'Australian Plants' Vol.4 No.32 September 1967 +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | The text in this file has been extracted from 'Australian Plants' Vol.4 No.32 September 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-Vol4-32.pdf | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN 10,000 COPIES Registered at G.P.O., Sydney, for transmission SEPT., 1967 Volume 4, No 32 by post as a periodical Volume 4 will comprise issues No. 29-36 Price: 30c Colour photography by Frank Hurley Block by courtesy of John Sands Pty. Ltd. THE GERALDTON WAX A PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO THE PROPAGATION AND CULTIVATION OF AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWERS, ORCHIDS, TREES, ETC. FOR THE HORTICULTURALIST @@@ 2 @@@ Page 142—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CONTENTS Sept., 1967 CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE As always the emphasis is on the presentation of advice to the home garden and horticulturalists on the propagation and cuitivation of Australian wildflowers. Considerable detail based on actual garden experience and research by competent horticulturalists is presented on a few plants of proven horticultnral value, in this issue the emphasis being on the well known ‘‘Geraldton Wax'' and on the tiny terrestrial orchids Microtis. Articles are from all parts of Australia so that it does not matter where you live o1 how vigorous the climates. For the keen types many other wildflowers are described to broaden the interest but it is hoped that the beginners in this fascinating field will not be confused by so many plants but select only those of interest. To prevent confusion by the plant suppliers and to assist those keen students in the field we are forced to include some technical descriptions. These are kept as simple as possible and often in small type so as not to tire the reader. CHAMAELAUCIUM—THE WEST AUSTRALIAN WAXES “Species Grown in Perth Gardens” by E. Wittwer—page 143. “Chamaelauciums’ by H. M. Hewett—The common garden species are described—pp. 144. Special advice is given on ‘“The Geraldton Wax'’, pages 147 and 182 and on ““The Esperance Wax''—page 147. BERRY PRODUCING PLANTS “Berries for the Garden'’ by Kay Geeves—page 152 introduces a number of plants of exceptional value. Other articles are—‘‘More Tasmanian Berries”” by A. M. Gray-—page 155; ‘‘Berries for Rockeries’’—page 156; ‘“Snow Berries'’—page 158; ‘“‘Baw-Baw Berry''—page 157; “A Qld. Berry Tree''—page 175; ““A W.A. Berry Tree’’—page 175. TERRESTRIAL ORCHIDS “Microtis—The Genus'’ by Leo Cady—page 163 describes all the species but interest is added by ‘““‘Babes in the Wood''—Microtis in Tasmania by Pat Palmer—page 167; ““A Rare Tasmanian Orchid” by M. J. Firth—page 168 and ‘“‘Growing Microtis’® by R. C. Nash—page 170. “Burnettia Cuneata—The Lizard Orchid”” by M. J. Firth—page 171, followed by a description by Leo Cady. EPACRID HEATHS—A series in each issue describing a genus in the family Epacridaceae. ““Archeria Hook. f.”" by Betsy R. Jackes describes the species—page 149; ‘‘Archeria in Tasmania by A. M. Gray gives further interesting descriptions with details of cultivation and propagation—page 151. Closely allied species described include ‘“‘Baw-Baw Berry—Wittstenia’” by B. R. Jackes and the family Ericaceae—page 157. ERICACEAE The Australian species are described under their genera ‘‘Snow Berries—Gautheria''— page 158 and ‘‘Pernettya’’—page 156 with a reference to ‘“The Family Encaceae’ on page 156. TREES—CHRISTMAS TREE—BERRY TREES—STREET TREES “The W.A. Christmas Tree''—Nuytsia floribunda by J. S. Beard—page 176. ““A Native Fig—Ficus hillii”", A Street Tree by H. Oakman—A series in each issue on Street Trees—page 174. Berry Trees—‘“A Qld. Berry Tree—Emmenospermum alphitonioides—page 175; “A. W.A. Berry Tree'’—page 175. HIBISCUS-LIKE PLANTS—A series each on a genus of the family Malvaceae. “Pavonia hastata’ by A. Krapovickas, describes and illustrates the only Australian species. PROPAGATION AND CULTIVATION Propagation of Chamaelaucium—page 143. This mentions propagation by cuttings only briefly. Previous issues have described simple methods in detail. These plants seem to come fairly readily from cuttings with the simple techniques used by home gardeners. We are ashamed to admit that propagation by seed is as very erratic. Try the novel method that follows. “Propagation of Wildflowers”” by B. C. Kowald—page 179. A rather novel method that could represent a break through in seed and cutting propagation for the more difficult species. “Wildflowers from Seed’—page 159. The method described as intended for ‘‘berry plants” but could be used equally as well with other natives (including Chamaelaucium if you have a green thumb). Propagation of Native Orchids—We cannot do it. Multiplication by division of terrestrial orchid groups is the method used. Oh for a research project by competent botanists! “Propagation of Archeria—Epacrids”’—page 181. ‘‘Seedlings’”” by R. C. Barnard—page 159. Meant principally for Eucalypts this article is a gem. 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 — PAST ISSUES Volume No. 1 (bound) issues 1-12, has now sold out. Except for issues 2 & 3 the remaining 10 issues are available at 40 cents eaeh + 5c¢ postage or $4.00 4 20c postage for the Vol. 1 set. Supvolies of Vollme No. 2 (issues 13-20) at S$6.00 + 20c nostage are still availabhle, many of the issues being no Jonger available singly. Volume No. 3 (issues 21-28) is now available fully bound at $6.00 + 20c postage. Issues prior to this issue and later than No. 29 are available sing'yv at 40c + 5c postage. Each bound volume also includes a special publication of the Society. Volume No. 2 has “The Language of Botany'’, a 60 page glossary of botanical terms now available separately at 40c + 5c postage as well as “West Australian Plants’” described below. Volume 3 includes the book ‘‘A Catalogue of Cultivated Australian Native Plants’, a publication of outstanding value available only with the bound volume No. 3. @@@ 3 @@@ Sept., 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 143—Vol. 4 WAXFLOWERS OF W.A. CHAMAELAUCIUM GROWN IN PERTH GARDENS—by E. Wiitwer, Perth Chamaelaucium uncinatum Schau. “Geraldton Wax”. This is the only species of the waxflowers which is extensively cultivated not only in W.A,, but also in the Eastern States and in some overseas countries. Colour variations ranging from white over shades of pink to a purplish red, are available from nurseries. The shrub grews naturally on coastal sand in the Irvin district ranging from 4-8 feet high and tends to become rather loose with age. Variations as colour, flower size or growth habit are not uncommon in the bush. We found for instance a yellowish-green flower'ng form as well as a very dwarf variety with small dark red flowers. The flewering time extends from early spring to the beginning of summer, the flowers usually becoming pale or greenish towards the end of the season. Pruning after flowering will keep the shrub in good shape. Chamaelaucium axillare F. Muell. A slender shrub 4-6 feet high with needle like leaves about one inch long. The axillary flowers are about half an inch in diameter, white but often change to pink or red. This is an attractive shrub flowering from spring to summer. It likes an open sunny pesition and well drained sandy soil. The plant is found in the Eyre district. Pruning will help to keep the shrub bushy. We have in Perth a Chamaelaucium in cultivation referred to as a form of C. axillare but it is shortly to be described as a new species. It is an erect, pyramidical shaped shrub 5-6 feet high, it usually has one main stem with many upward curving laterals. The opposite leaves are about ha!f an inch long of a soft green colour, the foliage is dense. The small white flowers are axillary, the shrub is fleriferous and flowers in spring. Chamaelaucium megalopztalum (Benth.) F. Muell. An erect some- times rather straggling shrub 2-4 feet high. The foliage is similar as in C. axillare but the creamy-white flowers are born in terminal “heads”. Here again some flowers may change to pink or red. The flowering time is spring to summer. C. megalopetalum is a plant of the sand heath in the Stirling Eyre and Coolgardie districts. It should be grown in an open position in well drained sandy soil. A very showy species which also improves with careful pruning. Chamaelaucium ciliatum Desf. A rather small spreading shrub 12-18 inches high with leaves abcut % inch lona. The small axillary flowers are white, pink and red. The flowering time is from spring to summer. Distribution is the same as in C. megalopetalum. A graceful little shrub for an open position. FROPAGATION All the described species are best propagated by cuttings taken in late summer or autumn. Tips or heel cuttings are successful. Cuttings of C. megalopetalum are best taken from the lower branches of the shrub. The rooted cuttings should be potted when the roots are short and succulent. Longer rocts are very brittle and break easy. Early planiing out allows free root development and results in vigorous growing plants. @@@ 4 @@@ Page H}fV()l, 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Sept., 1967 CHAMAELAUCIUMS By H. M. Hewett, Plant Recording Officer, N.S.W. Regicn The genus Chamaelaucium of the family Myrtaceae is confined in natural distribution to Western Australia and consists of some twelve species. Of these only four, to my knowledge have been tried in cultivation, viz. C. axillare, C. ciliatum, C. megalopetalum and C. uncinatum. The latter species has fong been known, and having been the subject of a comprehensive survey in Sydney gardens will be discussed at length. Photography by F. Humphreys CHAMAELAUCIUM PAUCIFLORUM (Turcz.) Benth. A widely distributed shrub of 1-2 feet in height found in both sandy and loamy soils It occurs from Ajana southwards to Ravensthorpe and eastwards to Boorabbin. The leaves are approximately ': inch in length and borne in pairs along the stem. The flowers occur singly and although at first white, they change to red with age. @@@ 5 @@@ Sept., 1967 AUSTRALIAN {’LAI\"T.\Lif’ID'R'I'A('EAI'.‘ Page 145—Vol. 4 Chamaelaucium ciliatum and C. megalopetalum. | can contribute very little on the growing of C. ciliatum and C. megalopetalum except to say that they are both most desirable species; | might even say magnificent, and that no effort should be spared to bring them under garden control. Both species flower profusely throughout the spring, opening white and ageing to pink and finally bright red, the three colours appearing concurrently giving the plants a most striking appearance. | observed both in open sandplain heath country between Lake Grace and Lake King where annual rainfall is in the vicinity of fifteen inches, and summers are very hot and dry. Photography by F. Humphreys CHAMAELAUCIUM MEGALOPETALUM (Benth.) F. Muell. This is one of the largest flowered species of this genus, and although it does not produce an abundance of blossoms, it is noteworthy because of the size and quality of the flowers and the fact that they turn from white to red as they mature. It occurs in the eastern wheatbelt areas from Merredin and Southern Cross to the south coast and eastwards to the Great Australian Bight. It is a variable plant both as to its habit of growth and to the size of the flowers and leaves usually @@@ 6 @@@ VPugeil-lfif\/ol. 4 - AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Sept., 1967 Chamaelaucium ciliatum was growing on roadside verges of light sand with evidence of a little gravel at a depth of two feet or so below surface. It grows to about 18" with a profusion of small flowers to about a quarter inch in diameter. While as yet | have no records of its having been tried in Sydney gardens, | have been advised of a satisfactory establishment at Myall Park, Queensland, approximately 200 miles west of Brisbane with an average summer monsoonal rainfall a little over 20”. With flowers larger than C. uncinatum, C. megalopetalum has some- times been referred to as the most outstanding of the chamaelauciums, not an insignificant tribute. Plants | observed were up to 4 ft. high, growing on gravelly roadside edges, with the foliage almost completely obscured by the density of the bloom. Unfortunately | was a little early to see them in their full range of colour, cnd had to be content to let my imagination fill in the picture with the assistance of a colour plate of the species | have in a publication and my memory of a small quantity of the bloom seen at one of our Society’s floral exhibitions. While in Perth | was pleased to see plants established in several gardens growing in deep light sand and apparently doing very well. As with C. ciliatum above, this species should be regarded as a must for Sydney native cgarden enthusiasts. Chamaelaucium axiilare is a compact, low growng shrub which covers itself in springtime with myriads of small pink and white flowers. Records indicate numerous attempts to establish it in Sydney, but to date with little enduring cuccess. As with many other W.A. natives and in particular some smallish members of the family Myrtaceae, one of the greatest hazards to be faced by the young plant seems to be the sudden springtime weather change from conditions of saturation in early September to the very dry warmer weather of late September and October. In its native environment, ihe southern coastal arcas of W.A., C. axillare enjoys the benefit of cool off sca winds which coniinue on until much later in the year, gradually tapering off the humidity cf the winter growing season, and providing “soft” conditions for the critical period of the growth cycle, when flowering and fruiting make additional demands upon the plants reserves. We have found that specimens in containers, kept under humid nursery conditions seem little affected by the weather extremes noted above, but in the open garden, they frequently seem unable to adjust themselves and rapidly succumb. In gardens where protection from wind is good, and where a position can be selected offering a significantly high degree of humidiiy from the associated foliage of other plants, records show some improvement in performance, and several specimens have been recorded as surviving for a second season, only to fail in a manner suggesting fungal attack, after heavy monsoonal type rain storms in late summer. While the picture to date has not looked very bright for C. axillare, | have no doubt that, as with many previous species with a reputation for difficulty, when much more experimental growing has been done and results and growers observations recorded and analysed, we will eventually be in a position to nominate growing requirements with a reasonable degree of confidence. @@@ 7 @@@ Sept., 1967 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE Page 147—Vol. 4 Chamaelaucium uncinatum, or as generally known, the “Geraldton Wax", needs little introduction, with its large delicate flowers ranging in colour from pure white, through varying shades of pink and red to a deep maroon, and while there are certainly more difficult species of Australian plants to establish there are few with such a record of frustration to Sydney members cf our society. I do not wish to imply by the foregoing that successful growings have not been achieved or are even rare, but rather that under some circumstances, an extensive degree of unreliability has been evident, particularly at about the two or three years old stage. Furthermore, the fact that flourishing spccimens may be frequently observed in the gardens, sometimes neglected, by people who often do not even realise that it is an Australian native, dces not relieve the chagrin of the S.G.A.P. member, who sees his “healthy” Geraldton Wax suddenly show loss of vigour and pass out. C'ontinued on page 182—THE GERALDTON WAX THE GERALDTON WAX CHAMAELAUCIUM UNCINATUM by J. S. Seaton, Caulfield, Victoria Chamaelaucium uncinatum which has been in general cultivation for many years, has a wide colour range and deserves its popularity as « garden subject. However, for best results it requires a situation facing north or west and whether in light or heavy soil it must be well drained. A vital aspect of its cultivation is pruning and the number of specimens seen that are woody and lack depth of foliage indicates neglect in this direction. The flowers are excellent for cutting so this can act as a minor pruning but when the flowering period is over it should be cut back hard. | have an excellent pure white form which although over 25 vears old, is still very healthy, has good habit and is very floriferous. There are several very large flowered forms available so that growers have a choice in both the colour and size of the flower. “THE ESPERANCE WAX” Chamaelaucium axillare by D. E. Simmons, Henley Beach, S.A. Chamaelaucium axillare, "“Esperance Wax" is growing well here in the exiremely pocr coastal sand, slightly alkaline, one third of a mile from the beach on an elevated ridge of sand. It enjoys some protection from the westerlies from cther shrubs and a side fence 5 ft. high. Now 5 years old and 5 ft. high and about the same through, it has attractive green foliage and is a picture in flower—Sept.-Oct.—when it is covered with small white wax flowers. It has plenty of competition from surrcunding shrubs but | water well periodically as the sand seems to dry out quickly. The well-known “Geraldton Wax”, Chamaelaucium uncinatum, grows very freely here alco cof course, but inland sometimes becomes slightly yellcwed in the foliage when growing on the heavier clay soils. @@@ 8 @@@ Page 148—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MYRTACEAE B Sept., 1967 DO YOU KNOW THESE PLANTS? Chamaelaucium brevifolium Benth. A slender shrub, flowers? C. darwinioides Turcz. A shrub to three feet with pink flowers. C. halli Ewart. A small dense shrub with white to pink flowers. C. heterandrum Benth. A small spreading shrub from salt flats? C. micranthum (Turcz.) Domin. A slender shrub, flowers? C. virgatum Endl. A large shrub 3’-5° with white to pink flowers. Will any reader who can help with reports or colour slides on these plants please forward them to the Editor. Photography by F. Humphreys CHAMAELAUCIUM DRUMMONDI Meissn. A shrub of 1-2 feet producing an abundance of flowers during the spring. The leaves are crowded irregularly along the stem, and the edges are ciliate with long hairs. The flowers are borne on very short pedicels in the upper leaf axils. They are white when they first open but turn red with maturity. The species occurs in sandplain from Northampton in the north to Mogumber and Wyalkatchem in the south and eastwards to the Yalgoo Rabbit Proof Fence. @@@ 9 @@@ AUSTRALIAN FLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE Page 149-—Vol. 4 ARCHERIA Hook. f. Epacridaceae, by Betsy R Sept 1967 each on a separate genus in the plant family (Townsville University College) Althcugh this genus is found in New Zealand and Tasmania, the individual species are endemic to each country. The four Tasmanian species occur in relatively inaccessible montane areas. series of articles Jackes ARCHERIA HIRTELLA exposure. It can be kept quite compact tips after flowering. A prostrate form is difference being the velvety hairy pointed as shown A very variable shrub in size according to the flowering improved by pruning the leading ideal for rockeries. Archeria eriocarpa is very similar, the ovary. The other species are similar but have blunt leaves, not acutely above This genus is similar to Epacris, the main differentiating features being the daciducus bracts, and the almost basal placentation. @@@ 10 @@@ E’age 150—Vol. 4 - AUSTRALIAN FLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE Sept., 1967 Archeria—Much branched shrubs, the leaves of which are usually flat, sometimes distichous; in a New Zealand species A. racemosa they appear whorled until examined closely. The axillary flowers are borne towards the end of the branch, they may even be in a small raceme. The subtending bracts and frequently the bracteoles are deciduous. Stamens are epipetalous on the cylindrical or campanulate corolla. A small hypogynous disc surrounds the deeply lobed ovary. KEY TO SPECIES Leaves apparently distichous, acute, often sharply pointed B Leaves crowded, blunt, but often mucronate ... ; e C B. Sepals obtuse, ovary and capsuie pubescent . . eriocarpa Sepals acute, ovary and capsule glabrous ... . m—-— anae 2. As hirtella C. White flowers in short terminal racemes. Corolla-tube bearded inside ... 3. A. serpyllifolia Pink flowers solitary, axillary. Corolla-tube glabrous inside ... 4. A. comberi x 55 *7 x4 X2z Top left to right—A. eriocarpa, Habit — Lower surface of leaf — Half flower. Bottom 1. to r.—A. serpyllifolia — Half flower — Habit — Lower surface of leaf. NOTES ON THE SPECIES 1. Archeria eriocarpa Hook. f. A straggling shrub 1-4 m. high growing in the western and south-western rainforests up to an altitude of 3,500 feet. The corolla is cylindrical, white or pale pink. 2. Archeria hirtella Hook f. Found in the same localities as A. eriocarpa, this species forms a tall shrub cr small tree with spreading branches, the tips and young leaves of which are often reddish. The flower is similar to that of A. eriocarpa. @@@ 11 @@@ Sept., 1967 AUSTRALIAN FLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE Page 151—Vol. 3. Archeria serpyllifolia Hook. f. A rigid, bushy shrub often closely clinging to rock faces on the summits of Central and Western Tasmanian mountains. The throat and lobes of the campanulate corolla are hairy. The short style is inserted in the glabrous ovary. Bentham describes a variety; var. minor as being generally smaller, and with sepals about 2.5 mm. long as against 4 mm. long. 4. Archeria comberi Melville A montane species up to 1 m. high with rather obese spreading leaves. The leaves show a greater development of mesophyll tissue than in the other species. The leaves are crowded, green or tinged purplish red above, and paler green below. The cylindrical corolla is pink; the style is deeply sunken in the ovary and is as long as the corolla. ARCHERIA IN TASMANIA An article in the series on “‘Wildflowers of Tasmania” by A. M. Gray There are four species of Archeria, endemic in Tasmania—A. comberi, A. eriocarpa, A. hirtella, A. serpyllifolia. All are very attractive shrubs occurring in forests or on mountain tops in the west and south-west of the State. It is because of their distribution, chiefly in forests or on exposed situations on mountains, that relatively few people have had the opportunity to see these most attractive shrubs with their large delicately coloured flowers. However if it is possible to procure cutting material of any of the feur species, they should be grown. The method of propagation is described later. Archeria comberi Melville is most commonly found at altitudes above 3,500 feet on mountains of the Central plateau and some mountains of the West and S.W. An erect or somewhat straggling shrub, one to four feet high. Flowers cylindrical, slightly broader at the base, corolla pink, half an inch long with lobes spreading. The large delicately coloured flowers of this species and the rather unusual formation of the leaves make this, in my opinion, the most attractive of the four. Archeria comberi Melville, an erect or somewhat straggling shrub, 1' to 4’ high; branchlets sparsely hairy. Leaves with short stalks, erect or sometimes appressed; blade spreading, ovate or almost orbicular about 1/8" long, margins entire, apex blunt, substance thick. Raised circular scars are visible on the older stems from where the leaves have fallen. Flowers on very short stalks, usually singly in the axils of the upper leaves, mostly on 2nd year wood. Bracts small persistent, separate from the sepals. Sepals 5-7, small, blunt, each with a small rounded protuberance near the point of attachment. Flowers cylindrical slightly broader at the base, corolla pink, about !:’" long, lobes small more or less spreading. Anthers joined to the tube except for a small portion near the throat of the corolla. Style equal in length to the tube, stigma slightly lobed. Ovary and capsule are a characteristic feature of the genus. Ovary with five distinctly defined locules (compartments). Fruit a capsule, dehiscing by five valves. Archeria serpyllifolia Hock. f. A strongly growing, bushy shrub, 18" to 5' high, quite erect but in exposed situations somewhat prostrate, creeping against the surfaces of boulders, logs, etc.; all vegetative parts quite glabrous. Flowers are pink or white in terminal racemes which are short and very crowded. A. serpyllifolia is fairly common at higher altitudes in the west and on many mountains of the central plateau. Mostly at home amongst the boulders of the most exposed summits. Continued on page 181 @@@ 12 @@@ Page 152—Vol. 4 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR ATTRACTIVE BERRIES _Sept., 1967 BERRIES FOR THE GARDEN by Kay Geeves In Tasmania the berries are a colourful feature of the bushland in Autumn and there seems no reason why they should not become very useful and attractive garden plants. In most cases the berries are carried for long periods and they could provide colour and interest at a time when most gardens are drab. The following species occur naturally in the Geeveston district. Gaultheria hispida (Snow Berry, Cluster Berry), endemic. This is «a beautiful small shrub, usually 3-4’ and is very worthy of a place in the garden. It is fairly compact in habit and has glossy, dark green, serrated leaves that are quite attractive. Reddish bristles occur on the branches cnd on the midrib of the under surface of the leaves. Dense panicles of small white flowers are produced about Christmas time. The calyx segments enlarge and form a false fruit that completely encloses the fruit capsule. These false fruits have a purity that has given rise to the common name of Snow Berry and as they are borne in such profuse panicles they make a wonderful display against the deep green foliage. The fruits are borne through the Autumn months for a long period. It occurs in rain forest and wet Eucalypt forest and seems to prefer a medium loam. This plant would make a very useful addition to a shrubbery and would be particularly effective if massed. It could also be used to effect in a rock garden. Cyathodes parvifolia. Endemic 2’-4’. This is another small shrub that is very eye-catching. It is widespread in many habitats but likes well drained soil. In nature it is found in porous sandy soils or very rocky hillsides but will grow on medium loams. It is a member of the Epacridaceae of compact habit with small pungent leaves and is dioecious. The flowers are insignificant but the fruits are borne in such profusion that the bushes are covered. Their colcur ranges from pale pink to deep red and from late Autumn into winter they