'Australian Plants' Vol.4 No.30 March 1967 +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The text in this file has been extracted from 'Australian Plants' Vol.4 No.30 March 1967. | | | | 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-Vol4-30.pdf | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN 10,000 COPIES Australian Plants Registered at G.P.O., Sydney, for transmission MARCH, 1967 Volume 4, No. 30 by post as a periodical. Volume 4 will comprise issues No. 29-36. Price: 30c Photography by J. Joshua THRYPTOMENE CALYCINA A wildflower found only in the Grampians of western Victoria. The spray of bloom on page 52 is a little smaller than natural size and the flower has been magnified almost four times above. This flower is characteristic of the genus the smooth bell-shaped green torus (‘“‘calyx-tube’’), five orbicular (round and pink in the photograph above) and petaloid sepals, five similar (round white) petals and five incurved globular anthers (golden ‘‘nuts” in the centre of the flower in the photograph) on very short filaments. These flowers are typical of the wildflowers described in this issue with a full guide as to their propagation and cultivation—tiny flowers produced in profusion. THRYPTOMENE — BAECKEA — MICROMYRTUS, SMALL OFTEN TINY FLOWERED TEA TREE LIKE PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN. @@@ 2 @@@ Page 50—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CONTENTS March, 1967 CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE As with each issue of ‘“‘Australian Plants’” we are primarily concerned with providing the home gardener with adequate information on the propagation and cultivation of our Australian wildflowers. If you are interested only in this aspect and do not wish to be bothered over problems related to the identification of the plants, please proceed directly t(l')x the section below headed ‘‘Growing Wildflowers’” for references to the many articles on this aspect. THE PLANT FAMILY MYRTACEAE—End of index—Vol. 3. Previous issues have dealt with hundreds of species from this great family of special horticultural interest. The reason for listing the genera in the family is to provide a ready reference for the reader. THE THEME OF THIS ISSUE is three genera in the family Myrtaceae, those plants which are small twiggy shrubs that have small, often white, flowers, the petals of which are prominent or the showy part of the flower. BAECKEA—MICROMYRTUS—THRYPTOMENE—“A Few Comparable Genera in the Family Myrtaceae”” by Ross Garnet—page 78. An article for the keen type who wishes to identify their plants. A special feature of this article is the trouble the writer has gone to to enable the amateur to do this by checking the flowers against clear sketches and a simple key. GROWING WILDFLOWERS The objective of this publication is to assist people to grow our wildflowers and to assure their preservation and cultivation in home gardens, public reserves and national parks. As there are many thousands of species, each issue has as a theme a group of plants that may have common features. The theme to this issue is the ‘‘Heath Myrtles’". Sections on the cultivation of wildflowers are included in each of the following articles. A WILDFLOWER GARDEN-—3—Soil Treatment for the Smaller Native Plants by E. M. M. Boddy— page 67. The method given here will give considerable success with all small natives. FROST RESISTANT, WIND RESISTANT AND ALPINE PLANTS These are all subjects that receive special mention in various issues. In this issue we give special attention to Eucalypts from this aspect on page 69. See also ALPINE GARDENING—page 59 & 68. SEASIDE PLANTING—Previous issues have dealt with this aspect which receives special attention on page 55. . PROPAGATION OF WILDFLOWERS - The plants dealt with in this issue have not given unskilled but careful propagators any trouble growing their own plants. The method on page 63 is suitable. PROPAGATION AND CULTIVATION OF EPIPHYTES-—page 66. This problem has given trouble to growers and competent experiments are welcomed. THE HEATH MYRTLES—BAECKEA, MICROMYRTUS, THRYPTOMENE by Ross Garnet—page 51. Masses of tiny flowers often white when first displayed, mellowing to pink and red. The principal eastern species are described. FRINGED HEATH MYRTLES FOR THE GARDEN by E. M. M. Boddy—page 54. MYRTACEAE FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GARDENS by I. G. Holliday—page 56. Recommended species of Baeckea, Hypocalymma, Leptospermum and Thryptomene are described. TASMANIAN MYRTLES by A. M. Gray—page 59. The species of Baeckea, Thryptomene and “Tea Trees’’, Leptospermum are described. TEA TREES FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GARDENS by I. G. Holliday—page 60. TASMANIAN TEA TREES by A. M. Gray—page 61. BAECKEA—pages 56, 57, 58, 59. CALYTRIX—page 81. DARWINIA—page 82. HYPOCALYMMA—page 56. LHOTZKYA—page 381. MICROMYRTUS—pages 53, 54. THRYPTOMENE—page 51. THRYPTOMENE FOR THE GARDEN-—page T74. HOWITTIA, THE GENUS, by A. M. Blombery—page 63. Sixth in our series of Hibiscus-like flowering plants of the plant family Malvaceae describes a little known or grown gem. PRIONOTES by B. R. Jackes—page 64. Fourth in our series on the heath family Epacridaceae describes one of the most famous of Tasmania's wildflowers Prionotes cerinthoides. PRIONOTES CERINTHOIDES by A. M. Gray—page 65. Propagation and -cultivation. PIMELEA—The Pink Rice Flowers—page 84-85. An outstanding garden plant is described. TASMANIAN PIMELEA by A. M. Gray—page 85. Two species of special horticultural interest are described followed by a key of all the species found in Tasmania. EUCALYPTUS MANNIFERA—A Street Tree by R. W. Boden—page 73. SOME GARDEN EUCALYPTS by R. C. Barnard—page 69. A very competent report on the cultivation of Eucalypts in cold climates based on experiences in England. ORCHIDS—THE GENUS CRYPTOSTYLIS IN AUSTRALIA by Leo Cady—page 75. ORCHIDS—Cultivation of Cryptostylis by R. C. Nash—page 91. INDEX—We include an index to the issues of Volume No. 3. Your No. 21 issue includes an index to the issues in Vols. No. 1 and 2. CHORICARPA OR SYNCARPIA—A correction for our No. 28 issue—End of Index for Vol. 3. OUR PUBLICATIONS . . . AVAILABLE FROM EDITOR BY MAIL ONLY 860 Henry Lawson Drive, Picnic Point, N.S.W. — Please be patient for a reply. AUSTRALIAN PLANTS s Volume No. 1, issues 1-12 has now sold out but except for issues 2 & 12 the remaining 10 issues are available at 40 cents each + 5c postage or $4.00 | 20c postage for the Vol. set. Supplies of Volume No. 2 (issues 13-20) at $6.00 + 20c postage are still available, many of the issues being no longer available singly. Volume No. 3 (issues 21-28) will be available in April, 1967 fully bound at $6.00 + plus 20c postage. Issues prior to this and latter than No. 29 are available -ingly at 40c + 5c postage. WEST AUSTRALIAN PLANTS . . . . Price $1.20 + 15c post & pack 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. @@@ 3 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 51—Vol. 4 HEATH MYRTLES THRYPTOMENE, MICROMYRTUS AND BAECKEA by J. Ros. Garnet The very large, almost world-wide Myrtle family of plants is well represented in Australia by more than fifty genera which, between them, include something like 1,000 species. Eucalyptus and Melaleuca of course, account for a goodly proportion of this number but just as a matter of interest it may be mentioned that ten other genera in the family are each represented by more than 20 species, namely Baeckea, Calytrix, Verticordia, Leptospermum, Eugenia, Darwinia, Thryptomene, Kunzea, Callistemon and Calothamnus. Having this in mind, it will be appreciated that the restriction of these notes to just three of the genera—those which include the Heath Myrtles— is going to leave the reader with a very limited appreciation of the amazing variety of form and beauty discoverable within the Myrtaceae. Most of us can recognise a Eucalypt, a Bottlebrush or Verticordia, perhaps a Calytrix and several others but there are some which are likely to be troublesome because their distinguishing features are not easily detectable by casual inspection. The Heath Myrtles are in this category and this is why they have been included among the several genera for which a simplified “key” has been provided. See “The Heath Myrtles”—page 78. In the three genera, Thryptomene, Micromyrtus and Baeckea, there are many species which have captured the fancy of growers of Australian plants and thus they merit some description on their own account. The following is an attempt to do this: THRYPTOMENE Thryptomene is a purely Australian genus of about 30 recognised species. At least four-fifths of them occur in the west where all but two—T. micrantha Hcok.f. (which grows also in the other States) and T. oligandra F. Muell.— are endemic. Possibly the best known Westralian endemic is the floribund, pink flowered Rock Thryptomene, T. saxicola which has been described under a number of names such as Baeckea saxicola, Astraea saxicola, Eremopynxis camphorata, and Scholtzia decandra—all of which suggests that Thryptomene has presented something of a problem in classification to botanists of bygone days. It still does! Thryptomene calycina is well known simply as “Thryptomene” to people of Victoria where it is endemic. The plant grows by the acre in the sandstone ranges of The Grampians. Thryptomene micrantha, the only other Victorian species (for so long known to most of us as T. miqueliana), although occurring in the south-east of the State in the vicinity of the Ninety Mile Beach and in Lakes National Park, grows also in every other State. The localisation of the two Victorian species at places more than 350 miles apart provides a good example of one of the curiosities of plant distribution but even more curious is the fact that, although T. micrantha is widely dispersed, T. calycina has evolved in isolation in its chosen habitat in spite of its ability to thrive in many other situations far removed from The Grampians. @@@ 4 @@@ Page 52—Vol. 4 ATUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE __March, 1967 Along the shores of Port Phillip Bay it has been introduced and there flourishes like a weed. In fact, it is actually cultivated for the market where, in springtime, it is sold in enormous quantity as a “cut flower” for indoor decoration. Some private landholders in The Grampians make a fair living by merely harvesting their stands of Thryptomene. Photography by H. Alan Morrison Photographed in the Grampians THRYPTOMENE CALYCINA — See front cover for a close up of the flower. In States where there is protective legislation, as in Victoria, Thryptomene is classed as a protected wildflower which means that it may not be picked or damaged anywhere except on private property and, even there, only with the property owner’s permission. Some folk with an eye to a quick and easy dollar have no compunction about raiding Crown Lands or somebody else’s property to gather a truck load of the plant, even about pulling it up by the roots to save time. Some years back their depredations were so intense that the residents of the district rose in wrath and demanded that the Native Plants Protection Act be enforced if only to preserve the beauty of a popular tourist resort. Since that time, out of respect for the heavy penalties imposed on those caught, the practice has declined. It is far mere economical to cultivate the shrub. Ros. Garnet continues with further notes on Thryptomene on page T74. @@@ 5 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 53—Vol. 4 MICROMYRTUS by J. Ros. Garnet Micromyrtus, too, is an entirely Australian genus, of 15 or 16 species all but four of which are native to West Australia. Of them all, perhaps the best known is the “Fringed Hzath Myrtle”, M. ciliata of South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Photography by H. Alan Morrison MICROMYRTUS CILIATA Micromyrtus ciliata is of very variable habit, in some places seen as a low sprawling shrub and in others erect but either spreading or compact. The erect compact form, a particularly handsome shrub, is a picturesque feature of the arid sandhill country of mallee lands where it can be seen, often in profusion, ranging in height from two or three inches to about eighteen inches. The erect spreading form which grows on less mineral deficient soils may be up to three feet high and as much in diameter. Because a sandhill plant happens to be only a couple of inches high, one should not be misled into thinking that it is necessarily a seedling which can be transplanted successfully to the home garden. It is likely to have a root system penetrating deeply into the sand and extending laterally for three or @@@ 6 @@@ Page 54—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1967 four feet. The plant needs that kind of root system in order to glean the extraordinarily scant amount of nutrients in the sand. The flowers of most of the Micromyrtus are very small but arranged so densely on the ends of the branchlets as to almost hide the tiny leaves. In bud those of M. ciliata are red but the inner surface of the petals is white so that, as the flowering season advances, the colour of the flowers appears to change from red to white and then to red again as the flowers wither. Because there are so many flowers and because they do not all open at the same time, a Micromyrtus shrub can be a very colourful and pleasing blend of white and the various shades of red—unless it happens to be the yellow flowered M. flaviflora or M. sulphurea of West Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. Most of the species are Spring-flowering shrubs and, in cultivation, they make admirable rock plants. Those seen in gardens include, as well as the already mentioned M. ciliata, the West Australian M. rosea and M. hymenonema. The genus is so closely related to Thryptomene that one has to look very carefully to find the differentiating characters which led to them being segregated into separate genera. Although in the simplified key on page 83, | have drawn particular attention to one of the differences— that the stamens of Micromyrtus are opposite the petals and those of Thryptomene alternate with the petals—a more constant and apparently more significant difference lies in the disposition of the ovules in the ovary. In Micromyrtus the few ovules within the single cell are attached near the summit of the placenta whereas in Thryptomene, the two or more ovules in the single cell are attached at or near the base of the plocenta. HEATH MYRTLES FOR THE GARDEN Notes by E. M. M. Boddy describing some special garden forms. MICROMYRTUS (Fringed Heath Myrtle) These small myrtles may be found on sandy slopes throughout the Victorian Wimmera and Mallee where moisture is trapped in the light soil providing a cool root system during the heat of summer. In these areas they often produce large quantities of seedlings which vary quite considerably in density of foliage, flower and habit. Areas containing these plants are regularly inspected and cuttings have been selected from plants of special merit. Ideal conditions prevail when the root system is over shadowed by other plants. These plants are easily grown in gardens and rockeries where the soil is light and friable with good drainage and cool root systems. The foliage is minute and dark green, the buds are bright red, the white petalled flowers are dense and from 1/87-3/16” in diam.; on fading, the flowers darken producing a deep red calyx. The buds open from the base of the stems upwards which produces a variation of colour from red to white over the whole bush. None of these plants are garden hybrids, but genuine native plants which have been selected in their own natural habitat. aurea. Qld. form with long graceful arching branches, yellow fls. 4 ft. ciliata (syn. Baeckea plicata) (Fringed Heath Myrtle). Small fine, dark green fol. Red buds, masses of white fl. 1-2 ft. ciliata (Summer Flowering form). Pink and white flowers in summer. 2 ft. ciliata (Boddy’s Cascade). An open shrub with long arching branches that will cascade over and down rockeries. 187-24". @@@ 7 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 55—Vol. 4 ciliata (Boddy's Heather) develops into a compact upright bush 12-18" with dense flowers. ciliata (Boddy’s Jewel) is an outstanding prostrate form, having the appearance of an expensive piece of jewellery; it may be layered, flowers tightly massed along stems. ciliata (Boddy’s Little Heather) is compact and of upright habit. The flowers are smaller, very dense, producing a mass of white flowers, gradually turning from pink to red. ciliata (Boddy’s Lowan) and (Boddy's Dadswell) have both been named after the area in which they have been found; both of these plants are of vigorous and compact growth. Profuse flowering. ciliata (Boddy’s Starwheel) is semi-prostrate, producing regular radial branches from the centre; the flowers are very dense. hymenomena. Pink fls. 2 ft. rosea. Erect shrub white flowers changing to bright pink. 3 ft. siricta is a slim upright shrub which will grow to 2 ft. with a diameter of approx. 6-8”". Growth is very compact and it should be planted in a position where there is some movement of air in order to avoid trapping of excess moisture in the dense foliage which could cause rotting during humid conditions. Flowering profuse. SEASIDE GARDENS by J. L. Freeman, “Garamina” Nursery, Collins St., Merimbula, N.S.W. | have been asked by the Editor to conduct a nation-wide survey of native plants for the seaside garden. It is considered the information gathered will be of vital importance to members who live on our vast coastline. We intend to specify for Zone 1— harsh conditions, and Zone 2—general seaside and to further qualify these two Zones for cold and temperate climates. Personally | consider this survey will go far in removing many doubts as to the adaptability of many lovely natives to seaside conditions. The full co-operation of local groups in such areas is sought by devoting a meeting to discuss this article and requesting their members to fill in, and return to me personally answers to questionnaire below. Lone members can also render invaluable assistance. MY GARDEN NEAR THE SEA My garden is within one hundred yards of a huge salt inlet and within half a mile of the ocean in all directions. It is free from spray of course, but every wind is salt laden as proved by the rapid rusting of all ironwork. The prevailing wind is south westerly direct from the inlet and westerly winds are from snow covered ranges some fifty miles away. It is some sixty feet above sea level but is frost free though heavy frosts occur on the lake front below and on the promontory behind. Winter and summer climate is considered temperate, neither being considered severe; soil is mediumly poor and stony with rock outcrops. Over the twelve months since planting growth has been amazing. Plants from all States, from Queensland to Tasmania and Western Australia and from mountain to desert habitats, thrive side by side. I do not consider my garden would come under either Zone 1 or 2 of this survey but will serve as a guide to which plants are worthy of trial under more vigorous conditions. WIND-SURVIVAL FACTORS FOR GARDENS IN WINDY SITUATIONS My only losses have been from the prevailing south westerly killer wind, but erection of non solid wind breaks is gradually overcoming this. Members who have gardens on cliff top open heath lands should give much thought to the use of such wind breaks in conjunction with solid staking, to allow initial establishment of strongly growing windbreak shrubs—once these take hold their main troubles are over. An essentially related factor in wind resistance and the survey may serve as a guide to further research into this factor. Finally, this survey will entail many months of detailed card indexing and a worthwhile final result can only be accomplished with the full co-operation of all our readers. Please. QUESTIONNAIRE 5 . Name and address, giving District and State. Distance from sea or salt estuary. Height above sea level. If reached by spray during storms. Frequency of wind direct from sea; e.g. Prevailing wind is cold south westerly. Natural barriers between garden and sea. Frost prevalence. Temperature range summer and winter. Nature of soil, and water supply. List of successful shrubs, trees and plants with full information of rare species. List of failures stressing repeated failures and probable cause. A rough map showing garden in relation to coast would be invaluable. Compass points, distnnces, etc. et et [ i =l S B~ R T @@@ 8 @@@ Enge lfl: —VB}. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE ‘March, 1967 MYRTACEAE FOR S.A. GARDENS SOME PROMINENT PETALLED MYRTACEAE by I. G. Holliday The genera Baeckea, Hypocalymma, Leptospermum, Micromyrtus, and Thryptomene, contain a number of species which are cultivated in South Australia, mainly by native plant enthusiasts. Except for a few species such as Leptospermum laevigatum, there is no evidence to my knowledge to indicate that any of these plants can be considered reliable garden subjects in the Adelaide area. Usually they require some special preparation for success. Generally those in cultivation appear to need good surface drainage and a neutral to acid soil. Given a specially prepared bed of acid, sandy loam, quite a number of desirable species can be successfully grown in Metropolitan Adelaide. See “A Wildflower Gardcn” on page 67. 1. BAECKEA Baeckea behrii known as “Broombush”, is native to the drier areas of temperate Australia, and is common in the Murray Mallee in South Australia. It is a handsome shrub 6’-8" high, and deserves more consideration from gardeners. The wispy, rather erect foliage is attractive at all times, and is massed in early spring with dainty, white, open-petalled flowers. It grows well on limestone and tolerates most soils. Baeckea crassifolia and B. ramosissima are both dwarf plants com- mon in sandy heathlands of parts of temperate S.E. Australia. Given «a foot or so of surface sand in the garden, they both grow very easily, and make delighiful little rock garden plants, especially if planted several tcgether. Flowers vary from white to various shades of pink, and bloom through winter and spring. Baeckea ericaza, the other South Australian species, is very similar to B. crassifolia but with smaller flowers. Baeckea virgata and B. crenatifolia from the Eastern States, are to my knowledge the only other species grown in South Australia. B. virgata is a dainty, slender shrub to 8 ft. high which is fairly reliable in gardens, but B. crenatifolia, « lovely fern-leaved shrub, needs the cool, moist conditions of the hills districts. Both have small white flowers. 2. HYPOCALYMMA These are natives of Western Australia, 3 species of which are occasionally grown in South Australia. Hypocalymma cordifolium is a swamp lover from the south-west, which will tolerate much drier conditions in gardens, but responds to copious summer watering. It forms a lovely, dense, small shrub with attractive roundish leaves and small white flowers. Worth a place in the garden for foliage alone. Hypocalymma angustifolivm (white flowers) and H. robustum (deep pink flowers) are both sand lovers which carry masses of flowers in spring. They bcth respond well to nitrogenous fertilisers. Hypocalymma speciosum, from the Stirling Range, is a particularly handsome pink flowered dwarf shrub. | do not know of it in cultivation. Editor’'s Note: This introduces those very showy shrubs Hypocalymma. A future issue will describe them more fully. Will readers please advise their experiences in growing Hypocalymma. (Continued on page 60 under the heading TEA TREES FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA) @@@ 9 @@@ March, 1967 i AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 57—Vol. 4 BAECKEA by J. Ros. Garnet Baeckea is a quite large genus with species occurring throughout Australia and extending into the northern islands and beyond into China. There are about 70 Australian species. Over fifty of them are West Australian; four occur in South Australia, two in the Northern Territory, six in Queensland, sixieen in New South Wales, eight in Victoria and two in Tasmania. Two of the Western species, B. behrii (Broombush) and B. crassifolia (Deseri Heath-myrtle) grow in all the mainland States but the rest are Westralian endemics. Tasmania has one endemic, B. leptocaulis, South FPhotography by J. Joshua BAECKEA RAMOSISSIMA — ROSY HEATH MYRTLE This plant is shown here full size. It goe unnoticed until the bright flowers provide a flash of colour. It grows in N.S.W., Vic., S.A. and J. Simmons reports on a form in Tasmania—Baeckea ramosissima forms a carpet over most of this country and is a lovely sight with its deep pink flowers. It grows very well in cultivation making a delightful rockery plant or border. @@@ 10 @@@ Page 58—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Australia one, B. corynophylla and Victoria one, the highland species, B. crenatifolia. New South Wales shares all its species with Queensland. Baeckea virgata (the “Twiggy Heath-myrtle”) extends into all three eastern mainland States as well as the Northern Territory, where it is recognised as a tall shrub or small tree with, for a Baeckea, unusually large leaves. It grows mostly in creek gullies and moist places. For example, very large stands of it grow in places along the banks of the lower reaches of the Tambo River in East Gippsland (Victoria). Despite its preference for this kind of habitat, it responds well to cultivation in a wide variety of soils and situations. Baeckea intratropica appears to be confined to the Northern Territory. Baeckea linifolia is another commonly grown species which also has relatively large flat leaves and prefers to grow in rather boggy places in eastern Victoria as well as in New South Wales and Queensland. It has much the same habit as B. virgata but is perhaps rather more shapely. Baeckea ramosissima "Rosy Heath-myrtle’, is another well known species being a small heathy shrub with very small leaves. In some forms, it is an almost prostrate plant. Baeckea crassifolia, “The Desert Baeckea”, is a gem of the sandhill country. It is a small heathy shrub with very small leaves also. For undoubted beauty it rivals the desert form of Micromyrtus ciliata although it is not so erect and shapely. Its flowers may be either white or pink and about half the diameter of those of B. ramosissima—that is, about quarter of an inch across. But what they lack in size they gain by their abundance. Baeckea gunniana, the highland counterpart to B. crassifolia is found in alpine and sub-alpine localities where, quite often, it will be seen covering the surface of granite boulders near the alpine meadows and rivulets. It extends also to lower altitudes on the tablelands and slopes. PROPAGATION AND CULTIVATION OF BAECKEA Most of the Baeckeas seem to root readily from cuttings and grow easily from fresh seed and when once established they can be easily controlled by pruning. In their natural habitat, the heathy type manage to survive a total pruning brought about by fire. After a bushfire the plants generally renew themselves quickly from the dormant buds on the subterranean lignotuber in the manner of the Honey Myrtles. What mcre can be said about Heath-myrtles other than to enter into a tedious botanical description of the plants species by species or to give readers a florid pen picture of a few selected species in a vain attempt at describing their beauty? For those who wish to tell a Heath Myrtle from a Fringe Myrtle (Calytrix), a Scent Myrile (Parwinia) or a Tea Tree (Leptospermum) there is the key on page 83. For those who are interested simply in getting to know the wildflowers of the land they live in, one can recommend the satisfaction to be had from growing them or, better still from leaving them unspoiled in the places where they grow naturally. The Heath-myrtles are but one group in thousands of Australian plants which enhance the beauty of the countryside—beauty which now is apt to vanish uncommonly fast before the blade of a bulldozer. How many of us will have paused to consider what magnificent trees, shrubs and herbs, must once have grown in those places where now the good earth is sealed beneath a layer of concrete or bitumen, where now perchance, a city stands? @@@ 11 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 59—Vol. 4 TASMANIAN MYRTLES Seventh article in a series on “Wildflowers of Tasmania” by A. M. Gray The “prominent petalled” flowered species of shrubby Myrtaceae that occur in Tasmania are described briefly. Thryptomene micrantha Hook. f. "Heath Myrtle” This dainty little shrub has quite a restricted distribution in Tasmania, being found only on Freycinet peninsula on the East Coast. A slender, spreading shrub 1-3" high; leaves small, opposite, obovate with conspicuous oil glands. Flowers rather small, petals orbicular and only slightly larger than the sepals, white, persistent. T. micrantha is very easily propagated especially from cuttings, a good shrub for sandy conditions, the flowers are useful for cutting and using in bouquets, etc. Baeckea leptocaulis Hook. f. A rather untidy shrub, 1’-4’ high or sometimes &' in sheltered situations. Leaves narrow linear and cylindrical '4”-2" long. Flowers are rather small, solitary in the axils of the upper leaves; petals twice as long as the sepals, orbicular and white or pale pink in colour. B. lentocaulis is widespread and common on wet acid heaths in the north-west, west and south coasts; it has limited use in a garden, being somewhat difficult to propagate and is rather untidy in appearance. It is found only in Tasmania. Baeckea ramosissima (B. diffusa & B. thymifolia). A straggling, untidy little shrub with dainty pink flowers, very noticeable in heaths on a warm sunny day; very common in Tasmania as well as in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Baeckea gunniana A shrub of the sub-alpine plateau, fairly abundant in Tasmania as well as the mainland. It forms compact, densely branched shrubs and has guite small, rather inconspicuous flowers. The leaves are small, thick and have a pleasant sweet smell when crushed. (Continued on page 61 under the heading “TASMANIAN TEA TREES") ALPINE GARDENING The above plants are recommended especially the last. For those who want trees in a cold, exposed, windy position, see ‘“Some Garden Eucalypts’’ on page 69. BOOK REVIEW These books are not available from the Editor or the Soctety, but from your bookseller. VICTORIAN NATIVE ORCHIDS—Vol. 1 by C. E. Gray — Price $3.50 A small 80 page book beautifully presented in art paper with a hard cover and gloss jacket. Seventy-one species of the terrestrial orchids found in Victoria are described with an accompanying full colour or a black and white plate of each species. The species native to the State but not illustrated, a total of 102, are listed and it is hoped to cover these in a subsequent volume. The colour plate of Cryptostylis leptochila on page 77 of this issue is reprinted from the book and is typical of the other thirty colour plates. Cryptostylis subulata is illustrated by a black and white photograph and the other Victorian Cryptostylis, C. erecta and C. hunteriana listed. A page is devoted to each species giving its name, botanical and common, a simple description for the amateur, its habitat and its flowering season. 1967 WILD AUSTRALIA COLOUR FOLIO Price $1.75 Price includes postage from M. K. Morcombe, P.O. Box 54, Armadale, Western Australia. Readers will remember the beautiful colour plate of Regelia velutina that appeared on the front cover of our No. 28 issue and is a reproduction of a colour plate from this folio. Other colour plates of the finest quality are as large as 11" x 9'2". T have now seen a copy of the 1967 folio and it maintains the high standard of the 1966 folio, essentially a collection of full colour plates of Australian flora and fauna. The 1967 issue has a greater wildflower representation and the main theme is the evolution of the flower for its most important function of effective cross-pollination, an aspect which seems rather neglected, though the entire form of the flower depends on the type of pollinator. Perhaps this is because most botanists tend to see the flower but not the bird or insect; the zoologist on the other hand considers too much the animal but not the flower which is essential for its survival. In folio 2 the author has tried to show the precision of the relationship between honeyeaters and the western wildflowers @@@ 12 @@@ Page 60—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1967 TEA TREES FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA MYRTACEAE FOR S.A. GARDENS by I. G. Holliday—Continued from page 56 3. LEPTOSPERMUM Several of the Tea Trees are well known in gardens. Leptospermum laevigatum and L. coriaceum are smail trees which are easily grown and particularly useful for alkaline soils. L. laevigatum is noted as a fine species for expcsed coastal situations. It differs from L. coriaceum by its larger, grey-green leaves. Leptospermum pubescens is a lovely small tree from South and Eastern Australia. It grows in the Torrens Gorge near Adelaide and generally inhabits the banks of streams or cool, moist situations. The tree has graceful, silvery grey foliage and white flowers. Leptospermum junipzrinum and L. myrsincides, two of the smaller species found in South Australia, are delightful heathland plants with a long flowering period during late winter and spring. To my knowledge neither has been grown with any success in garden conditons. Leptospermum persiciflorum from New South Wales does quite well in cultivation here, whilst the large white flowered species from the Grampians in Victoria, L. nitidum, is occasionally grown. Leptospermum rotundifelium, which has lovely large “apple blossom” pink flowers, is generally unreliable in Adelaide’s soils, although it should do well in the Hills. Leptospermum szriceum from granite rocks near Esperance has been a recent addition to gardens of certain S.G.A.P. members living in the Mt. Lofty Ranges. This plant with its numerous large pale pink flowers, has been described as the most beautiful of the species with its large pink flowers, and seems destined to become a very popular garden shrub when better known. The Western Australian species L. roei (small pink flowers) and L. firmum (large cream flowers) are known in a few Hills gardens. Block donated by N. B. Thomson LEPTOSPERMUM EREBESCENS This is a West Australian Tea Tree. It is similar to quite a lot of other species including selected forms of Leptospermum scoparium marketed in various colour forms of pink to red as the exotic hybrid tea trees. A future issue will more fully describe our various tea trees and the recommended species and to assist this readers are invited to submit their comments. @@@ 13 @@@ March., 1967 ATISTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 61—Vol. 4 TASMANIAN TEA TREES This article is a continuation of “TASMANIAN MYRTLES" by A. M. Gray on page 59 The two tea trees endemic to Tasmania are described first followed by a brief reference to other species also found on the mainland. Leptospermumn humifusum (syn. L. rupestre) “Creeping Tea Tree’ A very interesting tea tree from the Tasmanian highlands and one Blocks loaned by the South Australian Musewm with the permission of Miss A. M. Ashby LEPTOSPERMUM NITIDUM The plant is shown three-fifths natural size. A fairly common shrub in Tasmania and Victoria, selected forms are especially suitable for wet situations in the garden. Leptospermwum persiciflorum is very similar to the colour plate above except that the flowers are closer to the stem. In wet situations it is very floriferous with colour blending from white to red. @@@ 14 @@@ ljage 62—Vol. 4 __ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1967 with many possibilities as a rockery or ground cover plant. L. humifusum is a woody shrub, prostrate and the branches spreading up and over rocks and closely pressed against them; very rarely in sheltered situations a low compact shrub up to 18" high. Leaves %”-%2” long, rather small (1" in dia.) and terminating short lateral branches or in the axils of the upper leaves; petals white. Very conspicuous when in flower due to the number of flowers and the fact that although the plant is creeping it is nevertheless very compact. In late summer an area of 3’-10" in diameter, covered with this tea tree, may be a carpet of dazzling white flowers. The capsule, when young, is covered with a scaly outer coat which soon separates; apart from this the capsule, in shape, resembles that of L. scoparium, though it is smaller in size. An ideal plant for an “alpine’” garden or low “shrubbery”; quite fast growing, flowers prolifically and may be pruned to any size. Frost hardy and cannct be overwatered provided drainage is sufficient. Seed is available. Lepitospermum lanigerum (L. grandifolium) "Woolly Tea Tree” Another very common shrub or small tree, occurring in Tas., Vic.,, S.A,, N.S.W. It grows from sea level to 3,000" and prefers to be in a wet position e.g. cn the shores of small pools or tarns in the highlands or along the banks of rivers, etc. When young, the capsules are thickly covered with densely packed, long, fine hairs. Leptospermum nitidum A fairly common shrub in Tasmania and Victoria. In Tasmania it most commonly occurs in wet, acid heaths from sea level to sub-alpine situations. The capsules are rather large and scaly. Leptospermum sericeum Labill. (vice L. flavescens and L. myrtifolium of Rodway’s ““Tasmanian Flora”). A very variable shrub, or sometimes a medium sized tree up to 50 high, the branches erect, drooping or spreading. The leaves are usually oblong or oblanceolate, apex rounded from ' to 1" long usually glabrous and slightly glaucous, occasionally with a covering of very fine hairs. Flowers small and solitary in the axils of the upper leaves or a few together at the ends of short lateral branches, petals small, white. The capsule of this species is quite attractive, unlike most other species it does not become dry and woody but remains fleshy or of a leathery texture and usually a conspicuous dark red colour until it withers and releases the seeds. L. sericeum is abundant on wet, acid heaths throughout Tasmania exceot in the East. It makes an attractive compact bush for a damp spot if well pruned. Leptospermum laevigatum A shrub or small tree, common in the N.E. and N.W. of the State as well as in Vic.,, S.A., N.SSW. and QIld. Usually occurs in sandy lowland heaths. Leptospermum grandiflorum A rather attractive shrub with large showy flowers and light greyish foliage. Found on granite rocks at 1000’ on Freycinet Peninsula, on the East Coast of Tasmania; it is also found in Vic. and N.S.W. Leptospermum scoparium — “"Manuka” This very common shrub is abundant in a variety of habitats throughout Tas., Vic. and New Zealand. Many colour forms of this plant have been extensively sold and planted throughcut Aust. and N.Z. A variety L. scoparium var. eximium occurs in the S. and S.W. of Tasmania. It differs in having leaves which are broadly obovate or almost orbicular but pungent. @@@ 15 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MALVACEAE Page 63—Vol. 4 The Genus Howittia by Alec Blombery The genus Howittia is one of the lesser known of the family Malvaceae and is endemic to Australia. The genus is monotypic with the one species H. trilocularis being found chiefly in well drained soil in moist coastal gullies in New South Wales and Victoria. The species is reported to have been collected in South Australia some years ago but apparently does not now occur naturally in that state. H. trilocularis is an erect shrub with soft hairy leaves and branches. The leaves vary in shape from ovate cor- date to ovate lanceolate to broadly lanceolate, depending upon conditions of growth; the leaves are often lobed, clearly shown in Betty Maloney’s drawing. The flowers are violet colour- ed and are borne singly on a slender peduncle in the leaf axils, chiefly from July until January. They are an inch or more in diameter and resemble very small Hibiscus flowers but are readily separated from that genus by the 3-lobed stigma, the absence of an epicalyx (i.e. the outer ring of bracteoles resembling a second calyx) and the 3-celled fruit. The seed capsule opens when ripe, re- leasing several seeds, chiefly from late November to January. See page 92 for a guide to cultivation and a colour plate. PROPAGATION OF WILDFLOWERS Mr. Blombery prepared the following advice for the propagation of Howittia _nb(_)\'e However the method is also applicable to the heath myrtles that represent the principal subject of this issue with the possible exception that in some cases such as Baeckea it is necessary to use cuttings of a smaller length, the foliage being often very tiny. The species is readily propagated from seed or cutting. Seeds may be sown in a seed box, pot, tin, or other type of container filled with light sandy scil or other friable material. Germination takes place in 3 to 4 weeks and seedlings should be pricked out and potted when one to two inches high in a good friable sandy soil. Cuttings 4 to 5 inches in length of lateral or leading shoots taken in spring and autumn strike readily in such mediums as coarse river sand, river sand and peat, vermiculite or similar material, placed in a pot or other well drained container. The container with the cuttings should be placed in a cutting frame, or be protected with a glass jar, plastic bag or other means in a half-shaded position. When the cuttings are well rooted (two to three months after setting) they should be potted into a good friable sandy soil; both cuttings and seedlings should be allowed to become well rooted in the'r container before being planted. @@@ 16 @@@ Page 64—Vol. 4 ~ AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE March, 1967 PRIONOTES RBr by Betsy R. Jackes (Townsville University College) Prionotes cerinthoides R.Br. is usually regarded as the only species in the genus, however an epacridacecus species from South America is sometimes placed in this genus. This climbing or epiphytic shrub is endemic to Tasmania particularly to the west and south-western rain forest areas. It is commonly known as the “climbing heath”, because of the straggling branches which may climb over other vegetation to a height of 6-10 m. Photography by A. M. Gray PRIONOTES CERINTHOIDES The margins of the thick, oblong leaves are somewhat serrated. In the upper axils are the pendulous crimson flowers, which may be more than 2 cms. long. In both this genus and Archeria, the subtending bracts are at the base of the pedicels distinct from the sepals, however the stamens in Prionotes are free whereas in the latter they are epipetalous. This shrub is suitable for growing in cool moist gardens, preferably in an area where it may climb and suitably display the mass of crimson flowers appearing in late February and March. @@@ 17 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE PflgL:JEJ —Vol. ¢4 Flower spike shown full size Leaf 2.5 x full size and flower scction 3.5 x full size PRIONOTES CERINTHOIDES (LABILL.) R.BR. Eighth article in a series on “Wildflowers of Tasmania” by A. M. Gray In Tasmania there occurs a very interesting and beautiful plant which many botanists belicve to be a link between the Ericaceace and the Epacridaceae, some see it as a link between the Rhododendrons of the Himalaya and our Epacridaceous plants. The plant about which | am speaking is Prionotes cerinthoides or “climbing heath”, a woody, evergreen climbing plant, bearing in summer magnificent displays of rich crimson tubular flowers. An inconspicuous plant when not in flower, it occurs in the wet rain-forests of the west, south and south-west, straggling over damp, mossy banks or climbing up the trunks of forest trees to a height of fifty feet or more. Prionotes contains but one species, endemic in Tasmania. lts nearest related genus is a South American plant, Lebetanthus, which has one species endemic in Patagonia and Fuegia. Prionotes and Lebelanthus differ in the characters of the ovary and to a lesser extent the flower. Prionotes differs from the usual Epacridacecus plant in that the leaves are not veined whereas in other Epacridaceae, they are normally parallel @@@ 18 @@@ Page 66—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE ~March, 1967 veined. The climbing habit of Prionotes is also of interest. Whilst using a tree for its support, the branchlets of Prionotes penetrate the loose outer layers of the bark and take on the function of roots, obtaining nutrients from the dead organic matter contained therein and rendered useful by an associated mycorrhiza. In many respects Prionotes may well be called an epiphyte. The following is a detailed description of Prionotes followed by the description of a successful experiment on the propagation of this plant. Prionotes cerinthoides (Labill.) R.Br. ‘‘Climbing heath” (Epacris cerinthoides Labill.) A slender, straggling shrub, usually climbing, epiphytic. Branches slender; leaves shortly stalked, narrow-oblong or elliptical, apex rounded or truncate, flat, margins with a few blunt teeth, when young tipped with a fine, glandular hair; venation reticulate '»'-1" long, 4" broad. Flowers solitary in the axils of the upper leaves, pendulous on slender pedicels about '2" long. Bracts few very small, bracteoles closely embracing the calyx tube. Sepals ovate, acute, ciliate, 's" long. Corolla bright crimson, cylindrical '2"-1"" long, broadest at the middle, contracted at the throat, lobes 5, small, broad, recurved. Stamens 5 free from the corolla, inserted on the receptacle, filaments as long as the corolla. Anthers joined to the filament except at the base, bilocular but opening by a single longitudinal slit. Style in a deep depression in the ovary, stigma small, exserted. Ovary hirsute, fruit a capsule about 4" long. A fairly common plant in rain-forests of the W., S. & S.W., from sea level to 3000 ft. PROPAGATION & CULTIVATION OF EPIPHYTES As Prionotes is an epiphytic plant, little success can be obtained by growing these plants without some special attention. Although cuttings may be struck in the usual manner, or seedlings raised, these soon sicken and die without proper conditions. The following experiment was carried out early in 1966, all plants ars siill healthy and growing vigorously. Fifty cutiings collecied 12/12/65, second year laterals and hardened green tips were used, none with heels and the cut in relation to a node did not have any significance. The cuttings were struck in a medium of half course sand and half vermiculite (by velume) mist conditions for 6 hours per day—9 a.m. - 3 p.m., 3 minutes on, 2 minutes off. No rooting hormone was used. On inspecting the cuttings in May 1966, 48 were sufficiently rooted as to warrant potting, the two remaining had callused and were replaced in a smail pot. It can be seen that by using the above method, virtually 100% strike was obtained. The rooted cuitings were noctted into 3" earthen- ware pots, using 2" of fine gravel chips as the drainage medium, the soil was made up cs follows, cll paris by volume. One-third light, well decayed humus, gathered from the floor of a “Myrtle”’—sassafras forest with Euc. delegatensis overstory; one-third coarse sand from a creek bank; one-third finely crumbled, well decayed Eucalypt wcod, taken from a very old decayed log lying in a forest in the vicinity of Prionotes plants. On top of the pot, heaped up around the plant stem was placed a layer of the last ingredient, finely crumbled. This is the vital factor in keeping the plant supplied with its vital nutrient, for as mentioned earlier Prionotes requires the activities of a mycorrhizal agent for its subsequent well being. Since potting, all plants appear vigorous and healthy “branches” have penetrated the decayed wood mass and new shocts and leaves have appeared. When planting out, Prionotes would require a shaded damo position free from direct sun and drying winds. An old decayed log or branch should be provided for it to climb upon and allow it to ramify its “branches” into the substance, large amcunts of decayed wood chins and moss should be heaped around the plant and kept permanently damp. @@@ 19 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CULTIVATION ~~ Page 67—Vol. 4 At the present time work is being done to determine whether seedlings will benefit from this treatment. It is also proposed to try grafting scions of Prionotes onto various species of other Epacridaceous plants to determine whether or not it would grow without its associated fungal organizms. A WILDFLOWER GARDEN — 3 SOIL TREATMENT FOR THE SMALLER NATIVE PLANTS The third article in a series by E. M. M. Boddy on this subject, the first two articles “A Wildflower Garden” and ‘‘Showy Wildflowers’’, appearing in our No. 22 issue. Many of the larger native species such as the tall Eucalypts, Acacias, Melaleucas, Grevilleas, and Hakeas etc. will thrive in average heavy soils and eventually develop their root systems deep into stiff clay where they obtain stability and much of their sustenance. The majority of the smaller plants thrive in the sandy soils of the heath lands where they grow en-masse and with the aid of falling vegetation, the shaded top soils are protected from excessive summer heat, the delicate root systems do not suffer and the f{riable nature of the soil aids in the admission and retention of moisture, which in short, is the principle of dry farming. Soil treatment would be necessary in many home gardens in order to grow many species successfully. In March, 1965 a large collection of plant material (vegetative cuttings) was collected in Western Australia from areas adjacent to Perth and from Gin Gin, Moora, Dandaragan, Eneabba, Geraldton and beyond the Murchison River to approx. 450 miles north of Perth. The plants from which cuttings were selected were all growing in coarse sandy soils with no great evidence of nutriment. Nevertheless, these were in areas of wheat lands with limestone outcrops evident in many places and field pH tests over a large range of country showed a neutral reaction. A gocd proportion of the plant material was successfully propagated, grown on in containers and planted in a specially prepared raised bed in March of this year, 1966. SOIL PREPARATION, ETC. 1. A 6" high brick wall with a minimum of cement mortar was constructed over heavy loam to the north of a white wall. Sunlight owing to surrounding trees approx. 50%. 2. The basic soil was very acid sandy loam from Anglesea, similar to Cranbourne loam and was neutralised with lime to just under neutral. 3. Additives were approx. 10% peat moss (composte as an alternative), 10% mountain soil from the Dandenongs and 50% coarse sand to 'a” grit. 4. The soil mixture was tamped and watered until reasonably firm and the plants selected were of medium size grown in parallel sided containers. After planting the bed was mulched with 38" blue metal screenings and brick dust; crushed brick would have been used if available at the time. REWARDING RESULTS— Verticordia huegeli, V. picta, V. grandiflora, V. roei, V. mitchelliana, V. acerosa, V. nitens, V. insignis, V. monodelpha and V. grandis are all thriving to an extent not previously achieved. @@@ 20 @@@ Page 68—Vol. 4 AUUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CULTIVATION March, 1967 Nematalepsis phebalioides, Pileanthus filifolius and P. peduncularis, Darwinia meeboldi and D. carnea, Banksia septrum, Pityrodia verbascina, Hemiandra pungens (pink), H. longistylus, and H. gardneri, Baeckea campho- rosmae, Boronia gracilipes, Hypocalymma xanthopetalum, Micromyrtus and Calytrix from the Eastern States together with many unidentified species from Eneabba continuing in growth quite beyond anticipation. THRIVING LESCHENAULTIA— On occasions | have been informed by clients, “I had a Leschenaultia and it died.” Leschenaultios may be found growing in W.A. in what would appear the most adverse conditions, in sandy table drains to be shorn off by a grader, and sprouting out with tremendous vigour. Leschenaultias are now responding to the soil mixture as previously described with the vigour that they once did before soils in the nursery were encouraged in acidity and became compacted through the absence of sufficient sand. An extension to this bed was planted at the end of May into June which was in very much cooler weather. The plants have put on growth but not to the extent of thcse that experienced some very warm days in March. NEUTRAL SOIL? It is my impression that many native and exotic plants will exist in highly acid soils, others in alkaline soils, but possibly all plant life may prefer nearer neutral soils. This is a matter for further experiment for those with time on their hands. We have always achieved the best results in planting into the ground during the warmer periods of the year which should not be difficult wherever there is a garden tap. The periods in a planting programme that | would avoid are mid-winter and windy days, but of course, hot weather demands additional initial watering in. FROST HARDY NATIVES — PART il by Toss Frazier, Armidale, N.S.W. Part 1 appeared in Australian Plants Vol. 3, No. 25. Mr. Frazier is investigating frost hardiness of Australian plants and other reports are requested to be forwarded c/- the Editor. The winter of 1966 was severe, even lower temperatures than those in 1965 were recorded. In addition a heavy snowfall in late May completely covered and weighed down our plants for a period up to six hours before the thaw set in. The lowest ground temperature of 7 deg. F. was recorded in mid July and during the period from mid June to late August several readings from 10 deg. to 16 deg. were taken. Due to the extreme dryness of the soil from continued drought it would appear that it was a probable factor in minimising the effect of the low temperatures as the resuitant damage to plants was not a severe as might be expected. The plants listed in Part 1 in Groups 1 and 2 were confirmed with one exception. Two plants of Pimelea ligustrina (3 ft.) were not damaged and could perhaps be transferred to Group 1. A further fifty species will be added in my next report as all survived the above conditions. Many were only small however, and next winter will confirm the frost hardiness. FLOWERING SOME SPECIAL PLANTS As a matter of interest to growers I have a rocked up bed in front of the glasshouse wall with a northern aspect and sun all day. In this bed are Verticordia species, several forms of Leschenaultia biloba and L. formosa, Calytrix species from W.A. and Tetratheca species among others. On frosty nights a hessian cover was drawn over the bed and these plants wintered without any damage. I am now rewarded with (early October) mass bloom from the Leschenaultias and Tetrathecas and two Verticordias and a Calytrix just coming into bloom. The little extra effort to grow these gems is more than worthwhile. Among the plants set out this spring are several dwarf eucalypts, Dryandra, Hakea, Acacias, several Phebalium, Zieria and Asterolasia. These will be the subject of a later report. @@@ 21 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 69—Vol. 4 SOME GARDEN EUCALYPTS by Richard C. Barnard, M.A. (Forestry) Reprinted from the Vol. XCI, Part 5 issue of the “Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society”, England, with permission. There is “something about” the eucalypts which fascinates and intrigues peoples of all countries where they occur naturally or have been introduced. Their outstanding beauty and variety as trees and shrubs compel attention and invite enquiries. Interest is soon aroused by the adaptability, very fast growth and usefulness of the genus for timber for all purposes from heavy construction to paper puip, for honey, for medicinal and other volatile oils of delightful fragrance and for amenity planting for the beauty of their bark, tree form, foliage and in a few cases flowers. FROST— Frost resistance is the first characteristic to consider in many situations and this cannct be assessed by species alone. Evolution in Australia, following the Ice Age, was interrupted by a period of intense drought and heat which killed off most of the flora except for small pockets of survivors. As the Continent cooled and a better climate developed, vegetation began to spread from these pockets of tropical and sub-tropical plants. In time frost- resistant strains (ecotypes) evolved which spread up the mountains into colder localities. For these reasons, the natural occurrence of most of the 650 described species and varieties of eucalyptus is very localised but in the locality of natural occurrence of a species there may be a great range in altitude, over 4,000 feet in a few cases, showing great adaptability. Trees at the lower elevation may rarely be subjected to frost but those at the highest elevations will have survived frequent and severe frosts. For example, the lowest screen temperatures recorded at some Meteorological Stations are:— 8 F. at Charlotte Pass (5,800 feet), 5 F. at Kiandra (4,578 feet), 6 F. at Mt. Kosciusko (5,018 feet) all in New South Wales; 0 F. at Mt. Hotham (6,100 feet) in Victoria and 9 F. at Oatlands (1,418 feet) in Tasmania (Foley, 1945). Therefore, in selecting eucalypts for frost hardiness it is essential to know seed provenance, i.e. locality of seed collection. Commercial seed collection in Australia and Tasmania is done mostly for commercial forestry purposes at the altitudes of optimum development of the species where timber felling is being done. Collection at the highest altitudes of natural occurrence has rarely been done, fruit is seldom plentiful and pollen may have come from a tree at a considerably lower altitude with less frost resistance. In every country where eucalypts have been introduced and fruited, their progeny have shown greater vigour, better tree form and more reliable frost resistance than imported seed. Geneticists consider this to be the effects of mass selecticn and not adaptation to the new environment but seed from local trees is always preferable to imported seed. FROST & COLD WINDS— The damaging and lethal effects of frosts and freezing winds are extremely complex and varioble. Minimum temperature is a poor guide, but the only readily available one, and varies greatly from site to site and from ground level upwards. Five inexpensive but “zero-ed” minimum thermo- meters (unscreened) placed in the open on my small holding have recorded as much as & F. difference between 6 inches and 3 feet above ground level and up to 9 F. difference (at 3 feet) between the upper and lower end of my small holding, a distance of almost 200 yards and 25 feet difference in altitude, during radiation frosts. The popular idea that Devon enjoys a sub- @@@ 22 @@@ Page 70—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1967 tropical climate applies only to very restricted coastal localities. The site on which | grow eucalypts, about 235 feet elevation with a north-east aspect, is by no means favourable to tender plants nor is it protected from ihe freezing north-east winds which usually accompany periods of exceptionally severe weather. After the winter of 1962/63 with its exceptionally low temperatures and freezing winds, several of my trees were quite undamaged, many only silghtly damaged, and eucalypts in counties where the minimum temperature went much lower than on my holding also survived. An important factor affecting frost resistance in the eucalypts is the age of the plant. From successive annual plantings of the same soecies and provenance, it appears fairly certain that an older plant will survive more severe cold than young ones. The basal bark of the less hardy species and provenances is a vulnerable spot while the bark is young, and some protection is recommended for the first one or two winters. Damage of this type may not become apparent until well into the following summer when leaves start dying. If the bark is cut into, a ring of bark, perhaps only an inch wide, just above ground level will be found brown and dead. If the bark is alive below ground level shoots will be pushing up by the end of May at the latest. The survival of many E. globulus, of which no really hardy proven- ances are known, may have been due to a few mild winters following the years of planting, during which time the basal bark thickened, giving sufficient protection to the cambium to enable it to survive frosts subsequently. Mild winters are a matter of chance, and a wise gardener does not irust to luck if the means are known whereby risks can be eliminated or greatly reduced. WIND RESISTANCE— Of all the adverse factors of the environment responsible for failures of hardy eucalypts, wind is probably the most important. Eucalypts “rocked” by winds or gales when young may never attain full vigour or become wind- fast. Rocking not only causes root damage, to which eucalypts are particularly sensitive, but puddles the soil and makes an opening around the base of the plant in which water collects and into which frost penetrates, both with harmful results. To ensure steadiness in gales, really strong staking and secure tying is necessary from the start, and on sites with a fertile soil and heavy rainfall, such as mine is, this is quite a problem. In my conditions, it has been found necessary to stake almost everything, willows, Leyland and Lawson Cypress, even brussels-sprouts in a sheltered vegetable garden, and C. macrocarpa and C. lawsoniana ‘Allumii’ between twenty years old or more have been blown over or brcken in gales. Eucalypts develop larger and more leafy crowns in my soil than on drier and less fertile sites but E. niphophila, E. dalrympleana and some E. gunnii, E. perriniana, E. parvifolia and E. urnigera grown as trees and adequately staked for the first four or five years have been windfast since. Wind resistance also is closely related io the type of planting stock used, which will be discussed later. Given seed of a reliably hardy provenance, the successful establishment of eucalyptus, or their failure, is almost entirely dependent upon treatment during the first six months after germination. As mentioned earlier, seed collected from trees growing in this country can be expected o produce hardier and more vigorous planting stock on average than imported seed, so a brief note on flowering, fruiting and seed collection is needed at this point. FLOWER TO SEED— Some eucalypts will start producing flower buds at two or three years from sowing and many species before they are six years old. The genus @@@ 23 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—INDEX TO VOL. 3 Page I—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS A publication by The Society for Growing Australian Plants This is the third volume comprising issues 21-28 inclusive. Volume No. 1 comprises issues 1-12 and is now out of print (most issues still available singly) and Volume No. 2 comprises issues 13-20. These are still available from the Editor, 860 Henry Lawson Drive, Picnic Point, N.S.W. Each volume sells at $6.00 plus 20c postage. Although each volume contains issues of a continuing periodical, each in itself is a valuable reference and the possession of previous volumes is not essential to its use as a guide to the cultivation of wildflowers in the garden. VOLUME III INDEX An index to Volumes 1 & 2 is contained in the No. 21 issue, the first of Volume No. 3. A further index to all wildflowers already used in garden cultivation appears in the publication in the back of volume No. 3 (bound), “A Catalogue of Cultivated Australian Plants”. Acacia—dwarf—11 species by F. C. Rogers 104 Acacia for the garden—A. C. Keane 70 Acacia from seed 69 Acianthus—the genus—ILeo Cady 370 Acianthus—2 inland N.S.W. species 378 Acianthus in South Australia—R. C. Nash 376 Acianthus in Tasmania 374 Actinotus—the genus—A. Blombery 63 Actinotus forsythii 141 Alpine flora I—Thymelaceae 354 Amarvllidaceae—the family—A. Blombery 259 Amaryllidaceae—classication 268 Anigosanthos—Dbrief mention 132 Anodopetalum biglandulosum 377 Anopterus glandulosus 324 Banksias—diseases in 14 Bellendena montana 105 Birds in Native Gardens 203, 274, 307, 355 Botany series by Helen Lee—The Plant Body 40, 89, 110 Bottlebrush Plants 44 Byblis gigantea 321 Caleana—the genus—Leo Cady 174 Caleana major 192 Caleana in Tasmania 178 Cualectasia cyanea 144 Callistemon saligna 348 Calostemma luteum and purpureum 256 Calytrix tetragona : 169 Carnivorous plants—Rica Erickson 319 Cassias—11 species 115 Cassias in Central Queensland—8 species 114 Cassia artemisioides 114 Casuarinaceae—the family—lJ. Ros. Garnet 230 Casuarina—the genus 228 Casuarina—Xey to Eastern Australian species 233 Casuarina—~Queensland—Len Miller 235 Casuarina as Street Trees—J. Ros. Garnet 185 Choricarpia—See correction to Syncarpia at end of index. Clay Soil Gardens 297, 298, 299, 339, 343 Clay Soil Gardens—Use of Gypsum 4 344 Clay Soil Gardens—List of suitable species—Max Hewett 341 Corvbas—Australian species with key—Leo Cady . 245 Corybas in South Australia : 249 @@@ 24 @@@ Page II—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—INDEX TO VOL. 3 1967 Corybas in Tasmania 243 Corybas within the tropics—A. W. Dockrill 279 Corvmborkis—the genus—A. W. Dockrill 227 Crinum—the genus—L. S. Hannibal 262 Crinum angustifolium—K. Kennedy 266 Crinum pedunculatum 267 Cymbidium in Australian—key—A. W. Dockrill 293 Cymbidium—N.S.W. species (3)—R. F. Leaney 291 Cymbidium culture 296 Dendrobium — discolor 28 Dendrobium kingianum 27 Dendrobium ruppianum 223 Eucryphia lucida 253 Eucryshia outside Tasmania 255 Epacridaccac—Betsy R. Jackes 322 Epacris in Tasmania—J. Simmonds 278 Epacris longiflora 240 Epacris—propagation 197 Eria—the genus—comprehensive article—A. W. Dockrill 119 Escalloniaceae—the family 326 Eucalyptus on Clay Soil 209 Eucalyptus—ornamental—L. D. Pryor 357 Eucalyptus—Quick Results 95 Eurycles amboinensis—K. Kennedy 258 Forest as a Garden 2, 359 Frost Hardy Natives (I)—Toss Frazier 207 Frost Hardy Natives (I1)—Mrs. M. Simmons 275 Geijera parviflora 86 Gossypium—the genus—Paul Fryxell 301 Grevilleas—Comprehensive article by Bro. Stanley 3 Grevilleas for the Garden—R. Doney 9 Grevilleas as Garden Specimens—E. M. M. Boddy 11 Grevilleas as Street Trees 309 Grevilleas from Seed 143 Grevillea Flame Cone 47 Grevilleas in Adelaide 17 Grevillea robusta 37 Grevillea tripartita 143 Hetaeria polygonoides—A. W. Dockrill 350 Hibiscus tiliaceus 219 Index to Volumes I and 11 23 Isopogon 287 (1. cuneatus and latifolius) 287 King's Park Newsletters— 1. Wildflowers, 170: 2. Wildflowers from Seed. 251: 3. 305 Lagunaria patersoni 272 Leschenaultia—Propagation 141 Leschenaultia biloba, Leschenaultia formosa and others 57 Micromyrtus ciliata 57 Miniature Gardens 133 Myrtaceac—The Family. See page IV of this index. Nothofagus gunni 66 Orchids—Collecting Seed 74 Orchids—Growing Terrestrials—R. Nash 383 Orchids—Growing from Seed 18 Orchids—Pollination 73 Orchids—Potting Terrestrials 72 Orchids—North-west Tasmanian—B. J. Dudman 136 Orchids in Tasmania John Firth—Part I, 81: 11, Caleana, 178; 111, Coirybas, 243: IV Acianthus 374 Petrophila 2; 135 Phosphorus Nutrition of Heath Plants—Dr. R. L. Specht 323 Pileanthus—the genus—F. Lullfitz 99 Pimeleas—Issue 24 devoted to this genus—complete index 146 Pittosporums as Street Trees 30 Pittosporums—General article by H. C. Hayes 31 Pittosporums in Queensland 35 @@@ 25 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—INDEX TO VOL. 3 Page III—Vol. 4 Platytheca verticillata ) i 109 Propagation Hot Box - 107 Propagation—Bottlebrush from Seed 356 Propagation—Wildflowers from Seed 67 Pruning i . 305 Pterostylis—the genus—L. Cady 75 Pterostylis in South Australia—R. C. Nash 79 Pterostylis in Tasmania—John Firth y 81 Regelias—the genus (S species)—F. Lullfitz 346 Rhododendron lochae 140 Rockery Plants ) . 218 Rock Gardens . . . . i 98, 101, 102 Rupicola (2 species) . 322 Seaside Gardens 116, 117, 205, 207, 335 Street Tress—Callistemon saligna, 348: Casuarinas, 185: Geijera parviflora, 86: Grevilleas, 309, 38: Hibiscus, 219; Pittosporums, 30; Svncarpia 131 Stylidium (3 species) ; 106 Succulent Native Plants 111 Succulent Plants—Alice Springs area 113 Street Trees—Callistemon saligna, 348 Casuarinas, 185; Geijera parviflora, Syncarpia—classification—C. N. Debenham 362 Tetracarpaca tasmanica 372 Thespesia—the genus in Australia (2 species) 366 Thymelacaceae in Australia—the family—C. N. Debenham 172 Waratahs in Heavy Soil } 15 Waratahs—Propagation 14 West Australian Plants 60 Wildflower Garden—E. M. M. Boddy 51, 56 Wildflowers of Central Australia—D. J. Nelson 84, 113, 222 Wildflowers of Tasmania—A. M. Gray 66, 105, 253, 324, 372 Woollsia pungens 276 CORKECTION— CHORICARPIA OR SYNCARPIA A correction submitted by K. Mair. Director and Chief Botanist, Royal Botanic Garden and National Herbarium, Sydney Members of my staff and I view with some concern the article ‘““The problem of Suncarpia” by C. N. Debenham in ‘‘Australian Plants” Vol. 3. pages 362-365, September 1966. The author has failed to refer to three recent publications highlv relevant to Syncarnia and Choricarpia, and his last paragraph is likely to give a anite misleading impression that his statements are based on a full discussion of the matter with members of my staff. In our view the union of Choricarpia and Swyncarpia is not justified and the replacement of the name S. glomulifera by S. procera is quite wrong. The relevant specimens and notes made available in this Herbarium included the information leading to these conclusions. Johnson (Contrib. N.S.W. Nat. Herh. 3: 53-102, 1962) transferred S. subargentea to Choricarpia, as C. subargentea (C. T. White) L. Johnson. This treatment was based on general morphology as well as anatomical characters of the wood (Ingle and Dadswell, Aust. Journ. Bot. 1: 353-401 1953) and the bark (Bamber, Aust. Journ. Bot. 10: 25-54¢ 1962). There are marked differences in these features between the two genera, but within each the species are in close agreement. Choricarpia includes two species, i.e. C. leptopetala (F. Muell.) Domin. and C. subargentea (C. T. White) L. Johnson. The features used Mr. Debenham’s key to separate species 1 and 2 from 3 and 4 serve to senarate the genera and the further key divisions are also adequate. SYNCARPIA GLOMULIFERA not S. procera. The original description of Metrosideros procera Salisb. (Prodr. Stirp. Hort. Chapel Allerton 351, 1796) is very brief and was based on vegetative and probably iuvenile material but it mentions features which are quite inconsistent with those of the “‘Turpentine.” No Type Specimen exists and the name must be regarded as altogether dubious in apwlication. Consequently the correct name of the species remains S. glomnlifero (Sm.) Niedenzu. Incidentallv, the orieinal author was the famous English botanist Sir James Edward Smith, not Jokn Smith as stated by Mr. Debenham. FROM THE AUTHOR The author of the paper on Syncarpia has also forwarded a note to the Editor indicating that his acknowledgement to the Herbarium staff was in appreciation for the material made available for study and for discussion on the floral features of Choricarpia leptonetala. It was not intended to imply that the article itself had been approved by any member of the staff of the National Herbarium. @@@ 26 @@@ Page IV—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1967 THE FAMILY MYRTACEAE ~_ The large family of Myrtaceae are of special horticultural interest and the following is intended to review our progress in properly presenting these plants. The Australian genera in the family are arranged in tribes and sub-tribes in a manner adopted from Bentham's icct;unlt‘ in the Flora Australiense. The number of species given are the species native to ustralia. TRIBE LEPTOSPERMEAE Sub-Tribe Bachousiinae Backhousia with 6 species and Osbornia with one species all confirmed to the east coast or Nth. Qld. We have not described these yet. Sub-Tribe Metrosiderinae ““‘Australian Plants”” has dealt only with Syncarpia (a classification by C. N. Debenham, Vol.h3, page 362) and a correction to reinstate Choricarpia as stated on the page previous to this. Syncarpia—4 species. See Vol. 3, page 362. Choricarpia—2 species. See correction to Syncarpia on rear of this page. Lysicarpus—1 species. S.E. QId. Metrosideros—2 species. North Qld. Xanthostemon—5 species. Sub-Tribe Eucalyptinae Eucalyptus—A very large genus of our ‘‘gum tree’’ with about 500 species. Articles appear in many issues as indexed. Angophora—The eight species are fully described in Vol. 1, issue No. 7, page 19. Sub-Tribe Leptosperminae All genera in this sub-tribe have been introduced briefly in our No. 10 issue where a sketch shows the difficult flower characters. They are again mentioned in our No. 20 issue. Agonis, 12 species confined to W.A.; Callistemon, about 25 species many mentioned in various issues; Conothamnus, 3 species confined to W.A.; Kunzea, 25-30 species; Lamarchea, 1 species in W.A.; Leptospermum, 40 species approx.; Melaleuca, 140 species approx.; Sinoga, 1 species. Sub-Tribe Calothamninae All the genera in this sub-tribe have been mentioned principally in our No. 20 & 28 issues. Beaufortia, 16 species in W.A.; Calothamnus, 24 species in W.A.; Eremea, 6-7 species in W.A.; Phymatocarpus, 2 species in W.A.; Regelia, 3-4 species in W.A. Sub-Tribe Baeckeinae These are all species where the petals are the prominent feature of the flower and are first mentioned in our No. 30 issue of Vol. Astartea, 5 species in W.A.; Baeckea, approx. T0 species; Balaustion, 2 species in W.A; Hypocalymma, 13 species in W.A.; Scholtzia, 13 species in W.A. TRIBE CHAMELAUCIEAE As with the sub-tribe Baeckeinae above these are also principally twiggy shrubs with small flowers in which the petals are prominent. The No. 20 issue first introduces them, with the exception of Fileanthus that appears in No. 23 issue. Actinodium, 1 species only from W.A.; Calythropsis, 1 species in W.A.; Calytrixz, 40-50 species; Chamelaucium, 12 species from W.A.; Darwinia, 35 species; Homoranthus, 3-4 species; Homalocalyx, 3-5 species in W.A.; Lhotzkya, 10 species: Pileanthus, 3 species in W.A.; Thryptomene, 35-40 species; Verticordia, 50 species; Wehlia, included in Homalocalyzx. Sub-Tribe Calythriceae It is likely that some of the above genera can be placed in a sub-tribe. They are Calytrix, Calythropsis, Lhotzka and Homalocalyx. TRIBE MYRTEAE None of these mostly from the east coast of Australia, have been presented in Australian Plants yet. Acmena, approx. 10 species; Astromyrtus, 9 species;, Decaspzrmum, 2 species: Eugenia, the species placed under Acmena and Syzygium are sometimes referred here; Fenzlia. 3-4 species; Pilidiostigma, 4 species; Rhodamnia, T species; Rhodomyrtus, T species; Synzygium, approx. 30 species. @@@ 27 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE B Page 71—Vol. ¢ is unusual in that flower buds do not usually open until a year after formation and the fruits are not mature for another year. On vigorous young irees the blossoms on the main shoots will be a long way down the stem when they open and ripe fruit double this distance but, on the slow-growing side shoots of trees five or more years old, a mass of blossom makes a very pretty sight for ceveral weeks. In all the hardier montane species, ihe flower buds form in the axils of the leaves at various times during the growing season according to species and the clusters (umbels) of usually three, seven or fifteen flowers develop to full size quickly but do not usually open until the following year. The individual flowers are interesting, being made up of two parts separated by a distinct line. The upper part is in the form of a cap (operculum) which is a fusion of the petals and varies in shape from species to species, and the lower part a hollow tube (receptacle) in which the ovary is immersed and fused. Eventually the cap separates and falls off, revealing a mass of stamens with long stalks (filaments) which unfurl to form the blossom. The colour of eucalyptus fiowers depends unon the colour of the filaments, which is white or cream in all species exceot «a few tender species with pink, red or yellow filaments. Pollen is usually shed within twenty-four hours but the stigma is not receptive until a few days after the operculum has fallen. Pollination is cairied out by bees and flies. Self-pollination is therefore unusual and few fruits set seed until a iree bears a good crop of flowers which open successively over several weeks. Provided at least one ovule has been fertilised, the receptacle develops in a few weeks into a ful'-sized woody fruit, the size and shaoe of which is a useful aid in identification, popularly known as a “Gum-nut” though botanically a capsule. If no seed has been set, the receptacle shrivels, dies and falls off. Within a few months of flowering the young fruits are almost indistinguishable from previous years’ fruits but, if collected before they are ripe, may not open or will shrink, imorisoning the seed. The best time to collect fruit is at flowering time when all the fruit will be one or more years old. Unless there is no objection to cutting off branches bearina fruit and flowers, so losing some fruit in the future, collection is done by hand, twisting off individual fruit or the clusters. As each capsule rarelv contains more than three fertile seeds, the collection of any quantity of seed takes a long time. As long as the branch to which the fruit is attached remains alive they do not appear to open on the tree in this country. Fruits broken off during gales, and fallen fruit, may be the only way of collection from large trees. TREATMENT OF SEED— The fruits, spread out thinly on a tray in a dry room, open the valves in the flat end of the capsules in a few days and the fertile seed and “chaff” (unfertilised and imperfect ovules) falls out with stirring and shaking. The fruits are easily separated from the seed and chaff by shaking on a perforated zinc sieve and, with small quantities, it is worth putting the dried fruit into a screw-topped jar and shaking them energetically which often dislodges an appreciable percentage of more fertile seed. The seeds of the hardy soecies are very small, black or dark brown and distinguishable from the chaff which is smaller, light brown or reddish brown. It is not necessary to separate seed from chaff and both may be sown together. Seed kept in paper packets or stoppered bottles in a dry place will retain its viability for several years. Heat should not be used during seed extraction as it may induce secondary dormancy and seed should not be stored in a hot [*lace. @@@ 28 @@@ Page 72—Vol. 4 - AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE B __ March, 1967 When purchasing seed of “hardy” evcalyptus (or plants), never buy unless the seed provenance is known and stated, for the specific name alene cannot define frost-hardiness. In the case of seed imported from Australasia, altitude is the most important locality factor and, as an approximate guide, 4,000 feet for New South Wales and Victoria and 3,000 feet for Tasmania are the lowest limits for reasonable frost resistance. Eucalypts are commonly considered “difficult plants.” The use of the word “difficult’” in this context appears to me tc be incorrect. Plants do their own growing and any plant will fiourish given the right environment and correct management or culture. Eucalypts have quite difficult growth habits to the common British trees and shrubs and, therefore, need somewhat different culture for reliable results. It is no more difficult to raise eucalyptus seedlings than the small-seeded half-hardy annuals but rather more attention is necessary. No worithwhile method of vegetative propagation has yet been discovered. Cuttings very rarely produce roots and only very young basal shoots are known to have developed roots and there are no records of trees established from cuttings. Air-layering, bottle-grafting and approach- grafting have been achieved with a few soecies. (See details in No. 14 issue—Ed.). PROPAGATION FROM SEED— Throughout the world, eucalypts are raised from seed and it is doubtful if any other single genus of trees has been the subject of such intensive scientific research during the last two decades as the eucalypts. The prescriptions and recommendations which follow are based on these research results and on the writer's experience and experiments with tropical species in Malaya from 1932 to 1956 and with alpine and sub-alpine species in Devon since, including discussions and correspondence with other experienced eucalyptus growers in this and other countries. The seed of alpine and montane species is very erratic in germination which may start in ten to fourteen days and be complete in a further similar pericd or may ccntinue over a period of a year. Rapid and complete germination is particularly desirable and cold, moist storage at about 35 F. (bottom of a domestic refrigerator) for six to eight weeks before sowing has been found a satisfactory method of breaking dormancy. This does not appear necessary for E. gunni and the less hardy species. TREATING THE SEED— Cold wet storage, recommended to me by Dr. R. D. Johnston in 1964, has greatly improved the germination of ceveral species which | have tried, both imported and freshly collected local seed. The seed is placed in a small glass or clear plastic bottle cr polythene bag, distilled water added to about half-full, sealed, then well shaken to wet and sink the seed as far as possible, as it seems waterproof. Regular inspection is advisable as germination may start after four weeks and at the first sign of any small white radicle appearing the seed should be sown. Even if no radicle is showing the seed should be sown after four to eight weeks. The seed is washed cut onto absorbent paper, allowed to drain, then gently mixed with dry, fine sand, moving over to a dry part of the paper, until the mixed seed and sand are in a suitable condition for sowing evenly. It must then be sown immediately. With seed collected from my trees, | have sometimes obtained better germination from seed stored for six months or longer than frem fresh collected seed. Possibly ripening overcomes one type of dormancy. @@@ 29 @@@ March, 1957 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 73—Vol. 4 by R. W. Boden, Research Officer, Parks & Gardens Section, Department of Interior, Canberra. This species is more widely known by its later synonym E. maculosa, however as interpreted by L. A. Johnson (Contrib. from N.S.W. National Herbarium Vol. 3, No. 3, 1962), E. mannifera comorises a number of ecological ond geographical races for which taxonomic distinction as a subspecies is desirable. One of these is E. mannifera ssp. maculosa which occurs widely throughout the Central and Southern Tablelands of N.S.W. and A.C.T. and has been used extensively as a street tree in Canberra. “Red Spotted Gum” E. manni- fera ssp. maculosa should not be cenfused with “Spotted Gum”’ E. maculata, for although they bear a resemblance in bark colour they occur naturally in widely different ecological situ- ations, the former confined to tableland areas the latter to coastal regions of eastern Aus- tralia. E. mannifera spp. maculosa differs from other subspecies in having narrow, usually drooping foliage, giving it a very attract- ive appearance. The white bark is most striking and in early autumn peels off to reveal the new bark which is bright yellow. Flowers are small and white appearing in autumn; seed takes about six months to ripen. This species has many of the graceful characteristics of E. : ; e citricdora “Lemon Scented Gum” Eucalyptus m(‘nmi/eru ssp. maculosa with the added advantage of Hopetoun Ciruit, ACT. The ixies e § yoars ol frost hardiness which enables it lawn 1 beneath and to improve site lines. There to be plonted in regions where has been some thinning of the crown which will b ld . be continued to maintain a single leading stem. E. citriodora wou not survive. “Red Spotted Gum’ is commonly raised from seed and planted out when 12-18” in height. Trees for street planting may be grown on in the nursery to 3-4' in large drums but care must be taken that root system dces not become pot bound. Plants with a pot bound root system will seldom develop well when nlanted out, often failing to become wind firm. Grafting of selected forms has been carried out in a small way, and shows great promise for the future. E. mannifera grows to a height of fifty feet and should only be planted in wide streets without overhead power lines, or in parkland settings. Maintenance is relatively light consisting of early pruning to establish a strong leading stem, followed by thinning of the crown to induce shapely branching as the tree grows. @@@ 30 @@@ Page 74—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE o ~ March, 1967 Staking is not necessary if young sturdy trees are planted, unless to provide protection from damage. Watering at planting time, and during the following summer, is necessary to ensure successful establishment. The species is native to regions with annual rainfall of 23-28 inches, and if grown in areas of lower rainfall regular summer watering is necessary. This tree will grow in a wide range of soil types but requires good drainage and is intolerant of boggy conditions. There is a marked response to the application of 2-3 ozs. of an N.P. fertiliser at planting time. In some seasons Eriococcus scale can be a serious problem. Scale insects cluster along young stems and exude a white coral-like protective covering making control difficult with contact insecticides. Scale insects exude a sticky substance on which a black sooty mould grows causing an unsightly appearance cn the leaves and sometimes the soil beneath the tree. Leaf galls may also give an unsightly appearance at times. Nevertheless E. mannifera is one of the most attractive and graceful Eucalyptus for planting in streets and parks in temperate regions of N.S.W., Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. THRYPTOMENE FOR FLOWERS THRYPTOMENE by J. Ros Garnet—continued from page 52 Like so many of the shrubby Myrtaceae, Thryptomene withstands vigorous pruning; consequently the bushes can be cut freely without detriment to the plant. A well pruned shrub will carry far more flowers in the following season and thus the cultivation and harvesting of Thryptomene has proved to be a very successful minor industry. Several other species have become popular as garden subjects, notably the West Australian T. baeckeacea, T. hyporhytis, T. mucronulata, T. elliottii (usually the variety decandra) and, of course, T. saxicola and the hybrid widely known as Payne’s Thryptomene. All are graceful, free-flowering shrubs which may grow to a height of three or four feet and which have rather pendulous branches carrying the white or delicate pink-hued flowers on an abundance cf short branchlets. Most of them are Spring flowering plants but some are at their best in the late winter. Others, like T. saxicola and its hybrid seem to be able to carry a few flowers in most months of the year. Those who happen to have grown the two more common eastern species, T. calycina and T. micrantha, or to have seen them in the field will have had little trcuble in recognising that they are distinct species but they might find it less easy to define the difference in a few words. They could be forgiven for thinking that one could well be considered a geographical variety of the other but botanists, at any rate, do not because the somewhat bell-shaped calyx tube of the former is scarcely ribbed at all and it extends well above the enclosed ovary while the cylindrical or somewhat bell-shaped calyx tube of T. micrantha has ten longitudinal ribs and it does not extend above the enclosed ovary. BINDERS FOR AUSTRALIAN PLANTS Do your value your copies of ‘‘Australian Plants’? There is available a specially produced binder that will hold the issues of each volume and sit on your bookshelf with the appearance of a bound book. Gold letters stamped on a green plastic covered hard cover give beautiful presentation. These binders are sold almost at cost price at $1.20 each plus 15 cents postage. You will need one for each set of issues that comprise a volume. The current volume is No. 4 and No. 4 binders are now available. @@@ 31 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 75—Vol. 4 THE GENUS CRYPTOSTYLIS IN AUSTRALIA by Leo Cady, Kiama “Tongue Orchids” is the quaint name given to this genus in Australia. The name describes the genus well for the flowers in all species consist mainly of a conspicuous labellum or tongue with very narrow sepals and petals. One of the most interesting points of the genus Cryptostylis is their extremely unusual method of pollination; one could almost say that these plants had “Sex-appeal” and if it hadn’t been first described by such an eminent person as Mrs. E. Coalman (Vict. Nat. XLIV (1927), 20, 333), it would have been well doubted by the botanical students. The plant apparently issues an odour that is irresistible to the male Ichneumon Wasp (Lissopimpla semipunctata, in fact it has more attraction than the female wasp) tricking the wasp into pseudocopulation with the plant and while this act is occurring deposits the pollina cnto the abdomen of the insect. The genus consists of 5 species in Australia, but extends north to Formosa, the Philippines, Malay Archipelago, New Guinea, New Caledonia and the Pclynesia where it numbers around 20 species. The majority of the Australian species adapt well to culture, in fact they seem to revel in the easier way of life, producing much larger and brightly coloured flowers. These plants do not form a tuber like most other terrestrials but have a much swollen root system from which the single leaf arises although at times two or three can be found. The method of propagation is by underground stolons but these plants can also be grown from root cuttings. A suitable compost isn’t hard to come by as the plants will grow in most soils, they do prefer a light loamy soil with plenty of water in their growing period and just damp in their dormancy. Unlike mest other ground orchids they usually retain their leaf and don't lose it except in very dry times. The usual habitat for most species is open swamp heathlands, or Eucalyptus forest areas with a preference for sandstone country. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES 1. Cryptostylis subulata (Labill.) Reichb. f. A slender to robust plant up to 80 cm. high; leaves 1-3 from broad to narrow lanceolate on a rigid stem; which is variable in length, leaf often purple beneath. Flowers to 15 fairly large with a conspicuous red-brown labellum. Sepals and petals all narrow and inconspicuous the petals being the shorter. Labellum cblong decurved to 3.5 cm. long, approx. 1 cm. broad margins depressed or reflexed alonag the middle portion making the upper surface narrow and convex, lamina transversed for more than half its length anteriorly by two thick beaded ridges and two parallel finer ones all ending in a conspicuous dark bilobed glandular process at apex. Column shortly winged. Flowers: October to March. Distribution: Queensland to Tasmania, South Australia. Remarks: The commonest plant of the 5 species, unmistakable and easy tc identify. 2. Cryptostylis ovata R.Br. A plant of slender growth up to 60 cm. high. The leaf is very distinct in this species being broadly ovate to broadly ovate-acute, heavily reticulated with veins; on short or long stems. The flowers are very similar to C. subulata, but are of a lighter red-brown and the labellum lamina decurved and @@@ 32 @@@ Page 75—Vol. 4 ATJSTRALIAN PLANTS— ORCHIDACEAE March, 1967 » HEAEOER C. C. B, KEY TO PLATE subulata . & C. Labellum of A. Abdomen of wasp showing pollina. ovata. & G. Labellum of E. Apex of labellum showing glandular process. Column of E, this is typical of the genus. J, N, Q are all half natural size to scale. . C. hunteriana. K. Top labellum of J. N. C. leptochila. O. Top labellum of N. Q R [ C. erecta. . & S. Labellum of Q. All other figures much enlarged. @@@ 33 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page T77—Vol. 4 Cryptostylis leptochila Reproduced from ‘‘Victorian Native Orchids” by permission of Long- mans of Australia Pty. Ltd. See Book Review on page 59. Photography by C. E. Gray. heavily reticulated with reddish veins, the apex of lamina very velvety with short red pubescent hairs. Column short. Flowers: October to February. Distribution: Western Australia only. The only West Australian species. 3. Cryptostylis hunterianum Nicholis. A slender plant up to 45 cm. high, apparently leafless. Flowers to 10 largest, sessile, reversed, the labellum conspicuous, erect; narrow oblong convex, very glandular, margins recurved, about 3.5 cm. long, the lower half yellowish green with red markings upper portion light red merging into the black “furred” centre, 5 conspicuous interrupted black lines arising from the concave base extending upwards where it merges into a raised central ridge which resembles closely woven black wool; this extends to the tip, apex recurved acute. Sepals and petals as other species. Column short. Flowers: December to Jnauary. Distribution: Victoria and N.S.W. Remarks: A most interesting soecies aoparently leafless in nature but produces a small leaf if treated with hormones in culture. A very rare species. 4. Cryptostylis leptochila F. Muell. ex Benth. Plant similar in growth to the predescribed, up to 40 cm. high, leaf ovate to lanceolate, at times absent. Flowers cmaller than other speciszs. Sepals and retals inccnspicuous. Labellum erect, oblona, linear, fleshy, channelled, lamina to 1.8 cm. long, very oubescent; recurved in front margins depress=d, a row of 6 to 9 black sessile calli on each side of the middle vein. Column very short. Flowers: November to March. Distributicn: Victoria and New South Wales. Remarks: A similar nlant to No. 3 but labellum mruch narrower and the calli are more censpicucus, and more often collected. (Continuzd on page 91) @@@ 34 @@@ Page 7T8—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE _ March, 1967 THE HEATH MYRTLES A FEW COMPARABLE GENERA IN THE FAMILY “MYRTACEAE” by J. Ros. Garnet INTRODUCTION The purpose of this present article is to record on paper the substance of a talk to a group of growers of Australian plants who wanted to be able to distinguish between Baeckea, Thryptomene, Calytrix and Micromyrtus— all plants whose flowers have a good deal in common. In the process of preparing the talk it became evident that, by restricting the subject matter to these four genera, a lot of problems would be left hanging in the air as it were. To leave out Darwinia, Lhotzkya and Leptospermum would scarcely simplify the task, consequently they were included. SOME DIFFICULTIES IN IDENTIFICATION OF MYRTACEAE The reader may skip this section if it tends to confuse. The identification of plants by the use of "keys” of the kind used in Floras and other botanical reference works can be a frustrating business for the amateur botanist. Generally, these keys are devised for use by those who have facilities for dissecting flowers and fruits and, quite often, the amateur is stumped at the outset because he lacks the means of determining the nature of the placentation, the arrangement of ovules on the placenta, the size, the shape and number of seeds and even the morphology of the embryo within the seed. Such features often are of fundamental significance when attempting to trace the natural order or family to which a plant belongs but they are not the kind one can use for “spot” determinations. For such a purpose one needs to rely upon the obvious characters and they are the ones that can be very misleading. Careful as one may be in choosing distinguishing features for a “do-it- yourself” key it is easy enough to fall unwittingly into the error of overlooking the innate variability of plants within a single species or of neglecting to take into account the transitional forms which seem to link the species of one genus with those of another. The existence of such forms makes it hard to select exclusive characters which can be relied upon to separate obsolutely one genus from another, and, for that matter, one species from another. When one becomes involved in a large family like the Myrtaceae the task of producing a simplified key becomes really formidable. Even its individual genera have given systematic botanists and taxonomists brain fag. None of them are satisfied about the classification of Eucalypts while many are still worying about Callistemon, Baeckea, Leptospermum, Lhotzkya and Eugenia—tc mention only a few. Each revisionist has his own opinion about whether Bantham’s sub-tribe Calythriceae of the tribe Chamaelauceae should be grouped as a single genus, Calythrix, or split into three or four—Calytrix, Lhotzkya, Homalocalyx and Calythropsis or, if there should be the three (or four) genera, how the species within them should be disposed. The tribe Leptospermeae has four sub-tribes, including Eucalypteae and Baeckeae and, in the latter sub-tribe the genus Baeckea has given taxcnomists @@@ 35 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 79—Vol. 3 as much bother as any other. It is a large genus which Bentham grouped in six sections. Some botanists are inclined to give some of the sections generic rank and others believe a better systematic approach is to take certain species out of Baeckea and put them into some other existing genus within the sub-tribe. Some of the species have been transferred into an altogether different tribe—the Chamaelauceae. As a result of the multiplicity of decisions by revisionists the synonymy of Baeckea is almost intimidating. As a consequence, one cannot be certain just how many valid species it contains nor how many there are in the allied genera. One might easily make the mistake of listing the one olant under different specific names in more than one genus. Even the appearance of a plant under two different specific names in a genus is not altogether unknown. With this in mind, such figures as may be quoted hereafter should be accepted with reservations. IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIES Because the seven genera which are about to be discussed contain between them upwards of 200 species it will be impracticable to extend the key to permit of the determination of species. For this refinement the enquirer will have to rely on his own resources of experience in the recognition of familiar species, on the good nature of someone else or on one or other of the already available keys which will be found in a State Flora or in Bentham’s Flora Australiensis. In many respects most of these sources of information are out of date but there is little else under one cover which can serve the purpose. However, the placing of a plant in its correct genus is a useful exercise and it should be possible to do it by following the procedure given below. HOW A BEGINNER MAY IDENTIFY THESE MYRTLES The first step is to assure oneself that the specimen is in fact a plant belonging to one or other of the several genera about which one is interested. There are a number of characters common to all the species within the genera. Thus, they all have bisexual flowers, that is, each flower possesses male stamens and a female style. They have no more and no less than five sepals and five petals (Fig. D) and these floral segments are attached to or near the periphery of the circular summit of the torus (variously called the thalamus, receptacle or calyx tube)—the organ which eventually becomes recognizable as the fruit or seed box. The five petals always overlap in the bud but spread apart as the flower matures. The ovary or seed box is inferior, that is, set below the level of the plane of attachment of the sepals and petals. The single, central style is erect, short and hairless (except in Darwinia where it is relatively long and bearded below the stigma). The stigma is a small, sticky button situated on the top of the style. The anthers are usually five or arranged in multiples of five but in many of the species, where the number of stamens exceed five, a number of them are abortive—reduced to staminodes—and in some cases these are so small as to be difficult to see except under magnification. The fruit is a capsule attached to the receptacle and, where there is more than cne seed chamber, it opens to release the ripe seed by splitting across the lid-like top of the fruit in wheel spoke fashion from the edge to the centre where the style protrudes. Most of the species within @@@ 36 @@@ Page 80—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE March, 1957 these several genera (except a number of the Baeckea and Leptospermum) are heathy shrubs with simple, undivided, mostly small and often tiny and relatively thick leaves which, when crushed or bruised, are aromatic. Although Boronia and Eriostemon, in the unrelated family, Rutaceae bear some resemblance to the smaller shrubby Myrtaceae (to which family the seven genera belong) their floral structure is sufficiently distinctive to give no cause for confusion in recognising their identity. The divided ovary of the Rutaceae will immediately distinguish its component species A. Portion of a branchlet showing alternate arrangement of leaves B. Portion of branchlet showing opposite arrangement of leaves C. Leptospermum myrsinoides flower, showing numerous stamens arising separately in a single row within the ring of the persistent sepals. The petals have dropped off, as they usually do in Leptospermum. D. Flower showing the disposition of five stamens opposite five petals (or alternating with the tiny sepals). E. A Calytrix flower showing awned sepals and erect, numerous stamens. F. A Micromyrtus flower showing a disposition of the five stamens opposite the petals and the ribbed, single-celled ovary. G. Thryptomene calycina showing the relatively large sepals, small petals and the single row of very short stamens alternating with the petals (and, consequently) opposite the sepals. @@@ 37 @@@ March, 1967 ATISTRATLIAN PTANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 81—Vol. 4 from any of the Myrtaceae in which the stigma is like a button perched on the top of an undivided style (Fig. C). The accompanying figures illustrate the several common characters which must be present if the specimen is to be accepted as belonging to one or oiher of the seven genera. Of them only one—Calytrix—can be recognised withcut having to examine a flower under magnification, provided it measures up to the specifications demanded by the aforementioned several common characters. Every one of about 40 species in the genus has the midrib of the five sepals extended beyond the margin as a fine hair cr thread or awn. (Fig. E). In some of the species the awn is very short, little more than a pcint but, however short it may be, it invariably extends beyond the edge of ihe sepal. The five petals of the species may wither scon after expanding and then drop off, leaving the thalamus with its ring of five awned sepals clearly visible. If no awn is present but in other respects the plant looks like « Calytrix it will most likely be fcund to be a Lhotzkya althcugh it could belong to Homalocalyx or Calythropsis (with which we are not going to concern our- selves because they are purely Westralian species and genera and not likely to be seen by plant cultivators anyhow). A close look at the length, number and arrangement of the stamens will soon distinguish Lhotzkya from the cthers. If practicable, use a freshly opened and undamaged flower. Both Calytrix and Lhotzkya have 10 or more stamens—usually 20 or so, arranged in more than one row and there are never any staminodes present. All of the filaments carry anthers. The stamens are always relatively long. In some cases those in the outer ring are about as long as the petals. The stamens in the inner row or rows are always shorter than those in the outermost row. (Fig. H). CHECK IF THE PLANT IS LHOTZKA OR BAECKEA Some of the species of Baeckea have numerous stamens although most have only 5 or 10 but, regardless of number they are always rather short and arranged in a single row and each one arises from the ring of H. Arrangement of stamens showing absence of staminoides and J ten stamens (at least) in two rows as in Calytriv and Lhotska. . I. Arrangement of stamens in a single row of five as in Thryptomene and Mwrom_urlusA J. Arrangement of stamens in a single row of at least ten erect filaments as in Leptospermum. the thalamus as a separate filament. (Fig. J). To make certain it is a Lhotzkya and not a Baeckea (or anything else), glance at a ripe or maturing fruit if one is present. If it has only a single cell it will be Lhotzkya. Baeckea, like Leptospermum, has several chambers and the wheel-spoke valves on the surface of the top of their fruits are easily recognised even though the valves may be still unopened. @@@ 38 @@@ Page 82—Vol. 4 ATISTRATIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE _March, 1967 The identification may be clinched by looking at the manner in which the leaves are arranged on the stem. In Baeckea they occur in pairs, one leaf distinctly opposite the other, but in Lhotzkya they are not opposite one another except in the case of the Westralian L. ciliata. In the W.A. L. violacea they actually alternate but in the majority of species their arrangement is generally described as “scattered, crowded, linear, keeled or angled in cross section often triangular but NOT regularly opposite.” Furthermore, in Baeckea, the flowers although sometimes solitary in the axils of the leaves, are more often in groups of 2 or more on a common peduncle which gives the groups the appearance of an umbel. The flowers of Calytrix and Lhotzkya almost invariably appear singly in the axils of the leaves. A BAECKEA OR LEPTOSPERMUM? Having thus disposed of Calytrix and Lhotzkya it remains to distinguish Baeckea from Leptospermum and both of them from Darwinia, Thryptomene and Micromyrtus and these latter from one another. There is nothing for it but to study the stamens and anthers and perhaps to have a close look at the arrangement of the flowers, leaves and some other quite small details which one usually neglects to note. The first thing to do is to look at the top of a ripe or ripening seed box and observe the number of cells in the ovary. If it is single-celled it will be any of them except Baeckea and Leptospermum both of which have more than one chamber detectable by the splits or partitions visible at the top surface of the fruit. If there is more than one chamber and the stem leaves are opposite (Fig. B), it belongs to Baeckea. If there is more than one chamber and the stem leaves are alternate then it must belong to Leptospermum (Fig. A and Fig. C). IS IT A DARWINIA? Darwinia, Thryptomene cr Micromyrtus? Darwinia, as well as having exactly 10 stamens which alternate with an equal number of minute staminodes in the single ring, has a style which protrudes so much above the level of the top of the anthers, stamens and other floral parts as to be quite conspicuous. Furthermcre, it will be seen to be bearded below the stigma. The styles of Thryptomene and Micromyrtus, as well as being quite short, are smooth and free of hairs. Their styles always terminate at a level below that of the anthers and thus are not easy to detect without close examination. THRYPTOMENE OR MICROMYRTUS? Assuming that the other five genera have been by now eliminated, only Thryptomene and Micromyrtus remain to be distinguished one from the other. Again, the anthers have to be examined. In Thryptomene there are only 5 stamens (Fig. 1) and they alternate with the petals. That is, they arise from a point on the inner edge of the calyx tube at a position midway along the line of attachment of each of the persistent sepals (Fig. G). in Micromyrtus also there are only 5 stamens (Fig. 1), but they arise at a point on the inner edge of the calyx tube at a position near the junctions of the lines of attachment of each of the persistent sepals (Fig. F). This long explanation of how to distinguish these seven well known genera of species greatly favoured by growers of Australian plants, can be condensed into a key which, without the foregoing explanation, might be much less useful than it looks. @@@ 39 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 83—Vol. 4 FEATURES COMMON TO THE SEVEN GENERA—CALYTRIX, LHOTZKYA. DARWINIA, THRYPTOMENE, MICROMYRTUS, BAECKEA AND LEPTOSPERMUM Flowers bisexual Sepals 5 (in some species small and inconspicuous). Petals 5, overlapping in the bud; in some species they are deciduous after the flower has opened and reached maturity. Petals and sepals arranged alternately in rings, one inside the other on the upper edge of a conical or hemispherical or cup-shaped thalamus, torus or calyx tube and having the general appearance of a tiny gum nut. Ovary or seed box within the nut is inferior, that is, set below the plane of the line of attachment of the sepals, petals and anthers. The single, undivided and centrally-placed style is erect, short and hairless (except in the species of Darwinia where it is relatively long and bearded). The anthers are arranged around the periphery of the top of the thalamus in one or more rings of 5 filaments or in multiples of 5, sometimes alternating with staminodes (which are stamens without anther cells). In some species the staminodes occupy a ring on their own; in others they are so small as to be difficult to see except under magnification. The fruit is a tough, almost woody little capsule which encloses 1 or more chambers containing the ovules or seed. Where there is only one chamber the whole capsule falls as a single fruit when the seed is ripe. Where there are two or more chambers the top of the capsule splits open along valves corresponding to the number of chambers, the splits extending from the edge of the top of the calyx tube to the centre where the style protrudes. The leaves are simple and undivided and, when crushed or bruised, emit an aroma due to the release of resin or oil from minute glands embedded within the tissues of the leaves. Only one leaf occurs at a node but the nodes may be opposite or alternate on the stem or even irregularly disposed. The flowers emerge singly (or, in a few species, in 2's or 3's) from the axils of the leaves and generally from the axils of the upper leaves. In Baeckea one or two pedicels, each carrying two or more pedunculate flowers, may emerge from a leaf axil giving the inflorescence the appearance of an umbel. The majority of the species in the several genera (except Leptospermum) are heathy shrubs, with rather thick, small and, in many species, even tiny, leaves. Should the specimen to be examined fulfil these general requirements it can be placed readily in its correct genus by applying the following sequence of observations:— KEY TO THE SEVEN GENERA Calytrix, Lhotzkya, Darwinia, Thryptomene, Micromyrtus, Baeckea and Leptospermum Al. The sepals are awned ... ... ... .. .. W wihe e se mw ein wee (CALYTELR A2. The sepals are not awned ... B. Bl. The style is long and bearded below the stu,ma (It extends as a single filament above the level of the anthers) .. .. woosme s e DETWINGG. B2. The style is not bearded - v . C. Cl. The stamens are long (as they are also in Calytnx) 10 or more of them arranged in more than 1 ring. No staminodes are present. Leaves not opposite (except in the W.A. species L. ciliata) ... Lhotzkya. C2. The stamens are variously arranged, with or without staminodes .. er wowws iensa memm weves cwees sesm ADi D1. Stamens (in Eastern spemes) 8, in a single ring, alternating with the petals but, in most Western species there are 10. The petals are persistent and curve inwards to produce a cup-shaped flower. Capsule 1-chambered. Leaves opposne o @ @ ... Thryptomene. D2. Stamens 5, in a smgle rmg, dLh one opposne a petal but, if there are 10 (as in most Western species), they are arranged in 2 rings and are alternate with the petals or opposite the sepals. The petals, if not deciduous (which they are in Southern and Eastern species) curve inwards and produce a cup-shaped flower 5 e A ... Micromyrtus. D3. Stamens 5 or more often numerous ‘in a single rin mfle‘{ed No staminodes present. Petals spreading to form an open fower. Capsule with 2 or 3 chambers. Leaves opposite ... ... .. .. . e e wee wee ... ... Baeckea. D4. Stamens numerous, 10 or more in a single ring, erect. No staminodes present. Petals spreading to form an open flat flower. Capsule with 3 or more chambers, usually %A Leaves alternate Lo .. ... Leptospermum. PHOTOGRAPHERS I am not getting the support I need to ensure that the colour plates used are of the highest standard. Over the next flowering season please photograph all species of the following genera—Fhebalium, Pultenaea, Boronia and genera listed in this issue of the family Myrtaceae. This applies more especially to the western species of the genera listed, Hypocalyma, Astartea, Calytriz, Homalocalyz etc. 1 also need slides of all species in the tamlly Epacridaceae with the exception of those already described. In particular I want any slides of species of Lysinema forwarded immediately for the next issue. @@@ 40 @@@ Page 84—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—THYMELAEACEAE March, 1967 PINK PIMELEA PIMELEA FERRUGINEA from V. McHaffie, Park Orchids, Victoria— My plant of Pimelea ferruginea has done so well under very adverse conditions that it is worthy of comment. It was grown from a cutting put in a tin in November, 1960, without any special growing medium, and left in the open. It was planted out at the beginning of April, 1961 and has since received no special care or attention. The plant is growing in a very exposed position, in full sun, without protection from wind, in a heavy clay area with poor drainage and has stood up to some very severe frosts. In its first year (1961), it produced a few flowers. In 1962, it flowered well and last year (spring, 1964), having grown into a shapely little bush it was covered with pink flowers. With its bright green foliage, it always looks very attractive. FROM J. HAMMERSLEY, E. Guildford, W.A. Pimelea ferruginea is the Pimelea grown almost exclusively in West Australian gardens. It has a goed shape and is easily grown in all soils. It is easy to propagate from cuttings. (Continued from page 91 with notes from the Editor) Pimelea rosea See colour plate on opposite page. For refer- ences to this plant and its cultivation refer to issue ro. 24. Pimelea ferruginea The photograph is a little out of focus but it serves to show the character of the shrub. It is quite likely that this is P. rosea as the leaves of P. ferruginea are wider and grow more compactly. How- ever the bush always grows compactly and flowers profusely as shown. Blocks donated by N. B. Thomson. @@@ 41 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS T}IYJI/H','IAAEA(;E;{IL' - Page i."\— Vol. 74 TASMANIAN PIMELEA Forms of two species of special horticultural interest followed by a key to all species of Pimelea found in Tasmania, by A. M. Gray. Colour photography by Frank Hurley Blocks by courtesy of John Sands Pty. Ltd. PIMELEA LINIFOLIA OR PIMELEA ROSEA This colour plate has been labelled only ‘“Pink Pimelea.”” The species is not certain. It resembles Pimelea linifolia and Pimelea spathulata mentioned over the page, very closely The leaves of F. linifolia are usually a little larger. The colour is right for pink forms of the Tasmanian species described and also for Pimelea rosea. The colour plate shows the characteristic flowers of the genus that vary from white to red in the ecastern states with vellow forms fully described in our no. 24 issue @@@ 42 @@@ }’age 86—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—THYMELAEACEAE March, 1967 Pimelea nivea In the Hobart district there occurs a very attractive variety of Pimelea nivea (white cotton bush). In the magazine issued in September 1965, information was given that a pink variety of P. nivea was to be found in the vicinity of Launceston. This pink variety is also fairly common around the Hobart district and indeed wherever P. nivea occurs the pink form can also usually be found. However the particular form about which | wish to describe is not the pink form of the species but a very floriferous variety which instead of having the flower heads borne singly at the ends of long secondary branches, has them borne the whole length of shorter secondary branches, giving the appearance of long densely flowered racemes. Its description is as follows. Flower heads [e2 P. nivea Labill. (var. multiflora) Shrubs identical to P. nivea except for the arrangement of the flower heads which instead of being borne singly at the ends of the secondary branches, are borne on very short lateral branches which arise from the secondary branches. These lateral branches vary in length from 2" to 112" long and bear leaves on the upper half, the leaves being somewhat more crowded and smaller than the usual stem leaves. The individual flowers and the flower heads are also somewhat smaller than those of P. nivea. The flower heads are very compact and appear as long, densely flowered racemes. P. nivea (var. multiflora?) is found as scattered plants among populations of P. nivea. Pimelea spathulata Pimelea spathulata is included in the key below in place of P. linifolia which is now believed not to occur in this State. Although differences between the two are slight, and some botanists name P. spathulata as a variety cf P. linifolia, here in Tasmania the two forms are regarded as distinct by some botanists, the Tasmanian form (which also occurs in some mainland states), being named P. spathulata and the form which is limited to mainland distribution P. linifolia. P. spathulata, in the Hobart area and most likely elsewhere as well, exhibits an heterostylic characteristic. Some flowers appear to be functionally unisexual, usually by the incomplete development of the male or female organs. A pink form, though rare, occurs near Hobart. Another species of Pimelea, P. lindleyana Meissn., occurs in Tasmania usually on wet, acid heaths etc. Morphologically it is very similar to the @@@ 43 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—THYMELAEACEAE Page 87—Vol. 4 P. spathulata-P. linifolia complex. However it differs in cytological character- istics. Studies which were carried out demonstrated that P. lindleyana possesses 2n — chromosomes whereas P. spathulata has 2n — 18. As yet the work required fo differentiate these two on taxonomical grounds has not yet been carried out, therefore it has not been included in the foregoing key. A minor characteristic on which the two may be separated is that P. spathulata, on drying turns pale green or light brownish, whereas P. lindleyana dries a bright conspicuous green colour, indicating a difference in some chemical constituents between the two species. KEY TO THE TASMANIAN SPECIES OF PIMELEA 1. Floral bracts differing from the leaves in size, shape or colour ...... 2 Floral bracts apparently absent or barely differing from the leaves ; 18 2. Flower heads quite erect s 3 Flower heads sub-erect or droopmg P o 4 3. Flowers yellow, leaves small, broad, branches almost glabrous ... P; Flowers white, bracts only slightly larger than the leaves obscurely silky on the inner midrib, branches more or less tomentose, plant widespiettl Snd COMMON. ittt S RS P. Flowers white, bracts noticeably larger than the leaves, branches usually glabrous, plant common about the coasts - 4. Stamens with conspicuous filaments, flower-heads conspicuously AYOOPINE oucsirisineiommssonnessismsasisrssissingossvusssssessagahiae sssssiiss i s o Ao Vs s A S SV SseHE A 5 Anthers almost sesmle at the throat of (he floral tube “cells remaining parallel after maturity and not turned back to back after dehiscing; bracts silky on the inner surface; flower heads sub-erect or drooping .. P. o Leaves oblanceolate-spathulate, '2"’-%:’" long, anthers turning back to back after dehiscence; bracts glabrous . c..awsmmismammisussssaamoviyss 2, Leaves broadly oblanceolate to oblong-ovate 1''-2"" long, glabrous; bracts silky on margins and inner surface T T 6. Plants small, densely tufted or prostrate Plants erect, spreading, often straggling 7. Flower solitary in the upper axils, dioecious; leaves C. ! Flowers in dense terminal heads, leaves C. 2" long 8. Leaves more or less glabrous ... s Leaves hairy on one or both surfaces 9. Flowers in terminal heads or on well- developed axllldry bmnches sive. Y Flowers axillary; leaves 1'"-3"" long - 10. Leaves minute €. /8" 1ONE ... e P Leaves !2’’-1" long; flowers yellowxsh cre'\m few in a head; fruit slightly fleshy - = T R S 11. Leaves hairy on both surfaces Leaves halry only on undersurfacee ‘of leaves branches sometlmes qmte hairy I a S % i 12 12. Hairs inconspicuous on older leaves, scuttered and closely appressed leaves 17’-212"" long, petiolate, elliptic-oblanceolate; fruit black, fleshy .. P. Hairs conspicuous, leaves erect, crowded and sometimes loosely appressed '4”’-12"" long, esiptical to broadly ovate, apex acute or obtuse margins flat, upper surface light green, under surfaces covered with long, silky, silvery hairs which extend beyond the margins; younger branches pubescent. Plant fairly common at altitudes above C. 3000 .. P. Hairs conspicuous, leaves spreading or slightly reflexed, not crowded 14714 long, orbicular to broacdly ovate, apex rounded or slightly emarginate, margins somewhat revolute. Upper surface dark glossy green, younger branches and under surfaces of the leaves densely covered with short cottony hairs, noY SIVEIY .cuiiauusuememammmrsissmasammsiomss B, 13. Flowers white, leaves opposite .. T Flowers yellow, the outer ones oflen Lurved strongly outward silky on both surfaces %'-2 long, alternate ..., 13 14. Branches leafy throughout, leaves sparsely hairy on both surfaces, although the under surface more densely hairy; tall shrub common in hilly locetions in the S. and W. Leaves crowded at the ends of the bmnches ‘both surfaces densely y. Small, diffuse; prostrate in exposed situations, local on Western Mts. .. P. flava humilis glauca stricta spathulata (including some forms similar P. linifolia). ligustrina puamaea filiformis arxiflora serpyllifolia pauciflora drupaceae sericea nivea curviflora cinerea milliganii to @@@ 44 @@@ Alexander Plant Farm—2 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 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 Freeman, J. L. & P. J.—‘‘Garamine Merimbula, N.S.W Greenbriar Drive-in Nursery—>55 Britnells Rd., Briar Hill, Victoria. Large & varied selection 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 Flant Farm—8 Sharp’s Road, Tullamarine, Vic. Closed Mondays NATIVE PLANTS TULLAMARINE PLANT FARM Shrubs, Trees, Ground Covers 8 Sharps Road, Tullamarine Mail Orders wholesale only Vic Phone: 30-7893 20 varieties of Boronia—30 Grevillea 1 mile north of Essendon Airport Flat to let Closed Mondays—Open most Weekends J. L. & P. J. FREEMAN Shrubs, Trees, Perennials “Garamina’’, Merimbula, N.S.W Popular and Rare YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN Australian Seed Co., Robertson, N.S.W.—Bulk lots supplied, specialising in Eucalyptus Seed King's Park Seed Supply, King's Park Perth, Western Australia—see advertisement Nindethana, Box 5, Dripstone, N.S.W. For all Native Seed. Packets, ounce or pound Ilots Western Wildlife Supply, Gilgandra, N.S.W.—Bulk supplies of natives and exotic tree and shrub seed to the trade—Special collections to order NINDETHANA KING’'S PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN NATIVE PLANT SEEDS P, By Facket, Ounce or Pound Descriptive Cat: 1le of W.A. Plants Large selection. Send for free list $1.35 post fre bage Coloured Booklet § on King’s Par! i5¢ post free; 1965 Seed NINDETHANA List (new season’s list), 30c post free; 4 . ; Progress Report on Botanic Garden, 25c¢ (G. W. Althofer) | post free; Seed 30c per packet. Box 5, Dripstone, N.S.W Wholesale Rates on Application MORE THAN 300 SPECIES ... NATIVE AND EXOTIC TREES AND SHRUBS AVAILABLE FROM FORESTRY COMMISSION NURSERIES AT PENNANT HILLS, DUBBO, FORBES, MUSWELLBROOK AND NARRANDERA, N.S.W. For free catalogue giving complete detaiis and prices of species contact . . . . “ FORESTRY COMMISSION OF N.S.W. 44 vMorguret Street, Sydney. Telephone: B 0236 . @@@ 45 @@@ March, 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—NURSERYMEN Page 89—Vol. AUSTRAFLORA NURSERY 42 GREENHILL ROAD, BAYSWATER, VIC. (W. R. Elliot) LARGE SELECTION OF GROIUND COVERS. SHRUBS AND TREES Retail Trade SAT. only Mail Orders and Wholesale Trade welcomed Send Stamp for Cata'ogue. ALEXANDER PLANT FARM Greenbriar Drive-in Nursery (Doug Twaits, Prop.) AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS 2 Winifred Street, ESSENDON, W.5. TL.arge and Varied Select’on Phone: 379-5163 BRITNELT.S RD., BRIAR HILL. VIC. EVERYTHING FOR THE GARDEN > mile beyond Greensborough Specialising in Australian Native Plants Phone 43-1468 — Open Weckends AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS GOOD SELECTION ADVANCED & SEMI-ADVANCED PLANTS AT DENOVAN’'S NURSERY — 77-8891 188 Marco Avenue, Panania, N.S.W. SORRY NO MAIL ORDERS PRESERVATION BY CULTIVATION FLORALANDS KARIONG, via GOSFORD, N.S.W. A large variety of the most popular native plants at 7 PHONE: Gosford 21142 J. PARRY o -, s POTTERS’ COTTAGE NURSERY (Win. Herry) Jumping Creek Rd., Warrandyte, Vic AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS Open Every Afternoon, except Mondavs Phone: Croydon 33011 (After Hours) NATIVE PLANTS 350 varieties of shrubs, trees, plants, ground covers, climbers. Specialising in hardy ornomentals in small, semi advanced and advanced nlants. AMARQO NURSERY R6 TANG ST.. PADSTOW. N.S.W Closed Wednesday Tel.: 7T7-7342 3 BODDY'S EASTERN PARK NURSERY NATIVE PLANT SPECIALISTS (3,000 varieties) TX 7, & e, X -, S 7 % o% oefoels o Short Catalogue with Retai' Price List and full descriptions available S x> % ¢ South African Proteas, Leucadendrons and Leucospermums grown in variety. e o 0706 ° B3 Plants despatched all States 'S X1 %% % D 32 Denman Street, East Gezlong, Vic. Tel.: 91264 2 .