'Australian Plants' Vol.8 No.64 September 1975

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PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN 15,000 COPIES

Australian Plants

Registered for posting as a periodical— SEPTEMBER 1975 VOL. 8, No. o4 50

Category B Volume 8 wlll comprise Issues 61-68

CALLISTEMON CHISHOLMII CALLISTEMON POLLANDII

WILDFLOWERS FOR LIVING



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Page 146—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CONTENTS Sept., 1975

WILDFLOWERS AND BIRDS

From the Editor

A TIME FOR CONCERN AND ACTION

“Times have changed sadly. | no longer can, in good conscience, advocate
that people attract native birds to their suburban gardens. Having observed
the agonising deaths from chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide compounds of
all the birds who have come to my garden, | believe that it is wrong to attract
innocent, useful birds to their doom. | have never used pesticides; nor have
my neighbours since | educated them in this regard—but others obviously
have.

“Ten years ago | had 400 lively, noisy honeyeaters and other species—
today the garden is dead, like those poor birds. The city is loaded with
poisons. Let the birds stay in the bush, if they can find any.”

Barbara Salter, author of a book on how to attract birds to the garden,
gives this discouraging report. My enquiries reveal that those people in Sydney
who were attracting birds by supplementary feeding are still doing this
successfully. Is Melbourne approaching its “‘silent spring”?

| refuse to give up this fight to keep our birds. Will readers with any
knowledge on this matter please advise the editor. Unfortunately the radical
conservationists have advocated the rejection of all pesticides and done more
harm than good with such ill-informed hysteria. Governments have even over-
reacted, such as the bans on the use of DDT.

We need to control somes pests, as progress has created an artificial
environment where they flourish and their naturai predators are suppressed.
We need to decide what pests are really at critical strength and a selective way
to control them. It seems we must leave this research to governments for
commercial cropping, but who will assist in evaluating the problem in the
suburban gardening sphere?

THIS ISSUE

Without doubt the above comment has upset some people. It is time
more people took an active interest in the environment of the future instead
of leaving it to others or making a lot of noise. Help nature by the planting
of trees and shrubs. This issue is not the usual “pretty” collection of colour
plates but a guide to serious action.

PESTS AND CONTROL — Page 183 and NEMATODES — Page 183-188.
PLANTS AND INSECTS — Page 172 and CARNIVOROUS PLANTS — Page 172.
TREES AND SHRUBS — Page 147 an introduction to their use followed by
Trees for Heavy Soils (not Limey) — Page 151
Trees for Limey Soils — Page 180 and Trees for Light Soils — Page 182.
PLAr\éTS OF FLINDERS RANGES — Page 155 and PLANTS FOR DRY INLAND —
age 157, 158.
SALINITY PROBLEM IN DRY AREAS — Page 164; Corrective action suitable plants.
TREES AND PLANTS FOR TROPICAL AREAS — Page 189.
WATTLES — Acacias of the Upper Hunter, N.SW. — Page 152 — as Screen Trees.
HARDY FERNS — The Genus Pyrrosia Mirbel — Page 168 — A Series on Ferns.
ORCHIDS IN THE GARDEN — Page 176 and NORTH QUEENSLAND ORCHIDS Page 175

COVER PLATE

LEFT: Callistemon chisho/mii on Burra Range, Queensland — Photography D. Hockings.
RIGHT: Callistemon pollandii from Water Fall Creek, Qld. — Photography M. W. Hodge.

Callistemon pollandii has proved very floriferous over a wide range of conditions
especially Townsville, Qld. The last two issues were prepared by gardeners in Towns-
ville and this colour plate, and a number in this issue, were to illustrate them but
were not ready in time. The Editor apologises to the Townsville Group of S.G.A.P.
for this and a number of other failures.



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Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LANDSCAPING Page 147—Vol 8

TREES AND SHRUBS

Benefits of Boundary Plantings Around Your Home by C. L. Wheller

INTRODUCTION

The advantages of gardens of one kind or another have not just been
discovered—they have been known for centuries. The preferences for certain
kinds of plants for their own sake and for the effects obtained by different
combinations and layouts are fashions which come and go much as do other
fads of modern society, while the benefits remain more or less stable, affected
only to the extent that a current fad is compatible or otherwise with the
growing conditions of the area and social needs of that community at that
particular time. From the purely aesthetic point of view, we all agree
that beautiful objects are enhanced by a suitable setting: a jewel by its
mounting, a face by the hairstyle, a body of water by what grows on its
banks with the added bonus of beautiful reflections, a sunset by the clouds
in the sky, and a castle or even a hut by the natural or man made
surroundings, and where enclosed spaces are concerned, this means the
hiding of detracting objects and the softening of harsh lines and surfaces.
In improving living conditions as a whole, there are however, a number
of other factors to be considered.

All home-sites in exposed locations, particularly new subdivisions in
developing areas such as the Keilor-Werribee Plains west of Melbourne in
Victoria will be improved by the planting of suitable trees and shrubs around
their boundaries, the degree of improvement from each of the specific
benefits to be obtained depending on local conditions such as latitude,
altitude, direction and force of prevailing winds in relation to vegetation
and buildings and other climatic factors.

The concern of the present federal government for the living conditions
in the suburbs of various cities has been expressed in efforts being made to
assist councils and other bodies to encourage by example and publicity
the planting of more trees and shrubs in home gardens and public reserves.
The Victorian Regional branch of the Society for Growing Australian Plants
through its various local groups has had a marked influence in this respect
in many parts of Victoria; the Western Plains Group for instance, is co-
operating with Keilor City Council in establishing a plantation of native trees
and shrubs in Bonfield Park beside the river in Keilor township and plantings
have been made in the Bulla Primary School grounds by the same group
while more established groups in other suburbs and country areas have
made more extensive plantings, carried out research projects, organised
wildflower displays and brought into cultivation many rare Australian plants.

SPECIFIC BENEFITS
Privacy

As home sites become smaller, the degree of privacy once afforded by
more liberal subdivisions becomes harder to attain even with single
storey villas on flat land. With undulating land and the increasing intrusion
of two or three storey houses and flats the problem increases. Not only is
your backyard under scrutiny but the windows and doors of your home
reveal the story of your life to all who care to watch.

Dust Control and Air Purification

Observation of dust deposits on sides of dirt roads will indicate a
diminishing volume of dust at any given distance in proportion to height
and density of intervening vegetation demonstrating the effectiveness of
plants in this form of air purification, whilst the ability of plants to absorb
carbon dioxide and expel oxygen is another. With the world wide destruction
of native vegetation, the cultivation of as many trees and shrubs as possible
becomes important.



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Page 148—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LANDSCAPING Sept., 1975

Windbreaks

The effectiveness of shrubbery as a windbreak is widely accepted especially
on farms where animals and crops may be adversely affected by strong
winds. Scientific tests over many years have shown that solid barriers create
turbulence above and beyond them and that the best results are obtained
from objects such as trees and shrubs which reduce wind force without
completely preventing air flow, thus improving the climate around your home.

Photography by D. Hockings.

MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRON

The wide-leafed form is a very large tree. The small-leafed form which occurs
in the Ross and Black Rivers of Queensland is a much smaller tree and is recom-
mended for suburban gardens. The point to be made is that Melaleuca are very hardy
and useful shrubs much loved by the birds and there e species that grow to the
mature height of one metre or io fine large paper bark treces as with M. leucadendron



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Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LANDSCAPING Page 149—Vol. 8

Beautification

The aesthetic value of trees and shrubs in hiding ugly fences as well
as buildings is widely accepted and in landscape design is one of the
important considerations and, in conjunction with other plantings, boundary
plantings add value to a property by making it more attractive and hence
more desirable to a prospective buyer.

BUCKINGHAMIA CELSISSMA — Ivory Curl

This small rzinforest tree is widely used for ornamental and street planting. In
cultivation it rarely reeches 6 m which makes it an ideal choice for small gardens
in warmer areas. The long spikes of creamy flowers appear in summer
Photography by M. W. Kodge



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Page 150—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LANDSCAPING Sept., 1975

Temperature Reduction

Overseas experiments indicate considerable temperature reduction over
areas of vegetation exposed to hot winds due to the cooling effects of
moisture transpiration from foliage and the lower temperature of the air
in the shade, again improving the outdoor climate. To quote Phillip Cummings
in “How To Grow A Perfect Lawn” (Readers Digest, April, 1974): “On a hot
day put your hand on a patch of bare soil, then on the ground under a
lush growth of grass; the temperature difference can be 15 degrees C or
more.” So it is under larger plants which thus shelter smaller plants keeping
the ground cool which, in conjunction with the cooling effects of shade on
walls exposed to hot sun considerably reduces indoor temperatures during
the day and hence also at night by reducing the amount of heat.

Noise Reduction

Although of dubious value for this purpose on small suburban properties,
suitable plantations can make substantial contributions to noise reduction in
certain circumstances according to recent overseas experiments. To quote
Malcolm Bunzli, A.R.A.LLA, A.A.LLA., B.Arch. (Qld.), Dip.L.D. (Durham) in
“Landscape Architecture As a Tool for Environmental Design” in a paper
presented at the 1969 Annual Conference of the Nurserymen’s Associations:
“Again we find that trees are quite efficient sound absorbent barriers and,
providing the correct species are selected to create a dense barrier from
ground level up to the crown of the trees, a considerable reduction in the
sound intensity can result and of course with marked increase in the amenity
of the area.”

Bird Protection

The planting of Australian native plants such as those mentioned below
will provide nesting sites, protection and food for native birds as well as
some of the more acceptable imported species which will help control
insect pests, whereas some of the imported trees such as pines and cypress
will tend to encourage sparrows and other bird pests.

CONCLUSION

To quote Malcolm Bunzli again: “We are aware of the advantages of
climatic control within our buildings but apparently few of us realise the
beneficial aspects of climatic control by landscape design within the open
spaces surrounding these buildings . . . Unfortunately, our pioneering
heritage of completely clearing the natural vegetation as a pre-requisite
of developing it, coupled with our naive and illogical approach to ornamental
gardening has created an intolerable physical environment . . . Australia
is an exciting country and does not have any established landscaping
tradition. The environmental designers are not hampered by the ghost of
historical styles—the slate is clean, the future is what we make it. If we
apply ourselves conscientiously, if we analyse all the influences objectively,
eventually our homes, streets, suburbs, our towns and cities, our coastal
and mountain resorts, in fact the whole of our countryside will be a continuous
experience in environmental design; an environment which is based soundly
on ecological principles, is flexible for and climatically correct for the
multiple activities of humans and other living creatures, capitalises on
the indigenous attributes, making full usage of native plant materials and
an environment which is truly Australian in character.”

Your home site and those of your neighbours are all part of this environ-
ment. Investing capital on improving your indoor climate which absorbs
income in operating costs, while investing nothing in improving your outdoor
climate which in turn will further improve your indoor climate as well as
providing more usable outdoor living space for negligible operating costs
is like shutting the blinds and switching on the light and heater on a
bright sunny day, so get your boundary plantings started now before your
neighbour does—you may even influence him to choose wisely.



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Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—FOR CLAY Page 151—Vol. 8

SUITABLE PLANTS

The selection of colourful but hardy plants for regions such as the basalt
plains west of Melbourne where plants are required to grow on heavy
clay soils often subject to water-logging in winter and drying out and
cracking in summer; where strong, cold southerly winds are interspersed
between cold northerlies in winter and hot northerlies in summer, may
perhaps serve as a starting point for gardens in similar harsh situations.
Shrubs 8 ft. to 15 ft. (8 m to 5 m) such as Melaleucas, Banksias, Grevilleas,
Hakeas, Acacias and Callistemons would be appropriate for average size
sites in built up areas. Small trees 15 ft. to 30 ft. (6 m to 10 m) such as
small and medium growing Eucalypts, taller Banksias, Acacias, Melaleucas
plus Tristanias, Lagunarias, Angophoras, Casuarinas, Pittosporums, etc. in
multi-row strips on small farms with even taller trees on larger properties.

In areas such as the Keilor Plains, where waterlogging is the most usual
cause of plant losses, especially this year, experience has shown that
Melaleucas such as M. ericifolia, M. squarrosa and M. squamea are amongst
the most suitable shrubs in the 3-4 m range where this situation occurs. Many
other Melaleucas are also successful where drainage is less than perfect, e.g.
M. armillaris, M. decussata, M. fulgens, M. tenella, M. nesophila, M. huegelii,
M. stypheliodes, M. bracteata, M. polygaloides and M. halmatuorum are all
worth trying with Callistemons to provide a dash of colour. The best species
probably are C. citrinus, with the hybrid C. “Harkness” (Gawler) being by
far the most spectacular and attractive.

Further evidence of the value of Melaleucas has been provided during
the current record wet weather, where many established trees have suddenly
collapsd after several years good growth.

Although a great many Eucalypts, Acacias, Casuarinas, Hakeas, Banksias,
etc., succeed well enough in the better situations, and are generally suitable
for boundary plantings, there have been numerous losses on badly drained
sites.

Eucalyptus spathulata appears to be amongst the most tolerant, and it
seems reasonable to suggest that close planting of plants in groups would
not only minimise wind damage and be more effective in every way, but
would also more quickly dissipate excess water from a given area.

TREES FOR HEAVY SOILS (not Limey)

Acacia acuminata, Gold Dust Wattle—see Trees for Limey Soil.

A. cambagei, Gidgee—bushy small rough-barked tree 10-15 ft., grey narrow
foliage, cream flowers. Ref. 38:84.

A. cardiophylla, Wyalong Wattle—small bushy tree 10-12 ft., feather-like foliage
with small leaflets, flowers bright yellow. Ref. 38:84.

A. harpophylla, Brigalow—upright tree 20-25 ft. Ref. 38:84.

A. normalis, Queen Wattle—ornamental tree, 15-20 ft., bright green feathery
foliage, pale yellow blossoms. Ref. 38:84.

A. pendula, Weeping Myall—attractive tree up to 20 ft., pendulous branches,

bluish narrow foliage, small flowers. Ref. 38:84.

salicina, Broughton Wattie—see Trees for Limey Soil.

Callistemon salignus, Willow Bottlebrush—upright tree 15-20 ft., new growths
pink, cream flowers. Ref. 20:253, 287.

Casuarina cristata and glauca—see Trees for Limey Soil.

C. luehmannii, Bulloak—tall, somewhat spreading tree to 25 ft., dark foliage.

Eucalyptus astringens, Brown Mallet—erect tree 35-40 ft., light brownish bark,
shiny leaves, cream flowers. Ref. 14:50.

E. brockwayi, Dundas Mahogany—see Trees for Limey Soil.

E. caesia, Gungurra—most attractive graceful small tree to 15 ft., brown shiny
bark, twigs whitish-purple, glaucous leaves, rose pink flowers. Ref. 14:51.

>

Ref. No. is previous issue of Australian Plants — cont. page 179



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Page 152—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MIMOSACEAE Sept., 1975

WATTLES

SOME INDIGENOUS ACACIAS OF THE UPPER HUNTER DISTRICT OF N.S.W.

By Forester J. Kennedy, Forestry Commission of N.S.W., Muswellbrook

The Upper Hunter area of N.S.W., comprising the districts of Scone,
Muswellbrook, Denman, Merriwa and Murrurundi, is a part of the N.S.W.
Coastal Division, but its natural flora is more akin to that of the Central
Western Slopes, which it joins to the west without the intervening high
Tablelands common to the rest of the State. The area is ringed by a loop in
the Great Dividing Range, which forms a rugged and high boundary to the
north and south, but a low one to the west is known as the Cassilis Geocol.
This area of gentle slopes up to about 550 m. has allowed an intrusion of
typically western species up to and beyond the limits of coastal flora.
Thus, in the Jerrys Plains district, “Western Wilga” (Geijera parviflora) and
“Brush or Scrub Wilga” (Geijera salicifolia) can be found growing in close
proximity. Likewise western acacias such as A. homalophylla, A. pendula and
A. salicina are also quite widespread.

Because of the great diversity of rainfall and soils in the Upper Hunter
District | have divided it, for the purpose of this article, into three areas:

1. The Northern Mountain Area, which includes the Western Slopes of
the Barrington Tops on the Mount Royal Range and the Southern
Slopes of the Liverpool Range. These areas range in elevation from
approximately 900 m. to 1500 m. and rainfall varies from 800 mm.
to 1,500 mm. Soil is variable, but mostly of basalt origin overlying
granite or sandstone.

2. The Central Lowlands, which includes the Flood Plains of the Hunter
and its tributaries and adjacent slopes and valleys. Average rainfall
is about 575 mm. and elevation ranges from about 100 m. to 500 m.
Soil is very variable, ranging from sandy or gravelly alluvium to grey
brown or red sedimentary soils and heavy dark cracking clays derived
from basalt.

3. The Southern Mountains and Goulburn River Valley. This section
occupies a wide tract of triassic sandstone country with a generally
low average rainfall down to about 550 mm. except on the western
boundary formed by The Great Dividing Range. This is by far the
richest area as far as acacias and native shrubs are concerned.

Acacias which have been sighted in each section are:

1. A. clunies-rossii; A. dealbata; A. decurrens; A. melanoxylon; A. mollissima.

2. A. amblygona; A. armata; A. botrycephala; A. brownii; A. crassa; A. cultri-
formis; A. cunninghamii; A. deanei; A. decora; A. decurrens; A. elon-
gata; A. homalophylla; A. mollissima; A. pendula; A. salicina; A. spec-
tabilis; A. suaveolens.

3. A. amblygona; A. armata; A. brownii; A. buxifolia; A. caesiella; A.
cheelii; A. crassa; A. cultriformis; A. cunninghamii; A. decora; A. de-
currens; A. doratoxylon: A. glaucescens; A. linearifolia; A. mollissima:
A. parramattensis; A. prominens; A. spectabilis; A. stricta; A. uncinata;
A. verniciflua; A. vomeriformis.

Most of these species have been described in previous issues but the
following have not been adequately mentioned.

A. clunies-rossii—Phyllodes narrow-oblong—elliptic, 4.6 cm long, 4.8 mm
wide, obtuse with a short mucro, pubescent even when mature with short
hairs. Flowers up to 10 in each head. Legume straight, up to 6 cm long.
Shrub or small tree to 6 m.



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Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MIMOSACEAE Page 153—Vol. 8

WATTLE TREES ARE IDEAL SCREEN TREES

There is an Acacia for every conceivable application from prostrate plants,
small shrubs, large rounded shrubs to sturdy trees. If you take advantage of
their quick growing to fill in a space with colour as shown below or with good
foliage character, remember they should be replaced every 3-4 years for best
appearance.

TOP LEFT: Acacia amblygona — low spreading, prickly, 1.5 m

TOP RIGHT: Acacia uncinata — tall shrub, ash coloured foliage
BOTTOM LEFT: Acacia caesiella — shrub to small tree.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Acacia spectabilis — a famous free-flowering tree



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Page 154—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—MIMOSACEAE Sept., 1975

A. mollissima (syn. A. mearnsii)—Black Wattle— Phyllodes bipinnate,
consisting of 6-20 pairs of pinnae, softly pubescent, the young shoots tinged
with golden yellow. Pinnules short and broad, 1.2 mm-3 mm long. Glands
numerous and extending along the whole length of the rhachis. Legumes
black sub moniliform, 4.9 cm long, 4.5-8 mm broad.

A. amblygona—Phyllodes lanceolate to ovate, usually oblique, 6-18 mm
long, 2-5 mm wide, rigid. Legume coiled or curved, up to 6 cm long, con-
stricted between the seeds on the suture lines, blackish, low spreading
prickly shrub to 1.5 m high.

A. crassa—Falcate—elliptic prominently nerved phyllodes 5-15 cm long
and 10-20 mm wide. Flower heads golden yellow spikes 3-5 cm long by 3-5
mm wide. Small to medium tree.

A. cunninghamii (Curracabah)—Phyllodes falcate—Ilanceolate 7-10 cm
long, 10-20 mm wide. Spikes 2-6 cm long. Legume curved up to 10 cm long.
Tall shrub to small tree.

A. caesiella—Phyllodes linear 3.7 cm long, 3-4 mm wide, acute and
often with a short mucro, pubescent while young but becoming quite glabrous
when mature. Flowers 20 in each head. Legume straight up to 7 cm long
and 7 mm wide. Attractive shrub to small tree.

A. cheeliii (Motherum bung)—Phyllodes and young branches glaucous.
Phyllodes falcate—elliptic 6-10 cm long, 9-15 mm wide. Spikes 3-6 cm
long. Legume straight up to 8 cm long. Small to medium tree.

A. uncinata (Syn. A. undulifolia)—Ash-coloured 6-12 mm long ovate or
almost orbicular phyllodes. Flowers 20 in each head. Legume ovate to broad
oblong, 4-5 cm long by 2.3 cm broad. Tall shrub often scrambling in habit.

A. linearifolia—Phyllodes linear, sometimes falcate, 5-10 cm long, 2-4
mm wide, usually with a short curved mucro bent at an angle to the phyllode.
Phyllodes 1-nerved bearing a gland on the upper margin between the middle
and the base. Legumes 3-6 cm long. Attractive pendulous tree often glaucous
when young.

EDITOR'S NOTE: It is hoped that other readers will follow the example above and
report on the ‘‘wattles’” growing in their area. This is a good way to build up a full
coverage of the many species of Acacia in Australia.

NATIVE CURRANT JELLY

by Miss E. Oakley, 6 Hewitt Ave., Wahroonga, 2076

When we lived at Hazelbrook we used the berries of the “native currant”
Leptomeria acida to make a jelly or relish to eat with cold meat. We boiled
them with sugar and water, strained the mixture and the jelly set fairly firmly.
We were given the recipe by an old woman who lived in the district.

The shrub is parasitic on the roots of nearby plants. It has slender
needle-like foliage similar to Casuarina and grows to one to two metres. |
have found it growing at Turramurra and in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
On a good specimen the berries would be almost a centimetre across. They
are too tart to eat raw. | think | have collected them in the spring.

Dr. L. A. S. Johnson, Chief Botanist, Sydney Herbarium reports as follows:

Leptomeria acida—There are several other species of Leptomeria native
in Australia, the majority in Western Australia. However, L. acida is restricted
to the forests and woodlands of eastern N.S.W. whereas most of the other
species occur in drier, more inland habitats.

The shrub is semi-parasitic, not wholly parasitic, on the roots of nearby
trees and shrubs. It has slender stems with small, scale-like leaves similar to
Casuarina—the foliage (i.e. the leaves) is not needle-like! It grows to 3-4
metres high.

Editor's Note: | was pleased to receive this report from Miss Oakley as we are
collecting this information for future publication so that it will not be lost. Naturally such

reports are checked as far as possible and we wish to make sure that the plant cannot
be confused locally with one with poisonous fruit.



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Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR DRY AREAS Page 155—Vol. 8

Interesting Plants of the Flinders Ranges
by John Zwar, Horticultural Adviser, E.T.S.A., Leigh Creek Coalfields

The following group of plants can be found in the Northern and Central
Flinders Ranges area of South Australia although some are widely distributed
in other dry areas of Australia. Some, such as Pittosporum phillyreoides
the ‘‘Native Apricot’” and Santalum acuminatum, the ‘‘Native Peach” have
been cultivated in gardens for many years, but others are certainly worthy
of cultivation and may also be found successful in the future. Some of the
plants described are particularly interesting in that they are native fruits
e.g. “Native Plum” and “Native Pear” and some of them were important to
Aboriginals because of their food value.

Santalum lanceolatum—Family Santalaceae ‘“‘Native Plum”

Is an attractive upright shrub or small tree to 4 metres in South Australia.
Also a root parasite. Foliage is waxy and glaucous and leaves are lanceolate
to ovate lanceolate and taper to a point. Leaves are 3-8 cm long and
1.5-3.5 cm broad. Pale coloured flowers are arranged in short branched sprays
and appear in spring and summer. Small plum like dark blue fruits are
about 1.4 cm long and 1 cm wide, and were eaten by natives.

There is also a var. angustifolium which is a tall erect shrub or small
tree and has thinner narrow lanceolate leaves. The variety resembles
Pittosporum phillyreoides in habit. Santalum lanceolatum has a wide dis-
tribution in the drier parts of South Australia and other mainland states.

Capparis mitchellii—Family Capparidaceae ‘‘Native Orange”

Is a shrub or small tree to 6 metres with a dense rounded crown. Branches,
leaves and flowers are clothed with short dense tomentum. Foliage is obovate
to broad lanceolate 2.5-3.5 cm long and usually 2 short stipular spines are
present at the leaf base. Flowers can appear any time and occur singly near
the ends of branchlets. Usually there are 4 or 5 cream to pale yellow
partly woolly petals and numerous stamens. Flowers are about 1 cm long x
1 cm wide. The fruit is a globular dull greenish berry 2-5 cm diameter
when ripe and the edible pulp contains several seeds. Capparis mitchellii
is found in the North Flinders Ranges and Far North East of South Australia
also Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Santalum acuminatum—~Family Santalaceae “Native Peach” or “Quandong”

Is a shrub or small tree to about 4 m. It is a root parasite and has a
smooth slender stem and a light crown of short erect branches. Foliage is
light green and the lanceolate leaves are opposite. They are 5-19 cm long
and taper to a short curved point. Creamy white flowers occur in spring in
branched sprays at the ends of branchlets. Fruits are 2-3 cm diameter and a
hard pitted spherical stone which contains an edible kernel is covered by a
bright red fleshy outer layer, which can be eaten or used for jam making.
The ‘‘stones” can be used for necklaces etc. Santalum acuminatum is
widely distributed in the warmer parts of mainland states. In South Australia
it is found in Mallee areas, the Flinders Ranges and other highlands, and
in parts of the Far North and West.

Codonocarpus pyramidalis—Family Phytolaccaceae

Is a small attractive tree with horizontal or drooping branches. It grows
to about 6 metres and has a neat erect habit. The foliage is a fresh green
colour and leaves are linear acute, about 5-12 cm long. Flowers are small
and insignificant and appear in spring or summer after good rains. The
carpels form a bell shaped campanulate fruit about 15 mm long. Codonocarpus
pyramidalis is endemic in South Australia occurring only in the North Flinders
Ranges. The flowers and fruits are similar to those of C. cotinfolius, the
“Desert Poplar’ which is widespread in sandy areas of inland Australia.
Unlike the “Desert Poplar”, Codonocarpus pyramidalis will live for many years.



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Page 156—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR DRY AREAS Sept., 1975

Eremocitrus glauca—Family Rutaceae ‘“‘Desert Lime”

Is a prickly shrub or small tree to 15" with numerous ascending branches
and sparsely spaced small scurfy green leaves and numerous spines. New
plants often originate as suckers from a long lived underground rhizomatous
stem. The small white flowers usually appear in spring and occur either
singly or in small leafy clusters of 2 or 3. After flowering small lemon
coloured berries form which vary from lemon shaped to spherical. The inner
edible pulp which contains the seeds is enclosed by a thin outer rind.

Pittosporum phillyreoides—Family Pittosporaceae ‘‘Native Apricot” (above)

This is a small graceful tree or shrub from 4-6 m with long narrow
pendulous willow like foliage. The linear lanceolate leaves are 3-10 cm
long and 3-10 mm broad and ends are either tapered or hooked. The
inconspicuous pale yellow flowers appear in spring and develop into an
apricot coloured ovoid shaped capsule, 1-2 cm long, which splits open
to reveal numerous sticky red seeds. Pittosporum phillyreoides has widespread
distribution in all mainland states and in South Australia occurs all over the
state except the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges and the South East. It is
easily propagated by seed which takes 3-4 weeks to germinate. This small
tree combines the advantages of being both ornamental and very hardy.
I have even seen them growing in 4” average annual rainfall country
North East of Marree. The sticky seed is probably distributed by birds.



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Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR DRY AREAS Page 157—Vol. 8

Marsdenia australis—Family Asclepiadaceae ‘‘Native Pear”

This plant is a long slender twiner with hoary stems and branches. It
usually climbs in other shrubs e.g. Acacias and the rootstock may be some
feet away from where the foliage appears. Leaves are linear and acute and
hoary when young, 4-10 cm long Flowers occur in dense solitary umbels.
Fruits are 4-10 cm long and apbout 3 cm thick. They ripen from a green
colour to a dark purple brown colour and when dry split open to reveal
a mass of seeds with silky white comas which are then dispersed by wind.
Marsdenia australis is found in the Flinders Ranges and Far North and
West of South Australia and other dry parts of Australia, generally near
water courses. The young fruit is eaten by aboriginals. Seed germinates readily.

Photography by F. W. Humphreys

ALYOGYNE HAKEAFOLIA

A beautiful shrub found on the Flinders Ranges and ideal for the garden. The
flower in the centre has the most unusual colour. The flowers are very simllar to
“Sturt's Desert Rose'' Gossypium sturtianum featured in other Issues.



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Page 158—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROPAGATION Sept., 1975

PLANTS FOR DRY INLAND

Trees suitable for planting in the dry hot inland and their care are given
on page 164. A whole issue was devoted to wildflowers of Central Australia
and their cultivation, well illustrated in colour — lIssue No. 58. The principal
author, Des Nelson, reports further:

| have seen reports that claimed Brachychiton gregorii was deciduous
or opportunely deciduous, i.e. having leaf drop in severe drought. My
experiences refute this. Brachychiton gregorii proved itself to be one of the
most drought resistant trees in the Centre during the big drought of 1958-1966.
| travelled frequently through Ammaroo station, en route to Argadargada
station during the drought. On part of Ammaroo is a strip of red sandy desert
country in which there is much Eucalyptus gamophylla, E. pachyphylla,
assorted Acacia spp. and quite a lot of Brachychiton gregorii. | knew this
area before the drought began having helped bring a mob of cattle through
it in the early 1950’s. Of all the trees and shrubs in this area, Brachychiton
gregorii was the toughest, looking healthy and green right till the end of
the drought and retaining a full canopy of leaves. Below the ground this
species has a very large swelling. | guess it is similar to the lignotuber of
some eucalypts and no doubt this aids the species to survive dry times.
| did in fact pay a lot of attention to the performance of trees and shrubs
in that drought. Other species very drought resistant were “Supplejack”,
Ventilago viminalis and Gidyea, Acacia georginae. One of the least resistant
was “Mulga”, A. aneura, which died in great numbers from about the fifth
year of the drought. | used to use the area of Brachychiton gregorii as a dinner
camp area as there was always a nice shady Desert Kurrajong.

PLANTS FOR ALPINE AREAS
Please refer to our No. 60 issue devoted to wildflowers of Alpine Areas.

TREES FOR EVERY SITUATION — THE EUCALYPTS
Our No. 61 issue was devoted to describing many Eucalypts.

PROPAGATION

Most issues have sections describing the home propagation of wildflow--
ers. The plants described in this issue, as well as being hardy and helping
to cheer your environment are very easily propagated by the many simple
methods described in previous issues. The following method is for those
who want to try growing from cuttings but could be used also for seeds. In a
warm or hot position use a piece of hessian bag for a cover instead of plastic.

PROPAGATION IN MINIATURE

Four or five holes are cut in the sides of a half gallon plastic bucket
with a knife. This provides drainage for a medium which for cuttings could
be two parts of sphagnum or peat moss and one part of coarse sand or
perlite. A second wire handle is attached to the original handle at right
angles and hooked onto the lip of the bucket. These form a frame for the
“tent”, a large plastic bag dropped over the handies and secured under the
bucket lip by cord or rubber band.

Not only does it require little space it is easily moved with seasons
to get the correct amount of sun or shade. You can get full sun in winter
forcing those late cuttings on while filtered sun in summer will ensure
good results in the automatic humidified conditions.



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Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PROPAGATION Page 159—Vol. 8

Some Current Research on Australian Plants

By Dr Byron Lamont
Department of Biology, W.A. Institute of Technology

This afticle examines papers on Australian plants given at recent meetings of the
Australian Society of Plant Physiologists (May 1974, Adelaide) and the International
Plant Propagators’ Society (October 1974, Canberra).

The Australian flora contains about 15,000 species of flowering and spore-
bearing plants of which 85% are probably restricted to this continent. Fol-
lowing clearing for agriculture, settlement, forestry and mining, and invasion
by numerous exotic species, however, the stability and diversity of the flora
has diminished. For example, six species in Western Austrralia alone have
become extinct since European settlementi, 100 are considered endangered or
rare by the Western Australian Herbarium, and 300 have been collected only
once (Specht, Roe and Boughton, 1974). In addition, variation at the sub-
Eucalypts, is virtually unknown (Boden). For example, ecotypes of Boobialla
(Myoporum insulare) were revealed when specimens from inland Australia
grew poorly on saline coastal soils compared with specimens of the same
species propogated from parent plants indigenous to the coast (Aitken). The
strongest argument for the prevention of further loss of this genetic diversity
species level is important in biological and horticultural research, but the
existence and safe-keeping of any biotypes and ecotypes, apart from some
is the outstanding potential of the flora for use in ornamental horticulture (e.g.
Grevillea), silviculture (e.g. Eucalyptus), food production (e.g. Macadamia),
agronomy (pastures — e.g. Astrebla; fodder — e.g. Acacia; possible disease
resistant relatives of established crops — e.g. native sorghum, cotton and
tobacco), and medicine and cosmetics (essential oils — e.g. Boronia; alka
loids — e.g. Duboisea; anti-cancer agents — e.g. Scaevola), as well as making
rewarding subjects for studies in evolution (e.g. Isotoma) and methods of ad-
aptation to environmental extremes (e.g. Atriplex). The following are examples
of recent attempts by nurserymen and scientists to explore some of this
potential.

Sterile culture in the propagation of Australian plants

Mclintyre and Whitehorne of the Canberra Botanic Gardens reported on
their work with tissue culture of the Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos). The tech-
nique involves extricating small pieces of tissue from the apices of stems or
leaves, sterilising with sodium hypochlorite, and placing on agar medium
containing a synthetic plant hormone (naphthalene acetic acid). This induces
the tissue to produce an amorphous mass of cells called callus. This tissue is
cut into smaller pieces and placed in another flask, containing macerated
bananas as well this time, but lacking growth substances. Gradually shoots
develop from the mass of cells. To induce root formation the new plantlets
are then placed in another flask containing a different plant growth substance
(kinetin), but lacking banana extract, the whole process taking about 12
weeks. By this means Mclintyre & Whitehorne estimate that at least 600 Kan-
garoo Paw plants may be obtained from the one stem apex. This could be-
come a rapid method of increasing the number of plants of otherwise sterile
hybrids of Kangaroo Paw which, for example, Keith Oliver of the W.A.LT.
Chemistry Department has produced over recent years.

Similar work on the Sturt Pea (Clianthus formosus) showed that plantlets
could be produced from green stem tissue in five weeks. No plantlets develop-
ed when non-green callus was used. While the Sturt Pea is a highly prized
ornamental plant, it has the disadvantage that it is an annual and must be re-
planted each year. However, its New Zealand relative, Clianthus puniceus, is
a vigorous perennial. Miss Whitehorne has therefore developed a technique

(Continued on page 161)



@@@ 16 @@@



TOP: Flowers of Stylidium graminifolium. In the flower
set. In the flower on the left, the column has been fired and the labellum, the modified

on the right, the column Is
fifth petal against which the column rests when set, Is visible as a yellow structure
The mobile region of the column Is clearly distinguished by Its red colour

BOTTOM: Plants of the alpine form of Stylidium graminifolium and flowers

S. lineare, similar species which grows in S.E. Australla



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Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—RESEARCH Page 161—Vol. 8

in which young Sturt Pea seedlings, grown under sterile conditions, are
grafted onto Clianthus puniceus stock. When the seed leaves of a young Sturt
Pea seedling are fully opened the apex is removed by a V-cut at the base
of the young stem. This portion is inserted in a vertical slit in the decapitated
tip of the stem of a 6 week old New Zealand Pea seedling, also grown under
sterile conditions. The resulting micrograft is held in place by a fine pin,
pushed through the overlapping portions of the two species — a very delicate
operation. The grafted seedling is returned to the jar for a further six weeks,
after which time the plant is gradually introduced to normal levels of humidity.
The final result is a vigorous perennial creeper bearing magnificent red and
black pea flowers.

The operation of the column of Trigger Plants

A feature of the flowers of the Trigger Plant, Stylidium, is the presence
of a curved column or trigger which bears four pollen sacs and a receptive
stigma at its apex. The column is sensitive to mechanical stimuli, such
that an insect gathering nectar from glands at the base of the column is liable
to trigger the movement of the column. Drs G. P. and C. H. Findlay of
Flinders University, South Australia, have found that on firing, the column
turns through an angle of 160 to 300° in 10 to 30 thousandths of a second,
depending on the species of Stylidium. In so doing, the apex of the trigger
dongs the hairy thorax or abdomen of the insect visitor (they have been
known to knock some insects stunned to the ground) transferring pollen to
them or picking up pollen already caught on the insect. This ingenious method
helps ensure that the flowers are cross pollinated. After firing, the column
takes ten or so minutes to return to its original position before it will respond
again. These researchers have also found that within the mobile bend of the
column, unlike in the rest of the column, there is a region of thick-walled
cells. They have proposed a model to explain the movement of the column
following stimulation which involves a rapid movement of water and salts out
of one side of this region causing cell contraction and hence forcing the
column to bend. The water and salts are then slowly pumped back to the
original cells to reset the trigger.

The production of hybrids between normally incompatible species of

Eucalypts

Pryor and Willing of the Australian National University, Canberra, have
been able to produce healthy offspring between Eucalypt species which nor-
mally are not able to cross-fertilise. At the outset, the hundreds of pollen-
bearing stamens are removed from a flower just as the bud cap is about
to drop off, and then the emasculated flower is bagged to prevent pollination
occurring. After two days the now-receptive stigma is lightly brushed with an
organic solvent, such as hexane. This disorganises the incompatability factor
that is present on the surface of the stigma. Stamens from the other parent
plant are now brushed over the stigma to transfer pollen to it. After germina-
tion of the resulting seed, the existence of a hybrid can be verified by the
leaf shape and venation of the seedling lying mid-way between both parents.
obviating the need to wait for flowering to occur. Eucalyptus grandis (sub-
genus Symphyomyrtus, section Transversaria), and E. leucoxylon (Symphyo
myrtus, section Adnataria), have been hybridised by this technique. These
studies open the way for the production of cultivars with new and valuable
characters, while the relative ease of removal of such incompatibility barriers
gives an indication of the affinity between species, to supplement information
already available on their morphology.

Do Sundews really devour insects?

The rosette and climbing sundews (Drosera) with their sticky hair-like
tentacles which catch insects, are well known. It has always been assumed
that these plants digest the insects as a means of supplementing their
nutrient supply — but it is another thing to prove it! So Chandler and An-



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Page 162—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—RESEARCH Sept., 1975

derson of La Trobe University, Victoria, set about feeding vinegar flies to
some sundews. After two months they found that these Droseras had grown
30% more than those not fed any flies This was only the case if the plants
received distilled water or nutrient solution lacking nitrogen. If the plants were
watered with a balanced nutrient solution containing nitrogen instead, then
those not fed insects grew just as well as those supplied with insects. This
indicates that if the plani is not receiving adequate nitrogen from the soil,
as is the case in the sandy habitats of most Drosera species, then this sup-
plementary nitrogen from the insects helps sustain growth.

However, sundews grown under sterile conditions could only digest the
flies to a limited extent. Substantial growth of the sundews occurred only
when microorganisms were present in the slime on the tentacles. These
microorganisms secrete a range of enzymes necessary for the complete de-
gestion of the insects.

Specialised roots in the Banksia family

Most members of the Australian Proteaceae (e.g. Banksia, Hakea, Dry-
andra, Grevillea, Conospermum, Telopea) and one legume, Viminaria, produce
dense, bottlebrush-like clusters of rootlets called proteoid roots. In Western
Australia, experiments by Lamont have helped develop a model of the con-
ditions under which the production of these specialised roots is enhanced.
Low levels of soil nutrients reduce general growth of the plant, but favour
the production of proteoid rather than non-proteoid roots. Proteoid roots are
formed provided certain microorganisms envelope the parent root to supply
an extra biological stimulus (or cofactor) required for the initiation of pro-
teoid rootlets. It is interesting that while these roots are not produced under
sterile conditions, they are not themselves inhabited by microorganisms, un-
like other symbiotic associations, such as root nodules. While the high con-
centration of normal roots just beneath the litter layer in field soils is prob-
ably due to the high levels of nitrogen in these regions, the high concentration
of proteoid roots in these same regions is probably due to their high microbial
activity.

Since proteoid roots make up 50% or more of the root system and are
situated in the humus layer, where most soil nutrients and water are found,
these structures must be of major importance to the welfare of the plant,
and helps to explain why members of the Banksia family are most abundant
in the poorest of sands, sandstones and lateritic soils. On the other hand, the
presence of these delicate surface roots probably explains why these plants
are soon killed by digging around them, applications of inorganic fertiliser,
and the presence of Jarrah dieback disease (a soil fungus).

Effects of shoot damage on subsequent growth of Eucalypt seedlings

Wilson and Bachelard of the Australian National University were interested
in the extent to which seedlings of the Mountain Ash, a major source of
hardwood timber, could recover from damage to the shoots. They found that
if the shoot of an actively-growing seedling was cut back to ground level, or
all the leaves were removed, then the plant died within two weeks. If they
left two or more leaves, then it survived. When the sap in the root systems
of defoliated plants was examined after eight days it was found to contain
unusually high levels of tannins, phenols and other toxic substances. The
plant was in fact poisoning itself!

But were these poisons produced by the roots or the shoots? Since the
bark is the passage for sap to pass from the shoots to the roots, these
scientists prevented sap in the shoots reaching the roots by ring-barking
the stem. The rcots and shoots continued to grow vigorously indicating toxic
substances were not being formed and accumulating in the shoots. When the
inner sapwood was girdled as well as the bark, the ieaves wilted after one
week, the plant eventually dying from the base upwards. Now, the wood is
the passage for sap passing from the roots to the shoots. It is the loss of



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Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—RESEARCH Page 163—Vol. 8

water from the leaves by transpiration which “pulls” the sap from the roots
through the wood to the leaves. Wilson and Bachelard therefore concluded
that decapitation or defoliation prevents transport away from the roots of
potentially toxic substances which would otherwise be deposited or con-
verted to less harmful substances in the leaves. Their next task will be to
determine how the toxins inhibit root growth.

Concluding remarks

The research described here is making a significant contribution to our
knowledge and appreciation of the Australian flora. For the sake of perspec-
tive, two points should be noted however. Firstly, the examples discussed are
not necessarily representative of the work currently underway on Australian
plants, for such active fields as taxonomy, anatomy, cytology, palaeontology
and biogeography were not covered by these conferences. Despite this, even
from these conferences, it is clear that the genus Eucalyptus is receiving
more attention than would be anticipated from its mere 4% contribution to
the total number of species in Australia. This is no doubt due to its complete
dominance, in terms of height and biomass, of much of the vegetation, and
hence its central role in the forestry industry.

And secondly, of the papers dealing directly with plants, only 20% of the
research was conducted on indigenous species. This is understandable on
at least two counts. Most of the frontiers of biology are now at the subcellular
level; the main question being asked is ‘“what goes on inside the plant?”
The descriptive phase has been largely replaced by a mechanist phase.
(Though the presence of the electron microscope has introduced a vigorous
descriptive component as well). The tragedy for Australian botany is not
so much that we have adopted the concerns and approaches of other twen-
tieth century scientists, but that we largely missed out on the nineteenth
century approach (except perhaps for Bentham’s monumental Flora Aust-
raliensis) while the flora was still intact.

It is almost irrelevant to much of the current, rather esoteric, research
as to the origin of the plant material examined. So agricultural (exotic) plants
are used: they are more easily obtained, more vigorous and easier to cultivate
in the glasshouse and field trial area, and less trouble to prepare for analysis
(softer tissues) than native plants. In addition, Australian plants have nothing
like the economic implications of the traditional species used in agriculture
and horticulture. It follows that more employment opportunities, potential profits
and research funds exist in these areas. Nevertheless, the studies reported
here indicate that the scope for Australian plants as subjects for pure and
applied research is certainly being realised. To quote Aitken “We have in
our flora an almost unlimited source of experimental material. At the present
time it is something of a national disgrace that more use of our plants has
been made by Floridans, Californians and Israelis than by ourselves. It is
time we got on with the job.”

REFERENCES
Specht, R. L., E. M. Roe and V. H. Boughton (1974) — Conservation of Major Plant Com-
munities in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Aust. J. Bot. Supp. No. 7.
International Plant Propagators’ Society Meeting:

1 Aitken, R. — Some salt tolerant native plants.

2. Boden, R. W. — The responsibility of the plant propagator in environmental management.

3. Mclintyre, D. K. & G. J. Whitehorne — Tissue culture in the propogation of Aust. plants.

4 Pryor, L. and R. R. Willing — The production of interspecific hybrids between incom-
patible pairs of Eucalypts.

8 Sonter, A. G. Australian native ferns — development of commercially acceptable forms.
Australian Society of Plant Physiologists’ Meeting

1. Chandler, G. R. and J. W. Anderson — Studies on the uptake of metabolites via the
leaf tentacles of Drosera species.

2 Dooley, D. and N. B. A. Trivett — Relationships between transpiration, photosynthesis
and leaf water potential in Mitchell Grass (Astrebla lappacea).

3 Findlay, G. P. and C. H. Findlay — The anatomy and movement of the column of
Stylidium.

4. Lamont, B. — The physiology of proteoid root formation.

5 Smith, R. C. G. and J. R. McWilliam — Comparison of water use by native (C4)
and introduced (C3) pasture communities under field conditions.

6 Wilson, B. F. and E. P. Bachelard — Root activity following decapitation of Eucalyptus

regnans seedlings.



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Page 164—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN DRY AREAS Sept., 1975

TREES IN DRY AREAS

THE SALINITY PROBLEM IN DRY AREAS OF AUSTRALIA AND HOW IT
CAN BE OVERCOME

By J. Zwar, formerly Horticultural Adviser, Leigh Creek, South Australia

There are many problem areas in the drier parts of Australia which are
caused by excess salinity of the soil and often worsened by saline irrigation
water. The problem has been faced by people in inland and dry coastal
towns for many years, and with the expansion of these places and new
towns being built for mining and other purposes many more people will
be confronted with salinity. It is by no means impossible to overcome this
problem, and | will describe methods of combatting salinity which can be
used by home gardeners or property owners.

Salting is caused by a rise in the water table or by a fluctuating
water table which brings the salt solution to the soil surface and when
the water evaporates salts remain at the soil surface. High water tables
occur when there is an impervious clay pan in an area of enclosed drainage,
and this prevents the saline water from soaking away to lower levels where
it would not cause damage to plant growth. The reason that this water is
saline is that in low rainfall areas soil often has a high concentration of
salts, and when leached down to the water table by rain or irrigation
the solution in the water table becomes more concentrated.

In Leigh Creek we have a situation where there is a low average
annual rainfall (about 6%z inches) with a very high rate of evaporation.
The soil is extremely heavy clay. When the town was established about twenty-
five years ago people planted gardens and over the years watered heavily,
because of the dry hot climate. All went well for a number of years but
eventually the water table rose because of the heavy watering and
impervious clay sub-soil. A situation occurred then when extremely heavy
summer rains caused the water table to rise sharply and this was followed
by extreme heat wave conditions. Naturally, large numbers of trees with
their root systems in very saline water and faced by prolonged extreme
temperatures, collapsed and died within a short space of time. The
problem has been serious ever since. Eventually it may be possible to
remedy the situation by an extensive and very costly drainage system
which would keep the water table down to a certain level.

| will describe how the situation can be overcome on a small scale,
for example in a home garden, assuming that it is not possible to lower
the water table. The reclamation of saline soils involves:-

(1) The neutralisation of excess salinity and replacing exchangeable sodium
with calcium.

(2) Leaching of soluble salts.
(8) Improving the physical condition of the soil.
(4) Growing salt tolerant plants.

I will now discuss these points in more detail.

(1) Excess salinity is in effect neutralised by the addition of gypsum
(calcium sulphate) to the soil. Gypsum is fairly cheap and should be added
to saline soil at the rate of twenty pounds to one hundred square feet.
Regular heavy watering washes the gypsum into the soil where it “neutralises”
the soil salts. It should be cultivated into the topsoil for best results.
Gypsum improves the structure of heavy clay soils without increasing alkalinity.
This treatment can be repeated every four to six months on badly affected
sites. (Aust. Plants Vol. 3, No. 28, page 344.)



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Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS IN DRY AREAS Page 165—Vol. 8

Correct watering

(2) Correct watering is most important in overcoming a salinity problem.
Soluble salts are leached out of the soil by heavy regular watering. Frequent
light waterings are most harmful as they leave salts near the soil surface
and encourage poor root growth. A heavy soaking once or twice a week
(depending on the time of year), is best as this leaches salts to the water
table. The more saline the irrigation water, the more should be applied
each irrigation to keep the water moving down through the root zone
to leach out any salt that would otherwise begin to accumulate. It is
most important to keep the surface of the soil covered with vegetation or
mulch as this lessens evaporation of water from the soil and a consequent
accumulation of salts in the soil surface. Watering is most effective at night
in hot dry areas as evaporation is lower then. If watering with brackish water,
apply it to the ground by flooding, rather than by using sprinklers which
wet foliage so causing burning from salts. Drip or trickle irrigation systems
are relatively cheap and easy to operate and are most effective. They apply
water where it is needed and little evaporates. They can be laid on or
just below the soil surface. By this regular deep watering of gardens, salts
as well as being leached down to the water table are leached to the outer
edges of the watered area but at least the area within can be kept relatively
salt free and gardened quite successfully.

Soil improvement

(3) The physical condition of the soil can be improved by mulching,
preferably with organic matter, digging in rotted down mulches, animal
manures and compost. The value of mulch cannot be over emphasised. As
stated earlier gypsum ‘“opens up” and improves the structure of heavy clay
soils. If available sand can be incorporated with heavy clay topsoil to improve
its physical condition.

Choice of plants

(4) Salt tolerant plants should be grown. Aim to cover all bare ground
with lawn or ground cover plants which are low and dense. Paths or bare
areas should be thickly gravelled or paved (which in effect mulches the
soil surface and helps prevent an accumulation of salts), and bare ground
in garden beds mulched heavily. Lawn cuttings or other organic matter is
best as it improves the physical condition of the soil as well as covering
the surface. After a time as the salts are gradually leached from the soil
surface a much wider range of plants can be grown than at first, but
measures to help salts down in the water table must be constantly undertaken.

The following is a list of native salt tolerant plants which were successful
at Leigh Creek. The notes refer to their growth and habit under Leigh Creek
conditions which may vary considerably in other areas.

Acacia iteaphylla, “Flinder’s Range Wattle”, S.A. Fairly salt tolerant and forms
a beautifu! dense bush to 2 m high with pale lemon flowers and attractive
bluish pendulous foliage.

A. ligulata, “Umbrella Bush”, S.A., W.A., N.T. Moderately salt tolerant large
spreading shrub with deep yellow flowers and green foliage.

A. oswaldii, “Miljee”, S.A., N.T., N.S.W., Vic. A small slow growing shrub
or small tree with greyish foliage. Fairly salt tolerant.

A. pycnantha, “Golden Wattle”, S.A., N.S.W., Vic. A very fast growing upright
tree but short lived—8-10 years. Spectacular golden flowers and will
tolerate some salt. 6-8 m.

A. retinodes, “Wirilda”, S.A., Vic. Bushy shrub with yellow flowers and is
fairly salt tolerant.

A. rostellitera, W.A. Large bushy shrub 3-4 m with attractive bluish foliage
and spectacular golden flowers. Very hardy and salt tolerant.

A. salicina, “Broughton Willow”, S.A, N.T., W.A, Qld, N.SW., Vic. An
attractive tree 3-10 m tall with pendulous foliage. Very salt tolerant and
hardy. Appreciates occasional flooding.



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Page 166—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR DRY AREAS Sept., 1975

A. sowdenii, “Western Myall”, S.A. Slow growing bushy tree with silvery
needle-like foliage and attractive when in flower. Fairy salt tolerant. 4-6 m.

A. victoriae, ‘“Elegant Wattle”, S.A., N.T., Qld., N.SW. A hardy shiny shrub,
often not attractive but showy pale cream flowers. Fairly salt tolerant.
2-3 m.

Alyogyne hakeifolia, “Red Centred Hibiscus”, S.A.,, W.A. A hardy erect shrub
to 8 ft. with green foliage and mauve or cream hibiscus like flowers.
Fairly salt tolerant.

Brachychiton gregorii, ‘“Desert Kurrajong”’, S.A., W.A. An attractive upright
small tree with glossy green lobed leaves. Moderately salt tolerant. 4 m.

B. populneum, “Kurrajong’”, Qld., N.S.W., Vic. A shapely upright shade tree
with glossy dark green leaves. Fairly salt tolerant. 9-11 m.

B. rupestre, ‘“‘Bottle Tree”, Qld. Shapely upright tree with lobed glossy
green leaves and distinctive bottle shaped trunk. Fairly salt tolerant. 6 m.

Cassia artemisioides, S.A., N.T., Qld., N.S\W. A hardy shrub with narrow
silvery foliage and masses of rich yellow flowers. Fairly salt tolerant. 1-2 m.

Casuarina cristata, “Black Oak”, S.A., N.S.W., Vic. Hardy upright tree with
drooping foliage and grey green colour. Fairly salt tolerant. 9 m.

C. glauca, “Swamp Oak”, Qld., N.SW. A tall upright hardy tree with dense
dark green foliage. Very salt tolerant. 16-18 m.

Eucalyptus camaldulensis, ‘“‘River Red Gum’, Australian mainland states. A
tall upright sometimes spreading tree with whitish bark and bluish foliage.
Fast growing and very salt tolerant. 16-25 m.

E. campaspe, “Silver Gimlet’, W.A. Small tree to 9 m. Attractive mealy
bark and glaucous foliage. Fairly salt tolerant. Old bark is smooth red brown
colour.

E. calycogona, ‘"Square Fruited Mallee”. S.A., W.A., Vic. Small hardy mallee
to 4-6 m which is moderately salt tolerant.

Eucalyptus occidentalis, ‘“‘Flat Topped Yate”, W.A. A very fast growing
upright tree. Fairly salt tolerant. 8-12 m.

E. pterocarpa, W.A. An upright shapely tree with cream flowers which is fairly
salt tolerant. 4-6 m.

E. salmonophloia, ‘‘Salmon Gum’, W.A. A tall upright tree with glossy
green foliage and lovely salmon coloured smooth bark. Moderately salt
tolerant, 16-18 m.

E. sargentii, “Salt River Mallet”, W.A. An upright tree with smooth green
to red coloured bark. Fairly salt tolerant.

E. spathulata, “Swamp Mallet”, W.A. An upright to bushy tree with smooth
red brown bark and narrow attractive blue green foliage. Very salt
tolerant. 8-12 m.

E. torquata, "Coral Gum”, W.A. Spreading small shade tree 6-8 m. Masses
of white, yellow, orange or pink coloured blossom. Moderately salt tolerant.

E. woodwardii, “‘Lemon Flowered Gum’”, W.A. Small tree with whitish bark
and large glaucous leaves. It has large lemon coloured flowers and is
moderately salt tolerant. Grows to 6 m.

Grevillea nematophylla, “Water Bush”, S.A., W.A., N.S.W. Small tree with long
silvery needle-like foliage and masses of creamy white flowers. 3-8 m.
Fairly salt tolerant.

Hakea leucoptera, ‘“Needle Hakea’. All mainland States. A small tough tree
to 9 m. Rough bark and sharp needle-like silvery foliage. Moderately
salt tolerant.

Melaleuca armillaris, “‘Bracelet Honey Myrtle”, Qld., N.S.W., Vic. An upright
shrub inclined to be chlorotic at Leigh Creek. Useful as a tall hedge
and moderately salt tolerant.

M. glomerata, “Inland Paper Bark”, S.A., N.T. W.A, N.SW. A shrub to
small tree with white papery bark and small greyish foliage and white to
cream flowers. Fairly salt tolerant. Useful for hedges. 2-7 m.

M. halmaturorum, “Kangaroo Island Paperbark”, S.A., Vic. Small dense bushy
tree or shrub with papery bark and small leaves. Very salt tolerant. 3-5 m.



@@@ 23 @@@



Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS FOR DRY AREAS Page 167—Vol. 8

M. lanceolata, “Dryland Tea Tree”, S.A., W.A., N.S.W. Vic. A shrub with
rough bark and small grey leaves. Moderately salt tolerant.

Melia azedarach var. australasica, “White Cedar”’, N.S.W., Qld., P.N.G. and
Asia. A deciduous but very fast growing upright shade tree. Fairly tolerant
of salinity. 4-12 m.

Myoporum montanum, “Myrtle”, S.A. A hardy erect bushy shrub with green
foliage and white flowers. Subject to scale insects. 2-4 m. Extremely salt
tolerant.

M. platycarpum, “Sugarwood”, S.A., W.A., N.S.\W., Vic. An attractive rounded
bushy green shrub or small tree. Pendulous foliage and white flowers.
4-7 m. Fairly salt tolerant.

Nitraria schoberi, ““Nitre Bush”, S.A., W.A., Vic., N.S.W., Asia Minor-Mongolia.
Rigid spreading shrub 1-2 m. Glaucous foliage and purple red fruits. Very
salt tolerant. Ground cover or low hedge.

Pittosporum phillyraeoides, ‘‘Native Apricot”, dry temperate Australia. Small
graceful tree to 6 m with pendulous foliage and orange yellow fruits.
Fairly salt tolerant.

Santalum lanceolatum, ‘“Native Plum”, S.A., N.S.W. Small tree with glaucous
foliage, 3-4 m. Fairly salt tolerant.

These plants listed above are those most likely to succeed on a saline
site under conditions similar to those at Leigh Creek.

In Leigh Creek we have found that although the extremely saline water
table is very high, by careful selection of plants and following the procedures
mentioned, very attractive gardens have resulted, although gardens surrounding
them have been all but destroyed by salt damage.

SOIL IMPROVEMENT — USE OF MULCHES

To supplement “Soil Improvement” above, a report:

Clay subsoil can be turned quickly into quality top soil by incorporating
sawdust which has a high carbon-nitrogen ratio and ammonium nitrate mixed
to provide 24 pounds of nitrogen per ton of sawdust.

A study on mulches for their ability to influence plant growth was made
by the Dept. of Horticulture of the University of Minnesota, U.S.A. Although
a honeysuckle was used as the trial plant, the results are of interest as
all mulches produced better growth than a control plant without mulches.

Ranked in descending order of growth produced—black plastic, chopped
hay, wood chips, black plastic overlaid with 2" of a granite rock, fibreglass
mat, granite rock, cottonseed hulls, sawdust, a calcined clay and corncobs.
The greatest growth was achieved with the mulches that maintained highest
soil temperatures. The black plastic kept the soil 10° warmer than corncobs
and resulted in 30% more growth. (In most temperate to warm areas it is
not warm soil temperature that is the criterion and with natives that require
a cool root run these mulching materials are given in the reverse order
of desirability).

In an extremely dry season, the mulches that conserved moisture best
produced the most growth being in order, fibreglass mat, chopped hay, wood
chips, black plastic, black plastic and rock, cotton seed hulls, rock, corncobs,
sawdust and the calcined clay.

The point is that mulching does improve growth and conserve moisture
and previous issues have described various mulches and their application.

TO MULCH OR NOT TO MULCH

There has bsen considerable debate over this. This issue is devoted prin-
cipally to the cultivation of trees and shrubs in hard situations and the use
of mulches is usually best — keep them away from the trunk of the tree
where it enters the ground to enable the trunk to dry out and get strong.

The next few issues will be devoted to the cultivation of more delicate
shrubs in reasonable garden conditions and will describe how not to use
mulches.



@@@ 24 @@@



Page 168—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—FERNS Sept., 1975

HARDY FERNS

THE GENUS PYRROSIA MIRBEL IN AUSTRALIA
by David L. Jones

The genus Pyrrosia Mirbel consists of over 100 species of fern ranging
from Siberia to south-eastern Asia and Australia, where there are five
species confined to the eastern mainland states. They have a creeping rhizome
and entire or simply branched or bifurcated fronds with large exindusiate
sori which generally become confluent with age. The frond surface, particularly
around the sori, is usually covered with masses of white or brownish
stellate hairs.

All five Australian species are epiphytes or lithophytes in rainforest,
scrubland bordering rainforest, on rock faces near streams or less commonly
in open forest situations. They often grow in large patches festooning tree
trunks or rocks and usually in association with other epiphytes. At least
two species are quite drought tolerant.

All are very easy in cultivation requiring slab culture or a coarse
epiphyte type potting mixture (firbark, charcoal, fibre, coarse sand, etc.).
They make excellent basket subjects and respond well to feeding with
liquid fertilizers. They do best in the humid atmosphere of a glasshouse but
three species can be successfully cultivated without this protection at
least as far south as southern Victoria. Propagation is readily carried out
by division of the rhizome or spores sown onto chopped up tree-fern fibre.

KEY TO AUSTRALIAN SPECIES

1. Sorl restricted to extreme apex of fertile fronds, usually as a confluent
horseshoe shaped band ... ... e P. confluens
Sorl scattered over at least half the length of the fertile fronds 5 SRS
2. Fertile frond narrowing in the upper half to a linear portion bearlng
massed sorl (sori small, rhizome scales edged with fimbriae) .. P. adnascens
Fertile frond of uniform shape throughout and not contracting to a

fertile portion ... ... ... ... ..o 3
3. Fronds very thick “and coriaceous; sorl Iarge "rhizome scales edged with

TIMDLIBG; oox orar covar waom rimen apws swvw mosse povse  weswuses: Hegs p. dielsll

Fronds not thlck and fleshy sorl Iarge or small; rhizome es not

edged with fimbriae ST SR Ly 5 et o o e B Ss mest ey paes: e SeseneslB 4
4. Fronds markedly dimorphic, the rhizome densely clothed ely

appressed, entire, papery scales (diminutive fern) P. rupestris

Fronds not dimorphlc, the rhizome sparsely clothedm\)vlth'pab'ery

winged scales and attractively patterned (stout, robust fern) ... P. longifolia
P. adnascens (Forst. f.) Ching

Rhizome long creeping, branched, clothed with loose squarrose, papery,
lanceolate scales bordered with short fimbriae. Fronds scattered along the
rhizome, dimorphic, simple, coriaceous, rugose when dried. Sterile fronds
5 to 9 cm long including the stipes, lanceolate to oblanceolate or spathulate;
apex obtuse or truncate. Fertile fronds 10 to 17 cm long including the
stipes, narrower than the sterile fronds, narrow-lanceolate in the basal half
then abruptly tapering to a linear-caudate fertile section; apex acute to
subacute or obtuse. Sori 0.5 to 1 mm in diameter, irregularly crowded
along the fertile portion and becoming confluent with age.

Distribution: In Australia confined to central Cape York Peninsula,
particularly in the area of the Mcllwraith and Iron Range; extending northward
through New Guinea and various islands to Malaya.

Notes: An uncommon to rare species in Australia found only on trees
in the monsoonal rainforests of the ranges of central Cape York Peninsula,
extending to about 760 metres (2500) altitude. It can be readily distinguished
from other Australian species by the narrowed fertile section of the fronds.

Cultivation: An easy species to grow but one that is frost tender
requiring a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F. It can be grown successfully
on slabs of tree fern or in pots or baskets of a coarse mixture.



@@@ 25 @@@



ept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—FERNS Page 163—Vol. 8

Sori and scales variously enlargad from normal size as shown.

(a) Pyrrosia adnascens. Plant less than 2 full size

(b) P. confluens. Plant about 3 full size (1 cm scale measures 0.7 cm).
(c) P. dielsii. Plant about 3 fu!' size.

(d) P. longifolia. Plant shown less than V2 full size.

AUSTRALIAN FERNS

This is one of a series of articles on ferns. The last issue described the
life cycle of a fern and gave details of their propagation.



@@@ 26 @@@



Page 170—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—FERNS Sept., 1975

P. confluens (R.Br.) Ching

Rhizome long creeping, much branched, clothed with narrow-lanceolate
dark brown or glossy scales bordered with short fimbriae. Fronds scattered
along the rhizome, dimorphic, simple or occasionally bifurcate, coriaceous.
Sterile fronds from 1 to 18 cm long including the stipes, linear-lanceolate
to narrow-oblanceolate; apex rounded, truncate, emarginate or subacute,
usually shorter than the fertile fronds. Fertile fronds 3 to 30 cm long
including the stipes, linear-lanceolate to narrow-elliptical; apex rounded,
obtuse or subacute. Sori 0.2 to 2 cm in diameter, usually restricted to the
extreme tip as a confluent, horseshoe shaped brown patch; occasionally
forming a single rounded patch or rarely as rows of separated sori.

Distribution: Widespread in Australia from north-eastern Queensland to
the Hunter River area of northern N.S.W. ranging from sea level to over

920 metres (3000°) altitude; also New Caledonia, Norfolk Island and Lord
Howe Island.

Notes: A very common species growing principally in rainforests but
also extending to rockfaces and trees in open forest (particularly Casuarinas)
where it often grows with clumps of large epiphytes such as Platycerium
bifurcatum and Davallia pyxidata. In sunny situations the fronds became
dwarfed, leathery and bleached to a pale yellow-green. In times of drought
the fronds may curl and shrivel but swell again with rain. The species
does not spore freely in dense shade and fronds which are sterile in such
situations may rapidly develop sori when placed in light. In shady situations
the fronds may become very long and a lush dark green. The species
is easily recognised by the confluent spore patch confined to the apex of
the fertile fronds.

Cultivation: An extremely easy species to grow and one that is
sufficiently hardy for bush-house conditions in southern Australia. It can be
grown on slabs of tree fern or in pots of a coarse mixture and is ideally
suited for basket culture.

P. dielsii (C. Chr.) Tindale

Rhizome long creeping, much branched, clothed with broad-lanceolate,
closely appressed, dark brown scales bordered with short fimbriae. Fronds
scattered along the rhizome, dimorphic, simple or occasionally bifurcate or
even lobed, very thick and coriaceous. Sterile fronds from 3 to 8 cm
long including the stipes, oblong to spathulate, usually shorter than the
fertile fronds; apex rounded, obtuse or broadly emarginate. Fertile fronds
5 to 12 cm long including the stipes, lanceolate to oblanceolate; apex
rounded, obtuse or emarginate. Sori 3 to 5 mm in diameter, usually
scattered along a single line on each side of the midrib, becoming confluent
with age, particularly towards the apex.

Distribution: In Australia confined to the ranges and tablelands of
south-eastern Cape York Peninsula, above 610 metres (2000’) altitude.

Notes: Despite its restricted distribution in Australia this species is locally
abundant in the highland areas of north-eastern Queensland, particularly
on the Atherton and Evelyn Tablelands. It grows on trees along the edges
of rainforest and in particular colonizes individual trees left after clearing.
It can be easily recognised by the thick fleshy fronds and large sori. Sterile
fronds often have a silvery sheen on the back from the massed white stellate
hairs.

Cultivation: An extremely easy but fairly slow growing species that is
hardy in the scant protection of a bush-house in southern Victoria. Cultural
requirements as for the earlier species except that it is not as tolerant
of shade and for best results requires a fair amount of light.



@@@ 27 @@@



Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—FERNS Page 171—Vol. 8

P. longifolia (Burm. f.) Morton

Rhizome long creeping, much branched, sparsely clothed with pale,
papery, winged scales and dark spots giving an attractive patterned appear-
ance. Fronds scattered along the rhizome, hardly dimorphic, simple, not
coriaceous and with thickened margins. Both sterile and fertile fronds 10
to 40 cm long including the stipes, linear to narrow-lanceolate; apex rounded
to subacute, often unequal. Sori 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter, scattered along
the upper half of fertile fronds in irregular rows and becoming massed
towards the apex and confluent with age.

Distribution: In Australia confined to north-eastern Queensland from
sea level to 460 metres (1500') altitude.

Notes: A very striking and spectacular species that is abundant in the
coastal belt around Tully and Innisfail in north-eastern Queensland. It forms
large dense clumps in rainforest and readily colonizes street trees, farm
trees, etc. The clumps are very crowded and the stiffly erect long leaves
give a unique appearance. The young leaves have a fresh silver-green sheen
but in nature quickly become covered with fungi and lichens. The species
is easily recognised by its long stiff leaves with thickened margins and the
attractively patterned rhizome.

Cultivation: Once again an easy species to grow but it is very frost
tender and requires a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F). Because of its
vigour it is best grown on a large slab or in a basket.

P. rupestris (R.Br.) Ching

Rhizome creeping, much branched and forming matted patches, densely
clothed with pale, rusty, papery, lanceolate scales. Fronds scattered along
the rhizome, very dimorphic, coriaceous, simple, densely clothed on the
lower surface with rusty coloured stellate hairs. Sterile fronds 1 to 8 cm
long including the stipes extremely variable in shape from rounded to
oblanceolate or spathulate; apex obtuse, truncate occasionally emarginate.
Fertile fronds 2.5 to 20 cm long including the stipes linear-elliptical to
narrow lanceolate, usually narrower and ionger than the sterile fronds; apex
obtuse. Sori 1 to 3 mm in diameter, crowded into 1 to 4 irregular rows
on each side of the midrib for about three-quarters of the length of the
fertile frond, becoming confluent with age, especially near the apex.

Distribution: Widespread in Australia from north-eastern Queensland to
eastern Victoria ranging from sea level to over 760 metres (3000’) altitude;
also New Guinea.

Notes: This is probably the commonest and best known member of
the genus in Australia. It is commonly found adorning trees in rainforests
and along creeks but also extends to rock faces and open forest in similar
situations to P. confluens. In sunny situations the fronds become dwarfed
and the hairs dense and very reddish. The fronds may curl and shrivel
with drought but quickly swell after rain. A specimen with fronds up to
20 cm long was collected near Wollongong in N.S.W.

Cultivation requirements as for P. confluens.

KEEPING DRIED SPECIMENS

| have started a specimen collection—pressed leaves, flowers, fruit, etc.
| guess lots of members do this. | would like some suggestions about the
best method; plastic bags with a card inside saying date, place, etc. is
my method. Does anyone sell cards printed for the purpose or some box
for the bags? What is the best method?—Ilan M. Johnstone, P.O. Box 196,
Armidale, N.S.W. 2350.

There may be many members making a collection of plants in certain
areas. Please advise editor of details and your recommended methods. Such
a collection mounted for display would be ideal for shows. How would you
mount it?



@@@ 28 @@@



Page 172—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—INSECTIVOROUS Sept., 1975

PLANTS AND INSECTS

There is a wide interest in plants that devour insects and Australia has
many such plants occurring naturally. Previous issues have described these
plants and illustrated them in colour, references being given below. The way
in which one group of these plants, Drosera, digests insecis is examined on
page 161.

The cultivation of another carnivorous plant is described below.

The dependence of plants on insects for pollination is also widely known
and the action of the “Trigger Plants” in ‘“banging a bee on the bottom” is
described on page 160 with a colour plate to illustrate the report on the action
of this trigger mechanism described opposite. Some reference in last issues
listed below may be of interest.

PEOPLE, PLANTS, INSECTS and BIRDS are necessary for harmony in the
garden and for survival of all, so let us be more tolerant with nature, sit back
and observe the wonders of nature and use that spray gun only rarely.

Australian Carnivorous Plants — Vol. 3, No. 27, page 219 mentions them all Including:
Nepenthes mirabis, the ‘‘Tropical Pitcher Plant”’. 27:319.
Aldrovanda vesiculosa, the ‘‘Water Wheel Plant”. 27:319, 35:291.
Byblis gigantea, B. liniflora, the ‘‘Rainbow Plant”. 8:28p, 9:23, 27:321.
Drosera, ‘‘Sundews’’. Many species. 27:319, 35:287-291, 60:355, 359.
Cephalotus follicularis, the ‘““W.A. Pitcher Plant’’. 8:26, 28p, 27:319, 29:28, 34, 36p.
Polypompholyx, the ‘‘Pink Petticoats’. 35:293, 324.
Utricularia, the ‘‘Fairy Aprons’ or ‘“Bladderworts’. 35:292.
Trigger Plants — Stylidium. 9:15-17, 32, 23:106, 133, 40:168, 42:267.

GROWING CEPHALOTUS FOLLICULARIS, THE ALBANY PITCHER PLANT
Though this plant was thoroughly treated in Vol. 1, no. 5, page 86

(Sept. 1961) the important subjects of its cultivation and propagation were

not well covered and it is hoped that this article will complete this.

In Sydney this plant is easily grown in plastic pots of peat moss which
stand in saucers of water. Ordinary peat moss straight out of the packet is
satisfactory after a thorough mixing with water. As the peat tends to splash
over the plant a topping with sphagnum or another medium is desirable.

In Sydney tap water is satisfactory but in some districts it is not and
rain water needs to be used. This plant often grows among scrub
and reeds | find it grows best in a sunny position and if shade is too great
the plant grows poorly. The hottest weather Sydney gets has caused my
plants no harm and on several occasions it has frozen solid during
heavy frosts. It merely thawed out again—undamaged. The use of fertilizers,
manures and insecticides is dangerous and should be avoided.

Theoretically this plant can be increased by seed and vegetatively. |
know of many failures from seed including all my own despite very fresh
seed and a variety of treatments. The only deliberate attempt to raise seed
which resulted in a few small seedlings was as follows. The seed was scattered
on a pot of sphagnum and covered with glass. A few seedlings appeared after
about 8 weeks and more 6 weeks later. This was not done by me and
my attempts to imitate it produced nothing. A friend who has several
plants of it had a few self sown seedlings appear in a pot of another plant
nearby. It was growing in sphagnum and the seedlings appeared where
they had been sheltered by its leaves. Recently | also have had a few self
sown seedlings appear.

Fortunately vegetative propagation is easier but as the plant is fairly
slow growing it tends to be rather slow. Plants may be simply divided. Often
all leaves and pitchers die if the disturbance is too great but the rhizome
remains alive and more growth soon starts. Plants also will start from
cut up pieces of rhizome and | recently found one which had grown from a
piece of root which was old and thicker than most roots and though much
thinner than a rhizome was rather like one in texture. Experiments with this
are desirable because the other methods require the breaking up of the
rather slow growing plant.



@@@ 29 @@@



AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—NURSERYMEN Page 173—Vol. 8

DO YOU VALUE YOUR JOURNAL?

Binders of excellent quality are available from the Editor for $1.50 plus 25 cents
postage. They are sturdy, vynex covered, go!d lettered and assemble to appear like a bound
book on your book shelves. They are avaiiable with gold numbers 3, 4, 5, or 6 on the spines,
or without numbers. They sell at almost cost price as a service to you.

FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS
Meetings of members in local suburban or town groups. Regular meetings with
illustrated addresses in capital cities and major regional centres, free supply of seed and
advice on cultivation, field trips, flower shows, publications (Australian Plants as well as
State news journals) and participation in Study Groups into cultivation of selected groups.

SUPPORT THE SPECIALIST WILDFLOWER NURSERYMEN

If readers require a service with a wide range of plants, you must support the
specialist nurserymen advertising with us.

Sept., 1975

The largest range In Australla from

Aust ra,flo X° &) which to select. Mall orders catered
for wlithin Australla and Overseas.
Nursery Bl onfy
Open 9-5.30 Mon.-Sat.; 12-5.30 Sun.
during Spring and Autumn.
W. & J. MOLYNEAUX NURSERIES Agencles In Canberra A.C.T. and
PTY. LTD. Millicent S.A.
1975 catalogue — 60c at Nursery,
BELFAST RD., MONTROSE, VIC. 3765 $1.00 posted

ALEXANDER PLANT FARM
(Doug Twaits, Prop.)
2 Winlfred Stree3t64OESSENDON, vIC.

Phone: 379-5163

EVERYTHING FOR THE GARDEN
Specialising in Australian Native Plants

Greenbriar Drive-in Nursery
AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS
Large and Varled Selectlon

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

Phone: 43-1468 —_ Open Weekends

Nindethana Native Plant
Seeds

By Packet, Ounce or Pound
Large selectlon. Send for free llst.

NINDETHANA

Box 129, Welllngton, 2820

BELBRA NURSERY

In the heart of the Gramplans
LARGE RANGE OF AUSTRALIAN
NATIVES

Closed Wednesday only
BOX 12, HALL'S GAP, VIC. 3381

MICHIE’S KENTLYN NATIVE
PLANT NURSERY

Specialising in Australian Plants
Beth & Bob Michie invite you to call
96c GEORGE'S RIVER ROAD,
KENTLYN, N.S.W. 2560
Phone: Campbelltown 25 1583
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday only

NAROOMA NATIVE NURSERY
(H. & N. RYAN, Proprietors)

15 TILBA STREET, NAROOMA, N.S.W.
2546 — Phone 132

Good varlety of native plants.
Catalogue Avallable 10 cents.

WIRRIMBIRRA

Hume HIighway between Tahmoor and
Bargo, N.S.W.

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS

Wide Range — Phone: 841112 Bargo
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

"CHIVERS’ NATIVE PLANT
NURSERY"

26 Cowper Road, Black Forest, S.A.
5035 — Phone: 93-7808
Open Aprll-May — Catalogue Avallable
From March 1st—Send 10 cent stamp
No Interstate Orders

Huge Selectlon from grounc
E%}A_K o __ cover to trees, rare and the
~ /T common, slzes large or small

, 5\ Australis g
0, Saturday and Sunda
COLLECTORS NURSERIE NATIVE PLANT SPECIALIST pen aturaay an u y

KEVIN REED
Cnr BELLEVUE CRES and SEAFORD RD SEAFORD V]c. 3198 (Closed Mon. & Tues.)

PRESERVATION BY CULTIVATION Closed Tuesdays

FLORALANDS

KARIONG, vla GOSFORD, N.S\W. 2250 — Prop. Brlan & Lyn Parry
A large variety of the most popular native plants at nursery
PHONE: Gosford 25-1142 Send self addressed envelope for plant list.

Clearview Nursery—W. Cane, Box 19 Maffra, Victorla, 3860. Speclallst In developed plants.



@@@ 30 @@@



Page 174—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—NURSERYMEN Sept., 1975

FOR A DIFFERENT SELECTION OF NATIVE PLANTS

ALBION PARK NURSERY

150 PRINCES HIGHWAY, ALBION PARK RAIL, N.S.W. 2527 - PHONE: (042) 562865

No Mall Orders — Closed Tuesday and Thursday
Lakkari Native Plant Nursery PARSONS NATIVE PLANT
Russell & Sharon Costin
Wide range of all common varieties, NURSERY
many interesting and hard to get plants, Trees, Shrubs, Ground Cover, Climbers
new introductions from North Queens- Speclallsing In Grevllleas
land and other tropical areas. 5. i
477 REDLAND BAY ROAD, Open Thur., Frid., Sat. 9-5; Sunday 9-1
CAPALABA, BRISBANE — 2064119 Research—Warrandyte Rd., Research
(closed Thursdays) 3095
SUPPORT YOUR AUSTRALIAN PLANTS CENTRE
SPECIALIST Visit the best range of natlve plants on
the Gold Coast
WILDFLOWER SORRY—NO MAIL ORDERS
PINE RIDGE ROAD, COOMBABAH,
NURSERYMEN QLD. 4215 — Closed Mondays

DEANES ORCHID NURSERY

Specialising in Australian Native Orchids
Please send for descriptive list. Plants sent anywhere.
Nursery open every weekend—weekdays, phone 86-3446
157 BEECROFT ROAD, BEECROFT, N.S.W. 2119

FOREST (02) 450 1785
NATIVE NO MAIL ORDERS

9 Namba Road, Duffy's Forest, N.S.W.

. NURSERY (beside Waratah Park, via Terrey Hills)

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Telephone: 602-7404, 602-3126 S.T.D. 02



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Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Page 175—Vol. 8

NORTH QUEENSLAND ORCHIDS

In the previous issue Bob Smythe gave advice on the cultivaiion of orchids in the
garden at Townsville: Suitable Dendrobium are:

Dendrobium johannis

This is a hard cane dendrobe very resistant to winds and harsh con-
ditions. The plant grows well on small garden trees; on large trees it tends
to be shed, as to hold on, the roots need to wrap around the branches. The
flowers are yellow to yellow brown and are most attractive though not out-
standing as the colour tends to blend into the background. Flowers are long
lasting and some large flowered forms exhibit an outstanding large bright
yellow diamond shaped lip.

Dendrobium linguiforme “Thumb Nail Orchid”

A very attractive small orchid which although uncommon in the mountains
near Townsville is quite plentiful on the Atherton Tableland. The plant es-
tablishes easily within the crown of native shrubs covering quite considerable
areas. The flower is white and feathery with the racemes appearing from
below the short squat leaves which lie flush against the host plant. Flowering
occurs in Winter.

Dendrobium luteocillium

This orchid makes an attractive basket subject if grown in fern fibre under
the shade of a tree or in some other protected area. In the garden the stems
tend to hold their leaves and the plant grows into an attractive clump. If you
are fortunate enough to see this plant in flower you will be very pleased with
the clusters of yellow flowers which grow in pairs along the stem. Unfortunately
this plant, like its close relatives Dendrobium baileyi and Dendrobium can-
croides has extremely short lived flowers. Dendrobium luteocillium can be
found from Cardwell north, D. baileyii extends down to Mt. Spec whilst D.
cancroides ranges south to the tributaries of the Tully River.

Dendrobium rigidum

This small dendrobe grows exceptionally well in Townsville gardens
where it reaches a height of 15 cm. It flowers almost the whole year round.
The favoured hosts of this plant are mangroves and since it does so well in
Townsville, it is surprising that its natural range does not extend further
south than the Russel River. In appearance the plant is a series of short
thick closely packed leaves which form a semi-pendulous clump.

The flowers are small (less than 2 cm in diameter) and are cream
coloured with a red edged lip. The quantity of flowers and the frequency
of flowering make this plant more than just a botanical curiosity.

Dendrobium smilliae “‘Bottle Brush Orchid”

An attractive epiphyte found growing north of the Cardwell Range which
has both attractive form and flower. The old pseudobulbs are leaflets but
produce flowers year after year and should not be removed unless they have
dried out or have been attacked by the orchid beetle. Individual flowers are
quite small being approximately 1 cm across but they are tightly packed
on a spike which looks very much like a bottle brush. The flower colours
range from green and white to green and pink. The latter is considered more
attractive. This plant is a lowland species which cultivates very well especially
when grown in oid coconut husks.

Dendrobium tetragonum ‘‘Spider Orchid”

Dendrobium tetragonum var. giganteum grows prolifically near Ingham
where it is almost always found on trees overhanging water. Forms from
southern or mountainous regions do not flower well in Townsville. The yellow
flower is very large and spider like and is heavily spotted with maroon
patches. The plant is easily identified by the pseudobulbs which are square
in cross-section. Flowering season is Winter.



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Page 176—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Sept., 1975

ORCHIDS IN THE GARDEN

by M. Reynolds

At the time of writing (fourth of May, 1974) twenty seven different West
Australian terrestrial orchids have reproduced in my garden in Yorkine,
which is four miles from the heart of Perth.

These are easily the best results since | started growing orchids in 1961.

Over the past two years | have covered almost the whole of my garden
area with screened gravel to a depth of about four to five centimetres. |
believe that this has helped in the retention of some moisture in the soil
so that the tubers of the orchids have not been dried right out by the heat
of our coastal sand. The garden area is also covered to a large degree by
rocks, large and small, hollow logs and mallee roots, which are used as
hosts for tree orchids and complete the ground cover which has given
such a successful start to this season. To emphasise the point, | feel the
reason for success is the layer of gravel over the garden.

One other method | have found quite successful is to plant orchids
around clumps of fibrous rooted plants. | feel that possibly the moisture
is retained more in these clumps and the tubers do better than they would in
an open situation.

When transplanting orchids from private land about to be cleared, |
make sure that all soil is washed off. In this way the plant gets a completely
new start and if it survives the charge of soils it seems to thrive much more
quickly. | found when | first started growing orchids and bringing back the
plants in their soil they grew quite well for some time and then died off.
My theory was that as soon as the mature plant roots penetrated into the
new soil they weren't able to sustain the change of soil.

The terrestrials which have done best for me in the garden situation
over a number of years are Diuris longifolia, Caladenia patersonii, Caladenia
menziesii, Caladenia latifolia and to a lesser extent Elythranthera brunonis.

The first four have done particularly well.

1. Caladenia patersonii—This plant has kept reappearing for four years.

2. Caladenia menziesii—Has multiplied from approximately twenty to
one hundred and fifty over an area of about three metres.

3. Caladenia latifolia—Five plants planted in 1969. This year twenty-
three plants.

4. Diuris longifolia—Has grown in the same garden area for six years
and has multiplied. The plants have grown up to the rocks on the side of
the garden, then outside the rocks into the lawn.

5. Elythranthera brunonis—Plants seem to reproduce easily, but flowering
is uncertain and lacking in colour. This year could be different as more plants
are growing and look much healthier.

7. Pterostylis recurva—Has reproduced—but uncertain.

8. Pterostylis barbata—Has reproduced—but uncertain.

9. Caladenia gemmata—Very uncertain.

10. Caladenia flava—This is the hardest orchid | have tried to grow.
| have succeeded in getting the full plant out and planted and had it
flower but the plants just have not showed again.

11. Cryptostylis ovata (evergreen)—I have this plant growing in (a) sunnv
position, (b) shaded position, (c) in a basket in a shady situation and all
plants have been growing well for four years. So far | have had only two
flowers.

Over the years many of these plants have produced seed cases and
shed, but | have not as yet found any plants from seed. If there were it is
doubtful | would find them as they would most likely be pulled out with the
many weeds with which | have to contend.



@@@ 33 @@@



Sept., 1975 Page 177—Vol. 8

Photography by C. J. Winn

LYPERANTHUS NIGRICANS (left): Found in all states except Queensland this
robust orchid to 30 cm high is found growing in colonies in damp sandy
conditions. The large fleshy leaves at the base identify this species.

LYPERANTHUS SERRATUS (right): Found only in W.A. where it is the only
narrow-leafed species, this robust plant grows to 36 cm.

Flowering of these plants in cultivation over a period has proved frustrating
and reports from those successful would be appreciated.



@@@ 34 @@@



Page 178—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—ORCHIDACEAE Sept., 1975

| have experimented with Lyperanthus nigricans and although the plant
has come up for three years and | have built fires over it when it died off
I have not been successful in getting it to flower. This year is the first
year also that | have been able to get Lyperanthus serratus to come up again.

The first of the orchids to be observed was Thelymitra crinita which has
come up in large numbers. | am also carrying out experiments with Thelymitra
crinita and Pterostylis recurva using Magamp. The orchids which have the
fertiliser are looking much larger and healthier than the plants in the garden
situation at the moment.

| also have two large pots of Elythranthera brunonis on which | have
also used Magamp and | am eagerly awaiting the results, as this orchid
flowered very well for me in the garden last year.

At the beginning of 1972 | became interested in Australian epiphytes
and lithophytes and now have a fairly large collection which have to
endure outdoor conditions. Most of the Dendrobium spp. have done reasonably
well but it appears that most of the Bulbophyllum and Sarcochilus need
a shadehouse at least. | have five Bulbophyllum plants still growing well,
but as yet they have not flowered.

The whole of my backyard is now encircled by trees and shrubs and
has almost completely, filtered light. With many creepers and ferns humidity
is kept up fairly well and moisture is retained thus helping considerably in
our very dry summer conditions.

Since January 1972 | have had twenty four tree orchids flower. Those
which have done best are Dendrobium falcorostrum, D. gracilicaule, D. beckleri,
D. racemosum, D. aemulum, D. adae, D. bigibbum, D. teretifolium var.
fasciculatum and D. ruppianum (all of which have flowered in successive years),
Cymbidium canaliculatum, Calanthe triplicata (which grows very well in a
shady spot near a small fish pond) and six Dendrobium crosses.

Dendrobium speciosum and D. kingianum have grown very well but
as yet have not flowered although the six Dendrobium crosses have been
crossed with either D. speciosum or D. kingianum.

As well as growing plants on trees and in tree baskets | have built
rock mounds which have been topped by hollow logs and log trays which are
proving very successful.

When | started growing epiphytes | treated them much as you would a
Cymbidium, giving them plenty of the potting medium in which to grow, but
| have since found that they do not appreciate having their roots buried deep.
As long as the roots are firmly fixed (and even semi-exposed) so that the
plants are not unsteady they seem to do very well. Some orchids which were
deep planted have certainly done much better since they have developed
new exposed roots.

The main components | have used as a ‘“potting” medium are charcoal,
tree fern cuttings (chopped up fronds) and the toughest bark | can find,
in about equal parts. | have also used old gum-nuts, sheoak nuts and even
the tough seed coverings from the Jacaranda trees. In fact anything of
this type which does not break down readily may be used.

With this mix | have used Magamp and poultry manure and almost
without exception the orchids in my garden have thrived on this combination.

| am looking forward to the flowering season to see if the plant flowering
this year increases or decreases, then | will have a better idea as to how
well these plants have adapted to the conditions | have established in my
backyard.

Australian Indigenous Orchids by A. W. Dockrill — Price $21.00 plus $2.00 postage.

This is the only complete reference book to all the eplphytic orchids of Australla
and those terrestrial orchids found in the northern areas. Every species is shown In detall
with enlargements of the parts on a separate full page beautifully drawn sketch. Opposite
the sketch is a full botanical description with references, but for the non botanist, the
description is repeated in simple terms. No other book can match it for detail, accuracy
and colour. It will never be out of date as supplements are produced (two to date) and
sent free on request to each purchaser of the book.



@@@ 35 @@@



Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LANDSCAPING Page 179—Vol. 8

TREES FOR HEAVY SOILS (NOT LIMEY)—continued from Page 151
E. campaspe, Silver Topped Gimlet—neat hardy tree 15-20 ft., silvery branches
and leaves, cream flowers. Ref. 14:51.
E. cladocalyx and E. cladocalyx v. nana—see Trees for Limey Soil.
E. cneorifolia, Kangaroo Island Mallee—small tree or mallee to 20 ft., deep
green narrow leaves, cream flowers. Ref. 43:316.
. dielsii—see Trees for Limey Soil.
dundasii, Dundas Blackbutt—erect tree 25-30 ft., upper trunk smooth,
reddish brown, green leaves, white flowers. Ref. 14:51.
. eremophila, Tall Sand Gum—see Trees for Limey Soil.
. erythrocorys, Red Cap Gum-——attractive, white-trunked small tree to 15 ft.,
glossy green leaves, spectacular large yellow flowers 3 ins. diam., red
caps. Ref. 11:8.
E. erythronema, Lindsay Gum—neat, free-flowering white-trunked small tree
to 10 ft., glossy leaves, red flowers. Ref. 14:51.
. falcata, White Mallet—see Trees for Limey Soil.
. flocktoniae, Merritt—mallee or shapely small tree 15-20 ft., shiny leaves,
abundant deep cream flowers. Ref. 14:51.
E. forrestiana and E. gardneri—see Trees for Limey Soil.
E. gillii, Curly Mallee—somewhat gnarled small tree 15 ft., blue cordata
foliage, white flowers. Ref. 43:314.

E. hemiphloia, Grey Box—erect tree to 35 ft., rough bark, greyish foliage,
white flowers. Ref. 38:84.

E. lansdowneana, Crimson Mallee Box—maliee or small bushy tree to 12 ft.,
green foliage, colour range of flowers from cream to purple. Ref. 43:317.

E. largiflorens, Black Box—vigorous rough-barked tree to 30 ft., dull narrow
foliage. Ref. 43:315.

E. leucoxylon and E. leucoxylon ‘“Rosea’—see below.

E. lehmannii, Bushy Yate—low bushy tree 10-15 ft., yellow green foliage,
flowers long, green in tight heads. Ref. 48:164.

E. maculata, Spotted Gum—beautiful tree, 25-30 ft., dappled grey bark,
broad green foliage, white flowers, frost tender whilst young. Ref. 48:163.

E. nutans, Red Flowering Moort—small bushy tree 10-15 ft.,, rounded leaves,
flowers nodding, cream to crimson in colour. Ref. 38:85.

E. occidentalis, Swamp Yate—tall tree 30-35 ft., with rough grey bark, large
yellow flowers. Ref. 38:85.

E. platypus, Round Leaf Moort—compact, vigorous small tree to 15 ft., thick
rounded leaves, greenish yellow flowers. Ref. 38:85.

E. salmonophloia—see page 182.

E. salubris, Gimlet—neat tree to 20 ft.,, fluted trunk, smooth shiny greenish
red bark, dark olive green leaves, whitish flowers. Ref. 38:85.

E. sargentii, Salt River Gum—medium-sized tree to 20 ft., smooth. Ref. 38:85.

E. spathulata, Swamp Mallet—small attractive bushy trees 15-20 ft., erect
narrow bluish leaves, cream flowers. Ref. 41:213.

. steedmannii, E. stoatei, E. stricklandii, E. torquata—see previous list.

. wandoo, Wandoo—tall straight white-trunked tree 35-45 ft. Ref. 38:85.

. woodwardii, Lemon Flowered Gum—smail tree 10-15 ft., whitish trunk, semi-
pendulous branches, foliage whitish, broad, thick, showy, yellow flowers
in clusters. Ref. 14:53.

Ficus macrophylla, Moreton Bay Fig—robust spreading tree 35-40 ft., broad

brownish green leaves, frost tender when young. Ref. 38:85.

Lagunaria patersonii, Pyramid Tree—erect broad conical tree 25-30 ft., grey

green foliage, pink hibiscus-like flowers.

Melaleuca armillaris—see over page.

M. lanceolata, Dryland Tea Tree—small tree, spreading habit 10-15 ft., deep

green leaves, white flowers.

Pittosporum undulatum, Sweet Pittosporum—bushy, shady tree 15-20 ft., large

oval-pointed shiny leaves, scented flowers in bunches.

P. phylliraeoides, Native Apricot—see page 182 and on page 157.

mm mm

mm

mimim



@@@ 36 @@@



Page 180—Vol. 8

AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LANDSCAPING Sept., 1975

TREES FOR LIMEY SOILS

Acacia acuminata, Raspberry Jam Wattle—small tree 10-12 ft., brownish
green foliage, deep yellow flowers. Ref. 38:83*.

A. aneura, Mulga—rounded or tall bush or small tree, grey foliage, yellow
flowers. Ref. 18:202, 58:262.

A. cyanophylla, Orange Wattle—spreading small tree to 12 ft, long

bluish green leaves, deep orange flowers. Ref. 55:129.

loderi, Nealie—similar to A. sowdenii, but broader leaves. Ref. 59:327.

salicina, Broughton or Willow Wattle—weeping tree to 15 ft., thin

foliage, pale cream flowers. Ref. 51:306.

A. saligna, Golden Wreath Wattle—dense spreading small tree, 10-12 ft.,
green leaves, bright yellow flowers. Ref. 48:155.

A. sowdenii, Western Myall—young tree weeping, mature semi-erect, long
thick linear grey leaves, clear yellow flowers. Ref. 38:83.

Brachychiton populneum, Kurrajong—pyramidal tree to 20 ft., glossy green
leaves, pale pink bell-shaped flowers in pendulous clusters. Ref. 9:6,
59:328.

Callitris preissii, Murray Pine—stately conical grey or green foliaged tree to
15-20 ft. Ref. 46:65, 59:328.

Casuarina cunninghamiana, River Oak—tall conical tree to 25 ft., deep green
foliage. Ref. 25:228, 234.

C. cristata, Black Oak—somewhat stiffly branched tree, black green foliage,
10-15 ft. Ref. 25:228.

C. glauca, Swamp Oak or Grey Bulloak—tall sombre tree 20-25 ft., often
suckering grey-green foliage, shelter. Ref. 25:228.

C. littoralis, Black Sheoak—upright attractive tree 15-20 ft., dark green
foliage, red topped in spring. Ref. 25:228.

Eucalyptus brockwayii, Dundas Mahogany—tree 20-30 ft., smooth salmon
bark, shiny green leaves, white flowers. Ref. 38:83.

E. cladocalyx, Sugar Gum—tall tree, clean trunk, 30-40 ft., high, shiny leaves.
cream flowers.

E. cladocalyx v. nana, Dwarf Sugar Gum—small bushy compact branching
tree 10-15 ft., useful for low shelter. Ref. 58:254.
E. dielsii, Diel’s Mallee—small bushy tree 12-15 ft.,, cream flowers. Ref. 38:83.
E. diptera, Two-winged Gimlet—small tree 15 ft., narrow thick leaves, greenish
yellow flowers. Ref. 38:83.
. diversifolia, Soap Mallee—mallee, grey trunks, thick deep green leaves,
cream flowers, 12-15 ft. Ref. 38:83.
E. eremophila, Tall Sand Gum—compact small tree or mallee, thin leaves,
long greenish cream or pink flowers in stalked groups. Ref. 38:83.
E. falcata, White Mallet—small tree 15-20 ft., smooth dazzled bark, dark green
leaves, white flowers. Ref. 14:51.
forrestiana, Fuchsia Gum—there are two forms: (1) small tree, 8-10 ft.
densely foliaged, reddish green leaves, flowers yellow, red four-winged
receptacles, long operculum; (2) smaller, more spreading, but short
rounded operculum. Ref. 41:213.
E. gardnerii, Blue Mallet—tree 15-20 ft., smooth silvery brown trunk, bluish
foliage, long greenish flowers. Ref. 14:52.
. gracilis, Yorrell—mallee or small tree, rough bark, thin leaves, white flowers.

E. intertexta, Coolabah—tree 20-25 ft., rough or smooth trunk, sparse foliage,
small white flowers. Ref. 59:331.

F >

m

m

m

E. leucoxylon, S.A. Blue Gum—attractive spreading tree, grey, yellow and
white bark, large cream flowers, 20-30 ft. high. Ref. 43:311.
E. leucoxylon v. rosea—smaller than above, large red flowers, also yellow.

orange, deep pink flowers. Ref. 58:254.
E. oleosa—forms often glacous, small trees 10-15 ft., floriferous, cream flowers.



@@@ 37 @@@



AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LANDSCAPING Page 181—Vol. 8

MANY MELALEUCA ARE BRIGHT

Photography by D. Verdon of a plant growing in Canberra Botanic Gardens

MELALEUCA FULGENS

There Is a melaleuca for every situation. This species prefers a well drained situation.
To maintain a dense well shaped shrub, some pruning and shaping Is needed Im-
mediately after flowering. An added attraction of flowering time Is the appearance
of many and varied Honeyeaters. The No. 52 Issue Is devoted to the presentation of
Melaleuca of horticultural value.



@@@ 38 @@@



Page 182—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—LANDSCAPING Sept., 1975

E. salmonophloia, Salmon Gum—beautiful tall tree, bark salmon and smooth,
shiny small leaves, small cream flowers. Ref. 14:53.

E. steedmannii, Steedman’'s Gum—attractive bushy small tree, deep green
shiny leaves, cream flowers, four-winged fruits. Ref. 38:84.

E. stoatei, Pear Gum—erect, compact small tree 10-15 ft., thick roundish
leaves, flowers yellow, fruits pear-shaped, red, rough. Ref. 14:53.

E. stricklandii, Yellow Flowering Gum—spreading open tree, 15-20 ft., large
thick leaves, large yellow flowers in clusters. Ref. 14:53.

E. torquata, Pink Gum—neat rough-barked hardy tree 10-15 ft., thick leaves,
attractive sculptured buds, pink flowers. Ref. 8:25.

Eucalyptus, “Torwood” Hybrid Pink Gum—tall, vigorous, well-furnished tree,
cream, yellow or red flowers. Ref. 38:84.

Geijera parviflora, Wilga—attractive broad conical tree, long narrow leaves,
flowers small. Ref. 59:331.

Melaleuca armillaris, Bracelet Honey Myrtle—densely branched attractive tall
shrub, cream flowers. Ref. 53:32.

M. halmatuorum, Kangaroo Is. Paperbark—paperbark, spreading dense tree
10-15 ft., small grey foliage, white flowers. Ref. 54:76.

Pittosporum phylliraeoides, Weeping Pittosporum—attractive pendulous open
tree, thin foliage, cream flowers, orange fruits.

TREES — LIGHT, NEUTRAL OR SLIGHTLY ACID SOILS — NOT SALINE
Acacia aneura, Mulga—see Trees for Limey Soils.
A. brachystachya, Umbrella Mulga—similar to A. aneura, with shorter spikes
of flowers. Ref. 38:85.
A. homalophylla, Yarran—small spreading tree 10-15 ft., narrow curved leaves,
deep cream flowers.
A. pendula, A. salicina, A. sowdenii—see previous list.
Bauhinia carronii, Queensland Ebony—umbrageous tree 20-25 ft., twin leaves.
Ref. 51:299.
Brachychiton gregori, Desert Kurrajong—open spreading tree 15-20 ft., smooth
greenish trunk, forked leaves, creamy flowers. Ref. 9:4-10, 58:259.
B. populneum—see Trees for Limey Soils.
Casuarina cunninghamiana, C. cristata, C. lehmannii—see previous lists.
Callitris columellaris (glauca), White Cypress Pine—small attractive dense
conical tree 15-20 ft., green or glaucous foliage. Ref. 35:312.
C. endlicheri (calcarata), Black Cypress Pine, Red Cypress Pine—attractive
conical tree to 20 ft.,, green foliage. Ref. 38:86.
C. preissii (propinqua), Murray Pine—see Trees for Limey Soils.
Erythrina vespertillio, Batswing Coral Tree—medium spreading tree 20-25 ft.,
pointed lobed leaves, flowers orange-brown in spikes. Ref. 58:270.
Eucalyptus brockwayi—see Trees for Limey Soils.
E. desmondensis—glaucous mallee 10-15 ft., white bark, cream fl. Ref. 38:86.
E. dielsi and E. dundasii—see previous list.
E. eximia, Yellow Bloodwood—tree to 20 ft., yellow, scaly bark, large falcate
leaves, large white flowers. Ref. 14:65.
. forrestiana, E. gardneri, E. largiflorens—see previous lists.
. longicornis—tall rough-barked tree to 50 ft., dark green shiny foliage,
white flowers. Ref. 14:52.
. macranda—graceful small tree 10-15 ft., roundish leaves, green flowers.
megacornuta, Warty Yate—vigorous grower 20-25 ft., dark green shiny
leaves, warty long cap, greenish yellow flowers. Ref. 38:86.
E. microtheca, Coolabah—erect, often gnarled, 30-40 ft., grey green foliage,
white flowers. Ref. 58:258.
E. papuana, Ghost Gum—graceful attractive tree to 40 ft., white bark, light
green foliage, white flowers. Ref. 58:259.
E. pilligaensis—slender tree to 30 ft., rough barked, white flowers. Ref. 38:86.
E. salmonophloia, E. salubris, E. stricklandii, E. torquata—see other lists.
Geigera parviflora—see Trees for Limey Soils.
Melaleuca halmatuorum, M. Lanceolatum—see other lists.

mm

mm



@@@ 39 @@@



Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PEST CONTROL Page 183—Vol. &

PESTS AND THEIR CONTROL

We have certainly upset the balance of nature and suppressed the natural
predators of many creatures we regard as pests. The answer is not to spray
poisons and help to eliminate everything that moves. Equally disastrous is to
ban the use of poisonous sprays and other controls.

For survival mankind needs greater yield from plants, not only for sus-
tenance but to beautify this artificial world we are creating. To do this we
must learn to understand other creatures and their place in the life system,
so that we may live in harmony and mutual benefit. For example, previous
literature would indicate that nematodes are a scourge and if you want a
beautiful garden, eliminate them. The article below will illustrate that in fact
we need nematodes in some balance.

Fortunately, more effort is being put into research on this problem as
follows:

INHERENT PESTICIDES

A new approach to safe pest control is the study of substances in plants
which make them resistant to insects. Research is naturally concentrated on
the cereals of economic importance but it is on these crops that the larger
quantities of pesticides are used. A compound occurring in several varieties
of corn that were corn borer resistant has proved effective as a spray on
borer susceptible corn. Recently it was found that benzyl-alcohol is of similar
use on barley and sorghum. It appears to effect only the target greenbug
insect, is non-toxic to higher animals and is readily biodegradable.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

As our gardens are not large, it is possible to remove most pests physic-
ally — scrape off scale with a toothbrush — squirt any liquid such as fly spray
or kerosene into a borer’s hole and lift him out with a pin when he comes
up for air — burn off virus-affected growth, etc. Propagate from hardy plants
that may be resistant. Encourage bird life by growing suitable wildflowers and
supplementary feeding. (This has been described in previous issues). Educate
our neighbours and Local Government Authorities.

Now is not the time to give up as mentioned inside the front cover of this
issue, even if we appear to be doing the birds a bad turn. Would the birds
that died have lived at all if no one provided succour and sanctuary. Take
heed of this issue and grow wildflowers.

NEMATODES

by P. B. Beaumont

Nematodes are microscopic round worms, sometimes called eelworms
or simply “nemas’” and they play an important part in the ecology of the soil
fauna. They have a tubular body with a mouth and a well developed ailmentary
canal, the mouth being provided with lips or hooks which are thought to
provide aid in eating.

Most nematodes found in the soil are saprophytes living on decayed
organic matter, or are predators preying on other nematodes, protozoa, bacteria
or other such organisms. These nematodes are harmless to plants and even
beneficial.

Some nematodes however are specialised for the parasitism of plants and
are known to reduce crop yields. The mouthparts of parasitic nematodes are
armed with a hollow, protrusible spear which can be inserted into the living
tissue to suck out the cell contents. This feeding may damage cells directly
by removing vital cell contents, or indirectly by stimulating cells to enlarge
and become giant cells which then interfere with the translocation of water
and plant nutrients.

To feed, some nematodes may enter the tissue of the plants (endo-
parasites), whilst others may just sting roots, parasitism being incidental



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Page 184—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PEST CONTROL Sept., 1975

to their free existence in the soil (ectoparasites). Not all nematodes are
root parasites for some attack stem, leaves and flowers of plants, and also
bulbs, corms, rhizomes and tubers.

Light, sandy loams containing adequate moisture are especially suitable
for nematode development, reproduction and migration. Many plant parasitic
nematodes must have frequent access to a suitable living plant or they
will fail to reproduce and will die. This is why plant or crop rotation can
play a large part in the eradication of any specific type of nematode. In soil,
nematodes are members of a complex community of living things which
may be either favourable, neutral or antagonistic towards them.

A—ROOT ATTACKING NEMATODES

(a) Root knot nematodes . . . Meloidogyne spp.

Infestation of plants by these widely distributed nematodes gives rise
to characteristic galling on the root systems ranging in appearance from
discrete swellings on the lateral roots to large confluent galls on the main
roots. This nematode attacks a wide range of plants, although individual
species may have a restricted host range. This is why rotation of plants
or crops in infested areas is important.

Susceptibility of a plant appears to depend on the ability of the cambium
cells in the root to form giant cells when stimulated by the larvae which
penetrate the root. If the larvae fail to stimulate giant cell formation or if
the cells surrounding the larvae are killed, the larvae cannot be nourished by
the plant and do not survive to complete their development within the plant
(see personal observations later).

Control by use of a trap crop: It was found some years ago that the
summer legume Crotalaria spectabilis could become infested with large
numbers of root knot larvae but does not allow these larvae to mature.
This measure of control is of practical importance because it may be possible
to trap the larvae and then utilise the legume as a green manure crop.

Control by use of correct fertilizer balance: A short note on the
sodium/potassium relationship as a control method for nematodes. The root of
a plant is a complex arrangement of cells and tissue. There are some thick
walled cells although these are not usually shown in a schematic drawing of a
root. If they are fed with food in an available form with the correct NPK ratio
they function as they should and it is difficult for root knot larvae to malform
plant cells by their parasitic method of stimulation. They provide a degree
of strength to the tissues surrounding the cambium tissue which inhibit
the formation of giant cells. Incidentally these thick walled cells are not
present in cambium tissue which is the vascular system in advanced plants.

One one occasion | mass planted Myoporum parvifolium. Soon after
flowering, the plants started dying off and when these plants were lifted the
lateral roots showed a heavy root knot nematode infestation and had to be
burnt. A check of the rest of the garden showed large galls on nearby
peach trees, a lemon tree and all the dicotyledenous weeds.

At this stage Crotaiaria was introduced as a trap crop. Some plants
removed a month later were already heavy with knot infested roots but cutting
of knots with a razor blade showed the larvae to be inactive. The infestation
became even heavier during the following month. At the end of the two
month period the Crotalaria was dug in as a green manure crop which would
provide nitrogen and | added a heavy dressing of a molybdenised super
phosphate and blood and bone to give a 12:12 PK ratio (derived by calculation
based on an analysis of the two ingredients). The soil was then watered and
cultivated for a month and two samples were taken. One was put in a pot
and planted with Crotalaria and the other | analysed using paper chromoto-
graphy as determinations done on ash samples can be very misleading.
There was no sign of root knot attack on the control plants and the analysis
showed a 6:8:8 NPK ratio which (disregarding leaching which would have
been minimal due to the very high amount of organic matter in the soil)



@@@ 41 @@@



AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—FABACEAE 185—Voi. 8

TOP LEFT: A flowering spike of Crotalaria crassipes.

TOP RIGHT: A close-up of the flowers and pods of Crotalaria crassipes growing on the
roadside at Mudginberry Photo by J. Harmer

BOTTOM: Crotalaria retusa growing In an open area just south of Darwin.
Photo by J. Harmer



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Page 186—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PEST CONTROL Sept., 1975

indicated that the initial high PK ratio had a positive effect on any residual
nematodes in the soil. The area was then replanted with Myoporum parvifolium
and it thrived. NOTE: The plant originally infested was used intentionally as a
different plant could possibly have a greater resistance to a root knot
nematode infestation.

(b) Root Lesion Nematodes . . . Pratylenchus spp.

Root lesion or meadow nematodes are becoming widespread in Australia
and are rapidly becoming recognised as a primary cause of fibrous root
destruction in cultivated crops. P. coffeae has been shown to be responsible
for the apple replant at Stanthorpe and | have found this nematode responsible
for the death of Grevillea alpina, Eucalyptus obtusiflora, E. microcorys and
E. globulus.

Pratylenchus vulnus and P. scribneri are associated with the unthriftiness
of grapes in the Murray Valley and appear responsible for their decline: |
have found this infestation on several specimens of Hardenbergia violaceae.
P. penetrans is almost certainly the cause of black root in strawberries, a
disease most common in N.S.W. and there is good evidence to incriminate
this spp. as the cause of severe root rot injury in tobacco, celery, pineapples,
peaches, cherries, walnuts and several other perennials. | have found this
nematode in several of the Myrtaceae.

The above-ground symptoms are variable and non-specific, generally
reflecting an impaired absorbing system, but frequently the leaf symptoms
resulting from root injury by this genus of nematodes resemble the symptoms
produced by a deficiency of an essential element and in the past have been
mistaken for it. Distinct necrotic lesions are produced on the roots by some
of the Pratylenchus spp. whilst other spp. tend to ringbark the root causing the
whole rootlet, distal to the lesion to die. Although the plant may put out
new roots under conditions of heavy infestation these too will be damaged
and the plant will have a very branched but restricted root system.

Root lesion nematodes do not become sedentary and with the onset of
necrosis following wounding of the root the nematodes migrate from root to
root, eggs are laid in the soil or on the root surfaces and because of their
migratory habit a small population of Pratylenchus can do considerable
damage to roots. As this nematode is diverse in mode of attack on plants
and can usually only be detected after infestation has occurred extensively
it is hard to control. At the present time the only worth while control appears
to be removal of infested material and replanting with resistant or immune
plants following treatment of the soil with gassing by methyl bromide.

(c) The burrowing nematode . . . Radopholus spp.

Only one species of this nematode appears to be parasitic and that is
R. similis which is found world wide. Unlike the root knot nematode the
roots are damaged but the actual death of the plants is caused by the entry
of other pathogens via the attacked areas.

It appears there are several strains of this nematode and it is likely
each strain will be specific for a particular host piant. The burrowing nematode
feeds only on the soft outer tissues of roots in which it forms extensive
burrows and cavities. Subsequent invasion of these lesions by fungi and
bacteria leads to extensive root necrosis.

| have found Lagunaria patersonii, Syncarpia glomulifera and Tristania
conferta (all in very damp situations, although this may not signify that these
conditions are prerequisite) infested with burrowing nematodes and in all
cases the following pathogen was Armillaria melia. | could not find information
which would give control method for a drench or spray so the infestation was
removed and the area covered with timber and fired. This is the control
method for the tobacco nematode and it worked.

Altogether | have found 18 trees among these genera affected but none
of the adjacent material infested so it must be presumed that specific strains
of R. similis developed, as often happens with soil micro-pathogens.



@@@ 43 @@@



Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PEST CONTROL Page 187—Vol. 8

These are nine different genera of root stinging nematodes and two
species of cyst forming nematodes (heterodera, which are known to attack
the Gramineae, Chenopodiaceae and Cruciferae), but as | have never found

these associated with native plants they do not warrant discussion at this
time.

CONTROL OF ROOT NEMATODES IN THE FIELD

Once established, nematodes may only be completely eliminated from
the soil by steam, hot water treatment or dry heat sterilization. Thus the
elimination of nematodes from the soil desirable as it may be, is clearly
impracticable except for glasshouses and other very intensive small-scale
enterprises.

Field control measures are therefore designed to temporarily reduce
the nematode population in the soil to a level where crops or plants can
be grown without serious interference from the nematodes which remain.
Alternatively, selected varieties of crops or plants known to be resistant to a
high nematode population without showing a significant drop in yield are
grown. Field control can therefore be achieved in three ways.

(a) Soil fumigation

This involves introducing into the soil by means of a hand-operated
or tractor-drawn applicator a measured amount of a liquid fumigant, or
alternatively gas can be released from a cylinder under a cover placed above
the soil. Fumigants are available which will kill a wide range of nematodes
and which will escape from the soil quickly, leaving no residue toxic to plants.

At present the use of fumigants such as methyl bromide (kills all soil
fauna), D-D, Ethylene dibromide (E.D.B.) chloropicrin (tear gas) etc., cost
from $50.00 to $100.00/acre and thus are only economical in market gardens,
home gardens, tobacco (seedling only) and a few other high value, annual
crops.

(b) Crop rotation

This is the most practicable method available at present for dealing with
nematode infestations. Rotation is based on the principle that parasitic
nematodes are obligate pathogens which can neither live indefinitely nor
reproduce unless they have ready access to a living and suitable host plant.
If a subject is planted which is unacceptable to them, their numbers will
fall and the following susceptible crop will benefit accordingly.

Insufficient research has been done in the identification of trap crops so
that at present rotation is limited in scope. Grasses, cereals, velvet beans,
some onions and species of Crotalaria are known to be unsuitable hosts for
root knot nematodes, and the growing of these crops interspersed with
periods of bare fallow has been shown to effectively reduce the nematode
population, however, if one susceptible crop is grown the nematode population
increases rapidly once more.

Home gardeners are notoriously impatient (and | guess this applies to
many of our members) so they would hardly consider a bare fallow period.
As far as the trap crops are concerned the Crotalaria is readily obtainable,
fast growing from ssed and very efficient. | would personally stay right away
from the grasses, onions and peanuts (unless they have the conditions in
which to grow them) but use any cereal as long as it is dug in before
flowering. The velvet bean is also a good trap crop and being a legume
supplies the soil with nitrogen fixing bacteria if dug in; however | have found
it can be expensive and often in short supply.

| prefer trap cropping to Nemagon 90 because as with this method
there is a visual indication of nematode entrapment and soil samples can
be taken for replanting with the same trap crop to determine when the
nematode population has been inactivated. The best and quickest results
occur when the area is sown very heavily but it must be noted that the
trap plants need heavy feeding prior to planting and during growth. A
second reason why | think this is the best method is that it can be used



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Page 188—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—PEST CONTROL Sept., 1975
among nematode resistant subjects and the careless usage or over dosage
of Nemagon 90 may have a deleterious and cumulative effect in the soil.

B—THE BULB NEMATODE—Ditylenchus dipsaci

This nematode infects the bulbs and foliage. Entry is through the neck
of the bulb and causes a brown decay of the scales. If the bulb is cut
transversely the characteristic brown rings can be seen and badly infested
bulbs are soft and spongy.

The foliage produced by infested bulbs is twisted, distorted, often pale,
with raised bumps or thickenings which are easily felt if drawn between
the fingers. If bulbous plants are planted in mass the disease usually shows
up in patches with a diseased bulb in the centre. If members have an
infestation of the bulb nematode then it has most probably been introduced
by the purchase of infested material and if the damage caused by the pathogen
is very far advanced then | seriously doubt that Nemacur would be effective
as unthrifty bulbs are generally open to attack by fungus and virus infections.
However, if members also grow their own vegetables and they have peas
among them, then they may have unwittingly introduced this nematode
for the reason below.

C—THE STEM NEMATODE—Ditylenchus dipsaci

The same nematode which attacks bulbs will also attack the stems of
some plants such as lucerne, beans and peas. | have found members of
Mimosaceae and Caesalpiniaceae infested by this nematode. Infested shoots
become swollen and distorted causing clustering of leaves towards the end
of the stem, diseased plants are typically dwarfed and distorted. The in-
festation usually occurs in patches and severely affected plants die.

The danger emerges from the fact that the nematodes spread mainly by:

(a) escaping from diseased plants into the soil infesting new plants,

(b) remaining in a quiescent state within dead plant fragments in which
they may be transported by shoes, tools, wheel-barrows or other forms of
handling etc., resulting in infestation of previously nematode-free soil.

(c) by hand harvesting of seed from diseased plants which may contain
large numbers of nematodes adhering to the seed coat or pod and the
situation mentioned above could still arise.

D—THE LEAF NEMATODES
The leaf attacking nematodes belong to the genus Aphelenchoides and

the main species are:

(1) A. ritzema-bosi—this is mainly recognised as the nematode leaf disease
of chrysanthemums, but all members of the Compositae are susceptible
to attack from this nematode (including ‘“Australian Plants”).

(2) A. fragariae (the strawberry genus)—this genus attacks many exotics
but as far as we are concerned this is the nematode responsible for
dissase of ferns and Anigozanthos spp.

These nematodes move from the soil to the leaves either by water
splash or by migration up the stems. In Anigozanthos there is a strong
tendency for the lesions caused by the leaf nematodes to be triangular,
being bordered on both sides by the main veins. The lesions are usually dark
brown and finally black.

In ferns such as Asplenium, Adiantum and Pteris, the main symptom
is patchy discolouration of the fronds. Affected areas may be small and
angular bounded by veins, or whole leaflets or sections or fronds may be
involved, and in extreme cases all fronds die prematurely. This has the
effect of reducing the vigour of the whole plant. The disease is most severe
during the cooler months of the year and the periods of rain facilitate the
spread of the nematodes. During the summer, affected plants usually remain
fairly free of symptoms.

Control: Infested plants should be sprayed with fenthion (Lebaycid (R) ).
Baytex (R) at the rate of 1 oz. of 55% emulsion in 4 gallons of water.



@@@ 45 @@@



Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS Page 189—Vol. 8

NORTH AUSTRALIAN PLANTS

By Jenny Harmer

The comparatively fine-leaved palm, Livistona loriphylla, growing on a sandstone
slope in the Katherine area. Photo by G. Chippendale

Livistona loriphylla

loriphylla—from Latin lorum, a thong or lash and Greek phyllum, a leaf—a
reference to the shape of the leaves.

HaBitat: Sandstone hills and escarpments.



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Page 190—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—BOOKS Sept., 1975

Description: A slender tree to 5 metres high. The leaf stalks are flattened on
one side, rounded on the other and have a fibrous sheath at the base. The
leaf blades are fan-shaped and deeply divided almost to the base, into
pointed segments about 60cm long. The flowering spikes, 15-25 cm long,
contain many minute yellow flowers. The fruit is black, hard, oval and
1-1.5cm long.

Distribution: Kimberleys, W.A.; Victoria River District, Darwin to Katherine
area, Arnhem Land, N.T.

Cultivation: A delicately attractive palm suitable for cultivation. It should grow
from seed treated as for L. humilis.

BOOKS ON WILDFLOWERS
The picture on the previous page is one that was prepared for our new
book “North Australian Plants — Part 1 — Top End Wildflowers” but had to

be left out due to space limitations. The text below it is part of the text
prepared also.

Much could be said about the courage of Jenny Harmer to undertake a
book on such a little-known and new field, The book has been prepared with
a competence and feeling for our Flora that a reader must sense. The ac-
knowledgement of the work done in her own time by her employer, Depart-
ment of Northern Territory, Animal Industry and Agriculture Branch, Botany
Section, will be appreciated by all who have thirsted for information on our
Northern wildfiowers. It is as accurate as a competent, thorough botanist can
make it within the limits of present day knowledge and records. As this
periodical is produced quarterly to support our other publications we have
the advantage of being able to update all information published and as
Northern development and discovery progresses this will no doubt be neces-
sary. Part 2 will not be to hand for another 4 years yet so await announce-
ment of this and other books in this series of books on wildflowers of specific
areas of Australia. Price $4.50 plus 50c postage.

ORNAMENTAL CONIFERS by C. R. Harrison Price $18.95 plus $1.05 postage

This outstanding book describes and illustrates in colour 550 of the world’s most at-
tractive ornamental conifers. Australia does not have many conifers but our few species that
have horticultural appeal are described and illustrated. As the title implies the work is con-
fined to ornamental conifers and what a fine pictorial presentation it is. All specles are
given a hardiness value relating to their growth rates in various climates which in this
case can be equated to the temperature range in which they can be grown for best results.

WHAT WILDFLOWER IS THAT by A. M. Blombery — Price $6.95, 85 cents postage.

Because of exceptional demand this book so!d out before | could review it for readers.
Further supplies are now available and the book may be ordered by mail from the Editor.
The book is excellent value being 304 pages, 27 cm x 20 cm with 760 full colour plates
illustrating over 700 species of wildflowers. The intent of the book is to Illustrate as large
a range of species as possible so that the non-botanically competent need not try to dissect
flowers and decipher botanical jargon, but simply leaf through the book until they come
to a colour photograph that resembles the plant they wish identified. The photographs are
arranged alphabetically in order of the generic name and the range of genera is very
wide indeed.

| consider a major feature of the book is in the introduction where the author has
divided the natural habitats of plant life throughout Australia into 46 categories and there
Is a full colour plate of each, 46 scenes of our Australian landscape. We could adopt
these categories for our future recordings of distribution of species.

GROWING MORE AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS by F. J. C. Rogers — Price $5.95, 65c postage.

Fred Rogers will be well known to many for his enormous work for the Society. Possibly
more widely known is his first book ‘““Growing Australian Native Plants’, still available at a cost
of $5.95, 65c postage. In the new book many hardy Australian wildflowers are described
with recommendations for their cultivation in the garden. Of special interest are the
chapters entitled Ferns, Aquatic Plants—Making a Pond, and Rockery Plants. This 80 page
28 cm x 21 cm book illustrated in beautiful colour Is good value.

LANDSCAPING WITH AUSTRALIAN PLANTS by G. Wilson — Price $6.50, 70c postage.

A well prepared 90 page 28cm x 21cm book by a professional landscaper with obvious
experience in the proper use of Australian wildflowers in a garden setting. This very difficult
subject is carefully presented in chapters entitted — 1. Basic Design, considering such
aspects as maintenance, spacing and grouping of trees; 2. Plants in the Landscape, shading,
screening, shape and profile, spacing, leaf shapes and their blending, boundary planting,
etc.; 3. Landscapes in the Australian Character; 4. Water in the Native Landscape; 5.
Sculpture; 6. Construction Materials: 7. Farm Landscaping: 8. Guiding the Native Landscape;
to Maturity; 9. Some Technical Points. Unfortunately the illustrations overemphasise the
large garden and the use of space but the treatment s pertinent to all gardens.

USEFUL NATIVE PLANTS OF AUSTRALIA by J. H. Maiden — Price $9.90, 90c postage.

A reprint of the original book first published in 1889. 696 pages, 13 cm x 21 cm —
a very faithful reproduction of the text covering such subjects as food plants, perfumes, dyes
and resins etc. There has been no effort to bring the book up to date and many speclies’
names must be considered as doubtful. Readers are also warned to be wary of plants re-
commended as being edible as more recent researches have have not been considered.



@@@ 47 @@@



Sept., 1975 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—YOUR SOCIETY Page 191—Vol. 38

PAST ISSUES OF “AUSTRALIAN PLANTS”” AVAILABLE

Because of the vast wealth of our flora there is very little repetition.

VOLUME No. 1 Issues 1-12 — to be reprinted in 1977. Watch for announcements.

VOLUME No. 2 Issues 13-20, all available only fully bound at $8.00 plus 80c postage,
Including ‘““A Descriptive Catalogue of Western Australian Plants’.

VOLUME No. 3. Issues 21-28, all available only fully bound at $8.00 plus 80c postage,
Including also‘* Catalogue of Cultlvated Australian Native Plants” valued at $4.50.

VOLUME No. 4. Issues 29-36, all available only fully bound at $8.00 plus 80c postage,
Including "Western Australian Plants for Horticulture—Part 1'’ valued at $4.50.

VOLUME No. 5. Issues 37-44, all available only fully bound at $8.00 plus 80c postage,
Including “The Language of Botany'’, a valuable reference to words and terms.

VOLUME No. 6. Issues 45-52, all available only fully bound at $8.00 plus 80c postage,
|ncludlng ‘“Western Australian Plants for Horticulture—Part 11" valued at $4.50.

OLUME No. 7. Issues 53-60, all available only fully bound at $8.00 plus 80c postage,

Includlng “North Australian Plants” valued at $4.50. Available Nov. 1975.

‘‘Australian Plants’ is produced as a continuing series each issue adding to the
information recorded over the past Issues. The most valuable and complete reference.

OTHER BOOKS OF THE SOCIETY

West Australian Plants for Horticulture. Parts 1 & 2 each available at $4.50 plus 40c
postage from the Editor. On the right-hand pages of these books there Is a full
colour plate of a W.A. wildflower and on the page opposite Is a description of this
plant together with another plant or plants from the same genus. The descriptions are
clear and in simple terms with a special section on propagation and horticulture treatment
and potential. Part 2 recently published carries 42 co'our plates never before presented—
excellent value.

West Australian Plants—A Descriptive Catalogue( 2nd Edition)

This is the only complete reference to the flora of Western Australia. Thousands of
species are listed and many shown in full colour. Against each species Is recorded the
height of the plant, the flower colour, the period of flowering and the native locality.
Available from the Editor for $4.50 plus 40c postage.

NORTH AUSTRALIAN PLANTS — 1 by Jenny Harmer. Price $4.50 plus 50c post.

This is the first book giving a reasonable coverage to the flora in the North of Australia
and will be an authoritative reference to it. There is a reference to 380 species. While this
is a lot of flowering plants it is still a long way short of the Northern Australian Flora. As
such it is Part 1 of a series and describes those plants of horticultural interest that are to
be found in the Darwin area and Arnhem Land, known locally as the ‘“‘top-end’” of the territory.

This book will be of Interest to all. On each right hand page is a large full colour
plate of a wildflower usually showing the tree or shrub, and a detail of the flower. Opposite
is a reference to the plant family in which it belongs together with other genera in the same
family that occur in the area, a description of the genus together with all other species of
the same genus occurring in the area followed by a clear description of the plant pictured,
its distribution and economic value. Of speclal interest, on each page there is a separate
paragraph on Cultivation.

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:
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—N.S.W. REGION
President: Mr. G. E. Parker, 7 Blackbutts Rd., Frenchs Forest N.S.W. 2086.
Secretary: Mr. Ray Page, 21 Robb Street, Revesby, N.S.W. 2212.
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—QLD. REGION
President: Mr. J. Smith, Roger Street, Birkdale, Qld. 4152,
Secretary: Mrs. D. Brown, 79 Birley Street, off Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, Qld. 4000.
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REGION: INC.:
President: Mr. L. Russell, 26 Chapman Street, Blackwood, S.A. 5051.
Secretary: Mr. C. J. Winn, Box 1592 G.P.O., Adelaide, S.A. 5001.
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—TASMANIAN REGION:
President: Mr. R. Wyatt, 7 Cedar Street, Lindisfarne, Tasmanla 7015.
Secretary: Mr. G. Peters, G.P.O. Box 1353P, Hobart, Tasmanla 7001.
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—VICTORIAN REGION:
President: Mr. D. B. Fletcher, 247 Waverley Road, East Malvern, Victorla 3145
Secretary: (Sister) E. R. Bowman, 4 Homebush Crescent, Hawthorn East, Victorla 3123.
Please do not phone or call at prlvate home—enqulrles by mall only.
SOCIETY FOR GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS—CANBERRA REGION:
President: Mr. Brian Muffet, 23 Marulda Street, Aranda, A.C.T. 2614.
Secretary: Mrs. J. Benyon, PO Box 207, Clvic Square, A.C.T. 2608.
WEST AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWER SOC. (Inc.):
President Mrs. M. Wittwer, P.O. Box 64, Nedlands, W.A. 6009.
Secretary: Mrs. K. Edmonds P.O. Box 64 Nedlands W.A. 6009.
Seed is in very short supply—try the commercial seedsmen, not W.A. Soclety.
Membership Is open to any person who wishes to grow Australlan native plants.
Contact the Secretary of the Soclety for your State fer Information without obligation.
PUBLISHING SECTION FOR SOCIETIES—Produced as a non-profit venture.
Managing Editor: W. H. Payne, assisted by P. D. Leak; Despatch by E. Hubner, H. Jones
with families. Stencils Miss R. Mashford. No telephone enquiries please.
MAIL—Address mail to the Editor, 860 Henry Lawson Drive, Picnilc Point, N.S.W. 2213.
Please do not telephone or call at private home—enqulrles by mall only.
SUBSCRIPTION—Members: Apply to State Secretary above.
NON-MEMBERS:You may recelve the next 4 Issues direct to your home by forwarding
an annual subscription of $2.00. Overseas subscription $2.70 Aust., £1.80 in new English
currency or $4.00 U.S



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Page 192—Vol. 8 AUSTRALIAN PLANTS Sept., 1975

Shrubs for Home Shelter and Bird Attraction

MELALEUCA SQUARROSA

A handsome erect shrub, dense, 2-3 metres but often to 6 metres high.
As mentioned on page 151, this plant has proved especially suitable in water-
loggsd heavy soils for a shade or screen plant.

Surrey Beatty & Sons, Printers