'Australian Plants' Vol.4 No.29 December 1966 +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The text in this file has been extracted from 'Australian Plants' Vol.4 No.29 December 1966. | | | | Please note that the file was compiled from a scan of the original document. 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Ltd WARATAHS AND HOW TO GROW THEM GREVILLEAS—The Spider Flowers—For the Garden @@@ 2 @@@ Page 2—Vol. ¢ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—THIS ISSUE December, 1966 CONTENTS OF THIS BOOK This is the first issue in Volume No. 4 of this periodical. Volume No. 4 will be a complete book in itself and although readers are advised to procure the previous volumes if available, they are not essential for the full appreciation of this book. The Australian flora is so large and diverse that the full coverage would be a never ending story. For the benefit of readers who have just found this publication we attempt to make each volume as complete a guide as would be necessary for the lay home gardener to immediately take up the cultivation of wildfiowers. CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE The principal theme of this issue is the large plant family Proteaceae with particular reference to Telopea the ‘“Waratah', and Grevillea. Although meny plants are mentioned and described in each issue, it being necessary to mention botanical names and semi-technical botanical classification schemes, we are essentially interested in the cultivation of wild flowers for the home gardener. GROWING WILDFLOWERS WARATAH—‘Growing Waratahs’’ by F. H. Stone—page 3. ‘“Propagation of Waratah''—page 24. ‘“‘Propagation from Seed’’ by L. K. Bates—page 15. GREVILLEA—There are a number of articles each describing different species that the competent writers recommend. The growing conditions for Waratah are also ideal for Grevillea. ““Small Grevillea” by P. Stanley—page 6—G. capitellata, G. fasciculata, G. browni. ‘“Propagation of Grevillea”—page 14. The methods for Waratah also apply. “Propagation from Seed’’ by L. K. Bates—page 15. “Grevillea Gems From W.A.” by F. Lullfitz & E. Wittwer—page 7. “Grevilleas’” by Ivo C. Hammet—page 8. ““The Plume Grevilleas’’ by R. D. Royce—page 9. “Low Growing Greviliea—Some Species from W.A."—by K. Newby—page 10. “Flame Cone Grevillea’—page 12. “Red Poker Flowered Grevillea’—page 12. “Grevillea wilsonii’’, by A. L. Hargrave—page 13. “Grevillea aspera’” by P. Stanley—page 38. ‘““My Favourite Grevillea,”” G. fleruosa, by M. Ritson—page 13. “‘Grevillea From the Far North’ by K. Bates—page 14. “Grevillea in South Australia” by Ron Hill—page 14. ““Nutrition of Grevillea robusta” by C. W. E. Moore—page 39. BANKSIA & DRYANDRA—Cultivate as you would Waratah—page 37. HIBISCUS LIKE FLOWERS—The previous four issues have each carried an article on a genus of plants that have hibiscus like flowers belonging to the family Malvaceae. ““‘Alyogyne—The Genus'’ by Paul A. Fryxell—page 16. ‘““More Hibiscus—Malvaceous Shrubs for South Australian Gardens' by R. L. Hill—page 19. “‘Thespesia populnea’—page 20. PLANTS FOR WET SITUATIONS-—The two previous issues have been devoted to the cultivation of wildflowers in heavy soil and clay gardens. Continuing this series: ‘“Water Absorbing Plants’’—page “Clay Soils in Gardens—Tasmani by T. D. Raphael—page 26. EUCALYPTUS—THE AUSTRALIAN “GUM’ TREES. Although mention has been made of the Eucalypts in past issues, particularly the ““Red Flowering Gum’ in our No. 14 issue, and some of the mallees, it is intended to commence a new series of articles on these important trees. “Eucalypts For Wet Situations’—page 25. “Eucalyptus forrestiana’—page 48. ORCHIDS—Each issue features some native orchids. The usual coverage is not provided this issue as the articles arrived to the editor too late and 1 am having great difficulty in obtaining good colour slides. ‘“‘Terrestrial Orchids—Some N.S.W. Orchids of the Swamps’” by K. Holmes—page 27 ROSACEAE—THE FAMILY by A. M. Gray—page 29. “The Genus Geum In Australia’’—page 29. “The Genus Acaena In Australia’’—page 30. “The Genus Rubus In Australia’—page 30. Potentilla anserina—page 31. STYLOBASIUM—The Genus—page 33. WILDFLOWERS OF TASMANIA—The article on ‘“The Family Rosaceae' is actually the sixth in a series of articles on the wildflowers of our island State. ALPINE FLORA and GARDFENING—The article ‘“The Family Rosaceae’ mentions a number of plants suitable for ‘‘Alpine Gardening.” ACACIAS—THE WATTILE TREES—Continuing a series. ‘“‘Small Acacias’ bv F. J. Rogers—page 32. INSECTIVOROUS PLANTS—Unjoue plants that prev on insects. ““The West Anstralian Pitcher Plant” by F. Lullfitz—paee 34. Cultivation—page 37 ‘““The Pitcher Plant as an Insect Trap’’ by Prof. B. J. Grieve—page 28. “The Rainbow Plant—Buyblis aigantea’—page 37. NATIVE CLIMBERS—Marianthus erubescens—page 37. FLANNEL FLOWERS—Pictured on the cover. Easily grown perennials that will rompo in your garden. Obtain fresh seed, scatter in vour garden, then burn some dead leaves over the seed. Water well the next day. For more complete coverage where these plants are featured see No. 22 issue. OUR PUBLICATIONS . . . AVAILABLE FROM EDITOR BY MAIL ONLY 860 Henry Taweon Drive, Picnic Point, N.S.W. — Please be patient for a reply AUSTRALIAN PLANTS 5 Volume No. 1. issues 1-12 has now sold out but exceot for issnes 2 & 12 the remaining 10 issues are available at 40 cents each + 5c¢ postage or $4.00 4 20c postage for the Vol. 1 set. Supplies of Volume No. 2 (issues 13-20) at $6.00 + 20c postage are still available, manv of the issues bheing no Jonger available sinelv. Volume No. 3 (issues 21-28) will be available by March, 1967 fully bound at $6.00 + 20c postage. @@@ 3 @@@ December, 1966 _ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 3—Vol 4 GROWING WARATAHS by Frank H. Stone, Waratah Park, Bilpin, N.S.W. Propagation from seed or cuttings now presents no real problems, however the subject of cultivation of our most prized and so far most difficult native plant to tame, to the big majority of gardeners still presents a challenge fraught with so much frustration that many have given up hope of ever producing a worthwhile specimen in their gardens. At various times during the last eight years of close study of these plants both in their natural and cultivated state, | have felt that | may have “stumbled” on the secret but now at last | feel that recent observations coupled with previous experience may provide the answer. First let us deal with the bush plants. There is no doubt whatever thai a bush fire is the only complete answer to rejuvenation. It will be found that Waratahs usually grow in association with Leguminosae. The scraggy looking Waratah with many weak canes bearing an occasional flower or two, small and on very short stalks, is struggling. lts falling leaves have built around its base a small pyramid of leaves and leaf mould. This cool fertile area is eagerly sought by the roots of its widely foraging neighbouys and the mass of fibrous roots at its base are almost certainly of foreign origin. Fertilizer (blocd and bone, foul manure, etc.) is eagerly snapped up by its competitors and is of little benefit to the bush waratah. Now comes the fire:— Most if not all of its surface feeding, foraging neighbours are burnt and die whilst the Waratah is, underground, very much alive and from its ligno tuber it soon sends up strong healthy canes. The plant now free of competition, makes good use of the supply of nitrogen, left by its “pea” family neighbours as well no doubt as the potash from the fire. Two springs later, i.e., say eighteen to twenty months, we find at least three or four large flowers on strong erect canes four or five feet high. Whether we prune them or not, the size and number of flowers decrease progressively as does the vigour of the plant in relation to the recovery and regrowth of the bush in its immediate vicinity. In five or six years our Waratah is back again to its scraggy struggling existence in fierce competition and occasionally only after a good season, producing a good cane or two. During the sustained drought such as ino 1965/6, the plant will, unless in a favoured position, die right back and all seems lost until good soaking rain produces fresh growth from the ligno tuber, “BUT” not the vigorous canes one expects after fire. Why? Because its competitors have weathered the drought and are again as voracious as ever. The conclusions to be drawn from this appear to be:— 1. That waratahs need a root run free from competition. 2. Nitrogen and probably potash. 3. A very friable too soil (most top soils tend to compact after a few years and a good fire undoubtedly loosens this up). 4. A constant supply of moisture in the sub-soil. GROW WARATAH FROM SEED Mr. Stone continues his article on page 21. Waratah belongs to the great plant family Proteaceae which also includes Banksia, Dryandra (see page 37), Isopogon and the principal subject of this issue Grevillea. The methods of cultivation are similar although most Grevillea are easier to grow. A method of propagation of Proteaceae including Waratah is given on vage 15 and also page 24. Waratah are particularly easy to germinate from seed. @@@ 4 @@@ AUSTHF PLANTS—PROTEACEAEF December, 1966 Grevillea aspera Grevillea capitellata Grevillea YWHIL Grevillea fasciculata Frotography of G. brownii by J. Joshua, the other threce by Clive Ilane @@@ 5 @@@ December, 1966 TRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 5—Vol. 4 GREVILLEA Easily grown plants with Spider-like Flowerheads Articles by competent horticulturalists on the many Grevilleas that ot only small stature and are especially recommended for ommence over the page are prostrate or rock gardans or as ground coser by courtesy of Faterson Brokensha Pty Ltd Perth W.A. SPIDER NET BUSH (Grevilleza thelamanniana) FOUR SMALL GREVILLEAS RECOMMENDED FOR ROCKERIES (For fuller descriptions see ‘“‘SMALL GREVILLEAS’’ on page 6) Grevillea aspera, it seems to me, shonld be krown as the “Flinder's Range Grevillea.” The inflorescence is fairly compact. about an inch to an inch and a half long. As well as being terminal it proc=eds from each leat axil, as is wzll shown in the picture yrevillea capitellata, anyone familiar with this species will recognise it immediately. Again, the rather compact inflove ence 1s Lypical, attached by 2 Jong peduncle (you have to 100k very closely to follow this brown-green attachment). This attachment hut arising from a Jeat avil Grevillea fasciculata, this is probably a very good form which G=orge Althofer It is quite prostrate. It is very hardy, flowers for a long period, appearing like of glowing embers on the ground Grevillea brownpii. this little plant will thrive if left alone, and one that is completely has flourished. while others that have had “‘attention’” have passed on. The vellow colonr nt th= style is not very evident in this print. The sparkling colour pacie is its chief glory is not termi-:al released d mass @@@ 6 @@@ Page 6—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE December, 1966 SMALL GREVILLEAS by Patrick Stanley, Canisius College, Pymble, N.S.W. The objective is to describe more fully the species shown on the colour plate on page 4 The first species, Grevillea aspera is such a gem that 1 have devoted a whole article to it on page 38. SOME GREVILLEAS SUITABLE FOR ROCK GARDENS Grevillea capitellata—At the present time this specific name covers quite a few Grevilleas, and when the species is revised it is probable that these will be elevated to specific rank. A characteristic of the group is the “ball-like’”” arrangement of the flowers, on a rather long peduncle. Some fcrms are found south of Sydney, around National Park, while others are across the Hawkesbury River, in the Calga, Mangrove Mountain region. The lower growing forms make suitable rockery plants; the one illustrated being useful in this respect. The Mangrove Mountain form is perhaps the best of these, while one from near the Holdsworthy Military Camp, with grey-green linear leaves and pink flowers, should be an asset in the rock garden. The two cther Grevilleas are from Western Australia. In the recent oublication of the Society for Growing Australian Plant’'s West Australian %lants we find Grevillea fasciculata described as a shrub, 3 to 6 feet, with -ed flowers. This description will surprise those in the east who are familiar with the procumbent form, which is such a gem of a rockery plant. The same may apply to G. thelemanniana; the form most frequently met with in Eastern States is a mat forming plant. A recent visitor to these parts, Mr. George Lullfitz, from Perth, assures us that we have yet to see the best forms. In spite of this we advise anyone looking for a Grevillea to use in a rockery, to lay hold of this procumbent form of G. fasciculata, with flowers the colour of glowing embers and an abundance of them in late autumn. G. brownii is described in the above publication, as a slender shrub, 3 feet, with red flowers. Like G. fasciculata it comes from the Stirling district, south of Perth. We hear from authorities in the west that this species is also quite variable. This of course is no prerogative of the west, for unless a species is extremely rare, variation is sure to occur. G. brownii is however, a small plant, with small flowers, borne over a long period. What is lacking in the size of the flowers is made up for in the vivid colouring. G. brownii should be an accommodating plant in a rock garden, as its leaves are quite small, and it could be used where a little height is called for. Low growing forms of G. alpina and the prostrate form of G. lavandulacea should not be overlooked in rockeries, while Edwin Ashby’s form of G. ericifolia should be close to top priority. These are but a few of the Grevilleas suitable for the small rock garden. Perhaps someone in the west may like to add to this list, because as George Lullfitz says, “We have a lot of good ones in the west that you don’t see over here” (in the Eastern States). Rather than leave this invitation ‘‘up in the air,” I directed it to Mr. Fred Lullfitz, one of the most experienced men in the field of West Australian wildflowers. His resnonse to this plea was immediate, and I thank him for his courtesy, and the valuable information imparted. Mr. Lullfitz writes: ‘I have consulted Ernie Wittwer about Grevilleas for rockeries, and I will write what he has given me."” NOTE: Mr. Wittwer is a verv experienced nurservman, and his publication alreadv referred to—'‘West Australian Plants’’ (page 120), is worth careful attention. Hence the following notes are of great value, beineg. as they are, the result of observations by a specialist nurseryman, and the man in the field. contribution in the @@@ 7 @@@ Dw‘ttmi)mr‘, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 7—Vol. 4 Grevillea Gems from W.A. Some notes on the prostrate or dwarf Grevillea from West Australia that would be ideal for use in small or rock gardens, by F. Lullfitz and E. Wittwer. G. thelemanniana. Mat forming plant, or bushy (3 to 4 feet), the species is very variable, colour pinkish to scarlet, leaves green or greyish. vest form for rockeries is the prostrate growing plant (preferably grown from cuttings), which wiil cover approximately one square yard in the third year. This species has also proved itself in window boxes and large ornamental pots. About 19 months ago we planted in a 3 foot diameter concrete pot, a cutting out of a 5 inch pot. The plant is now travelling over the edges and has been flowering for 2 to 3 months (May) and will keep on till late spring. The pot stands on the east side of the potting shed and gets full morning sun, and in summer up till about 2 p.m. See colour plate page 5. G. tridentifera var. biternata (G. biternata). The form growing at King’s Park comes from near Ajana, is prostrate, grows easily from cuttings and quickly. In Perth’s sandy soil it is rather shy in flowering, but in gravelly soil (laterite) it may be more floriferous. The foliage is fresh green and the plant is decorative even without flowers. NOTE: In the eastern states this Grevillea from W.A. is known under a variety of names—G. tridentifera, G. triternata and G. biternata. The latter name is the best known and the correct name according to C. A. Gardner. So highly is it esteemed that a Government Department in N.S.W. has just taken delivery of 2000 plants. In the Victorian Mallee in spring 1965 I saw a plant, not quite 2 years old, with a diameter of 22 feet. (P.S.) G. fasciculata. Very variable, 3 to 4 feet, its red flowers appear nearly the whole year. Dwarf forms again, to be propagated for rockeries. G. quercifolia. A prostrate Grevillea from the Darling Ranges and Jarrah forest, and therefore likes some shade. The flowers are pink-purple. G. pilulifera. A dwarf bushy shrub, 1 to 2 feet high, flowers woolly- white, the style yellow to orange. G. saccata. “Pouched Grevillea.” Compact shrub to 12 inches, flowers red, a very good rockery plant. G. thyrsoides. This plant is outstanding for rockery work. It develops into a mound, fairly dense, to 18 inches high and up to 3 feet or more in diameter. The flower spikes are borne in ray formation, up to 24 inches away from the plant on bare stalks. The flowers are in panicles up to 4 inches long, and are a delightful pink, slightly hairy, and having a very long flowering period. G. bipinnatifida. “Grape Grevillea.” Very good, hugs the ground, 24 inches high to 3 feet across, free flowering with dull red flowers. Some forms have green foliage, while others, in the hills, have glaucous leaves. G. synapheae. A shrub about 18 inches high and 3 feet in diameter. Masses of cream flower heads in spring, with very attractive “synaphea” leaves. G. prostrata. Completely prostrzte, cream flowers. G. nana. Prostrate, with red flowers. G. eryngioides. Suckers freely, large attractive novel leaves, with erect flower stalks, greenish-black flowers. G. obtusifolia. A variable plant, flowers white to red, prostrate and hugging the ground, or erect to 10 feet. Foliage is a most attractive shining areen, with entire, “unoffensive’” leaves. Of the species described on page 19, the fol'lowing av> especiallv recommended G. brownii (outstanding low forms with usually red flowers), G. asparagoides, G. nudiflora and G. rudis. 1 @@@ 8 @@@ Page 8—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE ~ December, 1966 GREVILLEAS by Mr. Ivo C. Hammet If Acacias and Eucalypts be excepted, Grevilleas are probably the most widely known and widely grown of Australian native plants, and this pcpularity it well deserved. Most of them grow easily, are simple to propogate, have showy flowers which are very attractive to honeyeating birds, and are very tractable—that is, they can be grown as hedges, (G. juniperina, G. rosmarinifolia), or espalier fashion (G. juniperina, G. stenomera). As befits true members of the plant family Proteaceae, they differ very much in appearance and habit. They may be large trees—G. robusta, G. striata, semi-climbars—G. stenomera, and the climbing Mallez form ot G. ilicifolia—or lovely creepers—G. repens, G. laurifolia, G. fascicularis. Some have tiny flowers—G. australis, G. parviflora, large flowers—G. asparagoides, G. tripartita, or even large terminal flower spikes—G. excelsior, G. eriostachys, G. leucopteris. The leaves may be large almost palmate—G. barklyana, very divided—G. bipinnatifida, G. robusta, soft as in G. lanigera, hard and prickly— G. huegelli. The varying colours almost defy description—dark red, almost black—G. wilsoni, grey—G. buxifolia, orange—G. alpina, green—G. alping, white—G. leucopteris. Block donated by N. B. Thomson. "The Plume Grevillea’’—Grevillea leucopteris Meissn. Plants with brilliant flowers need not rely on perfume to attract pollinating agents, and so Grevilleas mostly are not perfumed, except perhaps those pollinated by flies or night flying moths. The scent of G. leucopteris on a warm night is something to be remembered. The No. 21 issue has a special section on “Scented Grevillea.” Space is not available to list all those Grevilleas which are desirable, but | might mention the few which | have found hard to grow. G. eryngioides, G. synapheae, G. repens, G. juncifolia, G. leucopteris, G. pterosperma. If | were starting afresh to grow Grevilleas | would chocse the following:— G. juniperina, G. lavandulaceae, G. tripartita, G. fascicularic, G. asparagoides, G. petrophiloides. | have grown over 100 different species of Grevillea over many years and to me the outstanding attribute is their tractability. By this | mean their response to disciplinary measure, chiefly pruning. Many plants resent pruning but | have no experience of any Grevillea that dislikes it. @@@ 9 @@@ December, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 9—Vol. 4 THE PLUME GREVILLEAS by R. D. Royce Grevillea leucopteris and G. annulifera are the only species of their cection (Cycladenia) which bear panicles of flowers on long leafless branches. The flowers are similar in the two species, but the fruit and leaves are different. G. leucopteris has pinnatisect leaves with long, erect, relatively soft cegmants, while G. annulifera has oinnatisect leaves with short, divaricats pungent segments. The fruit of G. leucopteris is elliptical, compressed, and dehiscent, the seeds having an annular membransus wing. In G. annulifera, the fruit is glcbular, 2 cm. in diameter, breaking irregularly to ched 2 large hemispherical wingless seeds. Block donated by N. B. Thomson Grevillea annulifera F. Muell. It may be objected that in a wild flower garden, the presence of a plant whzee appearance has bz:n aitered by pruning cr other artificial means is an anomaly but ihiz is not necessarily so. The long term result should be a plant whose situation and appearcnze is quite natural. For example, Grevillea thelemanniana in its natural state will often b> {found scrambling over rocks or logs like a miniature coascade. | planted a species on a bank but because of the envircnment, light, shade and air, it persisted in growing upwards. However by anchering its main branch to ihe ground with a heavy stone, it was induced to grow ocut and over the edge of the bank where now it hangs down quite naturally for about 5 feet. The top of the plant now spreads out flat withcut the nzcessity for further artificial restraint. The same thing has occurred with Grevillea repens (Mt. Ccle, Victoria type) and to a closer degree with the Kingslake type form. The growth of Grevillea rosmarinifolia or G. juniperina as a hedge, a ¢mall tree, ground cover, or as an espalier specimen provides further examples cf the versatility of the genus. Grevillea juniperina may be grown horizontally in sinuous fashion so ihat the branch will grcw alternately un and down like the back of the conventional cea serpent. It is well to remember that, whilst Grevilleas do not resent pruning, the most effective results are achieved by nipping the growing tips at the right place and time, a rule applicable to most native plants. @@@ 10 @@@ Page 10—Vol, 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE December, 1966 LOW GROWING GREVILLEA Some Species from W.A. by Ken Newbey There are a number of the smaller Grevillea species from the South-west area of W.A. which would be well suited for use in smaller gardens and rockeries. They have a good range of foliage, flowers, flowering periods and soil requirements, so that a selection of these species, biended in with species of other genera could produce o striking effect. When selecting species it must be remembered that some of the species listed are low growing only under exposed conditons and will become tall when sheltered. Other medium growing Grevillea species may become low growing if subjected to exposed conditions. Most of the species listed grow within the Ongerup area but some come from the Northern Wheatbelt. The descriptions of G. asparagoides, G. rudis, G. thyrsoides and G. yorkrakinensis are taken from limited observations only and should be treated as such. Where the style of the flower is described as being long or short; this refers to the length of the style protruding from the perianth tube as compared with the length of the perianth tube. Grevillea acerosa A fairly well shaped shrub to 2 ft. in height and up to 3 ft. across found growing on sand, loam and granitic soil in 14" to 20" rainfall. Leaves are light green, almost terete, ending in a fine drawn out point, finely grooved, slightly under 1/16” in diameter, varing in length from " to 1" on short branchlets. Flowers are small, grey, %" long forming small, loose axillary clusters almost along the entire length of the branches. Flowers from August to October. An unusual and outstanding plant in flower for either exposed or sheltered situations. Will stand a certain amount of poor drainage. Grevillea apiciloba Found growing as a slightly open, divaricate and rigid branched shrub to 3 ft. in height and 4 ft. across on sands, loams and gravel clays in 14" to 16" rainfall. Leaves are dark green, terete, rigid, pungent, slightly under 1/16” diameter, varying in length from 1" to 2”, usually divided into 3’s, sometimes simple and plentiful on the newer growth. Flowers are grey, with long black styles, narrow, about s long forming “toothbrushes” up to 3" in length. Flowers throughout the year but is at its best in the spring. An outstanding plant both in flower and foliage for either exposed or sheltered, well drained situations. Under poor drainage conditions it may reach the height of 7 ft. Grevillea asparagoides Found growing as a dense, rigid and much branched, fairly well shaped shrub to 4 ft. on gravel loam in 14" rainfall. Leaves are dark green, fairly rigid, pungent, narrow, under 1/16"” wide, divided into 3 spreading segments which may be again divided. Overall, the leaves vary from 17 to 1%" in length and from %" to 1" in width. Flowers are red, have long styles, over 1” long forming terminal, pendant loose racemes up to 22" long and plentiful. Flowers August-September. An outstanding species in flower with attractive foliage for well drained and exposed positions. Grevillea brownii A somewhat open, upright, few stemmed shrub to 2 ft. found growing on sand, loam or gravel in 20" to 30" rainfall. Leaves are dark green, soft, Y2 @@@ 11 @@@ [?t'('(’lll'l(‘l'.V“)(;tir AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 11—Vol. 4 usually ovate, sometimes linear, sessile, varying in length from %" to %" and plentiful on short branchlets. Flowers are red, with short styles, 2" long, axillary and plentiful. Flowers July-September. An ocutstanding plant in both flower and foliage for either exposed or sheltered, well drained situations. Has a denser and lower spreading habit under exposed situations. See colour plate on page 4. Grevillea concinna The BUSHY FORM. Always found on granitic soils in 14" - 16" rainfall as a low, leafy, well shaped shrub to 3 ft. in height and 4 ft. across. Young plants are usually prostrate. Leaves are flexible, dark areen, narrow, about %" wide, from %8 to 2” in length, upright on short branchlets. Flowers are brownish red, with long red styles, about 1” long, forming numerous terminal 17 to 112" "toothbrushes”. Flowers on and off throughout the year but is at its best in the spring. This is one of the outstanding small W.A. Grevillea species for well drained and exposed situations. Grevillea disjuncta Found growing on loams and gravel in 15" rainfall as an open, spreading, rigid branched shrub to 18” in height and 2’6" acrcss. Leaves are light grey green, soft, more or less terete, finely grooved, 1/32” in diameter, from 4" to %" in length and often close together on the newer wood. Flowers are reddish brown, with long styles, about %" long, axillary, solitary and fairly plentiful. Flowers frem July till September. An interesting average species both in flower and foliage for fairly well drained exposed or sheltered situations. Grevillea fasciculata Varies in habit from a simple, single stemmed, few branched upright plant to 2 ft. to a low, open, dome shaped plant to 15 in height and 3 ft. across, and usually found on sands or loams in 16" rainfall. Leaves ore green, soft, narrow, about %" wide and from %" to 1% in length. Flcwers are reddish, with short yellow styles, broad, slightly under 2" in length, in axillary, and terminal clusters of about 8 and borne in profusion. Flowers from July till September. 1" This species has a somewhat variable habit ranging from a low, fairly dense shrub in exposed situations to an upright one in sheltered positions. Very good in flower with average foliage and it will stand some poor drainage. See colour plate on page 4. Grevillea haplantha A dense, low spreading or dome shaped shrub with many divaricate, rigid branches, found on sand and coarse sandy loam in 14" - 17" rainfall. Leaves are dull green, soft, narrow, %" wide, varying from 3%" to 1%" in length and more or less upright. Flowers are brownish red, with long styles, about %" long, axillary in 1's or 2's and plentiful. Flowers from June till September. A very good ground cover plant for exposed or sheltered positions, average in flower and will stand some poor drainage. Grevillea huegelii Usually found on clays or heavier loams in 15" rainfall where it forms an untidy shrub up to 18" in height and 4 ft. across. Leaves are dull dark green, rigid, pungent, pinnate, up to 12" long and 2" wide. Leaf segments are narrow, '8"” wide, varying from 2" to 1” in length and (Continued on page 22) @@@ 12 @@@ Page 12—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE December, 1956 Flame Cone Grevillea There are three Grevillea species with heads of flowers thrust out from the bush iike flaming yellow cones. These are distinct from the “Plume Grevillea” on page 9 whzre a number of flower heads are grouped on the cne long stalk. These are G. eriostachya (a colour plate of these large flower heads is on the front cover of the No. 21 issue), G. excelsior (shown bzlow, the famous “Flame Grevillea”) and G. pteridifolia. The first two species are almost identical but have not been grown very successfully yet. The editor suspects that if they were grown as recommended for Warateh in this issue, the result in the garden would be soectacular. G. eriostachya is small being a shrub only 3-4 feet high and is native to Central Australia as well as W.A. Block donated by N. B. Thomson. The Pine Grevillea, Grevillea excelsior and Grevillea biformis Grevillea excelsior is mentioned above. Grevillea biformis is a shrub 3-10 ft. with bright yellow flowers. Various species of Grevillea have flowers ranging from white to red but who will advise of any other species with a bright yellow flower as shown on G. biformis above? Grevillea pteridifolia offers the most promise for gardeners who want a more hardy plant of this type. It is a tree of trooical Australia (see paae 14). li is drought hardy, tolerant of wet feet and high humidity and fairly frost hardy. A smali compact form reported by D. N. Gordon in our No. 21 issue, with beautiful foliage and almost year-round flowering should be very widely grown. RED POKER FLOWERED GREVILLEA The red flewer heads (shown in a colour plate in our No. 21 issue that does not do real justice to this fascinating plant) are in the form of a poker up to 10 inches in length and are carried on long stalks 6-8 feet above ths small grey green fairly soarce bush, in these species. Grevillea petrophiloides is widely known. The cnly other Grevillea with a flower of this type is . rogersoniana, a recent discovery. The latter differs in having flat, lobed leaves and much larger more verrucose fruit. Cultivation is again as recommended for Waratah in the coastal areas. Further reports are required but very healthy plonts are reported from hot inland areas. @@@ 13 @@@ December, 1966 - fll{fil@}]/lfi/ l’gl!y]fif[’l?OTEAL‘EAE - Page 1137\/01;‘} o GREVILLEA WILSONII by A. L. Hargrave One of the finest of our Grevilleas. It has proved difficult to grow for some. It likes open country. My own plant faces the west and the plant at Maranoa Gardens also faces the west and both are beautiful and very healthy plants. | have found that it likes a good well composted soil, a gocd top mulch such as wood chips and plenty of water in summer months. | have not been successful with seed germination but find that vegetative propagation, i.e. by cuttings, is rewarding. As this species has a slight tendency to sucker | have also propagated from root cuttings. From F. Lullfitz—Known in W.A. as “Native Fuchsia”, this is an outstanding floral specimen with bright red flowers. It suckers freely, growing in laterite in forest country of the Darling Ranges. Block donated by N. B. Thomson. Grevillea wilsonii This is not a good slide of the magnificent plant but it does show one of the outstanding features of this plant in the W.A. bush. The bright red flowers seem to blaze colour and stand out from a distance. It is the most sought after species by all Grevillea enthusiasts My Favourite Greviliea by M. Ritson, Grindon, Boyupbrook, W.A. GREVILLEA FLEXUOSA— This prostrate Grevillea grows among the ironstone outcrops, is summer flewering but rather inconspicuous. When brought into the garden with summer watering it thrives and is one of my most aitractive plants. In early summer it is a mass of pale pink flowers born on long heads that stand out con- spicuously from the foliage, but for the rest of the season, it bears them more sparsely. However it is well worth a place in the garden for its foliage alone, soft green feathers to me, but what | believe you call very deeply divided leaves. This Grevillea is by far the most useful ground cover plant in my garden. It was named for me by Mr. C. A. Gardner. @@@ 14 @@@ Page 14—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE December, 1966 GREVILLEAS FROM THE FAR NORTH by L. K. Bates, Mareeba, QId. The following species grow naturally in a relatively hot monsoonal region, i.e. plants can stand dry out and also severe wet. Grevillea pteridifolia. Tree of open habit, attractive when young, but becomes “gangly’” with age. Often flowers more than once per year carrying over 200 orange flowers for at least 6 weeks. Transplants at any height. Germinaticns in neutral soil; fast growth; 15-30 ft. Grevillea parallela. One of our best. Normally columnar, deep green foliage carrying masses of creamy white blooms at tree top during July and August, 15-20 ft. Germinates readily from seed. Grevillea mimosoides. A 10 ft. tree with cork bark, of a somewhat straggly, Banksia-like habit. Blooms in November—Iight yellow multiple spikes are attractive, bring myriads of honey-seeking insects, and thus many native birds. Relatively low germination rate. Grevillea dryandrii. The chcicest of small plants, growing only 9 inches in height with a two foot spread. It is found in dry, stony, poor country. Foliage is most attractive, while large flowers (multiple spikes) of cream and pink adorn the plant for a long period. Seed germination less than 50%. GREVILLEA IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA by Ron Hill, Botanic Gardens, Adelaide The only two prostrate Grevillea not described by other authors here, that | could recommend are. Grevillea laurifolia. This is a native of N.S\W. | have seen it growing in the Blue Mountains where it makes a rather sparse tangled mat of deep green leaves, the leaves being 2-3" long and 1”-2" broad. The deep red flowers are quite conspicuous during spring. In Adelaide there are several plants doing very well and | think the species is the best for a flat ground cover. Grevillea ilicifolia var. lobata. Comes from the mallee areas of Vic. and S. Aust. and is usually completely prostrate in its best form. Long branches hug the ground with deep-cut holly-like leaves arranged along them. The flowers are red or greenish and are produced on terminal branchlets flat on the ground. PROPAGATION OF GREVILLEA The methods recommended for Waratah are suitable for most species. However, some seed appears reluctant to germinate and rot easily if kept too wet. Previous issues describe some special methods, one of these being the very careful peeling off of the covering of the seed which seems to inhibit germination. Propagation by cuttings has been widely successful, an excellent method being as follows: A 50-50 mix of coarse sand and peat moss is wetted and the excess moisture is squeezed out. The mixture is put into a clean pot, the cutting set in it and the not is then olaced in a olastic bag. This is tied at the top and susoended in a light place, but out of direct sunlight. Watering is not necessary for about three weeks. @@@ 15 @@@ Dt*g(-mht'r.’ 19566 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—FROPAGATION Page 15—Vol. 4 PROPAGATION FROM SEED For ihe Beginner, by a Beginner . . . L. K. Bates of Mareeba, North QId. The lower Atherton Tableland has a relatively hot climate with heavy monsoonal rain for nearly four months and drought conditions for seven menths, when drying out is a great problem. The following cultivation methods have been successful in this climate, and may possibly be modified for other climates. | have concentrated on growing the Honey Flora type of shrub and irees belonging to the Families Myrtaceae and Proteaceae. GERMINATION— (a) Myrtaceae Family (Tiny seeds of Callistemon, Melaleuca, some Eucalypts, etc.). These are germinated by bottem watering. Take a 2 |b. fruit tin, punch large holes in the bottom, and put it inside another tin larger in diameter but not in height. For soil | mix gravel and a good acid soil in the proportion 4:1. The gravel prevents soil from becoming too wet and the mixture is gocd to grow plants to 3 or 4 inches, when | plant straight into garden. Sprinkle a pinch of seed on top of soil, pat down with finger, keep moist with an inch or two of water in outer tin, and seeds germinate here in about a week. Tins should be protected from rain initially, but when plants are 2" high, they may be watered in the usual manner. Key points are constant moisture withcut drowning, no disturbance of seeds, and heat (no problem here—I germinate throughout the year, actually bringing tins inside during hottest summer months). (b) Proteaceae Family (Large seeds of Grevillea, Hakea, Banksia, etc.). Again | use an acid soil, pH 5:9 (I cannot germinate in neutral soil). It is the worst coil | can find fertility-wise, a sand with a small clay content and no organic matter at all. Because it is so poor it appears to be virtually sterile, an important feature when planting seeds which may take months tc germinate. | place soil in wooden packing cases (no old tins please— seeds do not like rust), plant seeds on top of soil, firm onto soil, cover with gravel, and water in the conventional manner. Germination times for me range from 9 days (Hakea), through 13 days (Banksia), to 6 months. Seeds and plants do best on any raised slab of concrete, where the extra heat is cf great assistance. Normally | prick seedlings out immediately they germinate. They go into bottomless tins containing the 4:1 mix, sitting on scraps of fibro-cement sheeting (simply split down the side for planting out); the bottomless tin alsc drains well, a good point here where tins need '4” water per day tc stay moist in summer. These methods have been successful for 92 species from all parts of Australia. Complete failures have been few. PLANTING OUT— This is done from 2 ins. up (or when roots reach bottom in open tins). Ground is kept continually moist as plants must be acclimatised to wet cenditicns ready for monsoon rains. Editor’s Note: It is particularly pleasing to have at last made contact with a wildflower grower from the north of Australia. A study of the above article will reveal that the propagation methods given are similar to those mentioned previously and successfully used in areas all over Australia. Other methods are given on page 24. Most of our natives are so readily grown from seed. Why not try some? @@@ 16 @@@ Page 16—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE December, 1956 ALYOGYNE The genus Alyogyne by Paul A. Fryxell, Research Geneticist, Crops Research Division, Dept of Agriculture, in co-operation with Texas A. & M. Universitv, College Stn., Texas, U.S.A. Part 2 in a series of articies on plants in the family Malvaceae—Hibiscus-like flowers. This wholly Australian genus includes two or more shrubby species with showy flowers and distinct horticultural possibilities. The genus was originally proposed by Alefeld in 1863 to accommodate certain plants thai had earlier been placad in Hibiscus. When Lewton revised the genus in 1915 he con- sidered there to be four species, but Hutchinson in 1947 reduced this number to two: A. cuneiformis (DC.) Lewt. and A. hakeasfolia (Giord.) Alef. Photography by F. W. Humphreys ALYOGYNE HAKEAEFOLIA (Giord.) Alef. A beautiful shrub for the garden. The flower in the centre has the more usual colour, the others being more pink than normal. The anthers also are more of a rusty orange colour than the plate suggests. The flowers of this shrub bear a superficial resemblance to those of Sturt’s Desert Rose (Gossypium sturtianum featured in colour in our No. 26 issue with full details of its cultivation) in form and colour, but can readily be distinguished by the 5 long, acuminate calyx lobes and the inconspicuous scales that are the floral bracts at the base of the calyx. The fruits are small and remain enclosed within the calyx lobes; one immature fruit may be seen at the bottom of the picture. The leaves are quite distinctive, being madz up simply of very narrow linear segments @@@ 17 @@@ December, 1966 ) AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE Page 17—Vol. 4 He considered Lewton’s other two species as synonyms of A. hakeaefolia, a view that is doubtless correct. More recently Bates (1965) has suggested that two additional species of Hibiscus may be allied to Alyogyne: H. huegelii Endl. and H. farragei F.v.M. Bentham had made a similar suggestion in 1863, but the suggestion remains to be evaluated from more detailed studies. Alyogyne has flowers that are large and showy and that bear a distinct resemblance to those of Gossypium. The resemblance is considered superficial, however, and Alyogyne must be considered more closely allied to Hibiscus than to Gossypium. Alyogyne may be distinguished from Hibiscus by its characteristic six- toothed involucel, its semi-stipitate calyx, end its clavate style with decurrent stigmatic lobes. All of these traits are evident in the accompanying photo- graphs. In addition, the embryo is quite small and much simpler than that typical of Hibiscus and is completely enclosed by a well-developed endosperm, a tissue that is much reduced in Hibiscus. These embryo and endosperm characters indicate Alyogyne to be more primitive than Hibiscus. More on this later. The two species may be distinguished by the following key: A. Leaves simple, cuneate, spathulate, about 1 cm. broad; flowers white A. cuneiformis A.A. Leaves usually dissected; leaf segments narrowly linear to terete, 1-2 mm. broad, succulent; flowers mauve or sometimes yellow A. hakeaefolia 1. Alyogyne cuneiformis (DC.) Lewt. A much-branched shrub with spathulate or obovate leaves; the leaves thick, glabrous, entire, acute to obtuse. Flowers barely exceeding leaves, occurring singly on axillary, jointed peduncles. The involucel is of about six subulate bractlets. The flower and fruit appears somewhat stipitate above the involucel; calyx deeply 5-lobed; calyx lobes acuminate 2-3 cm. long. Petals large, white with a dark-red spot at base. The anthers are of the same colour and are disposed in distinct whorls. Style clavate; stigmatic lobes decurrent. Fruits 5-celled capsules, 22 cm. long, 172 cm. wide. Seeds 2 mm., hairy. Plants of this species were cultivated in England at Kew in the past century, but they have apparently never passed into cultivation otherwise. They occur principally along the coast and on islands in westernmost Australia from the Cape Peninsula south to about 28 latitude. The plants grown at Kew were derived from seeds collected at Dirk Hartog Island in Shark Bay. The above description is of these island forms. There is indication that the plants found on the mainland differ somewhat and are, in fact, intermediate in certain respects between this species and the next. Some assiduous collecting and comparative cultivation will probably be needed to resolve the matter. 2. Alyogyne hakeaefolia (Giord.) Alef. (Synonyms: A. lilacina (Lindl.) Lewt., A. multifida (Paxt.) Lewt.) A much-branched shrub with filiform, divided leaves; the leaves most commonly tripartite but sometimes pinnately dissected or rarely unifoliate, glabrous; the leaf segments terete or grooved, 1-2 mm. broad, sometimes somewhat laminar. The floral structures are very similar to those of the preceding species except that the petals are generally mauve with a dark @@@ 18 @@@ Page 18—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE December, 1966 spot at the base, and the filaments (with orange anthers) occur continuously along the androecium rather than in interrupted whorls. The fruits are similar to but smaller than those of the preceding species. The seeds of the two species are alike. Alyogyne hakeaefolia occurs in South Australia in the Eyre Peninsula and in the southern part of West Australia, from Esperance and Kalgoorlie northwestward to Geraldton. It has been brought into cultivation as a specimen shrub and, being a desert plant, is well suited to dry locations. Its handsome flowers are both large and abundant, but its flowering period (in my experience) is restricted to a rather short period in late winter. Variants have been found and perpetuated that have yellow flowers, thereby adding variety to the horticultural possibilities. A variant lacking the dark spot in the throat of the flower has apparently also been discovered. One interesting feature of this species is that its juvenile leaves differ markedly from its “climax” leaves. The fermer are distinctly broader and more foliar than ihe latter, as the accompanying photographs show. Apparently, also, there is a considerable environmental influence on leaf development. This development plasticity presumably depends upon the amount of sunshine available to the plant. Lindley in 1837 found that plants from the Australian desert differed markedly from those raised (from the same seed lct) in a British garden. He caid that the wild plant “is so little like the garden plant that, under other circumstances, | should have hesitated to consider them the same, for the leaves are filiform instead of being flat and broad " These broader-leaved garden plants are, in fact, the basis of the name Alyogyne lilacina (Lindl.) Lewt. It is not known to what extent such developmental plasticity in leaf growth may relate tc the problem referred to earlier of the plants that appear to be intermediate in certain respects between the two species described here. It seems possible that this phenomenon may be involved. It might be a seasonal effect, or there may be a difference between the lush growth following a rainy cpell and the sparser growth during the leaner times that follow. The question requires field study. It was mentioned earlier that the embryo and endosperm characters indicate Alyogyne to be relatively mcre primitive than Hibiscus. It was also ncted that Bates has suggested a possible alliance of Alyogyne with H. farragei. The latter species has a peculiarity of considerable botanical interest that seems previously to have been overlocked. Hibiscus and its related genera, which collectively make up the tribe Hibisceae, are distinguished from the balance of the Malvaceae primarily because their fruits are capsular and dehisce loculicidally. The fruits of the balance of the Malvaceae dehisce shizocarpcusly. Hibiscus farragei is remarkable in that its fruits dehisce both loculicidally and schizocarpously. This characteristic appears to be transitional to the rest of the Malvaceae and thus primitive for Hibiscus. It is interesting that this species and the genus Alyogyne, to which its alliance has been suggested, each has primitive characteristics. ALYOGYNE — A DESERT HIBISCUS ? From R. D. Royce, Government Botanist, W.A. While it is true that the plant does extend into dry areas and it is possible that these plants may be capable of cultivation in ‘‘dry locations’’, it is quite probable that the whole population may not. This species also occurs and is quite happy in a 30 inch rainfall belt. @@@ 19 @@@ December, 1956 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE Page 19—Vol. 4 MORE HIBISCUS MALVACEOUS SHRUBS FOR SOUTHERN AUSTRALIAN GARDENS by R. L. Hill, Botanic Gardens, Adelaide, S.A. There are many interesting plants belonging to the “Mallow” family, some have been grown for some years as garden subjects whereas many are as yet to be tried. The following species have proved successful under varying conditions in South Australia. Lavatera plebeia "Australian Hollyhock” This is a widespread plant in Australia and is found in all states, often along roadsides. Under favourable conditions this tall hollyhock-like plant makes a fine show indeed. Varying from 2 to 8 feet in height it grows like a garden hollyhock but with smaller flowers of white to deep pink and mauve. It is often seen in masses along waterccuses after rain in dry country. It is usually grown from ceed and can be grown as an annual or biennial plant. Sida petrophila A plant from the drier areas of South Australia and N.S.W. This should be ideal for inland gardens. It usually favours rocky soil where it grows into an attractive grey leaved shrub to about 3-4 feet high. During spring the one-inch yellcw flowers are produced in abundance making a great show. Seed is probably the best method of propagation. This plant must have a well drained position to really succeed under garden conditions. Howittia trilocularis This lovely shrub comes from Victoria and New South Wales usually inhabitating well drained but moist areas where it forms a large loose shrub up to 10 feet high. | have seen this shrub growing in a deep gorge at Mt. Arapiles in Victoria where its roots are always cool under rocks but the plants themselves withstand hot conditions during the summer months being exposed to the heat from surrounding rocks. The flowers are over an inch across, deep mauve pink like a small hibiscus and borne on long woolly stems. The leaves are 2-3 inches long and are also covered with bristly hairs. A lovely plant which should be tried more in our gardens. Hibiscus sturtii A small shrub from dry areas in S.A., Qld., and N.SW. It is doubtful if this has been widely cultivated. It likes very dry conditicns and bears rather large flowers of a deep mauve-pink amidst grey-green foliage. Often it forms a rather trailing shrub and because of this it should make a useful plant for rock garden work and well worthy of trials in dry areas. Hibiscus farragei A large leafy plant from the drier areas of most of Australia this is well worthy of garden culture. The large handsome grey-green leaves are up to 6" across and the comparatively small deep pink to mauve flowers are produced in clusters amongst the foliage. Another plant which must have well drained conditions to succeed and under these conditions it grows into a shrub up to 8-10 feet in height. Seed is the easiest method of propagation. Hibiscus huegelii This lovely plant is grown extensively in many Southern Australian gardens and well warrants a prominent place in any garden. It is a very variable plant but at best grows into a medium sized shrub up to 10 feet high @@@ 20 @@@ Page 20—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE December, 1966 with deep grey-green leaves and large flowers about 4" across and of a deep mauve colour, there is also a pure white form which is very lovely and seedlings vary in colour from white to deep mauve. It can be grown from seed or cuttings. The var. leptochlamys from Eyre Peninsula in S.A. and also from W.A,, is a more compact grower with large flowers, a deep mauve-pink in colour and with a red blotch at the base of each petal, a lovely plant that deserves a place in our gardens. Alyogyne hakeaefolia This tall and upright shrub comes from S.A. and W.A. and is often seen in South Australian gardens. There are two forms most commonly seen one with pale mauve flowers and the other with creamy-yellow flowers. The foliage in both forms is similar, being long and narrowly divided into linear segments up to 3-5" long. The mauve flowered form usually opens only slightly when in full flower but the abundance of flowers compensates for this. The yellow form has wide open flowers but is somewhat more leafy in growth and is easily grown from cuttings. Both like well drained conditions. Gossypium sturtianum “Sturt's Desert Rose” This lovely dry area plant is the State Flower of the Northern Territory and is often grown in gardens in temperate Australia in well drained situations. At its best it forms a shrub to about 4 feet high with roundish leaves blue-green in colour and produces 3-4” wide flowers mauve to pink in colour with a deep maroon blotch at the base of each petal. Truly a lovely plant which is easily grown from seed. It is intolerant of wet conditions and is found growing naturally over a large area of temperate and dry Australia. The following species are from the Eastern states but grow very well under conditions in Southern Australia. Hibiscus splendens A large leafy shrub from Queensland and N.S.W. with large grey green lobed leaves which is a rapid grower and is easily grown from seed which it sets in abundance. During early summer it covers iiself with large 6" plate-like flowers of a beautiful pink colour with a dark centre. The flowers each last only a day but are produced in abundance over a long period. Hibiscus heterophyllus “Batham Hibiscus” This comes from Qld. and N.S.W. and makes a large woody shrub up to 12" high with large lobed leaves and produces large white and deep maroon flowers during summer. This grows very easily from seed and becomes almost deciduous during cold winter months in Adelaide. HIBISCUS LIKE FLOWERS To which family do they belong? The author of the artic'e on Gossypium is of the opinion that that genus is the family Malvaceae. Other genera in this family, as listed by Burbidge (“‘Dictionary of Australian Plant Genera’’) will be reviewed in this journal, a genus at a time. I would like reports from readers of the following genera and especially colour slides- Abutilon, Alyoygne, Brockmannia, Camptostemon (each of the latter two have only one species in the genus and both hail from north and north west Australia. I particularly want reports and colour slides of these), Hibiscus, Howittia, Lavatera, Malvastrum, Plagianthus, Sida and Urena. THESPESIA POPULNEA A further caption for the colour plate that appeared with the article on this ‘‘hibiscus’’ in our No. 27 issue. Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Corr. The flowers of this small tree are yellow, as in the plate, when they first open, but as they wither and drop from the plant on the second day, they develon a pinkish coloration, eventually becoming brown. There are five marcn snots within at the base of the flower. The green fruits turn dark brown at maturity and do not dehisce, but remain unopened, hard, and semi-woody. @@@ 21 @@@ DMT!DE’L, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS- l‘R()'I'Efl('EAE Page 21 Vol. } GROWING WARATAHS (Continued f{rom page 3) OBSERVATIONS OF PLANTS IN CULTIVATION— Anyone of us whe has visited “Floralands” will know that for many years, Mr. and Mrs. Parry’s Waratahs have been regularly cultivated, fertilized, watered and severely pruned back each year. They are growing in very loose, well drained sandy soil and we may as | did, assume that these old plants have been conditioned to this treatment in which the nature cf the soil may have assisted. Against this | have also seen cultivated Waratahs ten to twelve feet high and as wide bearing without any organised pruning, one hundred to one hundred and fifty large flowers each year. These trees as one might call them, have not been artificially fertilised or watered and after forty years their ligno tuber, as big as a cow pumpkin, is partly above ground. They are growing amongst, but not closer than their perimeter, to azaleas and other exotics and have had the same cultivation. | have carefully watched the progress of many Waratahs growing as specimens in lawns with a small area (18" to 24" diameter) of cultivation, some pruned occasionally, some never. Others in sheltered gardens with exotics regularly cultivated and occasionally watered, pruned and fed, others left alone, but the most amazing growth and one which confirms my theory is as follows:— A plant about ten years old was struggling for a bare existence without flowering, almost smothered by a dense mass of honeysuckle. My friend noted that another plant nearby accidentally burnt off with the long grass that surrounded it was making strong fresh canes and decided to get rid of the honyesuckle. He did the job thoroughly, even digging right into the Waratah to remove all the honeysuckle roots and without doubt damaging the roots of this spindly sick looking plant. The canes were cut right to the ground and sealed with “Col Graft” to prevent bleeding. This plant without artificial water or fertilizer has since been cultivated to a depth of five or six inches very regularly and the soil has been kept to a fine filth which despite the drought still retains some moisture. After about 18 months it has developed four extraordinary canes, five io six feet tall, with not only large terminal buds but two or three smaller buds at the base of each of these. In every leaf axil is an embryo bud (twenty or thirty on each cane). The plant is literally jumping out of its skin. The soil is a deep medium loam, over shale, which would compact very quickly if not cultivated. The other plants | have mentioned are growing in a variety of soils from deep rich friable black volcanic to light chocolate coloured slightly clayey shale soil. CONDITIONS REQUIRED FOR BEST RESULTS— | feel safe now in saying that waratahs require:— 1. Deep soil of any texture that can be kept friable with cultivation and provided there is good drainage. 2. Some shelter but not necessarily shade is desirable. 3. Regular cultivation to keep the top soil in fine ftilth. 4. A free root run without competition. To further illustrate the foregoing, there is a group of old waratahs in a little triangular park at Parramatta North, on Pennant Hills Road. These rangy unpruned old plants occupy a well drained, built up area and receive the same cultivation and watering as the other shrubs and annuals in this garden and never fail to put on a good show every spring. @@@ 22 @@@ Page 22—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE December, 1966 Once they commence to flower, prune the first two or three years to establish a compact showy bush. Keep pruning hard if you want cut flowers, but a shapely bush with a dozen or so brilliant red flowers is something worth waiting for. Cut off seed pods if they appear. As to fertilizer, there is no doubt, that a good dressing of blood and bone in late winter or early spring will show results. | might mention that the white waratahs flowering each year are growing in a fowl run, which tells its own story. This is an abscrbing subject and the experience of other members to confirm or deny its authenticty, would be interesting. In short, we must find the right answer to cultivation so that every home garden can feature our Telopea speciosissima (“Seen from Afar”). LOW GROWING GREVILLEA FROM W.A.-continued from page 11 usually in 4 pairs with a terminal one. Flowers are reddish, with short styles, narrow, about 1” in length forming 1%2"” long, spreading terminal spikes. Flowers from August till October. A good ground cover plant for heavier, well drained soils. Does well in either exposed or sheltered positions and has attractive and unusual flowers. Grevillea muelleri Grows as an open, upright spreading, simple rigid stemmed shrub to 2 ft. on sands or loams in 20" rainfall. Leaves are bright green, fairly rigid, narrow, about B wide, from %’ to 2%" in length, either simple or terminating in 3 small acute lobes and often borne sparingly. Flowers are bright yellow, with long styles, 38" long, forming axillary or terminal dense clusters. Flowers from July till September. An outstanding yellow flowered species for either exposed or sheltered, fairly well drained positions. Foliage average. Tends to have a low spreading habit when grown in exposed positions. Grevillea nudiflora An unusual species with the main section of the plant being dense, leafy, dome shaped and up to 2 ft. high and 5 ft. across. Usually found growing on sands, sandy loams or quartzite soil in 16" to 25" rainfall. Leaves are bright green, soft, narrow, under %" in width, from 3" to 2" in length and usually borne on short branchlets. Flowers are red, with long styles, about 3" long, from 2 to 5 in open terminal clusters on 2" long branchlets borne sparingly on leafless branches up to 4 ft. long, which radiate from the main section of the plant. Flowers on and off throughout the year but is at its best in the spring. This species has very attractive foliage with usually prostrate, leafless, flower bearing branches giving it a very unusual effezt. Sometimes these leafless branches have a tendency to climb. Likes well drained, exposed or sheltered situations and it will stand salt spray. Grevillea paniculata COASTAL FORM. Grows as a low, dense, much rigid branched shrub to 2 ft. in height and up to 6 ft. across on rocky loam in 20" rainfall. Leaves are light green, rigid, pungent, narrow under '%” in width, usually divided into 3 spreading segments, varying in length from 17 to 4”. Leaf segments are often uneqgeal in length and may be again divided. Flowers are light cream, with short styles, narrow, under 33" long, forming loose, @@@ 23 @@@ December, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE _Page 23—Vol. 4 pendant, terminal spikes up to 1%" in length and borne sparingly. Flowers July-September. A good ground cover plant for exposed and well drained positions. Below average in flower and will stand salt spray. This species usually grows as a fairly well shaped shrub to 5 ft. Grevillea patentiloba The habit of this species varies from an open, upright plant about 2 ft. in height to a dense, slightly untidy, dome shaped plant up to 4 ft. in hzight and 6 ft. across. Usually found on loam or sand in 14-20” rainfall. Leaves are dull green, rigid, pungent, under %" wide, usually divided into 3 segments, sometimes pinnate with a terminal segment and occasionally divided again. Overall length of the leaf is usually about 1”. Flowers are reddish, with long styles, up to 1% in length, usually in loose terminal clusters of about 3 on short branchlets. Flowers June-September. A useful species for well drained exposed or sheltered situations. Habit depends on environment. Featured in colour in No. 21 issue. Grevillea pilulifera var. uncinulata Grows as an upright, open, simple rigid stemmed, little-branched plant to 2°6” on gravel or loam in 15-20” rainfall. Leaves are light green, almost terete, 1/32” wide, about 4" long, hooked and borne in bundles of about 6 on the stems and branches. Flowers are yellow, with long styles, narrow, hairy, under 2" in length, in loose clusters of up to 4 and borne in the axis of each bundle of leaves over almost the entire plant. Flowers June-September. A good interesting and unusual species for fairly well drained, exposed or sheltered situations. Grevillea pulchella Found growing cn sands and ironstone ridges, this species grows as an open, spreading, rigid, little-branched shrub to 15 in 20”-30” rainfall. Leaves are dark green, fairly rigid, pungent, variable, usually pinnate with a terminal segment which may be 3 prickly lobed. Overall length of the leaves is about 1%” and %8 in width. Flowers are cream, with short styles, narrow, about 38" in length forming 1’ long terminal spikes. Flowers off and on throughout the year. An average species for well drained, sheltered or expcsed positions. Grevillea rudis A low, rigid stemmed, dome shaped shrub to 9” in height and up to 3 ft. in diameter found growing on gravel in 25" rainfall. Leaves are light green, soft, slightly hairy, variable, basically wedge to fan shape with the leaf ends being divided into from 3 to 8 small lobes. Flowers are yellow, narrow with short styles, about %" leng, forming 2'2” long spikes borne on long branches which are usually prostrate and clear of the foliage. Flowers in September and January. A good and unusual species for well drained and exposed positions. Grevillea tenuiflora This species is very similar to G. pulchella differing in the more leafy habit, leaves bipinnate and the flower spikes larger and denser. Flowers August-October. A more desirable species than G. pulchella which grows under similar conditions. Will grow in clay. (Continued on page 44) @@@ 24 @@@ }jg.‘l(‘ 24—Vol. 4 _ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE ___ December, 1966 PROPAGATION OF WARATAH PROPAGATION BY SEED— Waratahs are easily propagated as are most Grevillea. The principal objective is to keep the seed moist but not wet in a reasonably sterile medium where minute animals or bacteria in the soil cannot attack the seed. Various methods from previous issues are summarised by the editor. Put 2-3 inches of sand in a seed box, scatter your seed on the surface and then lay an old damp towel on top. Keep the towel moist and after a couple of weeks, lift in and check the seed. Remove seed that has developed a root at least % inch long and sow in a pot. It will need further cover or shade until the seed casing comes away and the seedling has four leaves, when it may gradually be hardened off. Variations of this method are mentioned in various past issues. One competent propagator covers the seed with damp paper instead of a towel. Other experienced propagators prefer to germinate all seed of this type in damp bags, ashes or in damp cotton wool. Apart from the requirement that the medium on which the seed is sef is “wog" free it does not appear critical. A coarse damp sand or the grey bush sand is often used. | prefer vermiculite, a sterile exploded mica, readily available in hardware stores, as | can be certain it is “wog” free and it holds moisture nicely. It is important that immediately the seed begins to germinate, that it must not be covered by glass or confined in plastic. The free movement of air prevents fungal attack and damp off. The quicker the seedlings are potted out and placed in a position of full sun for all seasons, except the hottest summer months when some overhead protection is necessary io maintain moisture, the more rcbust will be the plants. POTTING ON AND PLANTING OUT— Even the rawest amateur, if the above advice is followed, can grow Waratah and most Grevillea from seed. Success in bringing these plants to streng vigour free flowering bushes has proved more elusive. The article “Growing Waratahs” should be carefully read. Much has been written following observations of a white fungus that lives with the roots of healthy waratah and considerable speculation has ensured as to its function. It has been shown that healthy Waratahs can grow without it. However the present learned opinion is that this fungus forms a mycorrhizal fungal association with the roots of the plant assisting it in the quest for nourishment for healthy growth. This friendly fungus is also associated with most Protaceae and it is my practise to mix some old rottina leaves and debris collected from under some large old Banksia trees, into the mixture of good garden soil provided in containers when the seedlings are potted on. Plants should be potted on to larger half gallon containers and be at least two years old before planting out. CULTIVATION OF WARATAH IN HEAVY SOILS— Past issues (Nos. 1, 20, 21) give interesting articles by competent growers on this subject. A report by H. Brackpool in our No. 21 issue has an important message:— “"Waratah will prosper in heavy soil that has reasonable drainage provided that the plants are first planted in small mounds of soil 12 inches in diameter and 5 inches high to ensure that the crowns, that develop between the stem and the roots, will never get waterlogaed and rot. Once the plants are established they should not be watered except in a long very dry spell, mulching of the top of the ground and overhead shade in hot weather being sufficient.” @@@ 25 @@@ Decembv&r 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR WET SITUATIONS Page 25—Vol. 4 WATER ABSORBING PLANTS Many country towns in South Australia have a difficult ground water problem. When they were established there was no such thing as scientific soil study or tewn planning and the finding of water in shallow wells was an oitraction to settle. Nowadays, instead of being drawn off for use, water is added to shallow around water tables. Most towns have a reticulated supply. Water is brought in pipes from a distance and because of this its use is much increased. With the introduction of modern amenities into houses, waste water and septic tank effulents have to be disposed of. This is usally done into the ground and the water added to the shallow table. The result has been that water has risen in many places, almost, if not quite, to the surface, and drainage wells will not work, foundations suffer and trees are damaged. In many overseas ccuntries, Australian native plants are much valued. Not at least of their virtues to others is the power that many species of Eucalypts have to dry out swampy areas, and in doing so to provide shade, beauty and timber. Here is a list of suitable trees—there are many others of course, both Australian and exotic. EUCALYPTS FOR WET SITUATIONS Coolabah (Eucalyptus coolabah) Dense drooping ashy foliage, grey trunk, white branches (natural habitat, banks of billabongs). Moderately large tree. Bimble Box (Eucalyptus populifolia) Thick shining foliage, poplar-like. Moderately large tree. Flooded Box (Eucalyptus bicolor) Similar to last. Very ornamental. Easily killed by fire. Moderately large tree. River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) Common and well known. Fast growing. There are several varieties. A specially ornamental one is a weeping type. A fine specimen grows at Gumeracha, S.A. and should be propagated. A large tree, providing valuable iimber. Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) Reputed to be the fatest growing of all trees and highly suitable for taking up water. It is used widely in other countries for this purpose and will endure a wide range of climate. There is a dwarf variety which is very ornamental. A large tree, producing valuable timber. None of the above are conspicuous flowering gum trees. The majority of the best known small flowering gums grown for ornament are dry country and desert forms, but the next two mentioned are suitable for taking up water, have pretty white flowers, and are valuable honey producers. Grey Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata) Fine weeping habit, black trunk, white branches, pretty white flowers. Small to moderate size. Cup Gum (Eucalyptus cosmophylla) Small tree with white flowers, called on Kangaroo Island, the Bog Gum. Very ornamental. @@@ 26 @@@ Page 26—Vol. 4 _AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR WET SITUATIONS December, 1956 OTHER NATIVES Other than gum trees there are many trees and shrubs also suitable. Grey Bulloak (Casuarina glauca), the blue oak and swamp sheoak. Very hardy and very ornamental. See No. 23 issue for Casuarina. The next trees are paperbark tea trees. See No. 2 issue for Melaleuca. Scented Paperbark (Melaleuca squarrosa) Large shrub with yellow flowers. Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) Large shrub, fast growing with yellow brush flowers. One of the plants which provides “brush” for feeding. Will take up salty water well. Flax-leaf Paperbark (Melaleuca linariifolia) This one flourishes specially near the coast. Native Plants — Clay Soils in Gardens Submitted by T. D. Raphael, Senior Horticulturist, Dept. of Agriculture, Tasmania As building expansions and planned housing programmes are no respector of soils, many hundreds of gardens are located on clay soils of varying degrees of “weight” and intractability. In areas of heavy rainfall these become very difficult, but where rainfall is average to light, clays, can usually be cultivated to very good effect. See No. 27 issue. Methods employed to handle the heavier soils would closely follow those reviewed and discussed by Dr. Haworth—good drainage, correctly applied cultural operaticns, liming, green manuring, the application of farmyard manures, judicious use of inorganic fertilisers, and for the smaller garden the incorporation of sand and lighter soils, use of conditioners and raised beds. Where vegetables and flowers (such as annuals) are sparingly grown or not grown at all, many shrubs and fruit trees such as plums, apricots and pears appear to succeed (if local climate is right) without much trouble, provided the drainage is good. Such conditions would also doubtless apply to the growing of many selected native trees and shrubs, such refinements as indicated above being introduced rather for smaller or more difficult native species. No reference has been made to the creation of localised conditions for native plants which may perhaps prefer very moist to almost waterlogged scil, or certain pH levels in heavy soil types. However, there would be many instances where the success of a species under certain conditions was due rather to its adaptibility (so less competition) rather than soecific preferencs, and good growing conditions could be expected to suit most plants. Editor’'s Note: Following receipt of Mr. Raphael’'s comments above the previous article on ‘““Water Absorbing Plants’”” was obtained. Not only do these trees grow in wet or bog conditions but they have been used throughout the world to take up the water and transform a bog to a garden for moisture loving plants that cannot take water logged conditions. STUDY SECTICNS We intend now to carefully record all plants that flourish in clay. Will readers please report on their experiences to the leader of this study section, Mr. M. Landuogt, 399 Waverley Road, Mount Waverley, Victoria. These groups comprise home gardeners from all parts of Australia who correspond with a leader with a view to exchanging experience and information and the conducting of simple practical experiments under direction. Each group studies a family or genus of plants with a view to developing good easily grown garden forms of wildflowers. The cost is limited to stamp addressed envelopes for a reply and the entrance qualification is an enthusiasm to help @@@ 27 @@@ December, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 27—Vol. 4 TERRESTRIAL ORCHIDS SOME N.S.W. TERRESTRIAL ORCHIDS OF THE SWAMPS AND DAMP PLACES by K. HOLMES, Kempsey, N.S.W. Along the N.S.W. coastal strip are large areas of low lying land, often forming swamp and near swamp conditions. On the North Coast in years gone by, these swamp areas were the home of the Swamp Lily (Phaius australis) but due to the depredaticns of collectors and vandals it is now virtually extinct in its natural habitat. However, many cultivated plants are in existence and specimens are seen at Orchid Shows where it often wins the prize for “Best Native Orchid.” Plants of the “Purple Hood Orchid” (Cryptostylis erecta) grow in the swamps, sometimes being under water for months at a time, but they rarely flower under these conditions. The swamps near Brunswick Heads on the far North Coast are the home of “Fordham’s Helmet Orchid” (Corybas fordhamii). This quaint little orchid grows on the small mounds that rise just above water level. Around the margins of the swamps are usually found thickets of broad and narrow-leafed Paperbarks (Melaleuca spp.) and Swamp Oaks (Casuarina glauca). During the wet autumn months these areas are inundated for quite long periods but by the springtime they dry out and many species of orchids may be found flowering there. In the densest shade | have found colonies, often mixed together, of “Nodding Greenhoods” (Pterostylis nutans™), “Little Red-Riding Hoods” (P. pedunculata®), the king of the Greenhoods (P. baptistii) and solitary plants of the “Blunt Greenhood” (P. obtusa) which are usually finished flowering, and the many flowered Pterostvlis Iongifolia*. Where the ground is less shaded grow the “White Caladenias” (C. alba*) and the large and beautiful bright pink Caladenia (C. carneo vor gigantea). In the open areas, but where it is quite damp, one may find plants of Thelymitra pauciflora and T. carnea. These two species of “Sun Orchids” are self-pollinating so it is only on very rare occasions that the flowers open. The “Onion Orchids” (Microtis parviflora®™ and M. unifolia*) with their upright spikes of tiny green flowers are often overlooked, but two species which catch the eye are “Parson’s Bands” (Eriochilus cucullatus) with their conspicuous pair of large white to pink lateral sepals, and “Ladies’ Tresses” (Spiranthes sinensis). These both flower in the late summer and autumn. The “Ladies’ Tresses” are perhaps my favourite of the terrestrial orchids. The tiny flowers are the brightest pink with a pure white labellum and they form a dense spiral up the bright green spike. Other terrestrials which favour damp conditions, especially in deep gullies and on hillsides with a southerly aspect are the “Autumn Bird Orchid” (Chiloglottis reflexa), the Greenhood species (P. nutans, P. hildae, P. longifolia and P. obtusa) and “Pixie Cups’ (Acianthus fornicatus*) Growing at the foot of the gullies, where the shade is very dense and the soil always moist, are the “Scrub Lilies” (Calanthe veratifolia) which produce their tall spikes of pure white flowers at Christmas, and the "Superb Greenhoods” (Pterostylis grandiflora). The flowers are striated with reddish-brown markings and the red petals are very broad making this a very attractive species. @@@ 28 @@@ Page 28—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE December, 1966 Three N.S.W. terrestrial orchids appear to grow under specific conditions. The “Green Rock Orchid” (Rimacola elliptica) is confined to the Hawkesbury Sandstone area where it is found growing on heavily shaded cliff faces in the thin layers of grey shale between the sandstone. This shale is never dry. On moist mossy rocks alsc in the Hawkesbury sandstone areas grows “Daintrey’s Greenhood” (Pterostylis daintreana). Often found growing in association with it are “Parson’s Bands” and the “Hairy Leek Orchid” (Prasophyllum morrisii). The small, solitary white flowered terrestrial Adenochilus nortonii is only found growing at high altitudes (over 3,000 ft.) on the Blue Mountains and the Barrington Tops in wet crevices or in spagnum moss. * These species are not confined to these situations but may be found growing over a wide range of conditions. THE PITCHER PLANTS AS AN INSECT TRAP Fortion of the article by Prof. B. J. Grieve on this plant in our No. 8 issue. See the article on page 34 and the colour plate on page 36. The young pitchers are bright green in colour as shown on the colour plate on page 36 but as they grow older they tend, at least when exposed, to develop bright red and purple colours. Full grown specimens may be cne inch diameter and up to one and a half inches deep. Three strong ridges are visible on the outside and the central one can be seen to extend from the base of the pitcher almost up to the mouih of the trap. Long stiffish hairs develop on these ridges and particularly when young it appears to bristle with hairs. It is believed that these hairs assist the progress of crawling insects into the trap. Flying insects may also be attracted to the trao since the half open lid has whitish patches on it and on the pitcher itself purplish-red veins are present and could at a distance be mistaken for a flower. Once the insects in the course of their search for nectar get upon the smooth slippery inner surface of the mouth of the pitcher, they easily fall into the interior cavity. This is generally part full of liquid so that the majority drown within a short time. Those that are active enough to struggle out of the liquid are then confronted by other barriers to escape. Ants, flies and beetles are the commonest insects trapped. Research has so far not proved whether the insects are digested by a secretion from glands that do exist in the pitchers or whether bacteria assist in breaking down the insect protein to make these availabie to the plant. NATIVE PLANTS Shrubs, Trees, Ground Covers Mail Orders wholesale only. 20 varieties of Boronia 30 Grevillea Flat to let. J. L. & P. J. FREEMAN “Garamina’’, Merimbula, N.S.W. T T T I Y e T T T e g g gy AUSTRAFLORA NURSERY 42 GREENHILL ROAD, BAYSWATER, VIC. (W. R. Elliot) LARGE SELECTION OF GROUND COVERS, SHRUBS AND TREES Retail Trade SAT. only Mail Orders and Wholesale Trade welcomed Send Stamp for Catalogue e ol B e ol e B e ala. ol . ol o ol ol e e ol sl ol e ol e e . B i @@@ 29 @@@ December, 1966 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ROSACEAE Page 29—Vol. 4 THE FAMILY ROSACEAE Sixth article in a series on “Wildflowers of Tasmania” by A. M. Gray althougn for completeness some mainland species are also mentioned here. Some plants mentioned are weeds and these are carefully defined. However others show promise as being very suitable for Rock Gardens and Alpine Gardens and this article also becomes part of a series on these two subjects The family Rosaceae consists of about 120 genera and more than 2,000 species) over 3,000 according to some authorities), widespread throughout the world. They occur in all forms—trees, shrubs, herbs and climbers, sometimes thorny. A natural family, diverse but usually identified by the peri- or epigynous flowers with more or less numerous stamens. It is most closely related to Saxifragaceae. It is easily confused with Ranunculaceae, but apart from the perigynous flowers, the presence of stipules will separate any species likely to be taken as a member of the Ranunculaceae. The family is of considerable importance in temperate regions for the cultivation of fruit and some ornamental specimens. Apples, pears, peaches, plums, raspberries, strawberries, etc., are widely cultivated for fruit; whilst the “Rose,” cherry-laurel, hawthorn, japonica etc. are cultivated for their attractive flowers, foliage or berries. The following species occur naturally in Australie—Geum urbanum, G. renifolium; Acaena ovina, A. anserinifolia, A. montana; Stylobasium spathulatum, S. lineare; Parinari nonda, P. griffithianum; Pygeum glandulosum; Rubus gunnianus, R. rosifolius, R. parvifolius, R. hillii, R. moorei; Potentilla anserina (two authors to my knowledge have classed Potentilla anserina as being native in Australia). Flowers are regular and usually hermaphrodite though occasionally unisexual, the petals and stamens being either epigynous or perigynous. Petals and sepals 4-5, sometimes with an epicalyx outside the sepals, occasionally the petals may be absent. Stamens 2-3-4 times as many as the sepals, rarely 1 or 2. A nectar-secreting disk is often present at the base of the stamens and in perigynous flowers, forming a ring lining the receptacle. Carpels 1 to many, free or sometimes united to each other and to the receptacle, rarely united and free from the receptacle. Styles free, very rarely united. The fruits can occur as drupes, achenes. syncarps, follicles or pomes, rarely a capsule, usually 1 or more in number, the receptacle sometimes becoming fleshy and coloured Leaves mostly alternate and stipulate, the stipules occasionally united to the petiole, they may be entire, serrate or compound THE GENUS GEUM IN AUSTRALIA 1. Geum vurbanum L. var. strictum (Ait.) Hook. f. This is an erect herbaceous plant with leaves which are variable in size and form, mostly compound, orbicular in shape, with 3 or 4 large leaflets intermixed with smaller ones, margins toothed, and large leafy stipules. The flowers form a loose panicle and are up to 3" wide, petals yellow and larger than the sepals. The flowers resemble those of the buttercup but are not shining and are borne in loose clusters. The fruit comprises a large globose head, consisting of hairy achenes with long awns hooked at the tips. It is found in damp, shady places in Tasmania and the highlands of Victoria and N.S.W. It occurs also in New Zealand and South America. Typical Geum urbanum, which is found in Europe and Western Asia, differs from the variety strictum chiefly in its smaller flowers and less robust habit. 2. Geum renifolium A herbaceous perennial with large rootstock. The flowers are larger than in the former species, white in colour and occur singly. The radical leaves are large, have one terminal segment reniform and shallowly lobed. The upper surface is very wrinkled and hairy, the under-side showing prominent veins. The petiole occasionally has a number of small toothed @@@ 30 @@@ Page 30—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ROSACEAE December, 1966 segments along its length. Flowering stems are up to 18" high, with a single terminal flower. This plant occurs only in Tasmania on mountains in the south and south-west. lts possibilities as a garden plant are being investigated. THE GENUS ACAENA IN AUSTRALIA Acaena ovina A herb with a rosette of radical leaves, perennial rootstock and annual erect leafy stems about 12”-18” high. Leaves pinnate, usually with 6-8 pairs, ovate or orbicular in shape, divided into blunt lcbes, the upper surface smooth, the lower surface finely hairy. The leaves resemble somewhat those of the Rowan tree, though smaller and clightly hairy on the underside. Flowers quent leaves as above (Plate 1, Fig. 2). — Plants fed with complete nutrients minus manganese. Jan. 1: Plants smaller than controls, paler in colour, but not chlorotic. Feb. 28: Brown necrotic areas at tips of pinna segments of some leaves —— Groups of plants fed with complete nutrients minus zinc, plants with copper and plants without molybdenum. No visible symptoms of deficiency. The third experiment was designed to study the effects of all combina- tions of five levels of nitrogen and five levels of potassium. The first experiment had shown that absence of nitrogen resulted in severe chlorosis (as would be expected), and that absence of potassium produced blackenina of :he leaves closely resembling the condition noted in the field. Since these were Continued on page 47 @@@ 43 @@@ December, 1966 AUSTR4LIAN PLANTS—NURSERYMEN _ Page 43—Vol. 4 Alexander Plant Farm—Z 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. 1. 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 Maflra, 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 omny 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 Cottace Nursery, Jumping Creek Road. Warrandyte, Vicforia Tullamarine Plant Farm—8 Sharp’s Road, Tullamarine, Vic. Closed Mondays [ NATIVE PLANTS — TULLAMARINE PLANT FAR | 8 Srarps Road. Tullamarine USUAL & UNUSUAL Vic Phone 30-7893 F. C. J. McLEOD 1 mile north of Essendon Airport i il g Closed Mondays Open most Weekends Wildflower Nursery — SHRUBS, TREES, PERENNIALS — | WARRIEN ROAD, CROYDON, VIC. Popular and Rare YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN Nindethana. Box 5, Dripstone, N € W. For all Native Seed. Packets, ounce or pound Ilots. Australian Seed Co Robertson, N.S.W 3ulk lots supplied, specialising in Eucalyptus Seed Western Wzildlife Supply, Gilgandra. N.S.W.—Bulk supplies ot 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 KING’S PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN ERTH, W.A 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 NINDETHANA NATIVE PLANT SEEDS By Packet. Ounce or Pound Large selection. Send for free list NINDETHANA (G. W. Althofer) Rox 5. Dripstone, N.S'W | More than 300 Species . . . Native and exotic trees and shrubs available from Forestry Commision nurseries at Pennant Hills, Dubbo, Forbes, Muswellbrook and Narran- dera, N.S.W. For free catalogue giving complete details and prices of species contact: FORESTRY CONMMISSION OF N.S.W. 44. Margaret Street, Sydney. Telephone: B 0236 @@@ 44 @@@ Pagy Nl 4 \TISTRALTAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Decamber, 1966 Photography by Ron Hill. Reproduced from Growing Australian Plan! b courtesy Rigby Ltd Adelaide GREVILLEA PINASTER A small shrub, grey green foliage with masses of bright red flowers LOW GROWING GREVILLEA FROM W.A.—continued from page 23 Grevillea thyrsoides A low, dense, spreading, dome shaped shrub to 15" in height and 3 ft. across found growing on quartzite soil in 18" rainfall. leaves are green, flexible, narrow, 1/16” wide, pinnate, roughly from 6 to 12 pairs with a 2" terminal segment. Overall length of thz leaves is from 17 to 22" and from 1" to 2" in width. Flowers are reddish pink, with long styles, 1" in length forming loose 2" “tonthbrushes” tp to 10” away from the plant on mostly prostrate and leafless branches. Flowers September. A good foliage plant with very attractive flowers fer well drained and exposed positions. Grevillea trifida Usually found growing as an upright, open, rigid and little-branched shrub to 3 ft. on sand, gravel and ironstone in 20”-35" rainfall. Leaves are green, fairly rigid, slightly pungent, about " wide, variable, divided into 3's at about 2/3rds of the leaf’s length and sometimes divided again. Overall length of the leaves is about 17 and the width from 2" to 3", Flowers are yellow, with short styles, very narrow, about 33" long, forming Icose axillary clusters or larger, dense terminal clusters or spikes. Flowers May-September. An excellent soecies in flower for well drained, sheltered or exposed positions. THE AUSTRALIAN FLOWER ARRANGEMENT CALENDAR DIARY Available from newsagents and booksellers at $1.75 The idea of producing this diary was conceived by Mrs. R. C. Normand and Mrs. G. M Wilson in 1964 with the aim of showing Australian Floral Art and Australian Native flowers