'Australian Plants' Vol.5 No.41 December 1969

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PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN 11,000 COPIES

Hustralian Plants

Registered at G.P.O., Sydney, for transmission DECEMBER, 1969 Vplumg 5, No. 41
by post as a periodical. Volume 5 will comprise issues 37-44
Price: 30c

BANKSIA SCEPTRUM

SOME CULTIVATED BANKSIAS—Article commencing page 202, quote

“Banksia sceptrum, although this specie can grow into a small tree it
does not appear to be doing so in cultivation. It has an upright habit with
short blunt leaves and terminal yellow flowers to 6" in the summer. It could be
a useful shrub for hot conditions and rainfall of 15 but is also doing well
in sandy soil with 30" rainfall.”

GROWING WILDFLOWERS IN CLAY AREAS—A complete article.
TASMANIAN WILDFLOWERS—Gems for horticulture.
AUSTRALIAN ORCHIDS—Their cultivation.



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Page 194—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Dec., 1969

PROSTRATE BANKSIA

by Alf Gray

Of all the 50 odd species in the genus, the four western prostrate
banksias are probably the most intriguing to botanists and growers alike.

Banksia gocedii of the Albany area has been cause for some concern
because of threatened extinction, but it is so similar to Banksia petiolaris
that the differences could be distributed to climatic influences. B. goodii was
described by Robert Brown presumably when he and Peter Good, then foreman
at Kew Gardens, were collecting at King George’s Sound in 1830. It had
not been recognised again for many years until the writer located it on
the King River at Albany in January 1956. Except for greater development
of spike and leaf plus a tendency to abandon the prostrate and to assume
a more erect habit, in what was formerly densely wooded country, there is
great similarity to the form of B. Petiolaris of the Stirling Range, 40 miles to
the north. This is not to suggest that B. goodii should not be accepted
as a distinct species. After all it commemorates Peter Good, by all accounts
a very earnest and dedicated young man who did not survive long after
reaching Botany Bay. See page 200 for colour plate.

Banksia petiolaris was named by von Mueller in 1864 from the Israelite
Bay form which persists westwards nearly to Ravensthorpe and then occurs
in a similar form westwards again to the Stirlings. It is confusing as to
what is the species and what erect forms. It is not found beyond ihe
foothills a few miles north of the Range but is quite common on the
coastal plain to the east where the flower spikes are larger and the styles
coarser than in the Stirlings form, and the leaves are covered densely
with tomentum.

Banksia prostrata and B. repens have a wide range of distribution,
growing in company with B. goodii in the King George’s Sound area and also
with B. petiolaris on the sand plains immediately surrounding the Sterlings
and eastwards to Cape Arid if not Israelite Bay itself. They are also found
west of the Stirlings, north to the Hill River and inland over the greater
part of the South-west Province. The soecies show change in form, particularly
of the flower spikes. The foliage tends to become hoary and tougher in
the eastern forms due to the greater exposure of the plains. Even the flower
colour changes from warm brown to rose red on the case of B. repens
and to yellow in both B. prostrata and B. petiolaris. These species differ from
other Banksia not only in habit but also in the follicles (spikes) except for
B. solandri which significantly occurs on or near the summits of the Stirling
Ranges.

As to what prostrate banksias may have in the way of appeal to the
grower, the ouestion would be best answered by observing a healthy
specimen in full flower. They are attractive and unique, even when not
in flower.

The group is easier to propagate and establish than the general run
of banksia remembering that like the others they revel in light sandy soils
and exposure to the sun. Each plant may require several feet of space
when mature but since they will grow under shrubs or trees, prostrate
banksia are easy to accommodate in almost any garden.

(For other articles on Banksia, see page no. 200)



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN CLAY SOILS Page 195—Vol. 5

WILDFLOWERS IN CLAY AREAS

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS ON THE KEILOR PLAINS

By C. L. WHELLER, Tullamarine Plant Farm, in conjunction with Mrs. R. Raid of Pascoe
Vale, and Mr. C. Thomas, Thomas’ Garden Constructions, Glenroy

Climatic & Soil Conditions

The modern traveller, motoring along the highways and other roads
that traverse the 900 or more square miles of basalt plains to the north
and west of Melbourne, usually referred to as the Keilor or Werribee Plains,
might well be pardoned for believing that the possibility of discovering anything
interesting in the way of animal, vegetable or mineral in the area would
be extremely remote. Roughly defined as the area within a radius of
approximately 30 miles from Melbourne from Pt. Wilson in the south-west
through the eastern side of the You Yangs to Parwan, along Djerriwarrh Creek
through Gisborne, Bolinda to Pretty Sally’s Hill (about 1200 ft. above sea
level), thence south through Wallan, Yan Yean and Morang to the Yarra
River with outcrops of granite north of Broadmeadows and other rocky
outcrops intructing from the north-west, the Keilor (or Werribee) plains have
until the last 10-20 years been largely neglected by land developers despite
their relative nearness to Melbourne.

Formed some 10,000 years ago by volcanic lava emanating from hills
and fissures to the north and west obliterating most of the existing landscape,
the otherwise featureless terrain is nevertheless intersected here and there
by deep river gorges and studded with low hills along its north and west
perimeters. Seen in the early sunlight of a calm winter morning with its
course defined by ribbons of fog and its steep banks picked out in light and
shade touched here and there by patches of frost, the Maribyrnong River at
Keilor is a typical example of the beauty that can exist in even the most
unlikely places if the eye and mind are receptive. A rock formation known
as the “Organ Pipes” on the banks of Jackson’s Creek is of wide geological
interest and several homes of historic interest still exist in the area.

With a 20 inch rainfall most of which falls between winter and late
spring, the heavy grey-brown clay tends to become waterlogged in low-lying
areas during winter and soring and interlaced with deep cracks caused by
shrinkage as the soil dries out in summer effectively discouraging the natural
spread of deep rooting plants which cannot survive these conditions. Subjected
to scorching northerly winds in summer, icy blasts from the same direction in
winter, hot summer sun and an occasional devastating frost every few years,
which often causes the loss of well developed plants that have stood several
normally cold winters, most gardens on the Keilor Plains eventually would
become like the rest of the general landscape where only the most rugged
survive were it not for the incurable optimism of residents who manage
to retain enough enthusiasm to replace lost plants.

Never floristically rich especially in woody species, and subject to
continuous grazing by sheep and cattle over most of the last century, the
fact that some 444 land species were recorded for the plains by Dr. Charles
Sutton in 1916 will surprise many people familiar with the area.



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Page 196—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN CLAY SOILS

MELALEUCA FULGENS—Payne’s variety

Reprinted from ‘‘Australian Native Plants for Home Gardens’” by A. E. Brooks, a book
very well written and an excellent guide for the beginner. The author gives detailed advice
from his wide experience principally in gardens in the Melbourne area although the
recommendations for species to b planted will apply to home gardeners in most temperate
areas. In a new edition this book is available from the Editor at $4.50 plus 20 cents postage.
As a guide to the presentation of the book the following description is reprinted from the book.

Melaleuca fulgens Scarlet Honey-Myrtle, W.A.

Five feet, a fairly compact shrub with narrower grey-green leaves about an inch
long, and a bounteous supply of spectacular red ‘‘bottle-brushes’” which are certain to attract
much attention. Payne’s variety has even more outstanding flowers. Spring. Open position.
Light soil. (fulgens = bright).



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN CLAY SOILS Page 197—Vol. 5

Garden Design & Construction

From the aesthetic point of view it is advisable to consider the colour
and shape of plants in relation to their surroundings, ensuring that background
plantings do not compete unduly with specimen plants and that an overall
harmony of plants and surroundings is achieved whilst maintaining a variety
of colour and texture with sufficient contrast of plants against buildings to
show each to its best advantage.

Photography by Ron Hill

CORREA REFLEXA

Whilst it is often advisable to plant many Australian plants closely
for mutual support against winds and to provide ground cover to reduce
evaporation, care should be taken to ensure that large rampant growers are
not associated too closely with lesser plants which will suffer as a result,
remembering that it is easier to rectify an omission than to correct a mistake
which may not become obvious for several years. A scale plan of the
property on graph paper will be of considerable help in deciding what and
where to plant.



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Page 198—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN CLAY SOILS Dec., 1969

TREES, CAREFULLY SELECTED, ARE VITAL

Of all that has been said and written about the virtues of making
a garden, probably nothing is more important on the Keilor Plains than the
need to improve living conditions, yet rarely do we see a garden designed
with this in mind. The lack of foundation plantings and the unwise planting
of large shrubs and trees too close to buildings or under power or telephone
lines are the most common mistakes. Whilst we are all aware of the
advantages of air conditioning inside our homes and often devote much time
and money to this matter, we tend to forget the advantages of improving
the climate in our outdoor areas. The effect of trees as providers of shade
is well known and the right trees for these purposes under conditions like
those on the Keilor Plains will often be found among the Acacias, Eucalypts,
Tristanias and larger species of Melaleucas. Other factors detrimental to the
environment are glare from road surfaces and buildings, dust and lack of
privacy and here again the answer will be found in trees and shrubs. The
ability of plants to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and emit
oxygen thus purifying the air, and their ability to reduce the temperature
of air passing through them are all matters worthy of consideration in
landscape design. The effect of plants on weather has been studied in
recent times and quite remarkable changes in temperature and humidity
recorded by accurate scientific methods.

Gardening then, in the landscape sense, is not merely a hobby but
an indication of good citizenship; a contribution to community living, and
where Australian plants are cultivated, a worthwhile effort in nature
conservation.

THE SOIL

To the occupant of a new home on the Keilor Plains probably the
greatest problem in the establishment of a garden is the condition of the
existing soil, which usually supports a heavy carpet of onion grass, a number
of other weeds and is difficult to cultivate. Given time and interest however,
much can be done to improve these conditions—the onion grass will soon
disappear in cultivated areas and in lawns which are frequently cut and
frequent spraying with a suitable weed killer will eventually remove it
from other places. An article on soil improvement in this area was published
in “Australian Plants” Sept., 1966. Briefly, this method consists of the
application of a layer of 3 to 4 inches of black ash from coal burning
boilers and a similar or larger amount of rotted organic matter both of
which must be thoroughly worked into the top six inches of soil over a
period of several weeks or more. In districts where this kind of ash is not
available, it is possible that other granular material may be of use especially
with the addition of gypsum (Calcium su'ohate). The main points to be kept
in mind are that the application of ash does nothing to improve the fertility
of a soil and thorough cultivation and mixing are necessary to avoid pockets
of ash which will be detrimental to germination and plant growth, and that
considerable quantities of ash and organic matter are required to improve
a heavy sail owing to the dominating effect of the clay particle. The addition
of further organic material as a mulch or dug in where annual croos are
grown will assist in keeping the soil in a friable condition. Our own garden
beds which were treated in this way some years ago never set hard and may

be dug and raked to a fine tilth without difficulty at any time of the year.

Editor’s Note: The authors now proceed with a list of plants that have actually been
grown successfully in the area. It is not my usual practice to publish a list such as this
without including a description of each plant. In this case however, we are concerned here
only with recording those plants that can be successfully grown. Most are commonly
grown and widely known and have been adequately described with full details in cultivation
in past issues.



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN CLAY SOILS Page 199—Vol. 5

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

In this section an attempt has been made to list some of the plants considered
to be either consistently successful or worthy of further trial under conditions
similar to those of the Keilor Plains, bearing in mind the requirement of good
drainage in most cases, for protection from excessive heat and/or cold in. a
few others and the need to prevent wind damage by pruning, staking or planting
for mutual protection as applicable. Many species not mentioned here have been
unsuccessful or have not, to the writers’ knowledge, yet been tried.

ACACIA—most species tried seem very adaptable, quick growing, frost and
heat resistant, but some can become top heavy and easily blown over by wind.
Suggestions are: A. acinacea, A. baileyana, A. cultriformis, A. drummondii,
A. floribunda, A. hakeoides, A. inophloia, A. longifolia, A. pravissima, A.
podalyriaefolia, A. saligna, A. vestita.

AGONIS—another adaptable genus, often slower growing than some Acacias
and some species less winter hardy. A. flexuosa widely grown but frost tender when
voung. A. juniperina, A. marginata, A. linearifolia worthy of trial.

ALBIZZIA—A. lopantha is adaptable, fast growing and hardy.

ALYOGYNE (Cienfugosia)—A. hakeaefolia, A. cuneiformis both fast growing
and easy but need protection from frosts.

ANGOPHORA—A. costata seems just as easy as most of the Eucalypts.

ANIGOSANTHOS—variable in adaptability and not all reliable. 4. flavida—
particularly the red form—is recommended and is being used in industrial
landscaping. A. manglesii suffers from disease and snails and often fails; 4. viridis,
A. humilis, A. bicolor seem to need a lot of attention for best results; A. pulcherrima
and A. rufa have succeeded and are worthy of further trial.

ASTARTEA—A. fascicularis is adaptable and hardy.

ASTEROLASIA—A. asteriscophora seems to be unsuited to heavy soils which
become too dry or too wet and is easily loosened in wind.

BAECKEA—most species adaptabie and hardy. B. ambigua, B. camphora,
B. crenatifolia, B. heteranthera, B. ramosissima, B. virgata all grow easily.

BAUERA—easy and quick needing summer moisture and some shade.
B. ruboioides, B. sessiliflora both successful.

BEAUFORTIA—not the easiest of subjects. B. sparsa hardy and usually
successful with summer watering; others need further trial.

BORONIA—perhaps more suited to container culture unless scme shelter is
provided. Often unreliable in hot dry conditions but worthy of trial. B. filifolia
one of the easiest; B. heterophylla, B. denticulata, B. megastigma, B. spathulata,
B. elatior, B. crenulata, B. pilosa, B. serrulata and others have been grown.

BRACHYCHITON—Adaptable and heat resistant but some slightly frost tender.
B. acerifolium, B. populneum both suited for warm dry conditions.

BRACHYCOME—hardy and adaptable. B. melanacarpa, B. multifida easy.

BRACHYSEMA —adaptable and hardy. B. lanceolatum, B. latifolium both
successful.

CALLICOMA—not well known. C. serratifolia somewhat frost tender when
young but worthy of further trial.

CALLISTEMON-—very adaptable and mostly hardy. Some species such as
C. montanus, C. formosus, C. viminalis frost tender when young; others such as
C. brachyandrus, C. citrinus, C. phoeniceus, C. salignus, C. speciosus and most
of the hybrids easily grown.

CALLITRIS—mostly very resistant to heat and frost and suited to large
properties. Some forms of C. cupressiformis suited to smaller gardens.

CALOCEPHALUS—C. brownii stands exposure to heat and wind and suits
dry conditions.

CALOTHAMNUS—most species adaptable but not widely grown. C. gilesii,
C. quadrifolius and possibly others frost tender when young.

CALYTRIX—mostly easy and hardy. C. alpestris, C. sullivanii, C. tetragona
usually sucessful. Others under trial.

CASSIA—suited to warm dry situations, but winter hardy species include
C. artemisioides, C. australis, C. eremophila, C. sturtii. Worth growing.

CASUARINA—mostly heat and frost resistant, suited to larger properties.
C. torulosa most popular.

CHAMAELAUCIUM—C. axillare, C. uncinatum, C. micranthum easily grown
in well drained sunny positions. C. uncinatum slightly frost tender.

CHORIZEMA—C. cordatum, C. ilicifolium both frost tender but suceed in
protected positions; C. diversifolium appears hardier; C. dicksonii worthy of trial.

(Continued on page 213)



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Page 200—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Dec., 1969

Dwarf Banksias

Banksia prostrata, B. repens and B. petiolaris all have underground
or semi-underground trunks with upright leaves and produce their flowers
on the ends of underground branches and are not surrounded by leaves.
This unusual flowering habit adds to their interest and makes them worth-while
rockery or ground cover plants. All three are easy to raise from seed and
hardy; open or semi-shade is suvitable and good drainage is required.

Photography by F. W. Humphreys
BANKSIA GOODII

Banksia goodii; not very much is known about the requirements of this
Banksia in cultivation, but it will be up to growers to save it from extinction
as the known number of plants left on the ‘Kalgan Plain’ in W.A. is very
limited. It appears to be a slow grower in cultivation and differs from the
other prostrate species in that the brownish flowers are surrounded by leaves.

Editor’'s Note: This description is part of the article ‘“‘Some Cultivated Banksias”
commencing on page no. 202. These Banksia are the subject of a full article, ‘“‘Prostrate
Banisias’”” on page 194.



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 201-—Vol. 5

Small Banksias

Most home gardeners have the space for only one Banksia tree but
there are many Banksia that only grow to small or medium shrubs. These are
available with leaves of the small lush green type of Banksia ericifolia
(featured in colour in the last issue), or B. nutans, to the large attractive
patterned leaves found in a wide range of Banksia, one of which is shown
below.

BANKSIA CAYLEYI

Banksia cayleyi, has been grown fairly widely in cultivation
and has proved to be adaptable to varying soil types. The pendant flower
buds and flowers are bright red but not conspicuous as they are carried
on short lateral branches within the bush which grows into a shapely shrub
to a height of 5-6 fi.



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Page 202—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Dec., 1969

SOME CULTIVATED BANKSIAS

by Ken Stuckey, Furner, South Australia

Banksia have proved fascinating and rewarding subjects for the garden.
The many species provide a wide range of form and habit, leaf and flower,
colour and shape. While the shaggy old “Banksia man” bush may be
suitable for specimen and character in a landscape, others have now proved
themselves as good garden shrubs.

Banksias can be considered as frost hardy, new young growth can be
cut with frost but seldom does it kill a plant. Banksias make most of their
growth during the summer when severe frosts are not likely to occur.
Banksias from eastern Australia will benefit from summer watering while
those from Western Australia are better without summer watering except
seedlings planted out in the spring which may need periodic deep watering.

Banksias will benefit from judicious pruning, the best time is early
spring before they start to make their growth. Do not be afraid to pick flower
spikes from the spring flowering species such as the B. speciosa which soon
makes fresh growth from below the cut.

Plant out Banksias into “clean” ground, that is, do not incorporate leaf
mould, humus, etc. into the soil before planting as this tends to increase
the possibility of fungus attack to the root system and is one of the main
reasons for the sudden collapse and death of Banksias. Mulch can be
placed around Banksias but always leave a clear area around the trunk.
Propagation

Over the years | have found it more satisfactory to propagate Banksias
completely in the open. Early experience of planting seed and potting up
in a glasshouse caused losses through damping off and production of
unhealthy seedlings. Also | now prefer to plant seed directly into pots
rather than seed pans or pots for potting up after germination and from
a given number of seed the end result is a better percentage of healthy
seedlings.

A slightly acid potting mixture with a pH of about 6.5 is best,
and add a proportion of soil from under old Banksias if possible. Seed
should be barely covered and then topped up with fine gravel to a depth
of %" for large seeded species and slightly less for the small seeded species.
If grown in seed boxes they must be potted before the first true leaves
start to appear. Freshly potted seedlings will require shade for two or
three weeks but still allow for free movement of air.

Seedlings sometimes show signs of chlorosis which can usually be cured
with applications of iron chelate at three weekly intervals. Use as directed
or a 5¢c coin full per pot and watered in, is sufficient. Applications of a
complete fertiliser can also be safely used, but not to excess.

Recommended Banksia for the Garden

The results of my experience in the cultivation of many species of
Banksia are given as follows:
Dwarf Banksias—see page 200.

Medium Shrub Banksias

Banksia violacea, an upright, shapely shrub 2-3 feet with %" almost
terete leaves and the flowers being terminal, is quite showy. The globular
violet flowers deepen to almost black when mature. Well drained, open
situation is best, with slightly acid soil.



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 203—Vol. 5

Banksia baueri, “Woolly Banksia”, is easy to propagate and appears
hardy and adaptable to varying soil types provided there is good drainage.
The large woolly flowers are very striking, the form from the Stirling area is
greyish while that from East Mt. Barren is a bright tan. It makes a shapely
shrub to a height of about 4 fi.

Banksia burdetti, one of the showiest of the shrub types with bright
orange terminal flowers and appears to grow to 5-6 ft. in cultivation in
sandy soil. This specie has the possibility of doing well in the sandy mallee
areas of eastern Australia.

Banksia candolleana, is a spreading shrub to about 4 ft. high and appears
to be a slow grower in cultivation. The long serrated leaves are attractive
also the peculiar fruit which consists of one, two or three very large seed
capsules in a small head. It requires an open, full sun situation, sand, sandy
loam and well drained.

Banksia cayleyi—see page 201.

Banksia dryandroides, a spreading shrub notable more for its fine
dryandra-like foliage than the flowers which are carried on short lateral
branches, are yellow and globular. This specie has done well on heavy
loam, in fact better than on light sandy soils.

Banksia laricina—see page 204.

Banksia lehmanniana, an open upright shrub that has been grown
in cultivation fairly successfully in varying soil types and situations. The
flowers, up to 8”, are pendant and yellow on short lateral branches.

Banksia media, probably the most successful W.A. Banksia to be cultivated
in the eastern states. It is easy to raise from seed and establish and has
proved to be tolerant of various soil types and pH values. The large (6”-10")
flower spikes are terminal on short lateral branches. One specimen | have is
now 15 years old and still going strong.

Banksia meissneri, a spreading straggly shrub of 3 ft., with small,
almost terete, %" leaves, a most un-Banksia like shrub. The roundish,
yellow flowers 1% are on lateral branches and the fertile flower spikes
develop into spherical heads of 2 or more. It appears to thrive on
well drained sandy soil and flowers prolifically when 3-4 years old.

Banksia nutans, the “Nodding Banksia”, is a shrub about 3 ft. with
dainty, nodding flowers 1%-2” and short leaves with recurved margins
that make them almost terete. The young flowers are tinged pink and cream,
turning yellow when mature. Slightly acid, sandy soil type is best.

Banksia ornata, a Victorian and S.A. specie that inhabits the deep
sandy ridges and extends from the 12" to 29" rainfall belt. This is another
example of our flora indicating fairly accurately the soil type upon which
it grows and in this case it is usually deep “hungry” sand.

A shapely shrub of 5-6 ft. with terminal, roundish oblong flowers.
The young flowers are pale creamy grey turning pale yellow when mature,
but there are slight variations in colour forms.

There appears to be some difficulty in establishing this specie in
cultivation. Slightly acid, well drained sandy soil would be best.

Banksia praemorsa, a shapely shrub to about 6 ft.,, the flowers are
terminal on short lateral branches and often 8” to 10” long and sometimes
longer. Early growers were often misguided in planting B. praemorsa seed
which turned out to be B. media, evidently a mistake by seed collectors—there
are similarities in shaoe of shrub, leaves and flowering habit.

This Banksia could do well in coastal areas and will withstand salt
winds and high rainfall but with good drainage.



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Page 204—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE

Banksia pilostylis, a Banksia from 12-15" rainfall area, with upright habit
and pale yellow terminal flowers. It has not been grown long enough
in cultivation to be specific as to requirements but like most W.A. Banksias
requires well drained situations and open sunny aspect.

One specimen | have is three years old and has five flowers.

Banksia quercifolia, is one of the hardiest in cultivation and can be
grown in semi-shade to full sun. The cultivated specimens | have seen all
have an upright habit of growth to 10 ft. and flower freely, rather small,
oblong flowers, greyish tan when young and a dull tan when mature.
Reference books quote it as being “scarlet’” and “orange” but | have not
seen flowers these colours in cultivation or in its native habitat. It has been
grown in heavy clay-loam to light sand.

Photography by the author, Ken Stuckey, of a Banksia growing in his garden.

BANKSIA LARICINA

Banksia laricina, a rounded, slightly straggly shrub with short needle-like
leaves. Comparatively easy to establish and hardy, it will start flowering at
three years and from then on flowers freely. The small, ovoid, yellow
flowers are mostly on lateral branches but the striking feature of this Banksia
is the development of the seed cone after fertilisation, the cone remains

(Continued on page 222)



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AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 205—Vol. 5

BANKSIA IN WAGGA

by Alan Logan, Wagga Wagga, N.SW.

Banksia occidentalis has proved satisfactory here in a 34 in. rainfall
with winter frosts down to 15 degrees. It is growing on an open, exposed
westerly slope, with a fall of about 1 in 8, in heavy clay loam of which
the subsoil would be quite waterlogged during a wet winter. The shrub
was planted in mid-August 1965 when nine inches high, and was covered
till frosts were over. The site had been prepared by digging into the top
8-10 inches of loam, two to three bucketsfull of the loose gravel, ranging
in size from dust to one inch diameter pebbles, which builds up on the
side of dirt roads. The idea being an attempt to provide a mound of well
drained porous material, which would keep the base of the plant and
surface roots from becoming waterlogged.

Photography by Ken Stuckey, of a Banksia growing in his garden.

BANKSIA OCCIDENTALIS

(Continued on page no. 221)



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Page 206—Vol. § ATTSTRATIAN PLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE Dec., 1969

DRACOPHYLLUM LABILL.

by Betsy R. Jackes

(A series of articles each on a genus in the plant family Epacridaceae—The Heaths)

This genus is found in the eastern states of Australia, as well as in
New Zealand and New Caledonia. The West Australian genus Sphenotoma
is sometimes regarded as a subgenus, however, it does form a very natural
group, differing from the eastern species in quite a few respects.

The patterns of stomatal distribution are distinctive; in addition, the
infloresence of Dracophyllum is a compound raceme or panicle with very
deciduous bracts, longitudinal folds are not present at the base of the
corolla-lobes; in contrast the Sphenotoma inflorescence is a simple spike or
head with persistent bracts, and the longitudinal folds almost enclose the
mouth of the corolla-tube.

The generic name “Dragon Leaf”’ refers to the likeness of the leaves
to those of the dragon plant Dracaena. The long, narrow leaves which are
crowded towards the ends of branches give this genus the appearance
of a monocotyledon.

Shrubs or small trees, the leaves and leaf-sheaths fall off leaving

prominent annular scars. The corolla-tube which does not circumsciss, may be
cylindrical or almost campanulate with five spreading imbricate lobes.

Dracophyllum secundum R.Br.
Leaf full-size; part of plant Y2 size and flower, full size x7.

In New Zealand, hybrids have been recorded between a number of

species, it is possible that this has also occurred in Australia.
KEY TO THE SPECIES
A.

Small closely appressed shrub; inflorescence SOLtAry ... 1. D. minimum
Erect plants; inflorescence a panicle B
B. Panicle secund .. 2. D. secundum
Panicle: NOt SECUNML ..iniiissississsssississamssivsnsssarsssmasssonssssssssssnsasassmsaronsssassesasansassississssssedossonisssfasivssssisinssssigisenses C

3. D. milliganii

C. Leaves 15-90 cm.; corolla-tube almost equal in length to the calyx [
4. D. sayeri

Leaves 30-45 cm.; corolla-tube 3-4 times length of calyx



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE Page 207--Vol. 5

NOTES ON THE SPECIES
1. Dracophyllum minimum F. Muell.

A small Tasmanian cushion plant growing above altitudes of 4,000 ft.
in alpine areas where snow lies for several months of the year. The solitary
white flowers terminate the branches, surrounded by leaves which are as long
as the calyx. See page no. 225 for a full colour plate.

2. Dracophyllum secundum R.Br.

An erect or procumbent shrub up to 1 m. high, growing in N.S.W.
The white or pink flowers are arranged in a one-sided terminal panicle

or raceme.

R Bl
J

4. Dracophyllum sayeri F. Muell.

3. Dracophyllum
milliganii  Hook. f.

A tall moderately
branched shrub up to
4 m. high, with large
leaves (15-90 cm. long)
crowded at the top.
Panicles up to 40 cm.
long bearing numerous
white or pinkish flowers
in which the staminal
filaments are free. En-
demic to Tasmania,
where it favours wet
places in mountain gul-
lies and exposed slopes
up to altitudes of about
4,000 feet.

Similar in habit to D. milliganii, this species occurs on the summits of the
Bellenden-Ker Range in North Queensland. Two varieties exist; var. normale
Bail., which is a more or less erect plant with a white corolla-tube and
rose-coloured corolla-lobes; var. reflexum Bail., which has all white flowers,

the corolla-lobes of which are much reflexed.



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Page 208—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE Dec., 1969

DRACOPHYLLUM OF TASMANIA

A series on the wildflowers of Tasmania by A. M. GRAY

Two species of this genus occur in Tasmania, both are endemic, one a
small shrub or rarely a small tree, the other a “cushion plant”, never
more than 4" to 6" high. Altcgether the genus comprises about 26 species,
confined to Australia, N.Z. and the islands of the S.W. Pacific.

1. D. milliganii—a shrub or small tree, flowers in panicles or racemes.
2. D. minimum—a cushion plant, flowers solitary.

Both are plants of the S., S\W., and western mountains of Tasmania,
most common on the acid quartzites of these regions.

Dracophyllum milliganii Hook. f.—Shown above in colour.

A prostrate shrub or small tree 1 to 10’ high and usually unbranched.
Leaves crowded and bunched into crowns at the ends of the main branches;
very similar in outline and arrangement to those of Richea pandanifolia; base
broad and completely sheathing, imbricate, blade narrow-linear, lanceolate



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE Page 209—Vol. 5

and tapering into a long, fine point which is leathery or semi-rigid but
not sharp or pungent. The leaf is often recurved and sometimes strongly
coiled, especially towards the apex. Margins minutely serrulate, prominent
leaf scars mark the stems after the leaves die and fall.

Inflorescence a terminal panicle or raceme, branched, crowded or open,
bracts persisting until the flowers open, bases broad with the apex tapering
abruptly to a long point which becomes shorter towards the top of the
inflorescence. Flowers shortly stalked, subtended by small, narrow bracts.
Sepals about %" long, lanceolate or bluntly oblanceolate, similar in substance
to the “petals”, concave or more or less keeled. Corolla tubular, cylindrical
or campanulate and separating, at the apex, into 5 distinct lobes which are
shorter than the tube. The tube as long as the sepals and sometimes more
or less constricted at the throat. The lobes are spreading or recurved, the
flowers white or a delicate pink. Stamens arising from the receptacle, anthers
just reaching or slightly below the throat of the tube. Style shorter than
the corolla tube and inserted in a small depression on the top of the ovary.
Fruit a five-celled capsule, dehiscent, many seeds in each cell.

This beautiful plant is most common on the quartzite mountains of the
west and south-west coasts, usually in damp gullies and the sides of ridges
from sea-level to about 4000’. The pink forms intermingling with the white
make a delightful display on the mountain tops and ridges, the flowers
resemble dainty little bells, somewhat nodding and of a delicate texture.
The capsules are fairly easily collected and the seed is treated exactly as
for Richea spp.

In the garden, little attention other than watering is required. It should
however be planted in a position where the soil has a fairly high “acid”
reading, and protected from only the hottest sun and drying winds.

Dracophyllum minimum F. Muell.

A plant of the higher mountains, and not as particular as to the type
of soil as the former species. It grows among other species of “cushion moss”
and if not in flower it is very difficult to differentiate between them. The
typical habit of the plant is to grow as a hard, compact mound, so hard that
it is possible to stand upon it without leaving an impression. Dracophyllum
minimum is profusely branched, the branches tightly packed together, erect.
Leaves closely imbricate, %" to %” long with a broad, sheathing base,
as broad as the leaf is long, the blade is narrow lanceolate to lanceolate,
slightly concave, thick, rigid and leathery, apex acute with a hard point,
but not pungent. See page ho. 225 for a full colour plate.

Flowers borne at the ends of the stems, solitary, sessile and surrounded
by the leaves. Calyx segments narrowly lanceolate, =+ %" long. Corolla
white, tubular, broadly cylindrical or campanulate and nearly as long as the
calyx. Lobes a little shorter than the tube, spreading, slightly keeled at the
base on the outer surface. Stamens 5, filaments joined to the lower portion
of the corolla, shorter than the tube. Style half as long as the tube, stigma
small.

Fruit a 5-celled capsule, fleshy and reddish when young but drying
hard and brownish at maturity. Seeds numerous.

THE HEATH FAMILY—EPACRIDACEAE

This series of articles has described many generic groups of Epacrids in past issues
all of which make ideal garden subjects. In the next issue it is proposed to describe the
West Australian genus Sphenotoma. I do not have any colour slides of plants in this genus
or of the following: Brachyloma, Coleanthera, Conostevhium, Cosmelia, Leucopogon, Lysinema,
Monotoca, Needhamia. Please help—Editor.



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Page 210—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CULTIVATION Dec., 1969

A SAND BED

by Ross Doig, Sydney, N.S.W.

Much attention has been devoted in past issues to the rockery method
of growing the smaller native plants, and certainly the juxtaposition of
weathered stone and wildflowers is aesthetically pleasing and practical
culturally.

There is however another method which is equally satisfactory and
may in certain circumstances, e.g. where a succession of levels demand
several long horizontal beds, be preferable to the rockery. | refer to what
| call a “Sand Bed”, a method forced upon me by the presence (after the
builders left) of a raw clay bank some fifty feet long, with an average
slope of one in four and of a width to prevent making one horizontal bed.

At first a sprinkling of loam and sand was attempted as a basis for
planting and with the pocketing of natural sandstone both as informal walling
and plant protection trials proceeded for two years. Difficulties were experienced
in winter with poor drainage and excessive moisture build up and failure
completed in summer through to rapid drying out of moisture. Under these
conditions even the hardiest plants succumbed within two years, and | was
led to adopt the following corrective measures.

A brick retaining wall two feet high, plentifully supplied with weep
holes at the base was constructed, along the contour, and behind it was
thrown building rubble and stones to provide drainage at the lower level.
Several tons of Sydney bush sand (broken down sandstone with a proportion
of organic matter) provided the necessary soil to give a bed some thirty
feet long and varying in width from six to nine feet and in depth from one
to two feet. This was compacted by rain and watering for a season before
planting began.

No losses have been experienced with the following—Anigosanthos
pulcherrima, A. rufa, A. bicolor, A. manglesi, A. viridis and A. humilis;
Acacia bavera; Thysanotus multiflorus and T. tuberosus; Calotis cuneata;
Brachysema aphyllum; Epacris pulchella; Dodonaea boroniaefolia; Pimelea
(glaucous ex Warrumbungles); Blandfordia nobilis; Bossiaea heterophylla and
B. scolopendria; Prostanthera denticulata; two Leucopogon spp.; Styphelia
triflora; Isotoma axillaris; two Senecio spp.; Baeckea camphorosmae; Phebalium
wombeyi and P. glandulosum. Flourishing particularly well are five species
of Western Australian Conostylis which have not only made very good growth,
but have, in the case of two species, C. setosa and C. involucrata, flowered
for three seasons.

Losses have occurred with the shallower rooted plants for example
Leschenaultia biloba, L. formosa and L. macrantha; Platytheca Vverticillata
and Hibbertia stellaris, despite partial shelter from the taller plants.

The “Sand Bed” is in full sun, exposed to the wind from all directions
except the south which is protected by a low Passionfruit vine for the full
length of the bed. Watering is carried out by sprinkler and forty minutes
is enough to saturate the total depth. Surface drying out has to be watched
carefully if small shallow rooted plants are to be grown without the protection
of rocks, or various forms of mulch, as in dry periods the soil temperature
rises very high.

It might be pertinent to add that a somewhat similar method, on a
much larger scale has been adopted by Native Plant Nurseryman, Sid Cadwell

Editor’s Note: Our last issue described plants of the Sydney Sandstone areas and the
cultivation of wildflowers in Sydney. Sydney also has extensive clay areas and these articles
are included to gnide all home gardeners who are trying to grow the more difficult plants
in heavy clay areas.



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CULTIVATION Page 211—Vol. 3

of Sydney outlying suburb, Annangrove. He has converted an orchard on
poor yellow gravelly loam to a native gorden by building large beds with
selected light soils directly on the ground, planting without compacting but
watering consistently. His success with a wide range of genera, particularly
the dry area Grevilleas from W.A., has been almost unbelievable—rapidity
of growth, and quality of flowering of an exceptionally wide range of natives
gives encouragement to those whose soil profiles do not lend themselves
to rockery practice, as for example heavy badly drained soil or compact
badly aerated soils, or where for various reasons it is better to build up
rather than dig and modify by usually lengthy processes.

Clay in Built-up Beds
by Ross Doig

As heavy soils and their treatment are in the air at the moment, |
should like to place on record an experience of the positive benefit of clay,
which may be of interest to those who are cursed with a super abundance
of this untractable material.

An area of heavy shallow soil required building up before natives
could be planted and in the process of making use of what soil was
available, | incorporated a proportion of clay. The mix comprised Sydney
bush sand, medium loam and some rotted vegetable matter, plus clay to
the extent of fifteen per cent of the total volume. The clay used had weathered
well and was easily broken down (dry) to a reasonably fine texture, as it
had been used in thin layers as part of a compost heap, with successive
layers of weeds. Broken up with a shovel the mixture was included in the
built-up bed.

In eighteen months the growth of plants has been superior to that
achieved in heavy shallow loam, in beds built up with bush sand and/or
typical garden loam, and gravel-leaf mould mixtures.

Not enough plants can be fitted in to fully test the success or otherwise
of this soil mix but the following species have flourished in eight inches of
this mixture (topped with three inches of sandy virgin top soil)—Prostanthera
incisa, Grevillea ericifolia, G. bipinnatifida, Isopogon anemonifolius, Thysanotus
sp. from inland N.S.W., Boronia megastigma, Goodenia sp., from southern
N.S.W. highlands.

Planting is close, all plants are compact, and in full sun. Watering
required is less than for beds which do not contain clay and have been
similarly built-up throughout the garden. Watering is not required in winter
and waterlogging is not a problem. No staking has been required despite
full exposure to wind. Success achieved would seem to indicate that the oft
repeated maxim of leave the clay where it is, at the bottom, is not necessarily
always correct.

THE CLAY SOILS OF N.S.W.

Submitted by T. H. Johns, Chief Chemist, Division of Science Services,
Dept. of Agriculture, N.S.W.

There are four main sources of clay soils in N.S.W.

1. The slates and shales such as the shales of the Wianamatta Group of
the Sydney district.

2. The igneous rocks such as the red basalt soils at Lismore and other
places on the coast and tablelands.



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Page 212—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN CLAY SOILS Dec., 1969

3. The very large areas of wind deposited clays in the south and west
of the State.

4. The very extensive deposits of alluvial material stretching westwards
from the slopes of the Great Dividing Range.

Granites, sandstones, etc. normally give rise to well drained soils with
varying proportions of clay depending on the age of the soil and the
mixing of the granitic parent material with other fine external material.

Of the factors influencing the development of heavy clay soils, age,
as mentioned above, and slope are probably the most important: the youngest
most freely draining soils occur on the steeper slopes.

The clay soils themselves can be roughly divided into three classes.

1. The acid soils of the coastal belt (excluding basalt soils).
2. The soils developed on basalt and associated alluvials.
3. The saline and or alkaline clays of the West.

Of the acid coastal soils, those developed on the Wianamatta Shale
could be said to be typical. They are a form of podzolic having a dense,
bleached surface horizon overlying a heavy yellow or red clay sub soil.

Those soils developed on basalt are friable in nature and usually
consist of a brown to red light clay which is freely draining. The alluvials
derived from these basic rocks give rise to heavy, dark grey to black self-
mulching clays. Typical of these are the plains of the North West.

The saline soils are similar to the coastal soils in physical character but
have an alkaline reaction, sometimes with a pH exceeding 9.5 and they
frequently contain toxic quantities of salt in the sub soil which could rise
to the surface if mishandled under irrigation.

Pebbles & Screenings v. Shavings as a Mulch
by W. M. Martin, Clarinda, Victoria

Pebbles have been very popular as a surface material in Melbourne
gardens for many years, principally because they look very attractive;
and for the belief held that they eliminated weeding. Although | used
them myself when requested, | felt misgivings about their ultimate benefit.

It seems now that my misgivings were justified. Where an undercovering
of polythene was used, plants were dying either through excess water or
no water, and | suspect a shortage of food supplies. A great deal of
Melbourne is in the coastal sand belt. When the small amount of humus
is used, how is this renewed when the surface is covered? How does the
soil population survive with the shortage of air supply? Healthy bacteria
are essential to the life of the plants; and the plant roots require adequate
air for respiration, and open soil surface seems essential.

Where no polythene is used, the pebbles soon acquire a heavy growth
of bent and couch grasses. Removing this requires a great deal of time
and expense—far more than natural surface.

| have found that a 2" or 3" shaving mulch to be excellent. Although
it looks artificial for a few months, it then settles down to a more compacted
and natural looking surface. Small plants require some nitrogen to combat
the temporary shortage caused by rotting; but this is a small problem.
Although many weeds will break through or germinate; they are easily
removed. Couch and creeping paspalum are easily pulled out and soon quit
trying. Even the flat weeds are easily pulled with their tap-roots intact.



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN CLAY SOILS Page 213—Vol. 5

PLANTS FOR CULTIVATION ON THE CLAY KEILOR PLAINS—cont. from page 199

CORREA—C. alba, C. backhousiana, C. bacuerlenii, C. decumbens, C.
‘Mannii’, C. pulchella, C. reflexa, C. schlechtendalii present no difficulties with
ample summer moisture.

CROWEA—C. exalata, C. saligna sometimes successful but like Boronias
often temperamental. Need shade and summer moisture.

DAMPIERA—D. hederacea, D. linearis usually successful.

DARWINIA—D. citriodora frost tender but usually successful with protection.
Other species have been grown and need further trial.

DIPLOLAENA—D. grandiflora rather temperamental and attractive to snails.

DODONAEA—D. viscosa easy; others need further trial.

DRYANDRA—D. formosa grows well with good drainage but often unreliable.

ELAEOCARPUS—E. reticulatus under trial.

EPACRIS—E. longiflora grows well. Other species under trial.

EREMAEA—E. beaufortioides, E. violacea have succeeded.

EREMOPHILA—E. maculata very easy. Others under trial.

ERIOSTEMON—E. myoporoides hardy and easy; E. verrucosus usually
sucessful.

EUCALYPTUS—many species introduced and many vyet to be assessed.
E. cdesia, E. torquata, E. forrestiana, E. spathulata, E. leucoxylon, E. globulus,
E. tetragona, E. ficifolia, E. cladocalyx, E. lehmanii, E. nicholii are amongst
the most popular, but most of the south-eastern species and even many West
Australian species would be worth trying in suitable locations. Silver leaved
species tend to be affected by caterpillars and are best avoided.

EUGENIA—rather frost tender in the early stages. E. myrtifolia, E. smithii
common in older built-up areas less subject to frost damage.

EUTAXIA—E. obovata easily grown with frost protection.

GOSSYPIUM—G. sturtianum. Seems less frost tender than would be expected.
Well worth trying in a warm protected position.

GREVILLEA—probably the best genus for well drained sunny situations.
Numerous species and hybrids introduced with success. G. robusta, G. banksii
frost tender in young stage; G. longistylis, G. tripartita, G. paniculata, G. brevi-
cuspis, G. lavandulacea, G. alpina, G. juniperina, G. pinaster, G. longifolia,
G. hookeriana and many hybrids well worth growing.

HAKEA—another genus for well-drained sunny positions. H. laurina, H.
saligna, H. suaveolens, H. trifurcata, H. purpurea, H. elliptica, H. petiolaris,
H. victoriae all suceed.

HARDENBERGIA—good climbers or ground creepers for sunny positions.
H. comptoniana is frost tender; H. monophylla hardier.

HIBBERTIA—H. obcuneata, H. scandens, H. stellaris seem to dislike dryness;
H. scandens (volubilis), slightly frost tender when young, all easily grown.

HIBISCUS—H. huegelii probably the hardiest but most species frost tender,
otherwise easily grown in warm protected situation.

HOMALANTHUS—H. populifolius easily grown but very frost tender.

HOVEA—H. lanceolata probably the easiest: others less reliable.

HYMENOSPORUM—H. flavum slightly frost tender but recovers well.
Easily grown.

HYPOCALYMMA—H. angustifolium, H. cordifolium, easy and hardy; others
more difficult; H. robustum, H. puniceum have been grown.

INDIGOFERA—I. australis easy and hardy.

ISOPOGON—I. buxifolius, 1. cuneatus, I. dubius, 1. formosus, 1. latifolius
have all grown well but have been short lived in many cases.

KENNEDYA—K. nigricans, K. rubicunda have proved rampant growers
but have been damaged by very severe frosts: K. coccinea, K. prostrata have
done well as ground covers; K. eximia, K. bexziana, K. macrophylla under trial.

KUNZEA—K. baxteri grows well with summer moisture but small plants
frost tender, K. parvifolia, K. capitata, K. sericea, K. recurva seem hardier.

LAMBERTIA—L. formosa, L. ericifolia have been grown but have not
proved always reliable.

LEPTOSPERMUM—L. petersonii (citriodora), L. rotundifolium, L. nitidum,
and various hybrids grow well under normal conditions but many of the hybrids
do not stand up well to dry conditions.

LESCHENAULTIA—L. biloba probably the easiest but dislikes wet soils,
wind, frost. Other species have been grown but don’t succeed everywhere.

MELALEUCA—a genus containing many species very suitable to areas such
as this. M. filifolia, M. diosmifolia, M. leucadendron, M. megacephala, M. nesophila,
M. hypericifolia, M. radula and possibly a few others rather frost tender when



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Page 214—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN CLAY SOILS Dec., 1969

small, M. diosmifolia even when large; M. armillaris, M. lanceolata (pubescens),
M. incana, M. polygaloides, M. deltoidea, M. fulgens, M. squarrosa, M. nodosa,
M. macronycha (longicoma), M. erubescens, M. decussata, M. elliptica, M. huegelii,
M. lateritia, M. linariifolia, M. micromera, M. platycalyx, A. steedmanii, M.
styphelioides, M. tenella, M. thymifolia, M. wilsonii grow freely and are recom-
mended for open positions as background shrubbery, hedges or windbreaks;
others are under trial.

MELIA—M. azedarach is a useful shade tree for hot positions; a dwarf form
of 3-4 ft. has also been grown successfully.

MICROMYRTUS—M. ciliatus grows easily on rockeries and drained sites.

MYOPORUM—M. insulare grows well but is being superseded by Melaleucas,
Hakeas, Eucalypts, Acacias, etc. in this area; M. debile, M. humile, M. floribundum
present no problems.

OLEARIA—O. phlogopappa very easy; others should be equally so.

OXYLOBIUM—O. lanceolatum, O. tricuspidatum both easy.

PETROPHILE—P. biloba has succeeded; one or two unidentified species are
doing well.

PHEBALIUM—P. glandulosum, P. ozothamnoides seem satisfactory on well
drained sites; others under trial.

PIMELEA—P. ferruginea probably the most suitable; others not wideiy
grown. P. physodes grew well for several years.

PITTOSPORUM—P. undulatum very easy; P. rhombifolium, P. phyllyraeoides,
P. bicolor under trial.

PODOCARPUS—P. lawrencei (alpinus) easily grown, a good tub specimen.

PROSTANTHERA—P. aspalathoides, P. cuneata, P. baxteri, P. ovalifolia,
F. rotundifolia, P. sieberi and several hybrids easy and quick with summer
moisture; P. ovalifolia appears the most frost tender but established plants are
not usually damaged; ‘Rhylestone’ and others under trial.

PSORALEA—P. adscendens appears a useful ground cover.

PULTENAEA—P. pedunculata, P. weindorferi and others under trial.

REGELIA—R. ciliata, R. inops, R. velutina grow well; R. velutina frost
tender but established plants recover and well worth planting as a specimen.

SCAEVOLA—S. striata does well with some shade and frost protection.

SCHOLTZIA—S. oligandra has done well in a dry position.

STENOCARPUS—S. sinuatus—rather slow in open positions, may do better
elsewhere.

TEMPLETONIA—T. retusa grows well in warm, dry positions, recommended
for winter flowering.

THRYPTOMENE—T. calycina grows well sometimes but not always reliable;
‘Paynei’ easily grown but frost tender, 7. saxicola good for rockeries; T. baeckeacea
a “must” for collectors.

TRISTANIA—T. conferta is frost tender when young but one of the best
evergreen shade and street trees in this district with reasonable summer moisture:
T. laurina is less frost tender.

VERTICORDIA—V. plumosa appears reasonably suitable; others not for the
average garden.

WESTRINGIA—W. glabra, W. rosmariniformis, ‘Poorinda Ann’ have suc-
ceeded.

ZIERIA—Z. cytisioides seems suitable and hardy.

CONCLUSION & SUMMARY:

There is room for the introduction of many more Australian plants in
districts similar to the Keilor Plains and basic plantings should include Acacias,
Eucalypts, Grevilleas and Melaleucas selected according to the size of the area
and it is hoped that the foregoing will prove helpful to those in this and similar
localities in selecting their plants bearing in mind that many rare lines are always
in short supoly and that new introductions are constantly being made.

Owing to the impossibility of thoroughly surveying even a small section
of the gardens in the Tullamarine, Pascoe Vale, Glenroy, Keilor and Broadmeadows
districts, without considering the whole of the Keilor plains, mnany species have
no doubt been overlooked. To such plants and to those who grow them we
tender our sincere apologies. However, whilst we are always interested to hear
of successes (and failures), we cannot for several good reasons maintain such
records and would therefore suggest that this information be passed on to the
S.G.A.P. whose Recording Officer will make good use of the information.



@@@ 23 @@@



Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 215—Vol. 5

AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS ORCHIDS

An introduction to the book by the author, A. W. Dockrill. This large 825 page book
is available from the Editor for $18.00 plus $1.00 postage.

“Australian Indigenous Orchids” has been prepared primarily for taxonomic
botanists and field naturalists but it should prove useful to orchid lovers
and horticulturalists as an aid in identifying some of their plants. | hope it
will also have an appeal to those who simply have a love of the Australian
flora. The brief notes on distribution and habitat accompanying each
description provide pointers to individual requirements. A paragraph in
non-technical language for those readers who have not had botanical
training also accompanies each description. Cultural notes have not been
given as already there are numerous books and periodicals catering for
this aspect of the subject with a great diversity of proposed methods.

The original descriptions of Australia’s orchids have appeared in
numerous periodicals and books published in many countries of the world.
A few descriptions were published as early as the late eighteenth century,
most during the nineteenth century, but many, including quite a number
of tropical species, have been published this century since Bailey’s “Queensland
Flora” in 1902. Copies of some of the works in which the early descriptions
were published are now extremely rare and gaining access to them is
difficult. Many of these descriptions are inadequate by today’s standards
(though adequate at the time when few species were known), for not
only are they too brief but are unaccompanied by illustrations in detail.
At the present time, when many more species are known and the average
reader much more discriminating, descriptions in far greater detail are
required.

Several works dealing with the orchids of the whole of Australia have
been produced but all except that of Nicholls mentioned later in this
paragraph have been out of print for many years. “Prodromus Florae Novae
Hollandiae et Insulare van Diemen”, by R. Brown, was published in 1810
and contained a few lines of description of all the Australian orchids known
to Brown. Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller was responsible for eleven parts
of “Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae” between 1858 and 1882 and
these contained descriptions of Australian orchids. J. Lindley, between 1830
and 1840, produced ““The Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants”
which included a few lines of description of the species known to Lindley.
In 1873 G. Bentham, in conjunction with F. von Mueller, produced vol. 6 of
“Flora Australiensis”” which dealt, in part, with orchids. A more elaborate
and beautifully illustrated (in life size and natural colour) work, “Australian
Orchids”, was undertaken by R. D. FitzGerald, who, unfortunately, died
before the work was published in its entirety, and only two volumes contain-
ing in all 12 parts were published between 1875 and 1893. W. H. Nicholls,
in “Orchids of Australia’”, undertook a similar task to that of FitzGerald
but he also died before all of the work was puplished and only 4 parts of
the proposed 25 (which were to contain about 450 illustrations) were printed
between 1951 and 1958. However the whole of Nicholls’ work has now been
published in one volume. See page 218 of this issue of Australian Plants.

A number of works on the orchids of a particular state have been
published, the most important being: for Tasmania, vol. 2 of “Flora Tasmaniae”
by Sir Joseph D. Hooker in 1860 and “Native Orchids of Tasmania” by
M. J. Firth in 1965; for Western Australia, “Western Australian Orchids”
by Emily H. Pelloe in 1930, “Orchids of the West” by Rica Erickson in 1951



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Page 216—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Dec., 1969

and “Orchids of Western Australia” by A. S. George in 1969; for South
Australia, part 1 of Black’s “Flora of South Australia” in 1922, with the
orchid section by R. S. Rogers (in a second edition the orchid section was
revised to a minor extent by W. H. Nicholls); for Victoria, “The Orchids
of Victoria” by E. E. Pescott in 1928, an account very little different from
that of Pescott by A. J. Ewart in “The Flora of Victoria” in 1930 and much
more recently, the orchid section in vol. 1 of “A Handbook to the Plants
in Victoria” by J. H. Willis in 1962; for New South Wales, two works by
H. M. R. Rupp, “Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales” in 1930 and
“The Orchids of New South Wales” in 1943; for Queensland, in part 5 of
“The Queensland Flora” by F. M. Bailey in 1902.

As this volume is mainly concerned with northern Australia, principally
the north-eastern sector, a few words about that region might be pertinent.
The rainfall throughout is decidedly seasonal with a definite dry period
between June and November (subject to variation). The coastal strip, nearby
ranges and the Great Dividing Range enjoy a higher rainfall than the western
slopes and western plains, in which latter two areas very few orchids occur.
The coastal strip and ranges between the Fitzroy River and Burdekin River
have only pockets of rain forest surrounded by extensive tracts of open
hardwood forests, and orchids occur in moderate concentration. The area
between and including the Paluma Range and the Endeavour River, where
there are several plateaux within the highland mass, enjoys a higher rainfall
than any other area of the region, and extensive areas of rain forest
originally occurred on the coastal plain as well as on the ranges. Unfortunately
those of the former have, in all but a few cases, been cleared for agricultural
etc. purposes and serious inroads are being made into the latter. The
greatest concentration of orchids of the whole region occurs in this area, the
whole of which is a flora and fauna reserve. In addition to the typical
tropical species, a number of species of typical Australian terrestrial genera,
such as Pterostylis, Diuris, Caladenia and Thelymitra occur in pockets of
open forest on the higher ranges. Very little botanising has been carried
out in Cape York Peninsula north of the Endeavour River, the entire
Northern Territory and north of Western Australia and it is probable
that a considerable number of unrecorded and new species will be found
in these areas when access to them improves.

ERRATA

With all the thousands of words in such a large book it is inevitable that a few
words should have sneaked through the battery of checkers used. The following have been
reported. This is one book that will never get outdated as new items and revisions will
appear from time to time in ‘‘Australian Plants’.

Plate 25—Sarcochilus faleatus should be Sarcochilus falcatus.
Page T720—Sarcochilus hartmanii should be Sarcochilus hartmannii.



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 217—Vol. 5

Preservation and Orchids

It is fitting that an appeal for conservation be made in this introduction.
Since most of the epiphytic and many of the typically tropical terrestrial
orchids only exist in or near rain forests, it is obvious that if these species
are to survive to provide objects for study, interest and delight for our
future generations, some rain forests must be preserved in a completely
virgin condition. Unfortunately all but a very few small pockets of coastal
rain forest remain in Australia, most of formerly vast tracts have been
cleared for agricultural or pastoral purposes or for human habitation. Serious
inroads into the rain forests of the tablelands and ranges are also being
made for the same reasons and by bush fires and, regrettably, by modern
methods of forest logging with the use of chain-saws, bulldozers and tractors.
Consequently it is imperative that as much rain forest and contiguous open
forest, under as wide a variety of situations as possible, be preserved in
extensive inviolable reserves before it is too late, as these forests cannot
be satisfactorily regenerated. Many species of orchids can thrive under a
variety of conditions and their survival for many years to come, under both
natural conditions and in cultivation, seems assured. On the other hand,
throughout eastern Australia, particularly in and around ranges, numerous
micro-climates of an extremely localised type, at critical altitude limits,
occur (many of us are familiar with the very simple instances of “rain shadows”
on the western side of mountains and the cooling effect of down-draughts
of air in mountain gullies) and frequently those of a similar type are widely
separated. However, each type encourages the development of a critical
habitat for specialised plants and to remove plants from these localities
nearly always causes their death as it is impossible to simulate their require-
ments, especially the varied requirements of a number of plants from different
localities, in one plant house. Repeated burning off in open forests by
bush fires, started deliberately by some pastoralists and incendiarists, and
continuous close grazing by stock, is changing the environment for native
flora and fauna. Although a number of terrestrial orchids can stand being
repeatedly burnt over, many cannot and even the former are usually not
able to survive when trees are burnt down or felled to any great extent
(except in the case of grassland orchids such as some species of Diuris etc.).

In past years, especially during the last two decades, a wholesale and
usually illegal plunder of orchids from the bush, by both professionals and
amateurs, has been carried on (locality records have been purposely
omitted from the present work as these could be used as an aid to the
activities of the plunderers) and it is unlikely that more than a very small
percentage of the plants taken have survived for more than a couple of
years. If our orchids are to survive for posterity, indiscriminate collecting
will have to cease. The rate of regeneration of most orchids is extremely
slow and already orchids are exceedingly rare or absent from some areas
where formerly they occurred in thousands. An appeal is therefore made
to those with the necessary knowledge and facilities to attempt to raise
plants of as many species as possible from seed and ascertain their require-
ments under cultivation so that these plants can be enjoyed by horticulturalists
without further depleting the plants in the bush. An appeal is also made
to horticulturalists to ensure that their purchases are nursery-raised seedlings.

Editor’s Note: It was proposed to present Dendrobium stuartii in this issue but I

could not get a suitable colour slide. Who can help? I want to illustrate all orchids in
full colour.



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Page 218—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PRESERVATION Dec., 1969

PRESERVATION OF OUR NATURAL HERITAGE

Must we continue to exploit our natural surroundings for our immediate short term
gain and leave spoiled and scared landscape for future generations. There has to be a
solution between the two extremes. We must mine the Hammersleys but no TRUE
HONOURABLE AUSTRALIAN could ever condone any action that would endanger the
barrier reef. Midway between these extremes would be the mining of our coastal beaches.
This must continue but with two provisions, (a) Certain areas must not be touched because
of certain ecological factors and (b) the government must include a surcharge on the
lease for the restoration of the areas AFTER the present restoration practices of the
Companies have had time to establish a viable community. Nature must be helped by
replanting and restocking. All developmental schemes should be considered on this basis
but please, honourable gentlemen responsible for our government, remember that features such
as the Colong Caves of N.S.W. can never be restored.

National Parks are vital to our future. The few that exist are mentioned below.
We are not asking that this great country of ours not be developed, only that a very
small part of it may be preserved for the future by establishing more parks properly located,
and adequately financed for proper management. Mr. Premier and Minister for State Develop-
ment of Queensland, surely it must be obvious that a large National Park in the Cooloola

area is essential for the planned development of Queensland just as much as you need the
smelters at Gladstone.

AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL PARKS

‘““AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL PARKS” by M. K. Morcombe Price $9.95 plus 80c postage

A grand book with large pages in clear beautiful full colour. Michael Morcombe introduces
the national parks and nature reserves of the Australian continent not only as seen by his
camera (and his photography is magnificent) but as he saw and felt the atmosphere, the
granduer or beauty of them. He colours his impressions with legends of the past, aboriginal
tales and descriptions of the landscape, flora and fauna. He describes 22 parks on the
eastern fringe of the continent, 31 across the far north, 16 in Western Australia and 25
in the south. The most impressive part of the presentation is the colourful scenes in large
plates 10" x 9”. Although all these parks are adequately described, those further from the
large cities, are more carefully presented so that those who are not fortunate enough
to ever take a trip to see their native Australia, can enjoy the journey in this book.

There are many more smaller parks throughout Australia. These are listed in a
section at the rear, 112 in the eastern region, 21 in the centre, 72 across the north, 72 in
the west and 180 across the southern regions of the continent. In this section the size,
locality and access, the topography, vegetation types, features of interest and activities,
accommodation and recommended season to visit, is given.

BOOK REVIEWS

‘‘COLLECTING SPECIMENS” by John Child Price $1.50 plus 10c postage

Another fine little book on nature in the ‘‘Periwinkle’”” series. The marvels of animal
life are not all on the remote jungles or on high peaks. In cold truth the plant and
animal life of a suburban garden is richer and more varied. The animals are smaller,
perhaps, but no less interesting. This book simply describes how you may study this world
around us and its scope may be judged from the chapter headings—1. Collecting Land
Animals; 2. Collecting Water Animals; 3. Keeping Alive: Land Animals; 4. Keeping Alive:
Water Animals; 5. Animals: Preservation and Storage; 6. Pants; 7. Rocks & Minerals;
8. Photography, etc.

““COMMON CITY BIRDS” by Graeme Chapman Price $1.50 plus 10c postage

Another in the ‘‘Perinwinkle’” series this fine little book has been written to help
those who have litle knowledge of our birds to identify most of the common species which
are often seen day by day. The notes accompanying the colour photos (there are 60) describe
the birds, their habitat and characteristic actions such as flight, song and feeding habits.
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5 are included for those who wish to learn a few basic facts about
birds in general.

“Perriwinkle”’ Books—Other similar books are available from Editor, ‘‘Australian Plants”
as described on page 169 of the last issue but the price is now $1.50 plus 10c postage for each.

BOOKS—AIl books reviewed are available from 860 Henry Lawson Drive, Picnic Point,
N.S.W. 2213.

ORCHIDS OF AUSTRALIA

W. H. Nicholls was regarded as an authority on the orchids of Southern Australia
in the period 1927-51 and his life’s work in this field is recorgied on 476 colpur paintings.
These are now available as a large book under the above title together vylth“224 pages
of supplementary information. There is very little overlapping of this book with ‘‘Australian
Indigenous Orchids” by A. W. Dockrill (which of course is a more up«to-date. work) as
Dockrill’'s book covers all the Australian epiphytic orchids but only those terrestrial orchids
found in the northern areas of Australia. Nicholls’ book presents a large portion of the
remainder, the terrestrial orchids of southern Australia.

The large colour plates 127 x 8" allow the plants and flowers to be shown in full
colour at natural size with detailed inserts making identification by the inexperienced much
easier. This has no doubt influenced the cost of the book but for the keen orchid observer
it is good value. Available from The Editor, 860 Henry Lawson Drive, Picnic Point, N.S.W.
2213 at $30.00 plus $1.00 postage.



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Dee., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 219—Vol. 5

The Pterostylis Genus on the Mid-North Coast of N.S.W.

by Felicity and Keith Holmes, Kempsey, N.S.W.

In both species and individuals the Pterostylis genus is the most
numerous in this area, which covers the coastal strip of N.S.W. from 200 to
350 miles north of Sydney. The following is a list of species observed.

SINGLE FLOWERED SPECIES THAT GROW IN COLONIES
The first group of greenhoods have a single flower on a stem arising
from a rosette of leaves. They grow in colonies and flourish in pots containing
a well drained mixture of coarse sand and leaf mould. They soon multiply.
Pterostylis nutans, "“Nodding Greenhood”. Very common and occurring
in large colonies from sea level to an elevation of 3,000 ft. Grows in moist
situations with east to south aspect. Easily recognised by its inclined flower.
Flowering period: April-September.

Pterostylis nutans var. hispidula. This variety is common in the gran-
ite country of the Carrai Plateau about 50 miles west of Kempsey. It is not
particular about soil requirements as colonies are found in the hard soil of a
dry sclerophyll bloodwood and peppermint forest as well as the moist
leaf mould on the heavily shaded banks of creeks. It is a more slender plant
than P. nutans with a smaller flower that is not so inclined. The labellum is
often hispid and the leaves of the rosette are smaller and closer to the
stem. Flowers January to March.

Pterostylis curta, “Blunt Greenhood”. Not as common or widespread
as P. nutans but grows under similar conditions and sometimes the two
species occur together. In the springtime, the Pee Dee Cutting on the
Kempsey-Armidale Road, for hundreds of yards is covered with thousands of
both species growing and flowering together. The tip of the labellum of
P. curta has a characteristic sideways twist. Flowers June to September.

Pterostylis hildae, "Hilda's Greenhood”. Sparsely distributed and
grows in small colonies in moist shady places. We have found it at Smokey
Cape within yards of the sea in a blackbutt forest and near Wauchope growing
in total shade in the thick litter of the floor of a rainforest, as well as other
places. The flower is similar to P. curta but without the twisted labellum
and there are usually two leaves in the basal rosette. Flowers August-October.

Pterostylis ophioglossa, “Snake’s Tongue Greenhood”. So called be-
cause of the forked tip of the labellum. It grows in colonies in the Blackbutt-
Tallwood-Bloodwood-Mahogany forests of the ridge country along the coast.
Common near the Pacific Highway in the Cooperabung Mt. area between
Telegraph Point and Kempsey. The blunt flowers have deflexed tips and
often striated with red lines or completely green. Flowers April to July.

Pterostylis acuminata, "Sharp Greenhood”. This is a very common
species around Sydney but appears to be rare in this area. We have
found only one small colony in a wattle thicket on limestone at an
elevation of 1500 ft. near Willi Willi west of Kemosey. Flowers in Autumn.

Pterostylis pedunculata, “Little Red Riding Hoods". This is the Pterostylis
with the “Twiggy look”. A very slender stem rises from a rosette of leaves
with undulate margins and conspicuous veining and is topped with a small
red-brown flower about one half of an inch long. Grows in moist conditions
e.g. in coastal paperbark scrubs and in tallow-wood forests with a southerly
aspact. Flowers in spring.



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Page 220—Vol. § AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Dec., 1969

Pterostylis baptistii, “The King of the Greenhoods”. This is the giant
of the greenhoods. The galea often attains a length of three inches. They like
moist conditions. One spectacular colony on the Lower Macleay swamplands
contains thousands of plants spread over a couple of acres and growing in
sphagnum moss in a dense paperbark forest.

OTHER SPECIES MORE DIFFICULT TO GROW

The following species are less common and do not occur in large
colonies. Most of them do not have the encircling rosette of leaves and
most have stem leaves. Our experience has shown that these species do
not transplant easily and they rarely survive in cultivation.

Pterostylis grandiflora, “Superb Greenhood”. This is one of the most
beautiful of the greenhoods. The rosette of leaves is usually absent at
flowering time, but there are several stem leaves. The galea is erect for
about half of its length then curves over horizontally. The rich red-brown petals
expand into a broad hood giving the flower the appearance of a cobra.
P. grandiflora is not a plentiful species but it will usually be found in
dense shade in gullies. It flowers in winter.

Pterostylis obtusa, “Blunt-tongued Greenhood”. This species also likes
the moist gullies but requires less shade than P. grandiflora. The rosette
is separate from the flowering stem which has several stem leaves. The
galea, about one inch in length, is bright green, the lower sepals are
conjoined for about half their length and form a protruding porch with the
tip of the labellum just visible over the top. Flowers April to June.

Pterostylis decurva, “Summer Greenhood”. This species is similar to
P. obtusa but is more robust. The stem leaves are sometimes reduced to bracts.
The dorsal sepal curves through 180° and ends in a long decurved
point. This species grows in very wet conditions in moss along the banks
of creeks at an altitude of about 3000 ft. It is common along the creeks
of the granite belt on the Carrai Plateau. Flowers January to March.

Pterostylis parviflora, “The Baby Greenhood”. This is a variable species.
The form from this area grows to 12 inches high with 4 to 10 tiny red flowers
up the stem. Each flower is only about 3 inch long. The rosette, containing
numerous leaves is detached from the flowering stem and is usually withered
at flowering time. This species grows in poor soil in dry sclerophyll forests.
Flowers in late summer and autumn.

Pterostylis longifolia, "“The Leafy Greenhood”. This is a variable
species depending on where it grows. In hard gravel on dry ridges, the
stem with several stem leaves is often only a few inches high with 2 to 3
terminal flowers. But in moist shady conditions the plants will grow to
three feet tall with a dozen flowers. Sometimes these plants will flower
for three months as the flowers open one after the other. When the last
flower is out, the seeds of the first are often mature. This species is different
to the preceding ones in that the lateral sepals hang below the galea.
The black labellum opens down onto the lower sepals. It is slightly hairy
and extremely irritable and when touched will spring up into the galea.

Pterostylis mutica, “Midget Greenhood”. The tall slender form of
this species occurs rarely in grasslands and open forest country in this area.
The numerous lanceolate leaves of the rosette are green at flowering time.
The stem has several sheathing bracts and the tiny green flowers spread up
the stem in a loose spiral spike. The labellum of this form has a black
appendage and is very irritable. Flowers in spring.



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—BOOK REVIEWS Page 221—Vol. 5

EUCALYPTS

One of two exciting books described below and available from the Editor, 860 Henry
Lawson Drive, Picnic Point, N.S.W.

“EUCALYPTS” by Stan Kelly, C. M. Chippendale & R. D. Johnston—Price $12.00 plus 40c postage

The feature of this book is the 250 pages of full colour plates, one species per page,
prepared from detailed accurate water colour paintings by Stan Kelly. This represents
twenty-five years work and play by a much travelled bush lover with a special interest
in eucalypts. There are hundreds of species of Eucalypts and for all but the botanical trained,
their identification is largely a mystery. Now we have the opportunity to compare omnr
specimens with a full size large full colour plate and it is most unlikely that it will not
be one of the 250 illustrated.

The text comprises brief descriptions of the habitat and main characteristics of each
species illustrated, together with their scientific and popular names and notes on cultivation.
Real value for the price and the only worthwhile book on Eucalypts for the layman.

“WEST AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS IN CULTIVATION” by A. R. Fairall.

This book will be priced at $10.50 but for all orders received prior to the publication
date of 20-3-70, our readers may take advantage of a special pre-publication price of $8.95
plus 50c postage.

Arthur Fairall is Superintendent of King’s Park. I spent some time with Arthur and was
particularly impressed with his practical approach to the problems of cultivation of the
W.A. wildflowers in the garden. A 264 page book with 104 colour plates is good value for
the price quoted these days. Of infinite value however is the carefully considered advice
by this expert. 650 of the choicest West Australian wildflowers are described with details
of their cultivation. His hints on propagation will be of special value but his advice on
essential garden practice could be the real climax of the book. This could be the best wildflower
gardening book of the year. Next issue I shall give further details but I am basing this
review and recommendation on the competence of the author.

BANKSIA IN WAGGA—continued from page 205

So far it has been completely disease and insect free, but chlorosis,
at times, appears in late Winter or early Spring when usually one application
of Iron Chelates is enough to correct this. The plant flowers January to
March, the early flower spikes, measuring 2-3 inches diameter and up to 5
inches in length, usually are a pale amber colour, but as flowers age and
later flowers open, the styles become o deep pink shade giving the spikes
an attractive two-tone colouring.

The fine, feathery dark green foliage also makes this an attractive
shrub when not in flower, but tends to hide the spikes at flowering time,
the only minor fault that | can find with the plant. After flowering, | have
removed all dead flower spikes.

B. occidentalis makes new growth in Spring, and again after flowering,
however the Autumn growth is usually cut by frosts but this is not detrimental
to the plant, having a self pruning effect which keeps the shrub bushy.
At present it is approximately six feet high by four feet in diameter.
Depending on rainfall, | have found that one good soaking a month in
summer is beneficial; let the hose trickle around base for 24 hours. |
presume from the above observation that the plant requires a constant
sub-soil moisture level.

DEANE’S ORCHID NURSERY

Specialising in Australian Native Orchids
Please send for descriptive list. Plants sent anywhere.
Nursery open weekends only
157 BEECROFT ROAD, CHELTENHAM, N.S.W.



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Page 222—Vol. 5 ATJSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Dec., 1969

SOME CULTIVATED BANKSIA—continued from page 204

green and grows to 2'2-3" across during the next twelve months, the seed
capsules are very prominent and striking; hence the name "Rose Cone
Banksia”.

Banksia solandri, an attractive open shrub 6-8 with large coarsely
serrated leaves. It has soft velvety brown terminal flowers; here again
reference books call it “orange’” and “dull purple”. It can be grown in well
drained heavy loam to sand, in open or semi-shaded positions.

Banksia sceptrum, although this specie can grow into a small tree it
does not appear to be doing so in cultivation. It has an upright habit with
short blunt leaves and terminal yellow flowers to 6" in the summer. It could be
a useful shrub for hot conditions and rainfall of 15” but is also doing well
in sandy soil with 30" rainfall.

Banksia speciosa, the ““Showy Banksia” and a specie that has every
chance of being successful in the eastern states. In cultivation it develops
into a large shrub of 10-12 ft., with attractive long serrated leaves and
yellow terminal flowers. The flower buds in the late spring are a lovely
velvety white. It requires a rainfall of 20” and over, well drained open
soil types. This Banksia is also used as a soil type indicator in the Esperance
district of W.A. and is found in the deeper, elevated sands.

Banksia baxteri, can develop into a large shrub of 10 ft. with deeply
serrated leaves with blunt ends that look as though they have been cut off.
The flowers are globular, set in a rosette of leaves, pale yellow-green when
young, yellow when mature and very attractive. Requires 20" rainfall or
better and good drainage. Flowers in summer.

Banksia sphaerocarpa, has a very wide distribution in W.A. and also
many forms, consequently it should be adaptable to conditions in the eastern
states and reports from various growers showing this to be so. It forms a
rounded shrub to 5 ft. with fine “pine-like’ foliage, the flowers are sometimes
not conspicuous, other forms can be showy, as they are on short lateral
branches, usually within the shrub. The roundish flowers are often pinkish
in bud, turning yellow on maturity.

Banksia tricuspis, somewhat similar to B. sphaerocarpa only more
upright and open in growth habit. The flower spikes are also open and
spidery and more oblong, becoming a bright, clear yellow when mature.
It is slow growing in sandy conditions and could do better on a gravelly
loam.

Banksia ashbyi, a medium to large shrub with long deeply serrated
leaves and terminal orange flowers very much like B. prionotes. A shrub for
warm, well drained situations.

Banksia attenuata, this can grow into small tree proportions but as far
as | know it has only attained shrub size in cultivation and should be
adaptable, as it has a wide distribution in W.A. The terminal lemon-yellow
flowers are bright and attractive.

Large Shrubs and Trees

Banksia brownii, sometimes a low shrub of 2-3 ft. but can be upright
to over 15 ft. The 3" leaves are finely pinnate and 2" wide and soft to
handle, differing from most Banksia leaves which are stiff and hard. The
bud for the flower spike forms on the tip of the previous years growth but
before the flower spike develops several new branches grow out from below
the bud so that the 6” deep red flowers are usually surrounded by these new
branches. It needs over 20" rainfall.



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE Page 223—Vol. 5

Banksia coccinea, the “Scarlet Bankia”, is often only 7-8 ft. but can
develop into a small tree of 15 ft. It is so well known it needs no description
and is considered by most people to be the most outstanding Banksia flower.

This specie seems to like company and | suggest they should be planted
in a clump only 3 ft. apart. They require a 28" rainfall or better.

Banksia spinulosa (B. collina), from the eastern states does not
occur in S.A. It grows but does not thrive in the sandy soils of the “South
East” of S.A. However it appears to do well in the Adelaide hills.

Banksia ericifolia, another eastern states specie does well in many
localities in S.A. The volcanic soils of Mt. Gambier, elevated acid sands
(with watering), wet sand-over clay and Adelaide hills, ekc.

Banksia grandis, a shapely, upright tree with large dark green deeply
cut leaves. The large, 12 or more yellow flower spike is terminal and
quite showy. This specie is one that could be more widely grown with a
good chance of success, it is reported to be doing well on “terra-rosa” soils,
heavy loam over limestone, sand and a loam gravel shale complex.

Banksia ilicifolia, there is not much experience to report on this tree
in cultivation except that it is low growing in sand and could do better
with better conditions. It can be a shapely tree with a rounded crown
and has small yellow or red flowers set in a rosette of leaves.

Banksia marginata, of south eastern Awustralia is the most versatile
Banksia in regards to soil and moisture requirements. It thrives in waterlogged
to dry, shallow soil conditions, from very alkaline to acid soil types.

Banksia menziesii can be a shrub or tree to 28 ft. | do not know of
any that have reached tree proportions in cultivation but if required it can
be kept within bounds by pruning. The pink to red flowers are terminal
and very striking. In sand it is slow growing but by reports it is growing
better in heavier, well drained soil types.

Banksia occidentalis is the fastest growing Banksia of all to about 18 ft.,
upright habit, long narrow leaves with only a few serrations. The flower spikes
are 5”-6" long, bright red and mostly terminal. It is a magnificent sight looking
into the sunlight streaming through the shrub and lighting up the red flowers.
It is one W.A. specie that appears to thrive on extra watering without
harm and its natural habitat is in damp situations.

Banksia prionotes has a wide distribution in W.A. which again indicates
successful cultivation in the eastern states, and this is proving to be the
case, as it is growing in alkaline loam, heavy textured soil over limestone,
deep acid sands and other situations. The large orange flower spikes are
well known as they are commonly sold by florists as the “Orange Banksia”.
It will grow into a tree of over 20 ft. but can be kept to shrub.

Banksia serrata and B. integrifolia of the east do not occur naturally
in S.A. but have been established successfully here.

“THE EVOLUTION AND CLASSIFICATION OF LOWERING PLANTS’—Price $8.50 plus 50c post.

Written by Arthur Cronquist, senior curator of the New York Botanical Garden, this
400 page book is produced as a serious work for students and practising botanists. The
author obviously has had considerable practical experience and contact with the public
as even I can follow it and find it interesting. The first section of the book studies the
evolution of flowering plants to their present form. The greater part of the book is devoted
to the presentation of a new and comprehensive system of grouping of the families of
flowering plants on a world-wide basis, into orders based on wide similarities of the
plants, and not on obscure botanical features such as a minute part of the flower. The
simple keys given to group the plant families of the world are intended as a guide only
to related plants. John Hutchinson’s ‘‘Families of Fowering Plants’’ is still retained for
the systematic botanist who needs a workable but necessarily artificial and repetitive set
of keys to the families but this book will be of infinite value to the botanist-horticulturalist.
—Editor. Available from Editor, ‘‘Australian Plants’’, 860 Henry Lawson Drive, Picnic
Point, N.S.W. 2213.



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Page 224—Vel. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FROM TASMANIA Dec., 1969

TASMANIAN CUSHION PLANTS

A series on the ‘Wildflowers of Tasmania” by A. M. GRAY

The “cushion plants” are a very interesting group of plants occurring
chiefly in sub-Antarctic regions. These plants are representatives of the
families Compositae, Stylidiaceae, Donatiaceae and Epacridaceae. Their
distribution in the sub-Antarctic regions includes New Zealand, far South
America, Falkland Islands, etc. and Tasmania.

Their habit of growth is of much interest, they are densely compacted
plants forming hard “cushion”-like mounds from 1°-3’ in dia. and in many
cases so hard that a person standing on them leaves no impression. The
leaves on all species are closely imbricate, the branches growing very closely
together and with thick, fleshy adventitious roots growing among the branches,
helping to consolidate the “cushions”. Very often a number of different
species grow together and coalesce. When not in flower identification is
very difficult as the overall growth-habits, leaf shapes, etc. are very similar.
The only species which can reasonably be identified when not in flower is
Pterygopappus lawrencii on account of the colour of the leaves, these being
sage green instead of the usual bright green of the other species.

COMPOSITAE—Cushion Plants

The two representatives of the Compositae family found in Tasmania are
endemic, they are Abrotanella forsteroides and Pterygopappus lawrencii.
The genus Abrotanella includes about 20 species found in sub-Antarctic
South America, Falkland Islands, New Zealand and the mountain regions of
Australia. The two Tasmanian sp., A. forsteroides and A. scapigera are
endemic in this state. A. scapigera is a dwarf herb, not forming a “cushion”.
There are also some species found on the mainland mountains.

Abrotanella forsteroides (Hook. f.) Benth.

A very densely compacted perennial plant, sparingly branched. The
leaves are erect and closely imbricate about % long and just as broad with
sheathing bases, bright green, very thick, apex acuminate. The older leaves
are persistent and though dead add to the solidity of the plant, many
adventitious roots penetrate between the stems. Flowers very small, solitary
at the ends of the branches. Phyllaries 4-5, erect and shorter than the florets
and leaves. Florets 3 or 4, white, the inner ones pistilate and the outer ones
staminate. Achenes small and 4-angled. Found on most Tasmanian mountains.
More widely occurring than other cushion plant species.

Pterygopappus lawrencii Hook. f.

A single genus with one species found only in Tasmania. This is a very
densely compacted perennial herb, much branched, the lower branches
covered with the dead persistent leaves, adventitious roots growing between
the branches. The leaves differ from other cushion plants by having the leaves
a sage green colour instead of bright green. Leaves broadly obovate with
the apex acuminate and about 5" long, both surfaces with a transverse
band of long hairs. Those on the upper surface densely crowded and
conspicuous. Flowers solitary on elongating penduncles, white in colour and
quite small.

DONATIACEAE—Cushion Plant

The cushion plant species Donatia novae-zelandiae is described under
an article “The Family Donatiaceae”, page 226.



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FROM TASMANIA Page 225—Vol. 5

EPACRIDACEAE—Cushion Plant
Dracophyllum minimum Hook. f.

This plant is also very alike vegetatively to the other cushion species.
The leaves have a sheathing base almost as long as the blade which -is
¥%8"-Y4" long, narrow-lanceolate, rigid and slightly concave, apex acute
with a hard point, margin very slightly scaperulous, closely imbricate and
persistent. For a fuller description see the article on the genus Dracophyllum.

Dracophyllum minimum is closely related to D. muscoides, which is
found in New Zealand.

o~

Photography by A. M. Gray
DRACOPHYLLUM MINIMUM

STYLIDIACEAE—Cushion Plant

Phyllacne colensoi

This cushion plant belongs in the family Stylidiaceae. There are about
4 species of Phyllacne—3 in South America and New Zealand and one in
Tasmania, which is also found in New Zealand.

A very densely tufted perennial plant very similar in vegetative details
to the other species of “cushion” plants. The leaves are very crowded,
persistent about %" long, the tips sometimes yellowish brown and having a



@@@ 34 @@@



Page 226—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FROM TASMANIA Dec., 1969

small pore just below the apex on the upper side. Flowers solitary on very
short peduncles about %" dia. Petals 5-6 rounded or irregularly notched.
Stigmas and anthers on a common column. Anthers 2, purplish, surmounted
by the 2 stigma lobes. Fruit a small capsule.

Editor’s Note: The family Stylidiaceae includes those fascinating little plants Stylidium
or ‘‘trigger’” plants. Previous issies have described these plants and for those really
interested the very entertaining book ‘‘Trigger Plants’”’ by Rica Erickson is available from
the editor for $4.00 plus 20c postage.

CULTIVATION OF CUSHION PLANTS

All the Tasmanian cushion plants are found at altitudes of, or above
2500-3000°, usually on alpine moorlands or on scree slopes in damp poorly
drained situations, often where snow persists for most of the year. They
form “seed beds” for a host of other alpine plants, e.g. Drosera, Sprengelia,
Epacris, etc.

| have tried growing all the species of cushion plants, from seeds and
lifted clumps of plants but the seeds are very unreliable and can be
discounted as a successful method of propagation. Lifted clumps, though
well supplied with roots, suffer unaccountable die-off—cuttings are impractical.
Occasionally | have had some successes but the plants are extremely slow-
growing and it will be years before they begin to take the typical “cushion”
form. | know of no other person who has tried to grow cushion plants!

THE FAMILY DONATIACEAE

by A. M. Gray

The family Donatiaceae consists of one genus with two species, Donatia
fascicularis—found in the extreme south of South America and Donatia novae-
zelandiae found in Tasmania and New Zealand. Once included in
Saxifragaceae, Donatia is now thought by some botanists to be more closely
related to the Stylidiaceae (Trigger Plants).

Donatia novae-zelandiae J. R. & G. Forst

Donatia novae-zelandiae is one of a group of plants found in Tasmania,
commonly called “Cushion Plants”, so named because of their habit of
growing in very hard, compact mounds, so hard in fact that it is possible
to walk on them without leaving any impression. See associated article on
Tasmanian Cushion Plants for other similar plants.

A perennial, densely growing plant, usually growing in hard compact
mounds, often 3’ or more in diameter. Stems erect growing very close
to one another, hardly branching, about 8”-12" long, thick fleshy roots usually
growing between them. Leaves erect and closely stem clasping, sessile,
the uppermost leaves green and shining, the lowar ones persistent, brown,
about %" long, linear-subulate, base wide with a tuft of fine hairs growing
in the axils. Flowers occur singly at the apex of the branches about %"
long and %" wide. Sepals five, triangular, %" long. Petals five, oblong,
white, about %" long. Ovary inferior, styles three, short. Fruit thinly fleshy,
top-shaped. Common on mountain summits, wet scree slopes etc., often growing
with and sometimes mingling with other species of cushion plants. Very hard
to propagate and grow on.

WANTED BARKLY NURSERIES
Seed of . . . . Native Plant Specialists
Euca’yp'us vernicosa Choose from our growing specimens
Offers: €0 » - 260 NEPEN HIGHWAY, PARKDALE,
Sandhurst Nurseries 3194

Sandhurst, Camberley, Surrey,
England Phone: 90-2694



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—DISEASES Page 227—Vol. 5

FUNGAL DISEASE

Banksia are not difficult to grow and will flourish in most sunny situations
provided the ground does not get boggy. The only prolem appears to be an
occasional death due to root disease so that the following notes are included
to round off the subject.—Editor.

By far the commonest causes of plant disease are the fungi. In their
vegetative state these simple forms of plant life consist of slender branched
filaments of microscopic diameter, which ramify through the host plant or
other substrate from which nourishment is drawn. Aggregation of the hyphae,
as these filaments are called, produces larger structures such as mushrooms
and puffballs.

The reproductive stage of the fungus is the spore. Although much simpler
in structure, spores perform the same function as the seeds of higher plants.
They are usuaily produced in enormous numbers, and because of their small
size are readily carried on air currents.

Fungi cause many different types of disease. Damping-off refers to death
of seedlings due to attack by so’l-‘nhabiting fungi such as Rhizoctonia and
Pythium species. They are particularly common in soil and can attack a wide
range of crop, pasture and ornamental plants under suitable conditions. Only
young tissues are susceptible and usually once the stem becomes woody
the plants are resistant to this type of disease. Banksia, Callistemon, Eucalypts,
Leptospermum, Haokea and Oreocallis are some of the native plants in
which this type of disease has cccurred locally.

Root rots are also caused by soil-borne fungi, in particular species of
Phytophthora. They are favoured by wet soil conditions, so this type of
disease is usually found in soils with impeded drainage or following prolonged
wet periods. A local example is the recent death of Grevillea banksii plants,
with which a species of Phytoph'hora is associated. Damage probably
occurred during the record winter rains, but the plants are only dying
now because of increasing stress as the soil dries out and temperature rises.

An example of severe root rot is the mass dying of jarrah and Banksia
communities in Western Australia. In the affected areas the plant association
is destroyed, and little regeneration occurs. A wide range of species is
susceptible, from the tree, understorey, and shrub layers. These include
Eucalyptus, Banksia, Casuarina, Xanthorrhoea, Xylomelum, Andenanthos,
Macrozamia, Persoonia, Hbbertia, and epacrid species. The causal fungus is
Phytophthora cinnamomi, common in Queensland on pineapple, avocado and
Pinus species.

Control of root rotting fungi is very difficult. The best way to overcome
this type of disease is to plant resistant species in sites prone to drainage
troubles. Unfortunately the susceptibility of many species is not known and
much trial and error will be necessary before comprehensive lists of suitable
plants can be compiled.

TROPICAL NEMATOLOGY—by V. G. Perry and G. Smart

Published by University of Florida Press and available from the editor for $10.00
including postage. This new book is of particular interest in relation to below ground
problems with plants as contained in the above article. I will refer readers to page 154
of our previous issue that suggests that the above problem in cultivation is secondary
to infestation of nematodes and suggestions are made as to how they may be combated.
However this book ‘‘Tropical Nematology”’ may be of special interest to students of this
problem.



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Page 228—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—DILLENIACEAE Dec., 1969

HIBBERTIA

Our No. 33 issue introduced these valuable horticultural plants to the home gardener.
The reports below are from readers who give their experiences after reading that issue.
I am not sure of the name of the species in the colour plate below. Who does?

The white flower is of course Clematis aristata described in our No. 36 issue.

- R L
Blocks by courtesy of John Sands Pty. Ltd.

From T. Tribe, Keiraville, N.S.W.

Hibbertia nitida has been found growing at Currarong, N.S.W. S.E.
coast, on dry sandhills up to 20 feet high in part shade and part sun. The
flowers are %2 to % inch across and a pale yellow.

From F. Coate, Bunbury, W.A. .

Hibbertia stellaris. | read with interest the articles on this fine plant
in the No. 33 issue and noted the efforts to ensure good drainage. It may
interest growers to know that in its natural habitat it is a swamp plant. In
most cases it stands in several inches of water right through winter and into
the flowering season. There is a swamp within a few minutes drive of
my home where it bloomed beautifully this spring and was right out in
the water, blooming for several months. | paid a visit to the swamp in
mid-summer and although the swamp is now free of water, the black sandy
loam is still quite damp with the plants still in bloom.

It appears that there are at least two forms of H. stellaris. One grows
to about two feet high with quite small flowers and always in several inches
or more of water among rushes etc., that support it, and another more
compact and low growing around the edges of swamps and slushy places.

| have never seen the plants near running water nor in well drained
positions. They are nearly always in full sun but wuold need to be protected.



@@@ 37 @@@



Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—EPACRIDACEAE Page 229—Vel. 5

THIS BLOCK IS REPRODUCED AS WHEN PRINTED IN No. 39 ISSUE. AN ERROR IN
LOCK MAKING CAUSED IT TO BE PRODUCED WITH A BLUE W'ER

s , :

=]

Reproduced from paintings by Alison M. Ashby—Blocks by courtesy of the S.A. Museum

Richea scoparia Hook. f. "“Scoparia’’

One of the most eye-catching of plants on the moors and ridges of Tasmania’s high
country often forming -extensive - patches on scree .slopes and the flanks of ridges, plants from
2’-6" hlgh Bushwalkers abhor this plant as its very rigid and pungent foliage makes it
a nightmare to try and force one’s way through, indeed there are very few bushwalkers
who have not had some encounter with Tasmania’s ‘‘infamous’ Scoparia scrub.

The leaves of R. scoparia are from 1°°-3"” long, rigid, often very coarse and pungent,
erect or semi-recurved, sometimes deep reddish in colour, persisting on the branches for
two or three seasons after dying; base sheathing and somwehat imbricate. The bark is tan
brown in colour and usually shed in large flakes, leaf-scars obscure.

Flowers in terminal spikes or panicles, somewhat similar to the inflorescence of
R. dracophylla, though of course smaller and coloured from all shades of pink, orange
and scarlet to the most exquisite ‘burgundy’ shades.

Other species of Richea are shown in colour in our No. 39 issue.



@@@ 38 @@@



Page 230—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—WATTLES Dec., 1969

Variation and Inheritance of Flowering in Acacia baileyana
F. MUELL.

By R. W. BODEN*
* Parks and Gardens Branch, Denartment of Interior, Canberra, A.C.T.

I. INTRODUCTION

Acacia baileyana F. Muell.,, “Cootamundra Wattle”, is one of the most
attractive and widely planted ornamental trees. Used extensively in Australia, New
Zealand, America and southern Europe it is particularly valuable because of
rapid growth when young, massed floral display in spring, and attractive blue
grey feathery foiiage throughout the year. It has been in cultivation for many
years and Newman (1935) refers to plantings made in 1880 in the garden of
Mr. Joseph Hadfield, Christchurch, New Zealand; its popularity amongst horti-
culturists still persists. The wide interest in this snecies is reflected in the fact
that more than 10,000 plants are raised annually in the government nursery at
Canberra for garden and shelterbelt onlanting in the city and surrounds

In commercial production “Cootamundra Wattle” is raised entirely from
seed, thus giving large populations from which selection and genetical studies can
be made, however there are very few references to such investigations with this
or other Australian Acacia species. The major exception to this is the work
of the Wattle Research Institute at Natal with tannin producing species, 4. mearnsii
De Wild. and A. decurrens (Wendl.) Willd.

1I. NATURAL OCCURRENCE

A. baileyana was described by Ferdinand von Mueller in 1887 from specimens
of a planted tree collected in Bowen’s Park Brisbane by the then Government
Botanist, Dr. F. M. Bailey.

The natural occurrence of the species is now very restricted and even
as early as 1902, Cambage wrote that a circle of radius about 30 miles, centred
between Cootamundra and Temora, N.S.W., “would have included every tree of
Cootamundra Wattle known in the world” before its cultivation. Newman (1935)
in a series of papers on studies in Australian Acacias dealt extensively with
A. baileyana and attempted, by intensive field study, to determine the natural
occurrence of the species and suggest reasons controlling the distribution. He
found that the natural habitat was characterised by a conjunction of three
features—an area of silurian rocks with some patches of igneous, altitude 500-1500
feet, and rainfall of 18-23 inches, and c'aimed that the only other area in
N S.W. of similar conjunction “is a smaller one immediately to the north
separated from the first bv an eastward recession in the boundary of the silurian
rocks and a westward advance of higher land”.

In the field, Newman (1935) found the species in approximately six separate
localities within a range of 30-40 miles in the vicinity of Cootamundra and
Temora and suggested that it may be a relict of a species which had previously
flourished before physiographic or climatic changes occurred. There was no
evidence from field studies to suggest that A. baileyana was a garden form
which had escaped from cultivation or of hybrid origin, a'though subsequent
cbservations by a number of workers, including Cheel (1935), and workers
at the Wattle Research Institute, Natal, have confirmed that, as a species,
A. baileyana hybridises quite freely with other species, in particular A. decurrens.

1II. PHENOLOGY

Newman (1934) described the annual growth pattern of A. baileyana based
on observations at Hill Top, located 80 miles south-west of Sydney, N.S.W.
at an altitude of 1800 feet. Observations at Canberra altitude approximately
1875 feet, latitude 35°18’S, loncitude 149°6’E, indicate a similar pattern of
behaviour to that recorded for Hill Top.

The racemes appear in late December and gradually develop until they
are mature in June-July. Flowering extends from late June to early September
and the peak of flowering for most trees is in mid-late August. Seeds develop
rapidly and are shed over a short period of a week or two in late December,
ie. 3-5 months after flowering.

After seed shed, which is rapid and complete, there is a burst of vegetative
growth which covers the tree with young glaucous leaves.

No detailed records of flowering time have been made in other locations
however scattered observations in coastal N.S.W. and near Adelaide suggest
that, in regions with mild winters, flowering may commonly occur in July.
Wherever it is grown it is safe to assume, that “Cootamundra Wattle” will be
amongst the harbingers of spring.



@@@ 39 @@@



Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—WATTLES Page 231—Vol. 5

IV. VARIATION IN FLOWERING TIME o

Whilst the flowering period for the species is from June to August, individual
trees flower for only a few weeks within this period and, in one area at any
one time from late June-August, trees can be found at all stages of blossoming.
Trees growing side by side in an apparently similar environment may vary in
their flowering time by several weeks (Plate 1). ] .

In 1955 Pryor (Personal Communication) recorded the peak flowering time
of sixteen Cootamundra Wattles growing in Canberra, noting that they were
well ahead of the bulk of the population. In 1960 some of these trees were
relocated (unfortunately many had been lost during urban development), and
their annual flowering patterns, and those of an additional number of selections,
have been followed for 5-7 years. .

Observations were also made of a number of trees yvhose general flowering
period was consistently later than the bulk of the population.

1962

e ?Ei‘ -
2s5¢6,
Pes Sl —————

1966

FLOWERING PERIOD EARLY TREES
*——° FLOWERING PERIOD LATE TREES
“ T 7 7 <l0% OF FLOWERS OPEN

o 15 2 25 301 5 o
ULy AUGUST SEPTEMBER

FIG. 1

Figure 1 shows the flowering periods of 13 early and 2 late flowering
trees over a period of six years and indicates that, although there were variations
from year to year in onset of anthesis, it was clear that trees which flowered early
were consistently early, whilst those which flowered late were consistently late. There
was always some variation over the whole tree with a tendency for flowering
to commence on the northern or eastern side. On occasions when a sudden
cold snap occurred some of the buds, or opened flowers were frost damaged;
this was often the case with No. 35E62, the earliest flowering tree under study.

An examination of climatic data for Canberra was made for the years of
observation to self a correlation existed between any particular climatic factor
and onset of flowering. This was essentially on a broad scale using local
meteorological data and could not take into account micro-climatic effects, such
as amelioration of climate by protection from buildings or other trees, or

intensified cold due to cold air drainage patterns which is common in Canberra.
(Continued on page 235)



@@@ 40 @@@



AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—WATTLES Dec., 1962

_ Within the limits of these observations it appeared that whilst there is
variation in time of flowering between individual trees which i

. \ 1 : N is maintained from
year to year, the climate at the immediate flowering period can either delay or
induce flowering.

(Continued on page 235)

Blocks by courtesy of John Sands Pty. Ltd.

ACACIA

This plate was prepared on the understanding that it was A. baileyana. Flowering
is similar but it appears from the leaves to be Acacia decurrens featured in our last issue.
The leaves of A.

aileyana are a silvery grey and more drooping in habit. Most issues of
““Australian Plants” describe wattles that are ideal for your garden.



@@@ 41 @@@



Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LILIACEAE Page 233—Vol. 5

THE BLUE TINSEL LILY

by Alf Gray, Maileup Downs, Borden, W.A. 6338

“The Blue Tinsel Lily”, Calectasia cyanea, is not as rare as popular
opinion has it, though disappearing very rapidly from many of its former
haunts through the cultivation of coastal sand plains and semi-deserts in
recent years. In the West it occupied the west coastal plains as far north
as Jurien Bay, 130 miles north of Perth. It was once very common around
Perth itself, and on peaty sand plains there grew to maximum height of
2’6" in dense clumps. Seedlings were not uncommon, but the main growth
is from rhizomes apparently.

Reprinted from ‘‘Australian Native Plants and Trees”’ by courtesy of Lamb Paterson Pty. Ltd.

Some readers are very critical of me because I occasionally repeat a colour plate
such as that above, that appeared in our No. 23 issue together with an article on the plant.
Not all readers are so familiar with our natives that they can readiy call to mind what
a plant looks like when it appears in an article such as this and some plates are worthy
of repeating occasionally. Even with 11 new plates, as in this issue, not all people will
be satisfied—Editor.



@@@ 42 @@@



Page 234—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LILIACEAE Dec., 1969

It is possible to propagate the Lily by division of the clumps, which
are merely the annual growth from the rhizome entwined in a tangled mass.
Seeds are shed annually shortly after flowering (about November), when
the flower fades and the pearly white calyx falls. | have not had any
difficulty with seed, but find the clumps need care in lifting and dividing
at the proper time of the year, about March or April. As the seed is very
fine the whole calyx should be sown intact as you would grow Gerbera
seed, i.e. by pressing the point down into the soil without covering the
perianth.

Besides the west coast plains, the species is equally widespread in the
south, especially in the Stirling zone and the Barren Range. Though it is
found on rock in the ranges, it is everywhere a sand plain denizen in
West and East. In the south of W.A. the flowers are much larger and
very brilliant in colour—blue to purple, and in the Barren Range bronze
purple or brownish blue. Doutbless it is the sheen that gives this unusual
and practically indescribable shade.

As well as the coast around Albany and Denmark, and the vicinity of
the Stirling and Porongorup Ranges, it is found as far north as Lake
Grace on granitic sands. To one collecting in these areas the general
impression is that the “Blue Tinsel Lily” was once ubiquitous and the species
is undoubteclly extremely ancient, cropping up unexpectedly here and
there all the way to Esperance along the south coast.

I think it is fairly certain Calectasia cyanea found its way to western
Victoria from the W.A. south coast. It used to be common in both the 90 Mile
and Little Deserts, as well as the sandy areas around the Grampians. Not
only the Tinsel Lily but a considerable range of other western Victorian
species are common to southern Western Australia.

CALECTASIA CYANEA

by J. C. ANWAY, Botany Dept., Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701 U.S.A., from details
in the Aust. J. Bot., 1969, 17, 147-59.

Calectasia has been found in three separate areas in temperate Australia:
two of these separated by at least 110 miles, are southwestern W.A., and the
third an eastern area (western Victoria) is separated from both western areas
by at least 1,200 miles. The plants are growing in well drained soils of a
high sand content in areas with annual rainfalls of 12-40 inches. In Western
Australia, the plants are most often collected in sand heath and Banksia
communities and a few in forest. In S.A. and Victoria, most of the plants
observed were in forest but this probably because of the more extensive
clearing of heathlands for grazing and cultivation.

It appears that Calectasia is normally self-pollinated. It is a true relic,
apparently committed to ultimate extinction by the adoption of an ultra
conservative genetic system.

A close study of specimens collected from the three areas reveal that
while there is no doubt that all are the same species, differences that may
affect their horticultural value have warranted their separation as varieties.
Calectasia cyanea R.Br. var. cyanea stat. nov.

This is the type form from Western Australia at one time known as
C. grandiflora. The rhizome is short, less than 2 c¢m, and aerial shoots in
compact clusters rise from the axils of old leaves.

Calectasia cyanea R.Br. var. intermedia (Sunder) comb. nov.

The eastern form has evolved an extensive rhizome system, the aeriall

shoots being scattered. The anthers are yellow but turn brown with age.



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—WATTLES Page 235—Vol. 5

VARIATION OF FLOWERING IN ACACIA BAILEYANA—continued from page 232

V. CLONAL STUDIES

In an attempt to determine if early flowering is a response to a particular
microciimate, clones of several parents were propagated and established in four
sites scattered through the Canberra city area in a range of asoects and elevations.

Little consistent success has been achieved in raising A. baileyana from
cuttings and air layering was used as a means of vegetative propagation. (This
method was described in “Australian Plants”, and has been used for several
Acacia srecies at the Wattle Research Institute, University of Natal). The main
advantage in using air layers is that relatively large plants with buds can be
obtained to give some flowering in the first season, although flowering on an
extensive scale does not occur for 2-3 years, until the plant has become established.

Air layers were prepared on three rarent trees Nos. 23E60, 28E61, 42162
in December 1962 and planted in the field in April 1964 at four sites varying
in altitude from 1845’ to 2055°.

In most cases there were five plants of each clone at each site, however
losses in the nursery stage with 42L62 meant that there were insufficient plants
to comvplete planting on all sites. The ramets from each clone were planted in
small informal groups at approximate'y 12’ spacing, however even within the
relatively small area of each group there were some differences in soil type
and moisture received from lawn irrigation systems.

cLowne 28E6

TR SN )

0 - L
vy AUSUST SEPTEMBER

CLONE 23E60

0 B s 5
3oy auGusT SEPTEMBER

exnG CLone 42162

- N e B 6o 0B ®F

w n g B

0 5 0
AUGUET SEPTEMBER

FIG. 2

Figure 2 shows the flowering patterns for air layers at four sites in 1966.
The rating of flowering used was from 1-10 and whilst there was variation
between individuals of the same clone at the one site the general pattern is
that clones from early flowering trees flowered ahead of those from the late
flowering parent. Clones did not flower at the same time as their respective
parents, or at the same time as clones planted at different sites.



@@@ 44 @@@



Page 236—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—WATTLES Dec., 1969

Flowering commenced first at Site 3 (2055’) followed by Site 4 (1845’),
and Sites 1 (1900’) and 2 (1970°).

Minimum temperature readings were taken at each of the four sites in
1966, and continuous temperature readings were made at Sites 1, 2, 3, in 1967.
In periods of cold weather the minimums reached at the highest altitude,
east facing site were up to 2°C above those for sites 1 and 2. During warmer
weather the differences in minimum readings were not so great.

It is unlikely that minimum temperatures alone are the controlling factor
for flowering initiation as other climatic and soil effects may well play an
important part in the total flowering process, however the pattern observed
suggests that the flowering period is controlled by both genetic and environmental
factors.

VI. INHERITANCE OF FLOWERING TIME

Studies by the Wattle Research Institute, South Africa with A. decurrens,
“Green Wattle”, and A. mearnsii, “Black Wattle” (syn. 4. mollissima), have
shown that there is a high degree of genetic control over characteristics such
as gummosis and branching habit.

There are no records of genetic studies with any characters of A. baileyana.
To study the inheritance of flowering time of “Cootamundra Wattle” seedlings
were raised from open pollinated seed collected from several early and late
flowering parents, and established in an experimental area in a relatively uniform
site. on a slightly north facing slope.

The first flowering occurred on some plants in 1963, and the first assessment
was possible in 1964, for progeny from seven early flowering and four Ilate
flowering parents. The first flowering was recorded on 28th July on 2 plants of the
96 early flowering progeny observed. By 22nd August, 83 or 86.5% of seedlings
from early flowering parents were in bloom whilst only 33 out of 126, or 26.2%
of progeny of late flowering trees were in bloom.

There was variation in flowering time between individuals within each
progeny and between progenies from different mother trees but the general pattern
over five years was that a high percentage of progeny from early flowering
parents flowered early, whilst those from late flowering parents flowered late.

Seed was open pollinated and may have been selfed or outcrossed. If
outcrossed it is not known if the pollen parent was a late or early flowerer,
although in general the differences in flowering time would be such that early
flowering trees would be largely cross fertilised by other early flowerers, however
the seed collected could have been from the latest flowers on the early tree
crossing with the first flowers on the late tree.

Before firm conclusions can be drawn on the mode of inheritance of the
early flowering characteristic it will be necessary to carry out further trials with
selfed, open pollinated and hybrid progeny between early, late and early x late
parents.

VI1I. DISCUSSION

This study was carried out in an attempt to determine whether groups
of Acacia baileyana could be planted to flower at the one time instead of over
an extended period. It appears that, within certain limitations, this may be
possible in a number of ways.

Firstly, the obvious method appears to be vegetative production of selected
individuals, either by air layers or cuttings. These could be expected to flower
as a group at the same time, however the actual flowering time would vary
from year to year depending on seasonal conditions.

Another method is to attempt a programme of selection with some
reduction in degree of outbreeding by raising clones of a number of =zarly
flowering parents in the one area, and carrying out further selection from
seedlings collected in this plantation.

Knowledge of the degree of selfing would be necessary. Philp and Sherry
(1946) found that selfed green wattle seedlings had a mean height 20% less
than that of natural seedlings, and whilst maximum vigour is not the aim for
ornamental plantings it would be necessary to establish the degree of inbreeding
depression which might occur.

VIII. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A number of people have assisted with the field observations and their heln is

gratefully acknowledged. In particular I wish to thank P. J. Setchell and A. L. Higgs

for assistance in the field and F. Hebold for help both in the field and in the preparation
of figures.

IX. REFERENCES
Boden, R. W. (1968).—‘“‘Acacia baileyana Propagation by Air Layering’'. Aust. Plants 4:34,
246-7



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Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLAN1S—NURSERYMEN

Page 237—Vol.

Mueller, F. V. M.

Newman, I.V.

Cambage, R. H. (1902)—“Notes on the Botany of the Inztsrigg of N.S.W. Part VI from

Marsden to Narrandera’”. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W.

5-6, 443-6.

Cheel, E. (1935).—The Occurrence of Hybrid Acacias’”. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 60:

(1887) (1888).—‘‘Description of Some Hitherto Unknown Australian Plants’’
Trans. and Proc. Roy. Soc. Victoria 24, pt.
(1934)—‘‘Studies in Australian Acacias Part IV. The Life History of Acacia

bazleyana F. v M. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. LIX Parts 5-6: 277-313.

60(5-6) :428-446.

14:1-28.

Newman, I. V. (1935).—‘“Studies in the Australian Acacias Part V. The Problems of the
Status and Distribution of Acacia baileyana F. v M.” Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W.

Philp, J. and Sherry, S. P. (1946).—‘“The Degree of Natural Crossmg in Green Wattle Acacia
decurrens Willd. and its Bearing on Wattle Breeding’’ Jour. Sth. African For. Ass.

PRESERVATION BY CULTIVATION

FLORATLANDS

KARIONG, via GOSFORD, N.S.W.
A large wvariety of the most popular native plants at nursery.

PHONE: Gosford 21142

P. J. PARRY

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

NATIVE PLANTS

Shrubs, Trees, Ground Covers
Mail Orders wholesale only
20 varieties of Boronia—30 Grevillea
Flat to let.

J. L. & P. J. FREEMAN
“Garamina’”’, Merimbula, N.S.W.

TELOPEA VALLEY NURSERY
69 CUMBERLAND AVE., COLLAROY
also at Mangrove Mountain

Wide range Natives, small to advanced
plants — Regret mo mail orders

PHONE: 98-6256

AUSTRAFLORA

NURSERY

W. R. Elliot — Telephone: 728-1353
BELFAST ROAD, MONTROSE, VIC. 3765

LARGE SELECTION OF GROUND COVERS, SHRUBS AND TREES
Open Wednesday to Saturdays or by arrangement

Wholesale and Retail

Send Stamp for Catalogue

ALEXANDER PLANT FARM
(Doug Twaits, Prop.)

2 Winifred Street, ESSENDON, VIC.
Phone: 379-5163
EVERYTHING FOR THE GARDEN
Specialising in Australian Native Plants

Greenbriar Drive-in Nursery

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS

Large and Varied Selection

195-7 MOUNTAIN VIEW RD.,
BRIAR HILL, VIC. 3088

Phone: 43-1468 — Open Weekends

GAWSWORTH NURSERY
(Reg.)
SMEDLEY RD., NTH. RINGWOOD, 3134

NATIVE PLANTS

Open Sunday
Mon. to Fri. 1 pm. to 5 p.m.

NATIVE PLANTS
Over 350 varieties of shrubs, trees,
rockery plants, ground covers, climbers.
Specialising in hardy ornamentals in
small, semi advanced and advanced

AMAROO NURSERY
654-1488

Annangrove Rd., Kenthurst, N.S.W.
Closed Wednesday

BELBRA NURSERY

in the Heart of the Grampians
Large Range of Australian
Natives

Imquiries: BOX 12, HALL’S GAP
Catalogue posted 25c for mail orders
to Box 12, Hall’s Gap, Vic. 3381

NARRABEEN NURSERY
74 AUSTRALIAN NATIVES
1444 Pittwater Rd., Narrabeen
Nth., N.S.W. — 913-8289
OPEN EVERY DAY
Specialist in plants for sea coast



@@@ 46 @@@



Page 238—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—YOUR SOCIETY Dec., 1969

THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS

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

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

SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—N.S.W. REGION:
President: Mr. C. M. Taylor, 39 Addison Avenue, Roseville, N.S.W. 2069.
Secretary: Mr. F. Hatfield, 56 Taunton Road, Hurstville, N.S.W. 2220.

SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—QLD. REGION:
President: Mr. M. W. Hodge, 25 Barford St., Moorooka, QIld. 4105.
Secretary: Mrs. D. Howlett, Whitty Road, Moggill, Qid. 4068.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS:
President: Mr. G. R. Needham, 2 Stuckey Ave., Underdale, S.A. 5032.
Secretary: L. S. Howland, 2 William St., Hawthom S.A. 5062.

SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—VICTORIA & TAS.:
President: Mr. F. L. Jeffs, 23 Salisbury Ave., Blackburn, Vic. 3130.
Secretary: (Sister) E. R. Bowman, 4 Homebush Crescent, Hawthorn East, Vic. 3123.

SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CANBERRA REGION:
President: Mr. S. F. Hartshorne, 29 Stanley St., Hackett, A.C.T. 2602.
Secretary: Mrs. Barton Browne, 15 Jelbart Street, Mawson, A.C.T. 2607.

WEST AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWER SOC. (Inc.):
President: Mrs. D. Smith, 4 Hawtin Road, Maida Vale, W.A. 6057.
Secretary: Mrs. A. J. Gardner, Flat 16/4 Minera Drive, Riverdale, W.A. 6103.

Membership is open to any person who wishes to grow Australian native plants.
Contact the Secretary of the Society for your State for information without obligation.

PUBLISHING SECTION FOR SOCIETIES
Managing Editor: W. H. Payne assisted by P. D. Leak; Treas.: N. Denovan;
Dispatch by R. Birtles, N. Gane, C. Hubner, N. Dent, J. Hayward, with families.
Stencils: H. Bartholomew. Illustrations: A. Spurway, B. Maloney and E. Ham.
Advertlsmg and Sales Representatives in each State: N.S.W., P. D. Leak; Qld., W. W. Kilgour;
., E. S. Thompson; Tas., G. van Munster; W.A., F. Lullfitz, V1c F. L. Jeffs.
MAIL—Address mail to the Editor, 860 Henry Lawson Drive, Picnic Point, N.S.W. 2213.
SUBSCRIPTION—Members: Apply state Secretary above.
NON-MEMBERS: You may receive the next 4 issues direct to your home by forwarding
an annual subscription of $1.20. Overseas subscriptions are 16/- sterling or $1.80 U.S.

PRINTING . ..

Printing is our business. Our aim is to supply it at the
most reasonable price and to give a courteous and efficient
service. If we can in anyway be of service to you or
your organisation, please contact us and we will be happy
to supply quotations . . . .

SURREY BEATTY & SONS
RICKARD ROAD, CHIPPING NORTON, 2170
TELEPHONE: 602-7404 602-6522



@@@ 47 @@@



Dec., 1969 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—BOOKS Page 239—Vol. 5

BOOKS ON WILDFLOWERS

The number of books that have been produced on wildflowers must frustrate many
enthusiasts who would probably prefer to spend their money on plants. In the editor’s
opinion there is little doubt that the periodical ‘“Australian Plants’” adequately meets the
needs of most wildflower growers, students and admirers. Printed since 1959, and now in
41 issues, all but six may be obtained from the editor.

VOLUME No. 1, issues 1-12, no longer available bound but all issues available separately
at 45c each except nos. 2, 3, 4 & 11, ie. $3.80 incl. postage.

VOLUME No. 2, issues 13-20, all available only fully bound at $6.00 plus 20c postage.
Bound in this volume is also ‘““A Descrintive Catalogne of Western Australian Plants’.

VOLUME No. 3, issues 21-28, all available only fully bound at $6.00 plus 20c postage,
including also ‘“‘Catalogue of Cultivated Australian Native Plants’” valued at $3.00.

VOLUME No. 4, issues 29-36, all available only fully bound at $6.00 plus 20c postage.
including ‘“Western Australian Plants for Horticulture—Part 1” valued at $3.00—see below.

VOLUME No. 5, issues commencing NJ. 37. Past issues are 45c each plus 5c postage.

Climbing on the bandwaggon most publishers have produced books on wildflowers.
Many cover the same range of subjects, which have already been introduced in ‘‘Australian
Plants”” but most have either of the following disadvantages. They either have a large
number of beautiful colour plates with inadequate descriptions and practically nothing on
cultivation, or they attempt to deal with cultivation and skimp on colour plates leaving
it to the readers experience or imagination as to what the plant and flower really looks
like. If you bought most of the books available von wonld have less than half of the
range of material available in past issues of ‘‘Australian Plants”’. There are exceptions.

WEST AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR HORTICULTURE is the latest book by this Society
available from the editor for $3.00 plus 20c postage. The format of the book generally is
to have simple but adequate descriptions (using simple features that anyone can distinguish)
of three species in one genus with a full colour plate of one of them on the opposite page.
Directions as to cultivation are given for each species. Hundreds of West Australian wildflowers
are also described. This is the style of book we recommend and is excellent value at this low
price. It is proposed to produce more in this series on wildflowers from other states if readers
will support us by buying the first one, providing the money to produce the next one.

ST. ANNE’S NURSERY . .
B VASRIEN BB CHOYON, TIO. Nindethana Native Plant
(off Mareoondah Highway, opposite Seeds

Croydon Road)
NATIVE PLANTS, LARGE & SMALL By, Packel, Qunce or kound

USUAL & UNUSUAL Large selection. Send for free list.
Specialising in Gums NINDETHANA
Hours: 1-5 p.m. afternoons—all day
weekends — Closed Mondays (G. W. Althofer)

Box 5, Dripstone, N.S.W.

Sorry No Interstate Mail Orders

Clearview Nursery—W. Cane, Box 19 Maffra, Victoria. Specialist in developed plants.

KING'S PARK AND BOTANIC YOUR AUSTRALIAN GARDEN
GARDEN, PERTH, W.A. in Country or City
Current Seed List, 30c. Seed, 30c per CONSTRUCTED & MAINTAINED
packet. Wholesale rates on application. WITH NATIVE TREES & SHRUBS
“Descriptive Catalogue of W.A. Plants” Grown in the sun and wind of the
by J. S. Beard, $1.35. Keilor Plains by .
““The Cultivation of Native Plants” by
Ry 0o M 9., W TULLAMARINE PLANT FARM
‘“Wildflowers of the North-west’’ by 8t Sharpis Road,' Tullamaring, . 3043
J. S. Beard, 85c (30 pp. full colour, Phone: 338-2893
70 pictures and map). OPEN WEEKENDS — CLOSED
King’s Park Booklet, 70c. Fundamentals MONDAYS
of Pruning, 50c. All prices post free. Constructions Phone: 306-6268

YOUR GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANT SEEDSMEN

Australian Seed Co., Robertson, N.S.W.—Bulk lots supplied to trade & Govt. agencies.

King’s Park Seed Supply, King’s Park Perth, Western Australia—see advertisement.

Nindethana, Box 5, Dripstone, N.S.W. For all Native Seed. Packet, ounce or pound Ilots.

Western Wildlife Supply, Gilgandra, N.S.W.—Bulk supplies of native and exotic tree and
shrub seed to the trade—Special collections to order.

WIN. HERRY'S “POTTERS’ COTTAGE NURSERY” IS NOW LOCATED AT
MANUKA NURSERY

BONNIE VIEW ROAD, CROYDON, VIC.
(Turn left off Maroondah Highway in between ‘‘Kimberley Receptions’’ and ‘“‘Bird and Bottle”
Restaurant)
OVER 500 VARIETIES OF AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. PLANTS
Open Afternoons (Tues., Thurs., Sat., Sun., Holidays) or ’phone Croydon 33011



@@@ 48 @@@



Page 240—Vol. 5 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROTEACEAE 1969

BANKSIA COLLINA

A series on the wildflowers of North Queensland by L. K. BATES, Page Street, Mareeba
Banksia compar

This forest tree always seems to be found above 2,000 ft: here, and
invariably grows in moist situations; in fact many grow along the side of
running mountain streams. Bark is rough, and height about 30 feet, although
trees competing with rain forest verge trees may grow to 60 feet. Flower
spikes are short and fat and are produced in winter, with buds a pretty light
green changing to pale yellow when the flower matures. They are good
nectar producers and attract lorikeets and honeyeaters.
Banksia collina

It was quite exciting to recently record a form of this fine plant in
N.Q. (thanks to a tin miner!). The mining road led literally straight up a
mountainside to a very remote area of open forest above 2,000 feet. But
it was worth it to be able to wander up and down granite soil slopes
amongst these lovely 5 ft. undershrubs. Interestingly enough the two distinct
flower colours grow side by side: one is wholly a rich golden yellow, while
the other has golden-brown segments with purple style (flower spikes grow up
to 9 ins. in length).

SURREY BEATTY & SONS, Printers, Rickard Road, Chipping Norton, N.S.W.—602-7404