from one or a few to quite numerous and from moderate to rather
large in size, few of the exotic species are fragrant but all of the Australian
species are strongly and pleasantly so.

Three species occur in Australia, all widespread and extremely variable,
particularly in regard to colour of flowers, and a number of separate
species, varieties etc. have been erroreously named, mostly on the basis of
colour of flowers, which is insufficient grounds for species or variety separation.

KEY TO THE AUSTRALIAN SPECIES OF CYMBIDIUM

stems thick and pseudobulbous
leaves thick, rigid and deeply channelled; disc of the labellum with 2

parallel keels ... ... canaliculatum 1.
leaves thin, not rigid nor deeply channelled “disc of the labellum with
1 broad, somewhat indistinct yet viscid keel .. .. .. e . madidum 2.

stems thin and not pseudobulbous
leaves thin, slender and not rigid; disc of the labellum without distinct
keels but somewhat thickened, not viscid ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. suave 3.
R. F. Leaney has described the occurrence of forms of these species in
N.S.W. They must be more vigorous growers in the south or Mr. Leaney has been
over enthusiastic with his dimensions. My observations on Cymbidium species
in Tropical Queensland follow before each species is described botanically.

1. C. canaliculatum R.Br. has an extensive range in “open” forests
throughout the inland areas, those of the coastal plain receiving
abcut 45 or less inches of rain annually. It may be seen growing in hollows
in branches or trunks of trees from a few to about 100 feet above ground level
and usually grows in moderate to light shade, rarely completely exposed.
It is not readily cultivated, on the coast at least, plants will sometimes appear
to flourish for a few years but almost without exception will die within the
following few years.

2. C. madidum Lindl. is found throughout the higher rainfall areas
of the eastern tropics at altitudes from sea level to about 4,000 feet and from
a few inches to over 100 feet above ground level. It may be seen growing
in hollows of branches or trunks of trees, in masses of roots and debris of
epiphytic ferns etc. or even occasionally with its roots embedded only in
the bark of its host. It seems to prefer rain forests but is not infrequently
seen in “open” forest and many grow in positions enjoying from dense shade to
fully exposed. It is relatively easy to grow in the usual conditions given to other
members of the genus, preferably if given plenty of air and light.



@@@ 6 @@@



Page 294—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE June, 1956

3. C. svave R.Br. has a much similar range to that of the latter
species but is not nearly so common. It also may be seen growing at
altitudes from almost sea level to about 4,000 feet, and from a few feet
to about 100 feet from ground level, mostly in “open” forest but occasionally
in rain forest. The author has seen it growing only in hollows in
branches and trunks of trees. It is a very difficult species to cultivate and plants,
almost without exception, will survive for a few years at most.

1. Cymbidium canaliculatum R.Br.

Prodr. 331 (1810); Lindl., Gen. et. Spec. Orch. 161 (1840) & Bot. Mag. t 5851 (1870);
Benth., Flor. Austr. 6:302 (1873); Reichb. f., Beitr. 45 (1877); FitzG. ined. 80; F. M. Bail.,
Qld. Flor. 5:1547 (1902); Rupp, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 59:95-100 (1934) & Orch. N.S.W.
127 (1943); Aust. Orch. Rev. 1, pt. 3:11 (1936) & 4:83 (1939) & 6:43 (1941); Menninger, Am.
Orch. Soc. Bull. 30, no. 11:855-76 (Nov. 1961).

Cymbidium hillii F. Muell in Regel’s Gartenf. 138 (1879) & Fragm. 11:88 (1881); F. M.
Bail., QId. Flor. 5:1547 (1902); Rupp, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 72:299 (1937).
Cymbidium sparkesii Rendle, Journ. Bot. 36:221 (1898) et ibid 39:197 (1900).
Cymbidium canaliculatum R.Br. var. sparkesii (Rendle) F. M. Bail.,, Comp. Cat. QId.
Plts. 845 (1909); Rupp, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 59:95-100 (1934).
Cymbidium canaliculatum R.Br. var. canaliculatum former inconstans Rupp, l.c.
Cymbidium canaliculatum R.Br. var. canaliculatum former aureolum Rupp, l.c.
Cymbidium canaliculatum R.Br. var. marginatum Rupp, former fuscum Rupp, l.c.
Cymbidium canaliculatum R.Br. var. marginatum Rupp former purpurascens Rupp, l.c.
Cymbidium canaliculatum R.Br. var. barrettii W. H. Nich., Aust. Orch. Rev. 7:40 (1942).
Stems pseudobulbous, 3-12 x 1.5-4.0 cms., usually grey-green and
having a few large bracts arising from the base. Leaves 2-6, usually with
2-3 large ones near the apex and the remainder decreasing in size towards
the base, the larger ones 10-50 x 1.5-4.0 cm., thick, rigid, deeply channelled
above, acute, usually dull grey-green. Racemes 1-2 to a stem so that they may
be numerous on a large plant, 15-40 cm. long, erect to pendulous, containing
from about 12 to numerous flowers. Flowers usually widely spreading,
25-50 mm. diam., green, brown, purple, dull red or a combination of some
or all of these, they may be totally green, green on the outside, not green
at all and often the segments have green margins only when the remainder
of the segments may be a uniform colour, mottled or spotted; the labellum
however, is usually white with red or purple markings. Sepals subsimilar
12-25 x 5-10 mm., oblong, slightly ovate or slightly obovate, acute. Petals =+
similar to the sepals but a few mm. shorter and slightly narrower than them.
Labellum usually about the same length as the petals, distinctly trilobate;
lateral lobes 1.0-2.5 x 4-10 mm., =+ crescentic, the free apical portion
usually =+ deltoid; mid-lobe usually decurved, 6-15 x 5-10 mm., ovate to
triangular, upper surface usually concave and papillose or hairy, particularly
towards its base; disc with 2 distinct parallel keels which extend to, but
not on to, the mid lobe and are from slightly pubescent to fringed. Column
usually about half the length of the flattened out labellum, rather stout,
slightly incurved, mottled, including the anther; lateral wings confined to
the apical half, very short, crescentic; foot vestigial. Anther about the same
length as breadth but only about half as deep as broad, + emarginate in
front.

Flowering Period: 9-11.

Distribution: From about the Hunter River, N.S.W., northward to the
apex of Cape York Peninsula and westward to Western Australia. It is rarely
found near the coast and is typically an orchid of the dry interior, shunning moist
coastal or highland areas

Continued on page 328



@@@ 7 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 295—Vol. 3

CYMBIDIUM CANALICULATUM R.Br.

A. Portion of plant . . . to scale x 5. H. Column from the side . . . to scale x 4.
B. Flower from the front . . . to scale x 2. 1. Column from the front . . . to scale x 4.
C. Flower from the side . . . to scale x 2. K. Anther from the side . . . to scale x 10.
D. Labellum from the side . . to scale x 4. L. Anther from above . . . to scale x 10.
E. Labellum from above . . . to scale x 4. M. Median longitudinal section of column
F. Pollinarium from the front . . to scale x 10. and labellum . . . to scale x 4.

G. Pollinarium from the side . . to scale x 10. Z. Cross-section of leaf . . . to scale x 2.



@@@ 8 @@@



Page 296—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE June, 1966

NATIVE CYMBIDIUMS

Some observations and notes on their culture by L. P. Butt, Brisbane

The indigenous cymbidiums are a fascinating group of plants distributed
through part of N.SW. and nearly all of Queensland to as far west as
as perhaps Chinchilla and into the Northern Territory. They consist of three
species, Cymbidium madidum, C. canaliculatum and C. suave.

Cymbidium canaliculatum is by far the most variable. The Rev. H. M. R.
Rupp listed six, the varieties inconstans and aureolum (both listed by A. W.
Dockrill in his article in this issue as forms of C. canaliculatum var.
canaliculatum) the varieties marginatum and purpurascens (both listed by
A. W. Dockrill as forms of the variety marginatum) and the varieties fascum
(not listed) and C. canaliculatum var. sparkesii. Of these | have found the
variety canaliculatum, both forms inconstans and aureoleum and the variety
sparkesii to be very adaptable to growing conditions in the Brisbane area.

In the areas between Fernvale, S.E. Qld. to Moore in the Blackbutt
Ranges, the form has small rounded pseudo-bulbs and short stiff leaves. The
blooms are yellowish green in sepals and petals, heavily blotched with liver
coloured markings and the labellum is white, lightly speckled red. Some
variants have greenish margins on both sepals and petals. The form from
Chinchilla growing in my garden, yeilowish brown, heavily spotted with
reddish blotches, also has a white labellum with speckling.

| have seen several variant colours of the variety sparkesii with sepals
and petals ranging from dark magenta, bordered white to yellow to a shade
so near to black that only the turning of bloom to catch the light will
reveal the reddish cast. The pseudo-bulbs and leaves of the variety sparkesii,
are similar in texture to other canaliculatums, but much larger and broader
in size. Sparkesii ranges from Mareeba through North Queensland and into
the Northern Territory.

My specimens respond well to a mixture of tan bark, peanut shells, old
manure and the red crumbly mould from old tree stumps. Pit sand is also a
beneficial addition.

Cymbidium madidum (syn. iridifolium syn. albuciflorum) is widespread
throughout pockets of QId. rain forest and | have observed it growing
thickly in the Buderim area with C. suave. The large pseudo-bulbs and
long soft leaves are very distinctive, while the drooping racemes of yellowish
brown blooms are quite long lasting. | have found C. madidum to be quite
hardy in most mediums, particularly so in the mixture used for C. canaliculatum.

Cymbidium suave in my experience is by far the hardest to cultivate
and only specimens with ample root growth will grow with any certainty.
Damage to root growth will invariably result in the death of the plant. This
species has long narrow stems (not pseudo-bulbs) and narrow dark green
grass-like leaves. Depending on where found, the flower colour is very
variant. Ranging from gold sepals, through the shades of brownish green
to clear apple green, the latter shade being typical of the S.E. Queensland
variety especially around the Lamington Plateau area. The iabellum of
my plont is dark plum red in the throat with a yellowish tip. Dainty flower
and delicate colouring makes this orchid well worth the effort to grow.



@@@ 9 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN FLANTS—CULTIVATION Pags 297—Vol. 3

GROWING WILDFLOWERS

by C. JAEDE

| live in Strathfield, eight miles west of Sydney. Originally, fifty or so
years ago, it was grazing land for a dairy—perhaps a foot of heavy loam
overlaying clay underreath which is shale; the grazing cattle removed the
coarse grass and the weather gradually removed the loam. When built upon
and the owners commenced to develop gardens and lawns, soil was brought in.
These were the local conditions when | moved into the area and when the
ccute infection of growing Australian plants attacked me.

In my residence at the rear of the house is a tennis court: at the
bottom of this, the southern end (and the land siopes south) two terraces
had been made in which loam had been placed. Some of this | replaced
with bush sand laboriously brought in sacks from various places.

My early attempts with plants of Boronia, Christmas Bzlls, Grevillea and
many cthers were not successful. The only plants which survived were
Grevilleas, Prostantheras, a Rulingea and a lone Hakea. But the infection
was severe. The native plants | preferred to grow were Boronias and
Eriostemons. What to do?

Once | visited Bill Cane’s place at Maffra and a few hmes Boddys
at Geelong. In both places great success had been achieved by ‘building
up beds from the ground surface, surrounding the beds with sand stone (or
similar) slabs. In consequence cf this | widened the bottom terrace, removed
all the loam and at the bottom of the trench placed stones, etc., for drainage
and then filled the trench with natural bush sand, complete with sticks und
stones; to this | added some peat moss and then taking the Boddy’s advice
covered the lot with %" to 2" blue metal. \

Subsequently at the side of the tennis court | had built ;three beds,
and filled them with the same material. {

Now what was the result of all this and what lessens did | learn?

Firstly, the second bed at the bottom of the tennis court (which was
partly shaded by Grevilleas in the top bed) and a bed at the side of the
court, were made and planted some eighteen months before the two other
beds at the side of the court. Certain plants thrived to wit—Melaleucas,
Leptospermums, a Correa, and an Eriostemon myoporoides, but many other
plants just died. | did notice, however, that when | replanted, those plants
which were shaded by taller plants did not give up the ghost; in particular
native roses (Boronia serrulata) which previously when planted out in the
cpen, very promptly died, really grew; secondly, | discovered that old plants
taken from ftins, whether planted in the open or in the shade, tended tc
depart from this world whilst small recently rooted cuttings fared much
better.

These observations, namely, shade and support for most shrubby natives,
and the planting preferably of young plants, | subsequently put into practice
in twe new beds eighteen months later.

Shade and support were supplied with small branches of local scrub;
these, when most of their leaves were dropped, were replaced by fresh
pieces. Incidentally, the fallen leaves provided a type of compost.



@@@ 10 @@@



Page 298—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN FLANTS—CULTIVATION June, 1966

The result? The plants lost can be counted on my fingers; young
cuttings have really thrived. This latter result tends to confirm my theory
that most natives first send down a tap root probably to reach a moist level
and later develop surface roots whose main purpose is to collect nourish-
ment; old plants in tins develop a curled tap root consequent upon which
it does not grow downwards.

| also noticed that Leschenaultias planted near the sandstone slabs
on the southern aspect really grew; previously most of them planted
elsewhere did not respond.

To recapitulate, using shade, supports from small branches of shrubs
and bush sand covered with fine metal, | am growing successfully in a clay
loam area, Boronias, Eriostemons, Leschenaultias, Baeckeas, Epacris, Actino-
dium, and several other species.

WILDFLOWERS IN CLAY

NATIVE PLANTS WHICH CAN BE GROWN SUCCESSFULLY ON HEAVY
OR CLAY SOILS—PART 1

by N. Lothian, Director, Botanic Gardens, Adelaide, S.A.

Within South Australia, limestone in some form is one of the features
which contrcls the cultivation of many of our Australian plants. However,
drainage is frequently satisfactory on limestone marl but it is the alkalinity
of the soil rather than its degree of density (or lack of texture) which reduces
the varieties which can be cultivated successfully.

In various parts of South Australia, and particularly in the under 20 inch
rainfall areas, heavy soils (either alkaline or sub acid) found in these regions
cause the severest test for the successful cultivation of our native plants. In
addition to their density they usually crack badly on drying out, causing
destruction of many fine young rootlets.

In the under 12 inch rainfall regions, dense soils such as those associated
with gibber plains occur. Soils of this type powder under very dry conditions
and often “blow,” but once they are wet they become waterlogged and as
they dry out are lioble to cake. Watering these soils is difficult and must
be done carefully.

Where these soils are on undulating or sloping ground the drainage
is much easier. Plant roots occupy the sub-surface layers of the soil and their
penetration of the soil is made easier if its surface is continually and heavily
mulched. Further, if the soils are kept moist the deliberate introduction of
earth worms after mulching has been applied for a year or so, may assist
in ameliorating the soil density.

For the last decade or so trials have been caried out at Leigh Creek
Coalfields (approximately 360 miles north of Adelaide) in an area which
(prior to the establishment of the town), somewhat resembled a gibber plain.
The soil is dense, cakes badly when wet and is very difficult to cultivate except
when commencing to dry out. If actively cultivated at this stage by digging, the
result is large lumps which must then be broken down, but the soil particles
will coalesce if too much water is given.

To establish the young plants, creek gravel is added merely for better
working of the soil, ensuring that it does not pack down into almost “cement
hard” soil when it is replaced around and over the roots of the seedlings.



@@@ 11 @@@



June, 1966 ATJSTRALIAN FLANTS—CULTIVATION Page 299—Vol. 3

The following is a list of species which have been grown successfully
at Leigh Creek under these soil conditions but most received some artificial
watering because many of them came from regions of higher rainfall. Most
of course will grow very well on lighter soils. Surface mulching either of
creek gravel or sawdust, plus a coating of creek gravel to prevent it from
blowing away, is standard practice.

Acacia brachybotrya—Grey Mulga. Eremophila duttoni—Emu Bush.

Acacia cambagei—Gidgee. Eremophila glabra—Emu Bush.

Acacia cyanophylla—Orange Wattle. Eremophila longifolia—Native Flame Tree
Acacia kempeana—Witchety Bush. Eremophila maculata—Native Fuchsia.

Acacia ligulata—Small Coomba. Eucalyptus astringens—Brown Mallet.

Acacia notabilis—Flinders Wattle. Eucalyptus cneorifolia—Kangaroo Is. Peppermint.

Acacia oswaldii—Miljee.

Acacia pendula—Weeping Myall.
Acacia salicina—Pt. Broughton Wattle.
Acacia sowdeni—Western Myall.

Eucalyptus campaspe—Silver-topped Gimlet.
Eucalyptus erythrocorys—Illyariae.
Eucalyptus flocktoniae—Merrit.

Acacia stenophylla—River Coomba. Eucalyptus gardneri—Blue Mallet.

Acacia victoriae—Bramble Wattle. Eucalyptus gillii—Curly Mallee.

Alyogyne hakeifolia—Red Throat Hibiscus. ZEucalyptus grossa—Phillips River Gum.
Bauhinia carroni—Queensland Bean. Eucalyptus lansdowneana—Crimson Mallee.
Cassia artemisioides Eucalyptus nutans—Nodding Gum.

Cassia memophila Eucalyptus preissiana—Bell Mallee.
Casuarina lepidophloia (cristata) Eucalyptus pyriformis—Ooldea Mallee.
Casuarina glauca—Swamp Oak. Eucalyptus steedmanii—Steedman’s Gum.
Eremophila alternifoliac—Emu Bush. Eucalyptus stricklandii—Strickland’s Gum.
Eremophila bignoniaeflora—Emu Bush. Eucalyptus stoatei—Stoat or Pear Gum.

Eucalyptus torquata—Coolgardie or Coral Gum (must not be over-watered in regions
receiving more than 20’ rainfall).

Ficus macrophylla—Moreton Bay Fig. Hibiscus huegeli—Native Hibiscus.

Ficus rubiginosa—Rusty Leaf Fig. Melaleuca decussata—Coarse-leaf Honey Myrtle.
Geijera parviflora—Wilga. Melaleuca lanceolata—Moonah.

Gossypium sturtianum—Sturt Desert Rose. Melaleuca wilsonii—Wilson’s Honey Myrtle.
Grevillea pterosperma—Desert Grevillea. Myoporum platycarpum—Sugar Wooed.

Hakea leucoptera—Needle Hakea. Pittosporum phylliraeoides—Native Apricot.
Hakea suaveolens—Sweet Hakea. Westringia fruticosa (rosmariniformis)

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series of articles entitled ‘‘Cultivation of Natives on
Heavy Soils,” and is meant to introduce the home gardener to a few basic facts concerning
the soil itself. It is my opinion that people with heavy soils are fortunate and with the
correct treatment the range of wildfiowers that they can grow is unlimited. I have reports
from every State, from competent authorities such as the Devartment of Agriculture in
each State, the C.SI.R.O., etc., and these will appear in succeeding issues. Evamining these
reports reveals that no specific aspect or problem is peculiar to any one State so that the advice
contained in this article applies to home gardeners in all States.

GARDENING ON CLAY
by F. Haworth, Ph.D., Dip. Ag. Sci. (Cantab).

This article is based on the article “Growing On Clay’’ in the Journal of the Royal
Horticultural Society and is reprinted with permission of the Secretary. Mr. Haworth was
formerly at the National Vegetable Research Station, Wellesbourne, Warwick, England. He
is at present setting up a Research Organisation under a United Nations Development
Programme at the Institute of Agricultural Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The title of this lecture is rather broad and as a chemist | intend to
confine my remarks to the problem of how the inherent properties of clay
soils can be used to best advantage in the cultivation of such soils, and how
the inherent properties can be modified by the use of materials such as lims
and manure.

Mineral soils usually consist of mixtures of particles of different sizes,
along with a small but often important proportion of organic matter. To
help to classify soils, the proportions of the soil particles in a number of
arbitrary size grades are measured to give what is known as the mechanical
composition of the soil. The size grades used and the mechanical composition
of certain soils are shown in Table 1.

Clay soils are usually defined as containing more than 50 per cent of
clay-size particles but this is an arbitrary division and should be considered as
such. In most mineral soils the clay fraction is of great importance; it often
determines the nature and properties of a soil and the behaviour of that



@@@ 12 @@@



Page 300—Vol. 3  AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—SOILS June, 1956

soil under cultivation. Even in a sandy loam, the mechanical composition
of which is given in the table, the small amount of clay is very important
and has a larger effect on the properties of the soil than its amount might
indicate. The reasons for this large effect are to be found in the chemical
and physical properties of the clay particles, which are quite different from
those of the other mineral parts (fractions) of the soil. Although it is convenient
to consider chemical and physical properties separately, it should be
remembered that the various factors interact, each influeacing the others to
some extent.

MECHANICAL COMPOSITION OF TYPICAL SOILS—

Diameter of particles Per cent of mineral matter
Size Grades in millimetres Sandy Loam Clay
Coarse Sand 0.2 20 50 5
Fine Sand 0.02-0.2 25 20
Silt 0.002-0.02 fie 15
Clay .. below 0.002 14 60

THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE CLAY PARTICLES—

The clay particles in a soil are derived from various potassium aluminium
silicates by varicus physical and chemical processes; they are reactive chemically
and are in process of active weathering although the rate of weathering
may be slow. ‘ )

In contrast, the silt, fine sand, and coarse sand fractions are . generally
made up of materials that have resisted weathering and are chemically much
less active than the clay minerals. ' ‘

Moreover, when a solid particle reacts with a surrounding solution,
the rate of reaction depends on the surface area of the particle and this
varies as the square of the radius cf the particle. Thus the activity *for a
given weight of clay particles weuld be between 10,000 and 1,000,000 times
that of the course sand particles even if the clay and sand particles were
of the same chemical composition.

Perhaps the most important chemical property of the clay particles is
that of BASE-EXCHANGE. ‘A ‘clay particle niay be considered as having
a layer of electrically charged particles cr ions on its surface. Thece are mainly
hydrogen, sodium, pctassium, calcium, magnesium and ammonium ions and
these elements are important in the nutrition of plants. When the surface
is covered with water some of these ions. are released and an equilibrium
becomes established. If these ions are removed from the solution by plant
roots or by leaching, the equilibrium can be restored by the movement of
mcre ions from the surface of the clay particle. Conversely, if nutrient cations
are added to soil in the form of fertilisers, these can be stored on the clay
particles to be released later when the soil solution becomes depleted.

The relatively high Base-Exchange Capacity of clay soils has another
important consequence. To change the pH of a soil in the acid direction
implies removal cf calcium ions and their replacement by hydrogen .ions,
the reverse process being necessary to render the soil more alkaline. To
achieve a given change in pH the amount of ions to be exchanged increases
with increasing Base-Exchange Capacity of the soil. Thus more lime is needed
to counteract acidity in a clay soil than to remedy the same degree of
acidity in a sandy soil. L

Continued on page 310



@@@ 13 @@@



June, 1966 ATTSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE Page 301—Vol. 3

DESERT ROSES

THE WILD COTTONS OF AUSTRALIA by Paul A. Fryxell

The genus Gossypium L. is noteworthy for its several species that produce
the cottons of world commerce. Cotton agriculiure and the spinning and
weaving industries that are based upon it have had a profound influence
on the course of human history and have, indeed, changed its direction markedly
at certain times. The origins of these cultivated plants are to a largs extent
lost in the mists of antiquity, but intensive study by many scientists has

Colour Photography by W H.‘ Paye
STURT'S DESERT ROSE

Gossypium sturtianum var. sturtianum. The floral emblem of the Northern Territory.
The flower colour is a deeper mauve than shown above. I find these plants are very easily
cultivated in my garden, the essential requirement being a hot position with full snn. Wat=ring or
absence of watering does not seem to worry them. They must be very heavily pruned after
flowering. Note the bud in the lower right corner. Editor.

enabled us to infer much about them. Less well-known, perhaps, are the wild
relatives of these cultigens, the 25 or 30 species of Gossypium that occur as
perennial shrubs in the desert areas of Mexico, Africa and Australia. The
least well-known of these are doubtless the plants that are native to Australia.

1. Research Geneticist, Crops Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, U.S.
Departmert of Acricnltnre, in co-operation with Soil & Crop Sciences Department, Texas
A. & M. University, College Station, Texas.



@@@ 14 @@@



Pace 302—Vol. 3 ATJSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE June, 1956

A recent study (Austral. Journ. Bot. 71-102, 1965) has shed some light
on these Australian plants and on their distributions. Certain of them appear
to have promise as ornamental shrubs. All have great scientific interest for
the information they can give us on the evolutionary history of the cottons.
Still, four of the nine Australian species are not yet available in culture
for study and evaluation. Perhaps this discussion will stimulate interest in the
collection of these plants.

Gossypium typically has showy malvaceous flowers that last but one
or two days. The corollas of most of the Australian species are mauve with
a dark spot in the centre. This colour is not found in the genus outside of
Australia. Each flower is subtended by an involucel or epicalyx that is
uniformly composed of 3 floral bracts, a feature that most clearly sets off
Gossypium from its nearest Australian relatives, including Thespesia Sol. ex
Corr., Hibiscus L., and Alyogyne Alef., all of which have involucels of more
than three bracts.

Another characteristic feature of Gossypium (which it shares with
Thespesia) is the presence of small, dark glands in most parts of the plant.
These are obscured in some cases (e.g., G. australe) by overlying hairiness
but can readily be demonstrated by careful observation. They are quite
prominent in certain other cases (e.g., G. sturtianum) but are lacking entirely
in Alyogyne and Hibiscus. These glands have received considerable study in
recent years in the cultivated cottons, because the substance gossypol is
one of the various pigments found in these glands. Gossypol, an undesirable
constituent of the edible oil extracted from cotton seed, is toxic to non-
ruminant animals when the protein-rich seed meal obtained from the oil
mills is used as livestock feed. Considerable recent effort by cotton geneticists
and plant breeders has resulted in experimental strains of cotton lacking
these glands and having a corresponding low level of gossypol in the seeds.

The stigma of Gossypium is clavate, as it is in Alyogyne and Thespesia.
In Hibiscus, cn the other hand, the style is typically divided, and the style
branches are divaricate. The five stigmatic lobes of Hibiscus are capitate
and distinct.

The leaves of Gossypium typically have one or more nectaries on the
under-surface of the leaf, on the midrib and principal veins. Similar structures
(three in number) are found at the base of the involucre of each flower.
They may be small and obscure or quite prominent, depending on the species,
but the Australian species (as far as living plants have been available for
cbservation) are nearly unique in Gossypium in having these nectaries
coloured bright red.

The seeds of cotton, of ccurse, are of especial interest, because the
cotton lint of commerce is made up of hairs that are epidermal outgrowths
of the seed-coat. Most of the native Australian cottons have seed hairs, but
none produces fibre that would cualify as cotton lint in commercial terms.

In addition to the native Australian species of Gossypium that will be
described in succeeding paragraphs, a sizeable cotton crop is grown in
various parts of Australia. This crop has developed significantly in recent
years. In addition to present cultivated fields, remnants of earlier cultivations
are still to be found in the form of isolated plants that have persisted in
marginal situations or under a gardener’s encouragement. Of note also are
the little-known cottons that are found along the river banks in parts of



@@@ 15 @@@



June, 1966 ATISTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE Page 303—Vol. 3

The author has also experienced what is known as ‘cleistogamy’ in both G. australe
and G. bickii. That is buds developed but then set fruit without the appearance of normal
flowers. These inconspicuous self-fertilising flowers that had not developed a coloured
corolla are known as cleistogamous flowers. On the plant photographed above the first true
(chasmogamous) flower was produced only after some twenty fruits had set from cleistogamous
flowers. Later flowering is of both types. Fully developed flowers tend to develop at the
first node of a fruiting branch with cleistoigamous flowers developing at subsequent nodes.

The fruits developing from the two types of flowers of G. australe can be distinguished by
the size of the calyx. The calyx lobes of the cleistogamic fruit exceed the bracteoles by
only 2-3 mm. as shown in top left of the figure above. The cleistogamic flowers are at
various stages of development with ‘‘cap’ persisting, x 1'2. The photograph top right
is of a chasomogamic flower bud. Lower photographs are of the same flower, a few hours
later, x %.

These notes and photographs are reproduced from ‘‘Cleistogamy in the Malvaceae’” by
P. A. Fryxell in ‘“Madrono,” Vol. 17, No. 3, July, 63.

Arnhemland, apparently established as a part of the natural vegetation.
These are plants representative of the cultivated species, G. hirsutum L. (which
derives ultimately from Middle America), but how or when or by what agency
these plants arrived in northern Australia is not yet clear. They bear handsome
white cotton.

The distinctive mauve flower colour of the Australian cottons has already
been mentioned. The same colour is found in Alyogyne and in some species
of Hibiscus. Indeed, Dr. J. S. Beard in a recent issue of this journal has noted
the “curious preponderance” of mauve in general reference to the entire
flora of north-western Australia. (I might add parenthetically that | have
noted a similar occurrence of dark purple and red flowers in Gossypium,
Cienfuegosia Cav., and Senra Cav. in Aden, Somalia, and adjacent areas,
colours that are unusual for these plants elsewhere. Perhaps it too, pertains
generally to the flora of that arid region). It seems to me that such a
phenomenon (the association of a geographic region with a particular

Continued page 313



@@@ 16 @@@



Page 304—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LANDSCAPING June, 1966

SMOKE BUSHES

Those who have seen a number of mature bushes in full flower will readily agree
that they are well named. In many species of Conospermum, their typically grey flowers, often
woolly in appearance, are carried up above the foliage and give the illusion of a cloud of
smoke lingering over the bush. What a fine contrast in colour these plants would give in
the garden.

Blocks donated by Mr. W. B. Thomson, being a record of his trip to Western Australia.

Calytrix brevifolia, Conospermum stoechedis

The smoke bush in the rear provides contrast to the exquisite pink starlike flowers of
the Calytrix. When growing smoke bushes in the garden prune severely as mentioned on
the opposite page

Conospermum crassinervium

Conospermum crassinervium would be a prize garden subject as it has very few leaves
and the grey plumes of the flowerhead (above) are carried proudly by tall slender stems.

Editor’s Note: Will readers please report on their experiences in growing and
propagating ‘‘smoke bushes.”

LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVES

With careful layout and selection and grouping of plants even the most ordinary garden
can become a beautiful and relaxing setting for living. Hundreds of wildflowers have been
described that are suitable for every situation but thought must be given to those plants
that, because of some special feature such as their form or colour of foliage, will find
ready application for landscaping. We have introduced the ‘‘smoke bushes’ above. It is possible
to get many native plants with a contrasting (with other shrubs) colour of foliage. Let us
list all with a silvery or silvery grey appearance. Will readers please advise the editor
of plants that they know, have a silvery or silvery grey appearance and their experiences
if any, on methods of cultivation.



@@@ 17 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CULTIVATION Page 305—Vol. 3

PRUNING

King’s Park Newsletter No. 3

Most native garden subjects are shrubs of one sort and another and
most of them stand, and benefit from, pruning. They are typically inhabitants
of sandplains where they are devastated by fire from time to time, the shrub
being either killed or killed back. If fire does not occur for a number of years
the plants become overgrown and “leggy” and lose vigour, and this will
also happen in gardens. It is a matter of common observation in the wild
that the finest flower displays occur in the years following a burn and the
gardener can judiciously keep his plants regenerated by pruning annually
or every 2-3 years. It may be advisable to begin this process in the nursery
by pinching out the leader of seedlings to promote branching from the base
and growing a good bushy habit. Later on cutting back will promote vigorous
new growth and lead to the moximum of flowering, even, it is suspected,
prolonging the life of the plant.

CONOSPERMUM TRIPLINERVIUM

Smokebushes in this garden have been base-pruned annually after flowering for the past 5
years. The one in the foreground is 4'6’’ high by 5 spread. Grown and photographed by
Mr. John Feeney, 115 Chrysostom Street, Trigg, W.A. The land is rather poor sandy soil
on a limestone ridge, 400 yards from the Indian Ocean.

As a general principle, pruning (of matured bushes) should be carried
out immediately after flowering. At this stage the plant tends normally to
produce a new flush of shoot growth. Pruning should be followed by a good
watering. Cut-back plants that are allowed to dry out may often die. Do not
prune while plants are dormant, this may also cause losses. Sickly plants can
rarely be restored to heaith and vigour by pruning. It is often resorted to in



@@@ 18 @@@



Page 306—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CULTIVATION June, 1966

these cases as a last desperate measure, but of course does not remove or
correct the cause of the sickness.

Pruning of native plants can be undertaken with several different objects
in view:—

Pruning for the promotion of flowering is only really successful with
those species which flower on young wood. All those with terminal flowers
and inflorescences fall into this category, and as pruning causes the production
not only of vigorous young shoots but of a greater number of young shoots
each capable of bearing flowers, the floriferous potential is enhanced. On
the other hand, in the case of species flowering on old wood pruning will
remove the portions which would bear flowers next season, and much reduce
the floriferous potential of the plant for a certain period. Our native plants
have not been catalogued as to flowering habit and there is an important
field here for systematic observations to be recorded.

Pruning for shaping is a necessity if the plants show a tendency
to grow up too spindly, a common fault of plants raised in pots, or otherwise
of a bad form. Pruning of this kind should begin in the nursery with nipping
out of the growing point to induce branching. It may be carried on later
in the garden also by pinching out tops during the growing season. Early
promotion by this means of the mallee habit may be desirable in certain
species of eucalypts. E. erythrocorys, for example, will normally adopt the
habit of a small spindly tree that sometimes becomes straggly and bent over,
and is much improved in appearance if grown as a many-stemmed mallee.

Pruning for rejuvenation may be a necessity with many of those
species which are sandplain shrubs. It is their nature to grow vigorously
for a certain period but later to slow down and become somewhat stagnant.
They may at this stage become straggly and of unattractive appearance.
Cutting back at the right time will usually restore them to their early vigour,
although not all species will stand cutting back to really old wood. Here
again we need observations recorded.

In the King’s Park Botanic Garden, both pruning and summer watering
are now established practice and are both considered equally essential.

R Al ot oAbt LAt oaie oAt At At o dSe it At o alhe ot it oAlhe oAb o diie ol Jalhe oAb dihe ol Al oAl odlhe ok A8

AUSTRAFLORA NURSERY
GREENHILL ROAD, BAYSWATER, VIC.
(W. R. Elliot)
SELECTION OF GROUND COVERS, SHRUBS AND TREES
Retail Trade SAT. only
Mail Orders and Whole sale trade welcomed — Send S.A.E. for list.

oo .afio. ol ofe. .aBo. ol _afe. ofo. sfa. alie. o cfo. ofe. ofio. ofe. sfe. oo ale. .olde..allo. .ol ole. oo slo. ole.ofie.cla.

ORCHID SEEDLING SPECIAL — Established Plants Ex 2’ Pots

Australian Native Orchids and Crosses, Cymbidium canaliculatum var. sparkesii, Dendrobium
kingianum x Dendrobium gracillimum, Dendrobium speciosum var. hillii x Dendrobium
kingianum, Sarcochilus hartmanii x Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii. Miscellaneous Orchids. Cattleya
bowringiana, Dendrobium clavatum, Dendrobium nobile, Stanhopea insignea, Brassavola perrini
x (Cattleya intermedia x Cat. Lady Veitch).

GLENELG NURSERY
33 DRAYTON ROAD, TOOWOOMEA, Q.
—_—--_



@@@ 19 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—BIRDS AND PEST CONTROL Page 307—Vol. 3

BIRDS AND A NATIVE GARDEN

Further Notes by Mrs. A. J. Salter, Black Rock, Victoria—Pest Control Series, 3

Following the publication of the first article in the December, 1965 issue
of Australian Plants, many enquiries have been received concerning the
actual method of attracting native birds by providing suitable food.

The birds most easily attracted are the members of the Honeyeater family.
To commence, it is best to accustom the birds to receiving food by putting
up some small open containers, holding nectar, in the trees or shrubs which
they may frequent. A small cup, or a 4 ounce Marmite glass (nothing narrow
or deep, or a bird may drown), can be wired to a fork, and the birds
should find this within a few days. The disadvantages of this method are
that the rain will get in and spoil the food; the sparrows will learn to drink
it and will drive away the native birds; bees, flies, and moths will flock
to it; and the small container will be emptied very quickly.

~Wire loop to hold

Thin wire around nect, bottle in place.

1o hold lid firmly in place.

(—Piece of wood,
I\ eact side, 1o
support boitle.

—Holes, through
which birds dyink.

Cutaway view.

‘jfierc//er

At this stage, the permanent method should be introduced. Equipment
needed is quite simple and inexpensive—an empty bottle, a small plastic pot
with lock-on lid (6d. at chain stores), some wire, a piece of inner tube, a
post about 6 ft. high.

Firstly cut a round of inner tube the size of the pot lid, with a very
small hole in the centre to fit tightly over the bottle neck. This prevents
the rain from getting in the pot. Cut a hole in the centre of the pot lid
(heated tools will cut plastic without cracking it) to fit as closely as possible
to the bottle neck, and going about 1% inches up it. In order to hold
the lid firmly in place, | wind thin wire tightly around neck beneath it.
To test where level of nectar will come, fill bottle with water, screw on pot,
upend, and mark positions for holes (4 or 5 are enough) about % inch
above liquid level. Cut % inch holes with a heated drill, and smoothe the
edges. (Should you be troubled by bees coming to the nectar, 1/8 inch
holes will exclude them, and the birds will still manage to drink, although those
with shorter tongues may have some difficulty). The holes must be % inch
obove nectar-level, as this will vary from time to time depending on
atmospheric pressure and heat.



@@@ 20 @@@



Page 308—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—BIRDS AND PEST CONTROL June, 1966

A post from which to suspend the bottle is necessary. | use old trunks of
Leptospermum laevigatum (Coastal Tea-tree) which are tough, and give a
pleasantly rustic effect. The stand should be placed close by a tree or shrub,
for protection from predators. firmly embedded, and the bottle should be
at least 4 feet high. If possible, place it where it may be seen from the
house, and much pleasure will be gained from observing the activities of

the birds.

The mixture | use depends on the price of honey, but generally | make
a syrup from 1 |b. raw sugar (brown crystals), 1 |b. honey and enough water
to make 1 quart of mixture, stirred over a low heat until dissolved (never
boil). This syrup will keep for weeks. To feed the birds, mix approximately
1 part syrup with 2 parts water, making a well-flavoured, nourishing liquid;
this will keep for only one day before turning sour. (If honey can be
obtained very cheaply, then all honey and no sugar may be used).

At the beginning, when open containers were used, | found that many
other native birds like to sample the nectar (Blue Wren, Scrub-wren, Thornbill,
Grey Thrush, Silvereye), but the bottle method excluded them. Therefore,
if these birds do come to your garden, and if you have no sparrow problem
as | had, you might like to try leaving out a small container for them.
Especially during the winter, the nectar ensures the survival of birds who
would otherwise die simply from the lack of sufficient food in the severe
weather.

In addition, small plastic pots containing fat (raw or cooked) are hung
in trees, during the winter, and many birds come to these. When the
weather is very bad, natural food is hard to obtain and the birds require
more in order to keep warm, and so | put out bread, apples, bananas
and oranges. However, this type of food should not be supplied regularly,
as it will attract the harmful introduced species, who will drive away the
useful native birds.

This year there has been a form of ant “plague” in this district; gardens
are infested with ants of all sizes and types, and some damage to plants has
been incurred. | have kept the worst (the Bull-ants) under control by flooding
with the hose the extensive “galleries”; | am told that sheep-dip is the most
safe and effective killer. Ants, of course, are of use in cleaning up debris
and in turning over the soil, and should not be persecuted unless they are
doing actual damage. Unfortunately, many of the local people have had
recourse to the recognised modern ant-killer, Dieldrin—one of the most
persistent and deadly of the modern pesticides. When the flying ants have
swarmed, the birds have feasted on them. As a result, the native birds in
my garden are now dying in great numbers from Dieldrin poisoning—by
helping us to control an insect plague, they have met their doom. Birds
dying of Dieldrin are a distressing sight—they suffer severely for several
days, blundering half-blind around the garden, suffering convulsions and
paralysis, and crying pitifully. Nothing can save them. | would beg of you
all, never to use any of these deadly pesticides, whose present, and long-term
effect must be disastrous and incalculable. The native birds atiracted to
your garden will be pleased to keep the insects under control.



@@@ 21 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—STREET TREES Page 309—Vol. 3

GREVILLEA AS STREET TREES

by Dr. G. H. Hewitt, Bellingen, N.S.W.

Grevillea as street trees? Many more species have excellent prospects
as street trees, than have been widely usd so far. Experiences at Bellingen
on the north coast of N.S.W. are worthy of record.

GREVILLEA HILLIANA

Grevillea hilliana grows naturally from the Clarence River northward, but
is more common in Queensland scrub where it grows to 90 feet. In cultivation
it is much more modest in height. The leaves are a glossy dark green above
with the undersides a silky white. Usually lobed when young they become
entire with age, about 5-6” long. Flowers are white in terminal racemes to
4" long and are honey scented. Fruits are small woody capsules splitting
open on one side and contain two seeds.

The tree has a pleasing conical shape, flowers profusely each year and
has much to commend it as a street tree.

Grevillea hilliana Grevillea pinnatifida

GREVILLEA PINNATIFIDA

This tree comes from north Queensland. It is susceptible to frost damage
at 26°F, but has recovered well and appears a quicker grower than G.
hilliana. The leaves are large, 12" long, deeply lobed, dark green above
with a beautiful golden silky reverse. Flowers are white in terminal racemes,
about 7-8” long, and borne profusely. The fruit is a small wooden capsule,
two seeded, splitting along one side.

The tree has a nice conical shape and is well furnished with branches.

Editor’s Note: There was a very complete coverage on Grevillea robusta, ‘“The Silky
Oak’ as a street tree in our No. 21 issue. Our next issue will feature Grevillea again fo-
garden planting. Will readers please advise of their experiences and recommendations of
Grevilleas that are low growing or prostrate.

The extended flowering season for Grevillea is about to commence. Will readers from
all parts of Australia please send flowering specimens to Mrs. B. Malone, 18 Hurdis Ave.,
French’s Forest, N.S.W. Please help us to record the 250 species for future issues of the journal.



@@@ 22 @@@



Page 310—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—SOILS June, 1966
GARDENING ON CLAY—continued from page 300

Clay soils, therefore, have considerable reserves of nutrients, including
trace elements, in the clay minerals; they hold added fertiliser nutrients
(except nitrate) against leaching by rain and they resist rapid changes in

pH value. Hence, they may be regarded as potentially highly productive
soils.

The small, colloidal clay particles have the property of absorbing water
which is then held loosely around and within the particles. This moisture
can be lost by drying but not all of it is available to plant roots. The
absorption of water by the clay particles is accompanied by swelling of the
clay and conversely drying is accompanied by shrinkage of the clay. Most
clay soils in Australia, show appreciable swelling and shrinkage properties.

When clay particles are shaken in water their behaviour depends on
the proportions of the various absorbed cations. If the predominant cation
is calcium, as in near-neutral, neutral and alkaline soils, the clay will
not disperse easily and will readily settle after shaking. In more acid soils
where some of the calcium is replaced by hydrogen and potassium ions, the
particles will disperse more easily and settle less readily. In very acid conditions,
however, where the predominant cation is hydrogen, dispersion will be
difficult. If for any reason, for example, inundation with sea water, the clay
particles become saturated with sodium ions, they will disperse readily and
the soil will become very sticky and difficult to cultivate.

When two glass plates are pressed together with a thin film of water
between them, a considerable force is needed to separate them. Clay
particles behave in much the same way and the very thin films of water
between them cause the particles to stick together and to resist separation.

This adhesion of the particles is responsible for the intractable nature of
clay soils when they are wet.

WHAT SOIL CONDITIONS ARE NEEDED FOR PLANT GROWTH?

The chemical and physical properties of the clay particles already
described, determine to a large extent the appropriate management practices
on clay soils, but, before considering how the inherent properties of the
clay particles can be used to the advantage of the cultivator, it is necessary
to consider what soil conditions are needed to ensure good growth of plants.

Plant roots occupy the spaces or pores between the soil particles and
obtain their nutrients and water from the solution in these pores. The roots
of most plants also need a supply of oxygen if they are to grow normally
and are to maintain their rigidity and ability to penetrate into the soil;
oxygen is also required by the soil micro-organisms. This oxygen travels
rapidly through those pores which are not filled with water but only very
slowly through the water-filled pores. Thus the pore space within the soil is of
considerable importance to the well-being of the plants. The size and shape
of the soil pores is determined by the size and shape of the soil particles
themselves and, although the clay particles have been considered so far as
independent units, they are usually grouped together with the other soil
fractions and the organic colloids into aggregates, and the size and distribution
of these aggregates is of as much importance as the distribution of particles
within the aggregates.



@@@ 23 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—SOILS Page 311—Vol. 3

The small pores within the aggregates can be considered to contain
water, while the larger pores contain air. Some of the water in the small
pores can move out into the larger pores to replenish that taken up by
plant roots which develop mainly in the larger pores; these large pores are
easily drained and as a consequence are usually well aerated. Thus the
distribution of pore sizes determines the amount of water held in available
form in different soil types and it is well known that clay soils hold considerable
quantities of available water.

Until recently it was not possible to arrive at any precise conclusion as
to the best aggregate sizes to be aimed at in any given soil, but the work
of my colleague Dr. D. J. Greenwood has gone some way towards defining
what sort of soil physical conditions are necessary for root growth and for
the activities of the beneficial soil micro-organisms. It would seem that for
clay soils of reasonable organic matter content, the cultivator should aim
at producing an aggregate size of about 0.3 to 0.4 inch diameter in the
top soil, although it would be unwise to generalise from his, as yet, incomplete
results. Further, adequate under-drainage conditions are of importance as
they allow the larger inter-aggregate pores in this cultivated layer to drain
freely after rain. Few clay soils are free draining under natural conditions
and some form of artificial drainage system is usually necessary if the
soils are to be brought into a highly productive state. The details of
the drainage system most appropriate in any given situation will depend
on local factors such as slope, rainfall and nature of the subsoil. The
importance of adequate drainage cannot be over-emphasised because unless
surplus water can be removed, the large soil pores cannot hold the oxygen
needed for the functioning of plant roots and soil micro-organisms.

USE OF SOIL PROPERTIES TO ASSIST IN TILTH PRODUCTION—

The swelling and shrinkage of clays can be used to break down dense
lumps or clods of clay. When a block of wet clay is dried, shrinkage takes
place and cracks appear throughout the block. When the block is rewetted,
especially if the rate of wetting is rapid, the block breaks down along these
cracks and smaller clods are produced.

A similar effect is produced when a block of wet clay is frozen and
subsequently thawed. Since water expands on freezing, considerable pressures
are set up within the block when the water freezes and these pressures
result in the formation of ice in layers between structural units in the soil;
the ice is not uniformly distributed within the block. On thawing, the water
drains out from the cracks which have been produced and the net effect
is that the block is broken down into smaller pieces.

These two processes are the main ways and perhaps the only practicable
ways of producing a good tilth on a clay soil.

The tilth so produced is usually not broken down by moderate rates
of rainfall, but the tilth can easily be destroyed by tramping or by working
the soil when it is wet. Since it is almost impossible to repair such damage
without a further cycle of drying and wetting, or freezing and thawing, it
is imperative that once a tilth has been produced great care be taken not
to destroy it by impatience to get on to the land.

For vegetable culture there is much to recommend a system of
permanent paths and beds, the beds being worked from paths after the
annual autumn digging.



@@@ 24 @@@



Page 312—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—SOILS June. 1966

The shrinkage and deep cracking of clay soils during periods of
severe drought is often regarded with anxiety because of the damage that
must be done to the root systems of perennial plants. However, this damage
is probably more than offset by the improvement in underdrainage which
such intense drying conditions can produce.

ROLE OF LIME AND BULKY ORGANIC MANURES—

Quite apart from the calcium associated with the clay particles, some
soils, notably the Lias and Gault clays, contain free calcium carbonate in
appreciable amounts. These clays, when well cultivated, produce soils of
very good tilth and structure and the aggregates are very stable to rain.
The behaviour under cultivation of many other noncalcareous clay soils
can be improved by heavy applications of lime but such action may not
be desirable, since by increasing the pH of the soil the range of plants that
can be grown is altered. Additions of gypsum have proved useful on some
soils, and this material does not affect the soil pH to any marked extent.

Heavy applications of bulky organic materials such as farmyard manure
(FYM) or compost, particularly if such materials are fibrous rather than well
rotted, will often improve the workability of clay soils. Certain precautions are
needed, however, in the method of application and the kinds of soils to
which such manures are applied.

There is evidence from agricultural crops that when FYM is ploughed
in and forms a layer at the bottom of the furrow, anaerobic conditions (lack
of oxygen) can exist in this layer and that such conditions can be harmful
to plant growth. To avoid such a possibility in the garden it would seem
prudent to mix the organic matter into the soil rather than to place it in a
layer at the bottom of a trench or planting hole.

Care is also needed in the use of bulky organic manures on calcareous
clay soils if crops which are sensitive to iron and manganese deficiencies are
to be grown. Since calcareous clay soils can be maintained in good physical
condition without the addition of bulky organic manures, the use of such
materials is best avoided particularly where sensitive crops, such as soft
fruits, are grown.

On non-calcareous soils the problem of iron and manganese deficiencies
does not usually arise and on such soils, bulky organic materials can be
applied freely with considerable benefit to the workability of the soil.

SYNTHETIC SOIL CONDITIONERS—

Since the introduction of synthetic soil conditioners about ten years ago,
many experiments have been done to assess their value on clay soils. So-far
no synthetic material has emerged which has long-term effects on clay
soils and is economically worthwhile in normal horticultural practice, but in
the garden where economic considerations are of less importance some of
the available materials have proved useful.

USE OF FERTILISERS—

Most clay soils have considerable reserves of the main nutrient cations
particularly of potassium, so that it is seldom necessary to add extra quantities
in the form of fertilisers except under conditions of intensive cropping which
are rare on clay soils. '

In very acid or alkaline clay soils phosphate may become fixed firmly
and its availability can be sericus!v reduced, and for this reason placement



@@@ 25 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE Page 313—Vol. 3

of granules of phosphatic fertilisers in a band below or to the side of the
plants is often more effective than a broadcast application; under moderately
acid and near neutral conditions, however, availability is increased and
normal broadcast applications are satisfactory. In general, organic matter
applications reduce fixation of phosphate and hence increase its availability.

Nitrogen may be applied in the organic form or as ammonium or
nitrate ions. Clay particles which have a large proportion of ammonium
in their absorbed cations tend to disperse easily and this could lead to a
loss of stability in the surface layers of the soil if heavy dressings of sulphate
of ammonia were used. In practice, however, serious trouble seldom arises,
but it would be a wise precaution to use either ammonium or potassium
nitrates instead of sulphate of ammonia on soils of doubtful structural stability.
Sodium nitrate is not recommended for clay soils since its use can lead to
loss of stability of the soil aggregates and to increased stickiness of the soil.

Clay soils have a bad reputation but they are potentially rich and,
if handled with care and patience, they can be highly productive and
rewarding.

DESERT ROSES—continued from page 303

flower colour, which cuts across botanical groups) must have a basis. It appears
reasonable to suggest that its basis lies in the behavioural patterns and sensory
capabilities of the pollinators native to the region, presumably insects.
Perhaps field observations and experimental studies of the pollinators will
shed more light on the question.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES

Since the nomenclature has been dealt with in detail in the study
referred to earlier, it will not be repeated here. Only the more commonly
encountered synonyms will be included in the following descriptions. However,
a few general remarks are in order. These plants have been assigned to
various genera in addition to Gossypium, most commonly to Cienfuegosia
Cav. (= Fugosia Juss.) and Notoxylinon Lewt. Cienfuegosia is a genus of
perennial herbs and subshrubs that occurs in Africa, South America, and the
Caribbean, reaching the very southern fringes of North America. It does
not occur in Australia. Fugosia is simply an illegitimate synonym for
Cienfuegosia. Notoxylinon was established as a separate genus to include
most of these Australian cottons. Recent studies have shown, however, that
there is no basis for generic distinction and that Notoxylinon must be
submerged in Gossypium.

None of the species has a generally accepted vernacular name, except
Gossypium sturtianum, Sturt’s Desert Rose. The name “Desert Rose” has been
applied to G. australe. The species may be distinguished by the following
key:

A.y Plants glaucous with raised black tubercles on stems and petioles; foliage

odoriferous when crushed.
B. Leaves moderately divided to entire; foliar nectaries small, near base
of leaf
C. Leaves entire; foliar nectary single, reddish; floral bracts ovate
to cuneiform, acuminate, entire to sliehtly lacinate ... ... .. ..
CC. Leaves entire to moderately 3-parted. lobes rounded, obtuse;
foliar nectaries 1-3, colourless; floral bracts cordate, acute,
entire to dentate v e wee we we ww (. sturtianum  var. nandewarense
BB. Leaves deeply 3-5 parted, lobes acuminate; foliar nectaries 3-5,
prominent, near middle of leaf lobes ... ... .. .. .. .. .. .. G. robinsonii
AA. Plants more or less pubescent (at least on young foliage), without raised
tubercles; foliage odourless

G. sturtianum



@@@ 26 @@@



Page 314—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE June, 1966

D. Pedicel less than 2 cm; plants finely pubescent to coarsely hairy;
calyx lobes acuminate

E. Capsules pubescent, apparently glandfree; seeds covered with
straight, bristly hairs; foliar nectaries large, elongate ... ... G. australe

EE. Capsule glabrous, nigro-punctate; seeds not bristly-haired;

foliar nectaries inconspicuous
F. Seed hairs tightly appressed to seed; plant coarsely
tomentose; calyx prominently nigro-punctate; flowers

mauve ... w we o G. Dickii
FF. Seeds glabrous plant fmely and densely pubemlent calyx
(and foliage) seemingly gland-free; flowers white ... .. G. pulchellum

DD. Peduncle more than 2 cm., axillary, articulate; plant flnely
pubescent to nearly glabrous; calyx lobes linear, large, foliaceous
G. Leaves thick, broad, markedly cordate, nearly glab-
rous, long-petioled; plant decumbent ... ... ... G. populifolium
GG. Leaves ovate to lanceolate, short-petioled
H. Leaves elliptic to lanceolate, penninerved, glab-
rous (except when young); peduncle articulated
near centre; calyx lobes glabrous, obscurely
veined
HH. Leaves ovate palmately 5-nerved, puberulent;
peduncle articulated near base; calyx lobes
puberulent, ribbed .. .. A .. G. costulatum

1. Gossypium sturtianum J. H. Willis var. sturtianum "Siurt s Desert Rose’

(Synonyms: G. sturtii; Cienfuegosia gossypioides).

A densely-foliaged, glaucous shrub that flowers abundantly through much of the year.
Stems green, covered with prominent, raised black tubercles. lLeaves odouriferous when
crushed, orbicular to ovate, often apiculate, more or less adaxially rolled, entire. Foliar
nectary single, basal, 1-2 mm. long, reddish. Floral bracts ovate to triangular entire or
rarely laciniate, a.cuminate Calyx subtruncate to shallowy toothed. Corolla mauve with dark
spot in centre. Capsules glabrous, nigro-punctate, 4-5 valved. Seeds 3-4 mm.; seed hairs
appressed, whitish to greenish.

Sturt’s Desert Rose, a relatively well-known plant, has been designated
the floral emblem for the Northern Territory. It has found its way into gardens
and deservedly so, for it makes a fine specimen shrub. Its growth habit
is relatively compact, though it will achieve a height of 5 or 6 feet in a few
years. lts flowering is not strictly seasonal, but tends to reach a peak
late winter, when it is covered with attractive mauve flowers. If it sets a
heavy crop of fruits, it will often cease flowering until the fruits have matured.

It is a desert plant and can tolerate drought. However, it responds well
to an adequate water supply. Like all Gossypia, it thrives on full sun and
high temperatures. Even slight shading will inhibit flowering. Of all the
Gossypia it is the most cold tolerant and will remain evergreen if not
subjected to severe frosts.

Sturt’s Desert Rose is rather widely distributed in the interior of Australia.
It occurs in the southern part of the Northern Territory, in the north-eastern
parts of South Australia, and through much of the western parts of Queensland
and New South Wales.
la. Gossypium sturtianum var. nandewarense (Der.) Fryx.

This plant is similar to the preceding, but differs in the much more
open growth habit of the shrub and the lighter green foliage. It has lobed

leaves and differs in other technical details, as follows.

Leaves flat, entire to moderately lobed, with distinctive ‘‘ears’’ at the base; lobes
obtuse. Foliar nectaries 1-3, colourless (or sometimes pinkish in cool weather). Floral bracts
broadly cordate, entire to 3-5 dentate, acute. Calyx with five distinctive reddish spots on
margin, alternate with acute lobes. Corolla pale mauve with dark spot in centre. Flowers
larger than in the preceding varietv. Seed hairs brownish.

Var. nandewarense probably has less value as an ornamental shrub than
Sturt's Desert Rose, because of its more open growth habit and the tendency
of the branches to break off at the base in the wind. lts flowers are larger
but considerably less abundant. However, it mav have value as a breeding
stock. as will be discussed in a later paragraph on hybrids.

The plant derives its name from the Nandewar Range near Narrabri in
north-eastern New South Wales, where it was discovered by Dr. N. F. Derera

TQ

cunninghamii



@@@ 27 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE Page 315—Vol. 3

Leaves of G. robinsonii G. australe G. bickii

just a few years ago. It is also known from another limited area in the
vicinity of the Expedition Range in eastern Queensland.

2. Gossypium robinsonii F. Muell.

Stems glaucous, covered with prominent, raised black tubercles. Leaves deeply 3-5
lobed; lobes acuminate, entire. Foliar nectaries 3-5, prominent, red, located near the middle of
the leaf blade. Floral bracts narrowly triangular to ovate, entire. Calyx teeth acuminate.
Corolla mauve with a dark spot in centre. Capsules glabrous, nigro-punctate, 4-5 valved.
Seeds 4-6 mm; seed hairs whitish.

G. robinsonii can only be grown in frost-free areas, as it is quite
sensitive to cold. The seasonal pattern of flowering that is found in this
species is apparently under photoperiodic control, the flowers appearing
during the short days of winter.

Plants of this species appear to have been grown to a limited extent
as ornamental shrubs, largely for their showy flowers. However, they do
not seem to be as well adapted to the purpose as G. sturtianum because
the flowers are less abundant and the habit of growth less disciplined. It is
also unsuitable for areas where frost occurs, except in protected localities.

G. robinsonii occurs in dry river beds and similar localities in the
west-central part of Western Australia, from the Fortescue River to the
Gascoyne River.

3. Gossypium australe F. Muell.
(Synonym: Notoxylinon australe)

A low-growing, puberulent shrub. The black glands characteristic of
Gossypium occur in this plant, but they are very obscure and are usually
concealed by the tomentum, so that they are evident only on the calyx,

where they are often sparse.

Leaves ovate, entire or rarely slightly lobed. Foliar nectary conspicuous, up to 10 mm.
long, basal, red. Floral bracts filiform. Calyx ribbed and somewhat constricted near base,
nigro-punctate except at the base. Corolla mauve with a dark spot in centre. Flowering more or
less throughout the year. Capsules puberulent, 3-5 valved. Seeds 3-4 mm., bristly-haired;
hairs tan, 5-7 mm.

Several peculiarities characterise G. australe. The foliar nectaries are
quite distinctive. Their notable size and elongated form together with their
bright red colouring makes them look like lilliputian saber slashes. The seed
hairs are unique in Gossypium in standing straight out from the seed in all
directions. Such an arrangement may be an adaption for wind dispersal of

the seeds, since it enables each seed to be blown over the ground like a



@@@ 28 @@@



Page 316—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE June, 1966

miniature tumbleweed. The adaption may, in fact, account for the wide
distribution of this species in Australia.

The flowers are mauve like those previously described, although they
tend to be smaller. G. australe, however, has a very interesting propensity
to produce cleistogamic flowers in addition to the “normal” flowering pattern.
This capacity is unknown elsewhere in Gossypium except for the closely allied
Australian species, G. bickii. Cleistogamic flowers are greatly reduced flowering
structures that never expand beyond a miniature bud. The corolla never
opens, but within it are a few anthers and a fully functional pistil. Pollination
occurs within the bud, and a normal fruit develops from it with a full
complement of seed. The miniature, unopened corolla persists on the end
of the maturing fruit, unless it chances to be knocked off, and serves to label
these fruits as to their cleistogamic origin.

The pubescent fruits are also distinctive of this species, being found
in only one other (African) species of Gossypium. The pubescence on the
capsule, incidentally, conceals the presence of black glands, which can be
demonstrated readily, however, by examining the thin, inner wall of the
mature capsule.

The attractive flowers of G. australe suggest its possible use as an
ornamental, but it would seem to have more value as a perennial herb than
as a specimen shrub because of its small size and low vigour. It is sensitive
to frost but will grow back from the roots even after a hard freeze.

G. australe is widely distributed, occurring from near the eastern
coast of central Queensland across most of the Northern Territory, along the
southern edge of the Kimberleys, and along the coast of Western Australia as
far as Carnarvon.

4. Gossypium bickii Prokh.
(Synonym: Notoxylinon pedatum)

This species bears a strong superficial resemblance to G. australe but
can readily be distinguished from it in a number of particulars. It, too, is a
low-growing shrub but is more coarsely hairy, and the black glands are

fairly prominent in the foliage.

Leaves ovate. entire to 2-5 lobed, reticulate-veined. Foliar nectary very small (less
than 1mm.), red. Floral bracts filiform, pubescent. Calyx broadly campanulate (not constricted
at the base). prominently nigro-pun~tate throughout. Flowers and flowering babits similar
to G. australe. Capsules glahrous, 3-5 valved, prominently nigro-punctate. Seeds 2-4 mm.;
seed hairs appressed, brownish.

As already noted, G. bickii has the propensity to produce cleistogamic
flowers in the same way as G. australe. Just what environmental factors
influence the nature of the flowers produced in these two species is not
certain. It appears that young plants just coming into flowering or plants
in unfavourable circumstances tend to produce cleistogamic flowers, while
plants that are more mature and vigorous will produce the “normal” (or
chasmogamous) flowers.

G. bickii is a more vigorous plant and flowers more profusely than
does G. australe. On this account it is probably more deserving of a
place in the garden. lts natural distribution is much more restricted, however,
since it is found only in the central and southern part of the Northern

Territory and extending a short way across the border into Queensland.
5. Gossypium pulchellum (C. A .Gardn.) Fryx.

A densely puberulent, upright shrub. The density of the puberulence
is so great in this species (although the puberulence is extremely fine) that



@@@ 29 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE Page 317—Vol. 3

|

the black glands are completely concealed, except on the glabrous capsules.

Leaves elliptic to ovate, eatire, acuminate. Foliar neciwary small (1-2 mm). Florai bracts
subulate. Calyx broadly campanuiate; lobes acuminate, l-nerved. Corolla white with a dark
centre. Capsule glabrous, 3-valved, nigro.punctate. Seeds large (7 mm.), glabrous.

G. pulchellum is known only from the single collection made by Gardner
in 1921 at Van Sittart Bay, W.A. Further collections are greatly to be desired.
The name given it (and Gardner’s description) indicate that it is a plant
of beauty and one possibly worthy of cultivation as an ornamental. lts white
flowers mark it as different from those that have been described previously,
as do the glabrous seeds. Little more can be said about this species until
further material is available for study.

6. Gossypium populifolium (Benth.) F. Muell.
(Synonym: Notoxylinon populifolium)
Perhaps this species should not be called a shrub, because its stems

are slender and prostrate. Foliage glabrate.

Leaves thick, profoundly cordate, entire, acuminate, long-petioled. Foliar nectary
inconspicuous. Floral bracts subulate, reflexed. Calyx deeply lobed, nigro-punctate; lobes
exceeding bracts. Corolla mauve with dark spot in centre. Flowers and fruits borne singly
on long (3-7 cm.), axillary peduncles. Capsule glabrous, 3-valved, nigro-punctate.

G. populifolium occurs along the northern coast of Western Australia
and on nearby islands from Montague Sound to King Sound, and probably
inland to a greater or lesser extent. Being a prostrate plant, it is quite
different from the upright shrubs that are typical of Gossypium. Living plants
have never been available in cultivation, so it is difficult to predict its

horticultural prospects. It has, however, the showy flowers typical of Gossypium
and these are borne on long peduncles.

7. Gossypium cunninghamii Tod.

(synonym: Notoxylinon punctatum)
An upright, glabrate shrub.

Leaves lanceolate, penninerved, and short-petioled. Foliary nectary inconspicuous. Floral
bracts subulate. Calyx deeply lobed, and obscurely veined; lobes large and foliaceous. The
corolla colour is unknown, but the flowers are large and showy. Flowers and fruits borne
singly on long (3-5 cm.), axillary peduncles. Capsule glabrous, 3-valved, nigro-punctate.

G. cunninghamii is known only from a very few herbarium specimens,
all collected before the turn of the century. It appears to be a very handsome
shrub with attractive foliage and large flowers. lts “rediscovery” is greatly
to be desired, but it apparently occurs only in a limited area in the Coburg
Peninsula and on adjacent islands in northernmost Australia.

8. Gossypium costulatum Tod.
(Synonym: Notoxylinon latifolium)

A finely-tomentose, more or less prostrate plant. lts leaves are broadly
ovate and entire with moderately short petioles.

Fruits of G. costulatum (left), G. australe and
G. bickii (right).



@@@ 30 @@@



Page 318—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE June, 1966

Tne foliary nectary is small. The floral bracts are subulate and sometimes rcflexed. The
calyx is similar in size and torm to that of G. cunninghamii but differs in being puberulent
and promunently ribbed. Corolla white with dark spot in centre. Flowers and fruits borne
on long (4-7 cm.), axillary peduncles. Capsules glabrous, 3-valved, nigro-punctate. Seeds
glabrous.

G. costulatum, too, is unknown in cultivation, but it does not appear
to be as rare as the preceding species, so that the prospects of its being
collected are probably greater. It occurs in much the same area as does
G. populifolium, in northern Western Australia. Like the latter, it apparently
has a prostrate habit of growth (although this is not certain) and long
peduncles. Its flowers are white, similar to those of G. pulchellum, and
apparently quite showy.

As has been indicated in the preceding descriptions, only about half of
the Australian wild cottons are available for study in cultivation. The study
of the available species has included, among other things, the study of
hybrids among them. Certain of these are of some general interest and
will be described briefly.

I might first note parenthetically that these plants, along with wild
and cultivated sorts of cotton from all parts of the world, are maintained
in a tropical garden in Iguala, southern Mexico, by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture in co-operation with the National Cotton Council of America
and the Mexican Government.

HYBRIDS

G. sturtianum and its var. nandewarense are quite similar in general
appearance and apparently are closely related. As might be expected, they
are easily hybridised. My experience in growing the hybrid suggests that
it is a more favourable horticultural subject than either parent. The hybrid
has the compact growth and dense foliage of the sturtianum parent and the
delicate pale-mauve flower-colour of the nandewarense parent. In addition
it flowers more profusely than either and the individual flowers are distinctly
larger than either.

The hybrid is quite fertile and sets an abundant crop of seed. It is
quite possible that in the progeny grown from such a hybrid, plant breeders
might select some highly desirable horticultural types.

Another hybrid worthy of mention is that between G. sturtianum and
G. robinsonii. It is a little more difficult to achieve, but makes a very
handsome shrub. It is rather large and vigorous, and during its winter-spring
flowering season is literally covered with large, delicate, mauve-pink blooms.
The two species concerned here are distantly enough related that the hybrid
between them has only partial fertility. Seed set is quite limited (although
there will be one or a few seeds in most capsules), so that flowering
continues freely. Plants raised from seeds of this hybrid will generally
be “unthrifty” and not worth the effort.

Finally, if | may inject an international note into this discussion, the
hybrid between G. sturtianum and the American cultigen G. barbadense
has some interesting features. The latter species is the one that includes
the varieties famous for their extra-long fibres. It is a tetraploid having
twice as many chromosomes as G. sturtianum. Hence, the hybrid between them
is a triploid; triploids are always quite sterile and produce no fruits. The flowers
are large and showy. The striking fact is that in a cross between a mauve-
flowered species and a yellow-flowered species, the flowers of the hybrid are
red.



@@@ 31 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—INSECTIVOROUS FLANTS Page 319—Vol. 3

AUSTRALIAN CARNIVOROUS PLANTS

by RICA ERICKSON

Carnivorous plants are to be found in all continents and are not uncommon
in Australia. It is thought that their unusual appetite for living creatures
arises from a need to supplement certain deficiencies in the soil. The
carnivorous habit is shared by plants in widely separated families. The
Australian genera are Cephalotus, Nepenthes, Byblis, Drosera, Aldrovanda,
Utricularia and Polypompholyx.

Darwin’s classic work on carnivorous plants has been rivalled in modern
times by the studies of F. E. Lloyd. Much research is still being conducted into
the secrets of their digestive processes as well as into their structure and the
many different ways in which their traps function. In each of the plants the
leaves are the traps. Some snare their victims in passive traps, others are
slowly active in their efforts, but some have evolved a swift positive action to
secure their prey.

III

Examples of a “pitfall”’ type of passive trap are to be seen in two
pitcherplants from very dissimilar families. The Western Australian Pitcherplant
Cephalotus follicularis is confined to the extreme southwest of Australia.
Excellent notes and illustrations on this plant have been published in this
journal (Sept. 1961) so that little need be said here concerning it. The
Tropical Pitcherplant Nepenthes mirabilis occurs only in the extreme northeast
of the continent, at Cape York Peninsula. It grows also in Southern Asia and
the East Indies. The Australian plant named N. kennedyi by von Mueller,
and the ten additional forms named by F. M. Bailey are now considered
to be growth variations of the common and very variable species N. mirabilis.
The pitchers of both these plants resemble small jugs with lids, and hold a
quantity of liquid. The rims of the jugs are ribbed with teeth which point
down into the receptacle. Insects and other small creatures are attracted
to this opening and crawl along the ribs down into the pit. The teeth prevent
their exit and on venturing further they find themselves on a slippery zone
which precipitates them into the fluid. Both these plants have been kept
in cultivation at suitable temperatures in hot houses. N. mirabilis is an under-
shrub or climbing jungle plant. The leaves may be up to a foot long on
long stalks. The midrib is produced into a tendril or a pitcher. The flowers
are small and green in terminal racemes or panicles, having stamens and
pistils in separate flowers on different plants. The sepal-like segments of
both kinds of flowers are usually 4 in number. The filaments of the stamens
of the male flower are united in a central column and the anthers form a
head. The stigma of the female flower is sessile and lobed.

PITCHER PLANT
Will all those who have had experience in growing the ‘‘pitcher plant’” please advise
the editor as it will be featured in our next issue.

A passive trap of the flypaper type is used by Byblis as described on
page 321.

Sundews or Drosera employ “flypaper” traps of the active type. This
family of plants is world wide in distribution but is most represented in
Australia with about 55 species, most of them in south-western Australia. The
leaves of these plants are covered on the upper surface with long sticky-tipped
hairs or tentacles. These are sensitive and when a tentacle catches an insect
it will bend over to begin enfolding it. In the meantime an impulse is



@@@ 32 @@@



Page 320—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—INSECTIVOROUS FLANTS June, 1966

conveyed to its neighbouring tentacles causing them also to bend over to
to complete the capture. The digestion and absorption of the prey are
also the function of these sticky tips. Sundews are easily recognised merely
from these sensitive hairs. The plants range from tiny rosetted forms to tall
climbers up to 6 feet tall and are among the most beautiful and delicate
of our wildflowers. Most of the larger species grow from tubers which
go very deep into the soil and are very tender rooted. They can be trans-
planted only with the most extreme care. However the small rosetted species so
common in Western Australia are adventitious, the plant appearing to die
every summer, yet after the first rains new roots and leaves shoot from the
heart of the old. These roots go surprisingly deep for such small plants
but if lifted early with a deep cut of soil they can be successfully transplanted.
Seed of Sundews can be germinated fairly readily but the collection often
needs to be made while the calyx is still green.

There are 7 tropical Sundews in Australia. Of the 50 or so remaining
species only 9 appear in Eastern Australia and 2 of these occur also in
Western Australia.

Sundews can be grouped according to their habit of growth as in
the following table and it is interesting to note that at least one eastern species
appears in each group except the third, while W.A. is not represented
in the fifth. The tropical species are not included in these groups.

a. “Pygmy Sundews,” miniature plants with rather dense rosettes of
very small leaves with long slender stalks, roots fibrous (17 sp., three of
them eastern).

b. “Rosetted Sundews,” bulbous-rooted plants, with flat rosettes of
leaves the leaf stalks of which can scarcely be distinguished from the blades. (8
sp., three of them eastern).

c. "Fan-leaved Sundews,” usuaily erect plants with fan-shaped leaves
scattered along the stem and clasping it (3 sp., all western).

d. “Rainbow Sundews,” erect or climbing plants with cupped leaves
on very slender stalks, often in groups of three (18 sp., three eastern).

e. "Narrow-leaved Sundews,” plants with erect long, narrow leaves.
(2 sp., both eastern).

The Waterwheel Plant Aldrovanda vesiculoss which is to be found
floating in still lagoons and waterways of the tropics and subtropics resembles
a small immersed bottlebrush. It is widely distributed in ditches and swamps
of the Old World and is the only species of the genus. It is in the same
family as the Sundews. The leaves are active “spring traps”, being sensitive
and very swift to respond. The leaves are on comparatively long, winged
stalks set in whorls of 8 along the upright floating stem. Each leaf blade
has sensitive hairs near the mid vein and when touched can shut very swiftly
with a jerk, catching the water beetle or other such creature that is luckless
enough to brush against them. The mechanism is too elaborate to be
detailed here.

A more complicated trap has been evolved by the Bladderworts
Utricularia and Polypompholyx. These plants grow by the side of receding
swamps or in still waters. Sometimes known as “Fairy Aprons,” they are
usually smallish plants, some being minute, with flowers of the “Snapdragon”
type and having prominent nectaries. The traps are bladders less than
the size of a grain of wheat. Although seeming to be part of a root

Continued on page 327



@@@ 33 @@@



June, 1966 ATTSTRALIAN PLANTS—INSECTIVOROUS FLANTS Page 321—Vol. 3

THE RAINBOW PLANT — Byblis gigantea

Block donated by Mr. W. B.

Thomson, being a record of his trip to W.A.

e

A field of rainbow plants near Mogumber, W.A.

A “flypaper” type of passive trap is used by the Byblis. There are only
2 species in this genus both confined to Australia. Commonly known as
the Rainbow Plant, B. gigantea, a rather stout plant, is found in regions
near Perth in Western Australia. Notes on this plant have been published
in this journal (Dec. 1961). The second species, B. liniflora, is a much
smaller, slender plant with long thread-like leaves. It is found in Northern
Australia and by waterholes far inland. The leaves and stems of both plants
are covered with sticky-tipped hairs which catch the prey. Sessile sticky
glands aid in the digestion and absorption of the insect. The sticky-tipped
hairs are not sensitive and are therefore defined as passive. This is one
peint of difference between Byblis and Drosera, which are often confused. The
flowers of both are 5-petalled, but a difference in the structure of the
ovary (2-celled in Byblis) and the form of the pistii and stamens set them
apart.

CARNIVOROUS PLANTS

The above article may encourage readers to grow these fascinating plants. Write to the
leader, Mr. M. C. Russell, 41 Lusk Drive, Vermont, Victoria. He particularly wants to hear
from country residents of West Australia who, if they do not want to go to th= special trouble
of cultivation, will assist him in his research on this project. Special knowledge or experience
is not necessary.



@@@ 34 @@@



Page 322-—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE June, 1966

RUPICOLA Maiden et Betche

THE PLANT FAMILY EPACRIDACEAE—Part 3 by Betsy R. Jackes

This small genus from New South Wales, consists of two species both
relatively rare. The generic name derived from rupes-is—a cliff, and cola—an
inhabitant, indicates the preferred habitat of both species. Procumbent or
erect shrubs with shortly petiolate leaves, the white flowers are solitary
in the leaf axils. The corolla-tube is short with widely spreading, lanceolate
to ovate-lanceolate lobes, which are 2-3 times the length of the tube.

Numerous seeds occur within each locule of the capsule.

KEY TO SPECIES

Leaves glabrous, corolla usually greater than 7 mm. long, with anthers enclosed

R. sprengelioides
Leaves pubescent, corolla usually less than 5 mm. long, with anthers exserted

R. gnidioides

Rupicola sprengelioides flower spray, half a flower and the under surface of a leaf.



@@@ 35 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE Page 323—Vol. 3

NOTES ON THE SPECIES
1. Rupicola sprengelioides Maiden et Betche

An erect shrub frequently about 1.5 m. high, found either on sandstone
cliffs or nearby, particularly around Cox's River and the Burragorang Valley,
as well as several other localities within the Blue Mountairs area.

The crowded leaves are linear-lanceolate, 1-3 cm. long.
2. Rupicola gnidioides Summerhayes

A dwarf shrub to 25 cm. which may be either procumbent or somewhat
ascending, with lanceolate leaves 5-8 cm. long. This plant is easily
distinguished from the preceding species by the leaves which are pubescent
on both sides, and the smaller flowers. The external surface of the bracts
and sepals is pubescent as is the ovary and the internal surface of the
corolla.

This species is found growing on sandstone cliffs south-west of Nowra,
New South Wales.

PHOSPHORUS NUTRITION OF HEATH PLANTS

From a talk by Dr. R. L. Specht, Botany Department, University of Melbourne

These studies on the nutrition of heath plants are the results of fifteen
years research, firstly in the Botany Department, University of Adelaide, more
recently in the Botany Department, University of Melbourne. The story here
presented is by no means completely proven but will serve to illustrate the
complexity of the problem.

Heath vegetation, largely treeless vegetation dominated by low, hard-
leafed, perennial shrubs of such genera as Banksia, Hakea, Epacris, Lepto-
spermum, Casuarina, Xanthorrhoea, low Acacia, etc., may be found in the
high rainfall areas of southern and eastern coastal Australia. The vegetation
is always found on soils very low in plant nutrients, in particular the nutrients
piiwsphorus and nitrogen. In fact, these soils are probably the most infertile
soiis in the whole continent. Nevertheless, the vegetation has been shown to
produce '2-% ton dry weight of tops per acre every year. In contrast,
agricultural pastures and crops grown without fertiliser on the same soil will
hardly equal their seed weight in the first year and rarely persist into the
second year.

The first most striking characteristic of the vegetation is the concentration
of roots in the surface foot of the soil. This extensive surface root layer is
supplemented by deep tap roots penetrating deeply into the soil.

Deep rcots enable the plants to explore a great volume of soil for
stored water and, at the same time, bring a small amount of nutrient from
the impoverished sub-soil to supplement the concentration of nutrients in the
surface layers of soil. : i

The surface root layer is by far the most important. Firstly, it can make
use of all heavy rain-showers; secondly, it is a favourable situation to trap
any plant nutrients which are released from decaying leaf litter. This is
especially so when the roots form a dense mat immediately under the litter.

Litter-decomposing microbes in southern Australia are most active during
spring and it is then that elements such as phosphorus are released and, we

Continued on page 326



@@@ 36 @@@



Page 32¢—Vol. 3  AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ESCALLONIACEAE June, 1956

NATIVE LAURELS

ANCPTERUS GLANDULOSUS — ESCALLONIACEAE

Part 3 of a series on Tasmanian Wildflowers by A. M. Gray

Anopterus glandulosus, known commonly as “Native or Mountain Laurel”
occurs in most rainforests over the whole of Tasmania. Although never very
abundant, it is, nevertheless, one of the more prominent understory shrubs of
the rainforests. It grows to a height of approximately 10’-15’ and is rather
an untidy looking shrub with long branches spreading in all directions; the
leaves mainly being clustered at the ends of the branches. However the
iarge, glossy, deep-green leaves are most attractive, some almost 9 long
and 2” wide, the older leaves at the base of the cluster occasionally turn

ANOPTERUS GLANULOSUS LABILL x 2

This attractive but straggling plant is found in most Tasmanian rainforests. It has
very large, glossy leaves and flowers which resemble those of Eucryphia lucida—described in last
issue. However, it differs from Eucryphia by having the flowers borne in large terminal
racemes whereas in Eucryphia they are borne singly. Anopterus has 5-6 petals, two large
carpels and as many stamens as petals. Eucryphia has only 4 petals, 4-5 small, inconspicuous
carpels and very numerous stamens in whorls.



@@@ 37 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ESCALLONIACEAE Page 325—Vol. 3

bright red or yellow prior to dropping off. The flowers are born in showy
racemes at the ends of the branches; the racemes are about 6” long and
suppcrt numerous delicate white or pink flowers each one approximately %"
in diameter and very closely resembling the flowers of the true laurels.
Anopterus grows usually in close association with Telopea truncata (Tas.
Waratah), Richea pandanifolia and R. dracophylla (giant heaths or grass
trees), Phyllacladus aspleniifolius (celery topped pine) and Atherosperma
moschata (scuthern Sassafras), all requiring a high rainfall and rich forest

humus.

Anopterus glandulosus Labill.—Native Laurel. A tall straggling shrub or small tree, usually
6°-12' high but occasionally 20’ high. Leaves mosuy clustescd uc the ends oI the orancncs,
evergreen, spreading—elliptical lanceolate to oblanceolate, base narrowed to a short petiole.
Apex acute, 2-9” long, 1”-2” wide, thick, leathery very glossy. Margin with widely spaced
teeth having glandular tips. Flowers on slender racemes, terminal; pedicels often recurved
usually !2”-%”’ in diameter, receptacle inferior. Sepals 5-6 spreading. Petals 5-6 shortly
joined at the base, lobes spreading. Stamens shorter than the petals, opposite the sepals.
Carpels two, joined, ovary superior, conical tapering to a short style, stigma bifid, the
base of the ovary continuous with the receptacle. Fruit capsular, opening by two valves—
seeds winged.

Tas. Endemic frequent in wet sclerophyll forests and rain forests, from sea level
in the S. & W. to 3,000. L i

Flowering—Spring and summer.

PROPAGATION

Although not considered as a tidy garden plant, it can however with care
and patience be made to grow into a compact, attractive specimen, rewarding
the grower with a fine display of beautiful flowers each summer and a
constantly noticeable plant with regard to its large glessy leaves. Cuttings
are quite successful but require a good deal of care during the early stages.
Seed germinates quite readily if sown during the late summer in a mixture
of one part well rotted forest humus and cne part coarse sand. Watering and
adeaquate drainage are essential, watering especially so during the warmer
menths. Damping-off is not a problem as long as drainage is adequate and
cool air is able to circulate around the seedlings. These should be pricked
out singly into small pots or tubes as socn as they are about 17 high. After
growing on in this manner and they reach between 3”-6" high, they may
be planted into a permanent position in the garden.
CULTIVATION

The position they require is one free from the hot afternoon sun or
hot winds, preferably in the shade of a larger tree. The scil should be well
drained but kept constan’ly damp all through the year. To keep the plant
from spreading and becoming straggly it is necessary to prune, usually
every second year and just following flowering.

Anopterus will tolerate light and not too frequent applications of “Aquasol”
cr a little sulphate of ammonia but no lime! Kept in trim and given attention
it makes a rewarding shrub for the cooler positions in any garden.

ANOPTERUS MACLEAYANUS

by H. C. Hayes, Coffs Harbour, N.S.W.

An attractive tree with large fleshy toothed leaves and racemes of white
flowers. Sometimes called “Tasmanian Laurel” in Queensland, this shrub or
small tree occasionally reaches a height of 40 ft. and a stem diameter of 9 ins.
Trunk usually straight, round when young, but may become «a liitle |rregu|ar
after branching.

Bark smcoth, except for very numerous small lenticels in older trees,
dark brown in colour.



@@@ 38 @@@



Page 326—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ESCALLIONIACEAE June, 1956

Leaves up to 15 ins. or over in length, bunched towards the ends of the
branches, glabrous or hairy. Branchlets downy. Petioles from indistinct to
1 in. long.

Flowers white, in terminal racemes. Individual flowers %2 to over 1 in.
diameter, somewhat bell-shaped.

Fruit—a dry, hard pointed capsule, brown in colour, opening from the
opex into two valves which usually curve backwards after opening an inch
or a little over in length.

Habitat—Rain forests of various types and extending from the coast
to the tablelands.

Distribution—from Hastings River to MacPherson Range.

Wood—Pinkish, soft, brittle and perishable.

THE FAMILY ESCALLONIACEAE

The genera now regarded as forming the family Escalloniaceae were
previously included in the large unwieldy family Saxifragaceae. However
they form a natural group and are regarded as a separate family by modern
workers. There are more than 250 species with a strong development in
the Australian-Malayan and Andean South American regions. Eight genera
(and 22 species) are represented in Australia—Tetracarpaea (1), Anopterus
(2), Cuttsia (1), Abrophyllum (2), Quintinia (4), Polyosma (7), Argrophyllum
(3) and Corokia (2-incl. Colmeirea), while two others occur in New

Zealand (Ixerba and Carpodetus) and a third in New Caledonia (Dedea).

Editor’s Note: Mr. Gray will deal with the genus Tetracarpaea in our next issue. Who
can comment on their cultivation? I need comments on species of other genera in the
family as listed above. Who will help me?

————
PHOSPHOROUS NUTRITIONS OF HEATH PLANTS—continued from page 323.

believe, immediately trapped by the roots and stored as a complex
polyphosphate molecule. There seems to be a special enzyme system in
all the heath species that have been investigated enabling these special
chemical compounds to be produced.

For this very crucial “trapping-device “to operate, little growth of the
plants should occur and this appears to be the case for most of the heath
species.

Growth in most species usually only starts in late spring and continues
through summer as long as there is an adequate reserve of soil water.
During this time the polyphosphates are probably broken down to simple
phosphate which can be moved around the plant to the growing shoots
and roots. Here they are incorporated into phosphorus compounds vital for
the growth of the plant.

As summer progresses stored soil water is often greatly reduced and
leaf-fall of older leaves then occurs. Before the leaves fall much of the
ohosphorus is moved from the leaves to younger leaf and stem tissues. Only
a very small amount of phosphorus thus falls to the ground with lvaf-litter
to go through a cycle again as soon as the litter decomposes.

Author’s Note: To avoid confusion, the term ‘‘heath vegetation’” as used by ecologists
in Australia applies to the low hard-leafed vegetation containing such common plants as
Ranksia, Hakea, Xanthorrhoea, Leptospermum, Casuarina, etc. Members of the family
Epacridaceae may or may not be present.

Editor’s Note: This article is presented in association with our series on Epacridaceae
as many people have difficulty in maintaining vigorous growth. However careful consideration
shonld be given to this cycle of self fertilizing with many of our natives, particularly the
heath flora and the sand plains flora of Western Australia.



@@@ 39 @@@



June, 1966 ATISTRALIAN PLANTS—INSECTIVOROUS PLANTS Page 327—Vo'. ?

BANKSIA

A major work is in preparation on all species of Banksia. Will any
person with comments on the naming, classification, cultivation, etc. of any
species please contact the editor immediately.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

To enable us to produce a worthy book on Banksia, good colour slides
are essential. Please send every slide on Banksia to the editor for inspection.
Slides are also needed on all species of NATIVE ORCHIDS FROM NORTHERN
AUSTRALIA. If you know of any photographer who may have colour slides of
natives, please advise the editor.

—————

AUSTRALIAN CARNIVOROUS PLANTS—continued from page 320.

system they are actually modified leaves. They work like self-setting box
traps. Water in the bladder can be expelled through the cells of the walls,
thus creating a pressure from the outside. The door hangs like a curtain
with the lower edge delicately wedged on the threshold. It is equipped
with a protruding knob or a hair. When this is touched the balance of
the door is upset and it instantly is opened inwards by the water pressure
which rushes the victim into the bladder. Mosquito larvae etc. are the
usual prey but some larger plants are known to catch small tadpoles by
the head. The catch is slowly digested and the bladder expels the water
to wait tensed for the next meal. Only the minuteness of the trap prevents
it from being the most horrifying and spectacular plant in creation.

Bladderworts have a world wide distribution. There are about 40
in Australia, more than half of them in the tropical regions. The genus
Utricularia is distinguished by the 2 calyx lobes; the genus Polypompholyx
(consisting of only 2 species) is to be recognised by the 4 calyx lobes.
These very interesting plants are most difficult to study. They are variable
in habit and the identification of species is not easy, partly because the
original descriptions are often inadequate and partly because the TYPE
material may lack the most important part of the plant, namely the bladders.
In the past collectors have often taken only the flowering scape, which comes
away freely, leaving the bladders in the mud. The bladders are now
essential for identification of many species.

Much painstaking work has been done on bladderworts by Mr. Peter
Taylor of Kew Gardens, and cnly the Australian species remain to complete
his world survey of the family. He needs collections of all Australian
kladderworts. Many plants of the one species can be packed into a vaseline
jar in a preservative fluid of about 70% methylated spirits and 30% water.
Sealed securely and packed well they should be sent with notes concerning
dates and localities. To obtain the whole plant it is necessary to dig out
a small sod and wash the mud away from the roots (so-called). Here is an
opportunity for us to assist in important research.

Address—Mr. Peter Taylor, Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey, England.



@@@ 40 @@@



Page 328—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE ~ June, 1956

CYMBIDIUM IN AUSTRALIA—continued from page 294.
2. Cymbidium madidum Lindl.

Bot. Reg. Misc. 9 (1840); A. D. Hawkes, Aust., Orch. Rev. 26, no. 3:135 (Sept. 1961);
Menninger, Orch. Soc. Bull. (America) 30, no. 11: 855-76 (Nov. 1961).

Cymbidium iridifolium A. Cunn. in Lindl. Bot. Reg. Misc. 34 (1839); Rupp, Proc.
Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 62:299 (1937) & Orch. N.S.W. 128 (1943)—not of Roxburgh
1814 (Oberonia iridifolia (Roxb.) Lindl.).

Cymbidium albuciflorum F. Muell., Fragm. 1:188 (1i859); Benth., F'or. Austr. 6:3)3
(1873); FitzG. ined. 79; F. M. Bail.,, QIld. Flor. 5:1547 (1902); Macpherson
& Rupp, Nth. Q)d. Nat. 3, no. 31: 7 & 26 (April 1935) (Cross pollination).

Cymbidium leai Rendle, Journ. Bot. 36: 221 (1898).

Cymbidium queenianum Klinge, Acta Horti. Petropolitani 17, 1:137 (1899).

A species of 2 varieties:—
(a) Cymbidium madidum Lindl. var. madidum

Stems pseudobulbous, 6-25 x 2-6 cm., bright to golden green. Leaves
20-90 x 2-4 cm., rather thin, not rigid, much decurved when long, not deeply
channelled, shining green. Racemes pendulous when long, 20-60 cm. long,
containing from 12-70 flowers which are usually not as closely packed as
those cf the other two Australian species. Flowers about 2-3 cm. diam., usually
not very widely spreading as the petals are directed forwards, segments thick
in texture, pale to dark brownish, brownish on the outside and olive-green
inside or entirely olive-green or golden-green. Sepals =+ similar, 9-15 x 4-7 mm.,
narrow-cbovate slightly concave. Petals porrect, slightly smaller than the sepals,
+ cbliquely obovate. Labellum 9-15 x 4-6 mm., distinctly trilobate; lateral lobes
1-2 x 5-8 mm., crescentic, green, the free anterior porticn =+ triangular; mid-
lobe about 4-5 x 4-5 mm., yellow, sub-obovate, very obtuse, lateral margins
slightly decurved, the apical tip often decurved to give the lobe an emarginate
appearance; disc with a single very low broad keel which is, + linear, acute but
contracted about the middle, glandular, glistening and slightly viscid, there
is a dark brown or black transverse patch of colour between the lateral
lcbes and the mid-lobe, usually on the outside as well as cn the inside, but
not on the keel but the keel is often outlined in a similar colour and the
colour may extend on to the keel near its base. Column 8-10 mm. long,
slightly decurved about the middle, slightly dilated towards the apex. Stigma
small, depressed scutiform. Anther broader than high but about as deep as
high.

Flowering Period: 8-10 in the tropics but later in more southern localities.

Distribution: Eastern Australia from about the Clarence River, New South
Wales to the tip of Cape York Peninsula and from sea level to about 4,000
feet. It is found in moist open forests bordering rain forests and within rain
forests.

(b) Cymbidium madidum Lindl. var. leroyi (St. Cloud) Menninger, Orch. Soc.
Bull. (America) 30, pt. 11:865-76 (Nov. 1961).
Cymbidium leroyi St. Cloud, Nth. Qld. Nat. 24, no. 112:3 (Sept. 1955).

Plant indistinguishable from that of var. madidum, but the lateral margins
of the mid-lobe of the labellum are recurved and. almost meeting towards
the apex of the lobe to give it and almost cymbiform appearance.

Flowering Period: 11-12.



@@@ 41 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 329—Vol. 3

CYMBIDIUM MADIDUM Lindl. var. LEROYI (St. Cloud) Menninger

Portion of plant . . . to scale x la. H. Anther from above . to scale x 10.
Flower from the front . . . to scale x 3. 1. Pollinarium from the side . . to scale x 15.
Flower from the side . . . to scalz x 3. K. Pollinarium from the front . to scale x 15.

Column and labellum from the side L.
5 e to scale x 4.
Labellum from above . . . to scale x 4, M. *“L” from the side

Labellum of var. madidum, from above
. to scale x 2.
. to scale x 2.

QEp vows

Column from the front . . . to scale x 4. N. Longitudinal section of column and
Anther from the side . . . to scale x 10. labellum of var. madidum . . to scale x 4.



@@@ 42 @@@



Page 330—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE June, 1966

Distribution: South-east Cape York Peninsula; apparently ccnfined to the
lowlands between the Barron River and the Bloomfield River, where it often
grows as a typical epiphyte on paperbark (Melaleuca) trees.

3. Cymbidium suvave R.Br.

Prodr. 331 (1810); Lindl., Gen. et Spec. Orch. 164 (1840); F. Muell.,, Fragm. 1:187
(1859); Benth., Flor. Austr. 6:303 (1873); Reichb. f., Beitr. 46 (1877); FitzG., ined 17;
}. M. Bail.,, Qld. klor. 5:1548 (1902); Rupp, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 62:301 (1937) & Orch.
N.S.W. 128 (1943).

Cymbidium gomphocarpum FitzG., Journ. Bot. 21:203 (1883) & an unpublished
plate in the Nat. Hern. of N.S.W.; Rupp, Aust. Orch. Rev. 4:66 (1939).

The smallest Australion member of the genus. Stems 5-35 cm. long, not
pseudobulbous and continuing to grow fer a number of years, thin and woody
but covered with the scarious remains of leaf bases to give them a much broader
appearance than is actually the case. Leaves 15-45 x 1-2 cm., thin and not
rigid. Racemes 10-25 cm. long containing from a few to rather numerous flowers
which are usually rather closely packed. Flowers 2-3 cm. diam., rather widely
spreading, light green, golden green or dull brownish-green, sometimes with
indistinct red blotches. Dorsal sepal 10-15 x 5-7 mm., = narrow-obovate,
mucronate. Lateral sepals much similar to the dorsal one but usually about 1
mm. broader. Petals usually several mm. shorter but almost as broad as the
dorsal sepal, usually oblong for a short distance near the base then obovate.
Labellum almost as long as the petals, distinctly or indistinctly trilobate;
lateral lobes short but broad, + cbliquely crescentic, pale brown or green;
mid-lobe variable, in most northern plants usually about as broad as long
ond broad ovate, but in many southern plants it is much narrower, usually
yellew or pale green; disc without distinct keels but it is somewhat thickened,
dark red-brown entirely or for varying distances from the base. Column
usually about 2 mm. shorter than the labellum; wings confined to the apical
portion, very short, crescentic. Stigma almost semi-circular. Anther with the
anterior much deeper than the posterior but about as deep as broad and long.

Flowering Period: 8-10 in the trepics, but as late as January in southern
latitudes.

Distribution: Eastern Australia from Southern New South Wales to the
Annan River at least of North Queensland, from the coast to at least 3,500
feet. It is typically found in hardwood trees in open forest country,
occasionally entering the rain forests but seldom extending into the dry
interior.

The culture of species of Cymbidium is too well-known to need elucidating
here. None of the Australian species, however, are particularly aitractive as
herticultural subjects. C. madidum Lindl. is moderately easy to grow but
C. canaliculatum R.Br. and C. suave R.Br. are particularly difficult subjects and
far less than 1% of the plants collected survive longer than 2-3 years.



@@@ 43 @@@



June.

1966

ATISTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE

Page 331—Vol.

3

L 8 Bl i PR TR
[ . n

-
—o) 1952

P

3
L.
/
M.
CYMBIDIUM SUAVE R.Br.
A. Portion of plant . . . to half scale showa. G. Pollinarium from the side . . to scale x 10.
B. Flower from the front . . . to scale x 3. H#H. Column from the front . . . to scale x 5.
C. Flower from the side . . . to scale x 3. 1. Anther from the side . . . to scale x 10.
D. Column and Ilabellum from the sid:> K. Anther from above . . . to scale x 10.
o g to scale x 5. L. Top of column, anther removed, from
E. Labellum trom above . . . to scale x 5. above . . to scale x 10.
F. Pollinarium from the front . . to scale x 10.



@@@ 44 @@@



Page 332—Vol. 3 AUSTR..LIAN PLANTS—NURSERYMEN June, 1966

YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT NURSERYMEN

Alezander Plant Farm—2Z Winifred Street, Essendon, W5, Victoria.

Amaroo Nursery—86 Lang Street, Padstow, N.S.W. One of the widest ranges of natives.
Belbra Nursery—Box 12, Hall’s Gap, Vic. W. and R. I. Stanton. The home of the Thryptomene.
Boddy's Eastern Park Nursery—32 Denman St., Geelong, Victoria. 3,000 varieties.
Clearview Nursery—W. Cane, Box 19 Maffra, Victoria. Specialist in developed plants.
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.

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.
Potter’s Cottage Nursery, Jumping Creek Road, Warrandyte, Victoria.

Tullamarine Plant Farm—8 Sharp’s Road, Tullamarine, Vic. Closed Mondays.

NATIVE PLANTS — TULLAMARINE PLANT FARM
8 Sharps Road, Tullamarine
USUAL & UNUSUAL Vic. — Phone: 30-7893
1 mile north of Essendon Airport
F. C. J. MCLEOD Closed Mondays Open most Weekrcl?nds
Wildflower Nursery — SHRUBS, TREES, PERENNIALS —
WARRIEN ROAD, CROYDON, VIC. Popular and Rare

YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN
Nindethana, Box 5, Dripstone, N.S W. For all Native Seed. Packets, ounce or pound lots.
Australian Seed Co.. Robertson, N S W. Bulk or packet lots. Stamped envelope ‘brings lists.
Western Wildlife Supply, Gilgandra, N.S.W.—Bulk supplies of natives and exotic tree and
shrub seed to the trade—Special collections to order. !
King’s Park Seed Supply, King’s Park, Perth, Western Australia—see advertisement.

NINDETHANA KING’S PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
NATIVE PLANT SEEDS PERTH, W.A

By Packet, Ounce or Pound
Large selection. Send for free list.

NINDETHANA
(G. W. Althofer)
Box 5, Dripstone, N.S.W.

Descriptive Catalogue of W.A. Plants,
13/6 post free; 24-page Coloured Booklet
on King’s Park, 6/6 post free; 1965 Seed
List (new season’s list), 3/- post free;
Progress Report on Botanic Garden, 2/6
post free; Seed 3/- per packet.
Wholesale Rates on Application

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 COMMISSION

OF N.S.W.

44 Margaret Street, Sydney. Telephone: B 0236



@@@ 45 @@@



June, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—NURSERYMEN Page 333—Vol. 3

F. C. PAYNE
WILDFLOWER GARDEN
Addison Ave., Athelstone, S.A.

Manager: H. R. Holliday Telephone: 371825

AUSTRALIAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN PLANTS
See mature specimens of plants you buy.

Open Every Day [ ] No Mail Orders
ALEXANDER PLANT FARM Greenbriar Drive-in Nursery
(Doug. Twaits, Prop.) AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS
2 Winifred Street, ESSENDON, W.5. Large and Varied Selection.

Phone: 379-5163 BRITNELLS RD., BRIAR HILL, VIC.
EVERYTHING FOR THE GARDEN Y2 mile beyond Greensborough
Specializing in Australian Native Plants Phone 43-1468. Open Weekends

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS
GOOD SELECTION ADVANCED & SEMI-ADVANCED PLANTS AT
DENOVAN'’S NURSERY — UuU 8891
188 Mareco Avenue, Panania, N.S.W.
SORRY NO MAIL ORDERS

PRESERVATION BY CULTIVATION

FLORALANDS |

KARIONG, via GOSFORD, N.S.W.

A large variety of ”Il most popular native plants at nursery
PHONE: Gosford 21142 P. J. PARRY

POTTERS’ COTTAGE NURSERY ’
(Win. Herry) BODDY’S EASTERN PARK

Jumping Creek Rd., Warrandyte, Vic. NURSERY
AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS

Open Every Afternoon, except Mondays NATIVE PLANT SPECIALISTS

Pnone: Croydon 33011 (After Hours) (3,000 varieties)
Short Catalogue with Retail Price List
NATIVE PLANTS and full descriptions available.
Over 350 varieties of shrubs, trees,
rockery plants, ground covers, climbers. South African Proteas, Leucadendrons
Specialising in hardy ornamentals in and Leucospermums grown in variety.
L W REEE S Swices Plants despatched all States
AMAROO NURSERY 32 Denman Street, East Geelong, Vic.
86 LANG ST., PADSTOW, N.S.W Tel.: 91264
Closed Wednesday — T Tel.: 771342
BELBRA NURSERY NARRABEEN 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
Inquiries: Box 12, HALL’S GAP OPEN EVERY DAY
Specialist in plants for sea coast.

A e i e e ol Ailiie adiiie Al i aai e e
DEANE'S ORCHID NURSERY

Specialising in Australian Native Orchids
Send 8d. stamp for descriptive list. Plants sent anywhere.
Nursery open weekends only
157 BEECROFT ROAD, CHELTENHAM, N.S.W.
7 SNUPT SSRPY SNPT SPY SN VNPT SPT SR SN SR SUUPY VISPV SRR VISP VISP USPY WUPY YUUPY UPY PY Y WY W ST PSP,



@@@ 46 @@@



Page 334—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—YOUR SOCIETY June, 1966

THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS

“AUSTRALIAN PLANTS” IS AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL PRESERVATION JOURNAL
(A non-profit making venture, produced quarterly, dedicated to preservation by cultivation.)

This journal is published by The Publishing Section on behalf of The Society for
Ggrowing Australian Plants and its member Societies as follows:

SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—N.S.W. REGION:
President: Mr. C. M. Taylor, 39 Addison Avenue, Roseville, N.S.W.
Secretary: Mr. F. Hatfield, 56 Taunton Road, Hurstville, N.S.W.

SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—QLD. REGION:
President: Mr. F. D. Hockings, 41 Oxford Street, Wavell Heights, QId.
Secretary: Mr. M. W. Hodge, 25 Barford St., Moorooka, QId.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS:
President: Mr. R. Schahinger, 22 Kings Avenue, Burnside, S.A.
Secretary: Mr. E. J. Thompson, 115 Wattle Street, Fullarton South Australia.

SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—VICTORIA & TAS.:
President: Mr. F. Rogers, 108 Wanterna Rd., Ringwood, Victoria.
Secretary: (Sister) E. R. Bowman, 4 Homebush Cres., Hawthorn, E.3, Vic.

SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CANBERRA REGION:
President: Mr. T. Simonds, 29 Fishburn Street, Red Hill, A.C.T.
Secretary: Mrs. A. Duffell, 3 Gellibrand Street, Campbell, A.C.T.

WEST AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWER GROWERS’ SOC. INCORPORATED:

President: Mr. S. Mummery, Highview Rd., Greenmount, W.A.

Secretary: Mrs. J Wlnzar, 8 Surrey St., Dianella, 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
Managing Editor: W. H. Payne assisted by P. D. Leak

Sec.: L. Williams, Dispatch by R. Birtles, N. Gane, G. Hubner, N. Dent, R.
Greenaway, with families. Stencils: H. Bartholomew. Illustrations: A. Spurway and E. Ham.
Advertising and Sales Representatives in each State: N.S.W., P. D. Leak; Qid., W. W
lgour; S.A., I. G. Holliday, Tas., G. van Munster; W.A., F. Lullfitz; Vlct F. R. Jeffs

MAIL——A dress mail to the Editor, 860 Henry Lawson Drive Picnic Point, N.S.W.
SUBSCRIPTION—Members : Apply state Secretary above.

NON-MEMBERS: You may receive the next 4 issues direct to your home by forwardine
an annual subscription of $1.20. Overseas subscriptions are 12/- sterling or $1.50 U.S

BOTANICAL PUBLICATIONS AND
SCIENTIFIC PAPERS

We wish to advise Editors and Publishers that we are
printing specialists in this field and would be glad to
discuss the printing of these journals at your convenience.

SURREY BEATTY & SONS
Rickard Road, Chipping Norton, N.S.W.

Telephone . . . 602-6522, 602-7404



@@@ 47 @@@



June, 1966 | AUUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CULTIVATION Page 335—Vol. 3

NATIVES FROM THE SEASIDE OF W.A.

PART 4 IN OUR SERIES ON “PLANTS FOR THE SEASIDE” -

by Professor J. D. Sauer, University of Wisconsin, U.S.A. Prepared from notes
made on a recent Scientific Survey of coastal plants in an area of W.A.

INTRODUCTION

Tropical coast around Port Hedland (these species should perhaps be
presented separately because they might be ill-adapted to the temperate
regions):

Ground Cover: Canavalia maritima and Ipomoea pes-caprae, both
with showy violet flowers on trailing vines that produce healthy, luxuriant
foliage in extreme proximity to the sea.

Herbs and Sub-Shrubs: Gomphrena canascens and G. leptoclada,
low bushy herbs with bright rose-coloured heads, large and small, respectively,
on open dunes, zone Il. Crotalaria cunninghamii, tall and rangy, with the
curious greenish “bird-flower,” zone |Il.

Shrub: Acacia translucens, with small, hard leaves and many pretty
yellow heads, zone I.

Small Tree: Ficus platypoda, densely crowned, rough-barked.
TEMPERATE COAST:

Ground Cover: Carpobrotus aequilaterale, of course, zone |. Portulaca
conspicua, plants themselves nothing much but intense yellow flowers on
exposed bare rock, zone |. Hardenbergia comptoniana is a vine for Zone Il.

Herbs and Sub-Shrubs: Angianihus cunninghamii and Calocephalus
brownii, both with striking whitish leaves and glowing yellow heads, zone 1.
Rhagodia baccata does well in zone | and individuals with sprays of purplish
fruit are handsome, but there is much variation and the species is sometimes
quite unattractive. Dampiera incana, foliage and flowers both pretty, zone Il

Shrubs: Adenanthos sericea, in both foliage and flowers among the
loveliest of all coastal plants, zone |. Beaufortia sparsa, spectacular red
inflorescences, zone Il. Pimelea ferruginea, big colourful inflorescences, and
P. clavata, smcll white heads and willow-like leaves, both Pimeleas in zone
Il. Capparis spinosa, tough little shrubs with curious flowers on limestone,
zones | and |l. Atriplex isatidea, more of a curiosity than a beauty, coarse
plant with striking silvery colour on all parts—leaf, stem, and inflorescence—
zone |. Templetonia retusa is the most colourful of the temperate coastal
shrubs with its large red pea flowers and is rivalled only by Melaleuca huegelii
when in flower.

There is a good selection of other shrubs that are not especially notable
for flowers but give handsome, dense hedge-like growth in zone I: the broad
ond hard-leaves Myoporum insulare and the two Scaevolas, S. crassifolia a
=+ prostrate shrub tclerant of some salt spray and S. nitida, a taller plant
for further back in the sheltered zones; and a nice group of heath-like
species: Andersonia sprengelioides, Alyxia buxifolia, the fragrant Westringia
dampieri, two Melaleucas, M. huegelii and M. microphylla, and of course,
Olearia axillaris.

Small Trees: Acacia cuneata (often only a shrub on limestone), zone |,
and Acacia cyclopis and A. rostellifera, handsome foliage with bronze flowers
and finally, the graceful Agonis flexuosa.



@@@ 48 @@@



Page 336—Vol. 3 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAK June, 1966

CYMBIDIUM CANALICULATUM

Colour Photography by P. Featherstone.
THE “BLACK ORCHID"

C. canaliculatum is highly perfumed, it has a strong semi pendulous spike with many
flowers, the colour variable from pale milk-chocolate and yellow, to dark chocolate and cream.
Note that in some of the far northern Queensland forms the variety sparkesii, the dark
plum-coloured flowers, almost black, give rise to the local name or misname of the ‘‘Black
Orchid.” The perfume of C. canaliculatum is strongly vanilla and when grown well is a very
hardy and lovely plant.

C. candliculatum has as the name implies, very canal-shaped leaves
which catch every drop of rain or dew and conducts same straight down
into the base of the bulbs where the root area is. They grow in the full
sun in large old dead giants of trees that look as if they have been dead
for 50 years at least. | have seen some very large handsome plants in the
Boggabilla area but do not make the mistake of trying to get them out of
the trees, you will smash them to pieces and destroy much more than you
will get.

These plants are protected by law. An interesting side-light is thrown on
C. canaliculatum by the fact that many tribes of aborigines knew that
by pounding up the bulbs and drinking the liquid produced they could cure
disentry and | understand the plant or the medicine from it, was called
“humpy-dumpy.”

SURREY BEATTY & SONS, PrintERs, Rickard Road, Chipping Norton — 602-7404, 602-6522