Australian Plants online - Subscribers' NewsletterNumber 6 - August 1998Published by The Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants CONTENTS
1. September issue of "Australian Plants online" Magazine
The next quarterly issue of APOL is expected to be published in the last week of September 1998.
2. Transplanting grass trees Brad Wedlock has sent the following feedback on the item in the June newsletter.
"G'day, just replying about transplanting grass trees. I've never tried it but people have told me to burn the tips of the leaves on the grass-tree before digging out of the ground, as this induces a dormancy in the grass-tree as it believes that a fire is going through. I don't know how long the dormancy lasts for but it is supposed to be enough to allow replanting. Now when I see grass-trees for sale I check whether they have the tips burnt, and almost all have them burnt, if they haven't been burnt there is a significant chance that they will die."
And Anne Hollingsworth made the following observation....
"My local Town Council has taken to transplanting mature "Grasstrees" around the town of Bassendean with what appears to be great success. (The local soil type here is called "Bassendean Grey Sand", for obvious reasons.) I notice you called for input from people who had experience with doing this procedure.
Perhaps our Town of Bassendean Council could supply you with a photo of the huge one they have placed outside their offices and give you information on how they achieved this. (It's enormous!) Their number is mail@bassendean.wa.gov.au"
3. Aussie landscape (computer) programmes Diana Snape, leader of the Society's Garden Design Study Group (snape@werple.net.au), is also interested in Australian landscape programmes (refer June newsletter). She writes:
"In response to the request from Anne Windsor and Jim Wolz, the ASGAP Garden Design Study Group has also been looking for an Aussie landscaping computer program which includes details of Australian plants, but so far without success. Even if programs currently available can handle southern - hemisphere seasons or northerly sunshine conditions, the lack of information about our native plants may be a sad reflection of the lack of interest among too many of our landscape architects and professional garden designers. Or perhaps it is merely that all such programs seem to be derived from overseas!
So we would also like to know whether any such Aussie landscaping computer programs do exist."
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Rodney (last name unknown) mentioned the "Growit" programme published by "Innovative Thinking Software" and I was going to look into it. Unfortunately time has beaten me for this newsletter...maybe next time. Unless anyone out there has some experience to pass on......
4. Bush Tucker Advice
Roger and Joan Brine (rbrine@bigpond.com)have bought 16 acres of land in the Adelaide Hills of which approximately 5 acres is available for growing Australian plants. They are interested in finding out if "Myrtle trees" - presumably lemon myrtle, Backhousia citriodora - could be grown commercially there.
The soil is clay. It is undulating land with extremes of temperature in winter and summer. There are two dams and a lake with natural spring water running into them as well as 'run-off' rain from the surrounding land and roads.
If you can offer any advice, please contact Roger and Joan.
5. Scutellaria Is anyone out there growing Scutellaria? This is a genus in the Mint Bush family with many species occurring in other countries but only a few`in Australia.
Steven McCauley (scutells@teleport.com) is a collector of Scutellaria and would like to hear from Australian growers. Steven writes:
"Thank you for posting my Scutellaria message in the next issue of your online newsletter. That is terrific and may lead to some interesting results. I would love to find someone who has either the S.humilis or S.mollis from eastern Australia. There may even be some species which haven't even yet been discovered, considering the vast size of the continent."
In a subsequent message Steven advised that a Scutellaria web site is now available at:
http://www.teleport.com/~huritt/page1.html
6. Less of a Surfeit!
Mark Ziebell reports that the surplus trees mentioned in Newsletter No. 4 have all found a good home in the rainforest section at the rear of the Grevillea Park, Bulli. Tony Stuart, who offered his surplus plants to a good home, visited the Park at the end of June and helped (along with some Illawarra SGAP members) plant some in area that a short while ago was 8 foot high lantana. At the moment there is no track to this section but hopefully in the next few months there will be.
If you would like to find out more about the Grevillea Park, including the hours of opening, visit the web site at:
http://www-personal.usyd.edu.au/~markz/grevillea/
7. Mychorrizal Root Product
Larry Little from Stone Mountain, Georgia, mentioned a michorrizal product used to assist the growth of seedlings. He used it with some Sassafras seedlings (presumably not the Australian one). I asked him for some more info.......
"This product is made up of dehydrated beneficial root fungal spores and is meant to be an easy way of restoring the symbiotic relationship that exists between many plant species and root fungi. Though fairly expensive, I really wanted to get those Sassafras tree seedlings to survive and they did! I had ordered seedlings of this species several times only to have them fail. This tree has a suckering habit but a deep taproot that makes transplanting difficult. It has nice foliage and bright red fall color as well as herbal properties (though I hear this has been discounted).
There was someone in your first newsletter who was investigating Australian root fungal species with the idea of using them as an aid in plant survival (I assume).
I am sure that different regions have different symbiotic "partners"--in fact the mix varies from species to species. It could be some species rely on these associations to survive in difficult areas. Other gardeners on the GardenWeb site said mychorrizae are in all soils and there is no need to add them. However, it could be that an extra dose gives a stressed plant the margin it needs to adapt to a new location -- anyway it worked for me.
The product was developed by USDA and is sold by Musser Forests -- a plant nursery that specializes in revegetation efforts on mine sites, degraded soils, and so forth. Much like the Greening Australia project."
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Is anyone familiar with a similar Australian product?
8. Germination of Eucalyptus gunnii
Jean Felix (microlab@bow.intnet.mu) from Mauritius is having problems with germination (or lack of!) with Eucalyptus gunnii. Here is my reply but if anyone can assist, please do so.
"The most likely cause of germination failure is non-viable seed as E.gunnii is regarded as usually germinating reliably.
The material that is released from eucalypt seed capsules usually consists mainly of unfertilized seed (called "chaff") together with some viable seeds. The viable seeds are usually larger and darker in colour than the chaff.
You should examine your E.gunnii seed to determine if there is obvious fertile seed present. If not, you probably have all chaff.
If apparently viable seed is present, I can only suggest that you try sowing again. Some seeds from high altitude species require a period of stratification (storage in a refrigerator for 3-6 weeks) prior to sowing. E.gunnii is not usually listed as one needing stratification but it may be worth a try.
Sometimes the season of sowing can influence germination. Perhaps you should try again in early spring."
9. No Sun...Lots of Oxygen
"Big Jeff" (bigjeff@gte.net or hot@cheerful.com) is looking for a house plant that doesn't need sunlight, but gives off lots of fresh oxygen.
This has all the makings of a good research project! Anyone got any bright ideas?
10. Poisonous Bottlebrushes???
Robert Poudrier of Oceanside, California (poudrl@cts.com)writes:
"I've been searching through your website looking for information about the seeds on the Weeping Bottlebrush and so far I've not been able to find anything as to whether they are poisonous or not. The reason I ask is, I have a small dog that has a tendency to eat the seeds when they fall on the ground. Every once in while he upchucks and I was wondering if it was because he had eaten these seeds. I would appreciate any information you could give me on this subject."
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As I advised Robert......
"There are quite a few Australian plants which are toxic to either humans or animals but I've never come across bottlebrushes listed among them. I'd be surprised if the seeds were the cause of your problem but I'll mention your note in the next issue of our online magazine. Perhaps some subscribers might have a more definitive answer."
So...has anyone (or their dog!) been poisoned by bottlebrushes?
11. ....and Eucalypts?
Thomas Patten (tpatten@rocketmail.com) is also interested in toxic plants.....
"I am interested in plants of Australia, with more attention on the Eucalypts. One of my concerns in choosing which plants to cultivate is the degree of toxicity of parts of the plants. I wondered where I could either find such information or that pertaining to which plants are safe. This is in regards to wildlife and children."
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I seem to recall reading somewhere that eucalypt leaves are toxic is large quantities and Koalas survive because their energy requirements are so low that their intake of leaves doesn't reach toxic levels....of course that might just be a load of bollocks!
12. Can anyone propagate NSW Christmas Bush?
NSW Christmas Bush can be slow to strike from cuttings but Bruce Johnston (bjz@mpx.com.au) is having particular trouble. He has "....tried a variety of hormone mixes and potting mixes with very little success......Any assistance greatly appreciated."
Anyone have some magic to share on this?
13. Ant Bait
Bob Weston (rcweston@pcug.org.au) has ant problems and is looking for a recipe. He writes:
"G'day SGAP
Did I see a recipe for ant bait using borax and boracic acid in a SGAP publication??
If I did, could you let me have the recipe, please. If not, do you have one, please?"
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Well, I don't, as it happens. But I wish I did. I have a nest of large, red, cranky ants in what passes for my lawn - mowing in thongs has become an exciting experience....
Bob may well have seen a recipe in a Society publication but there are so many of the damn things.....
I think the Australian Conservation Society has a lot of recipes like this for environment-friendly pest control and they may exist on the ACF's web site. But perhaps a reader has a favourite ant control process. Let us know.
14. An Australian Truffle??
Christian from Adelaide (ckokai@senet.com.au) wants to know more about an Australian relative of the French truffle. I haven't heard of this but mushrooms are not my speciality (apart from eating them, of course). Any ideas????
15. Fast Growing Eucalypts
Dick Glick (dglickd@pipeline.com) writes:
"I saw a recent story, USAToday -- last week, on tissue culture work and plantings in Australia (and where else!) concerned with a fast growing eucalyptus. Could you direct me to the source and details?"
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I had to confess ignorance on this and referred Dick to the National Botanic Gardens. But I'm sure some of our knowledgeable readers will have the "good oil" on this.
16. Mystery Melaleuca
Here's a puzzle for all you Melaleuca enthusiasts.....
"I'm writing from Southern California (Orange County) in hope that you might help to solve a mystery. About late last summer or early autumn, I bought a plant from a local nursery. The plant was labelled "Melaleuca elliptica" but when I got home and read about that particular plant, I realized that I have likely adopted some other plant--though quite probably a melaleuca. The description in my SUNSET WESTERN GARDEN speaks of "roundish" leaves, and "brown, shredding bark," while my plant has elongated leaves, and smooth, nearly-white bark. The plant has not bloomed yet, but flowers notwithstanding, of your on-line photos, the one that most nearly depicts the plant I have is that of Melaleuca thymifolia. Also, as per your accompanying description of M. thymifolia, the leaves of my plant are elliptical, and approximately 10mm in length.
What I'm wondering is about the general habit/shape of M.thymifolia. An outstanding characteristic of the plant I have is its upright habit. It has multiple, thin branches that grow nearly perfectly vertical. The newer branches tend to bend outward from the main branches and take a wispy, almost weeping attitude, but they soon firm up to stand quite upright and close-in with the older branches.
I wish I could scan a photo, or that I could give a more precise botanical description, but I have no scanner, and I possess only a vague understanding of botanical terminology. However, if you find that you are able to tell anything by my awfully sketchy explanation, I'll be most eager and appreciative to hear it. Otherwise I'll just hope the darn thing decides to bloom, and thereby yields a further clue to its identity -- "shows its true colors," so to speak. :)
Pat Jones (pjones@chapman.edu)"
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My reply was (as usual!) non committal so don't be afraid to dive in...
"Unfortunately, I can't give you a definitive answer.
Melaleuca can be a very variable genus because the best forms for cultivation are still being sorted out. People have been growing them from seed for a long time so there can be a lot of variation in plants of the same species.
I can't rule M.elliptica out completely even though all of the plants I have seen have had rounded leaves about as wide as they are long. However, from your description I would guess that you're right and the plant isn't M.elliptica.
Your description of your plant as having " multiple, thin branches that grow nearly perfectly vertical" doesn't really fit M.thymifolia in my experience. It tends to be a small, slightly spreading shrub usually less than half a metre high. It's fairly open and stiff but I wouldn't describe in the terms that you mention.
The problem is that I can't really think of a Melaleuca with leaves like M.thymifolia that does have the habit of growth of you plant. Perhaps I'm visualising something you don't intend.
If you're up in the Lake Casitas area you might take a specimen to Jo O'Connell who runs the Australian Native Plants Nursery at 9040 North Ventura Ave, CASITAS SPRINGS, CA 93001 (6 miles north of Ventura on Highway 33 to Ojai). Phone: (805) 649 3362; Fax: (805) 649 4080; Email: ausnat@west.net"
17. Looking for a Contact on Proteaceae
"I live in Concord, California, a "Mediterranean" climate similar to Southwest and South Australia. I already grow a large variety of South African Proteas and bulbs. I would, however, like to grow Australian Proteaceae. I have no difficulty in obtaining seeds but my problem is quite simple. I can not get much information on particular members of the Australian proteaceae, other than well known plants such as Dryandra formosa, some Banksias etc.
I was wondering if there might be someone in your orginization who would be willing to communicate with me via email on simple questions such as. "What in Gods name does Dryandra hewardiana look like, how tall does it grow, is it worth growing etc? A name isn't much to go on and "Yellow and brown flowers" isn't very informative.
I am, by the way, a specialist in germinating difficult seed, it's my profession, and have a small business devoted to doing that for people. I would be more than willing to give people information in that area in exchange to my questions. For that matter I would be willing to give information on that topic gratis, for anyone who needs it."
Richard W. Pitchers (PITCHLAB@aol.com)
18. Driwater???
Anne Green from Atriplex Services (atriplex@riverland.net.au), Morgan, Sth.Australia, referred a newsgroup posting on a product called "Driwater" which is a "biodegradable gel in a cardboard carton? Apparently a revolutionary watering product".
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Driwater...eh? I suppose to activate it you just add....water.
Anyone familiar with the product?
19. Regen 2000
Many plant propagators have been following the research on the use of smoke to promote germination of some species. The work was initiated in South Africa and taken up at Kings Park Botanic Garden in Perth. The idea is that smoke helps break down the dormancy that exists in many species native to areas where bushfires occur. The results have shown some definite improvement in seed germination for 100 or more Australian genera.
For the average grower, the most convenient way to apply smoke to seeds is the use of "smoke water" which, as the name suggests, is water with a high concentration of the chemicals present in smoke. To date smoke water has not been easy to obtain. A new smoke water product called Regen 2000 has now been introduced and is available from distributors throughout Australia. Prices should be approximately:
10 litre @ $6.50 lt 25 litre @ $5.50 lt
If you would like more information on the product or you nearest supplier, please contact Grayson Trading, PO Box 134, Bayswater, Victoria, 3153 (phone 03 9270 7705; fax 61 3 9720 7706; email regen@tecnica.com.au)
20. Cold Tolerance
I often get asked about the cold tolerance of Australian plants, particularly from readers in the UK and eastern USA. It's a difficult question to answer because Australia's major cities don't experience the extreme cold that occur elsewhere so Australians aren't really the best people to ask.
A recent enquiry was from Iris Cohen (IrisCohen@aol.com) who is interested in "what temperature Prostanthera rotundifolia is hardy to."
Can anyone help Iris?
21. Growing Australian plants in Virginia, USA....again
Michael Sawyer's request for contact with people who could help him with advice on propagation, prompted Andrew Wilson to write:
"In response to you query to SGAP I have the following comments. Templetonia retusa is easy from seed if you put them in an insulated coffee cup, pour boiling or even near boiling water on them, leave them overnight and sow. Before you throw out some of the seeds that have not sunk stir the water. Sometimes bubbles attached to smaller seeds may keep them afloat.I see no need to add extra nutrition until germination has begun. Nature has provided that in the seed. After germination they still do not need a lot.
If you have not grown it before you may have to wait a few years until it flowers but, once it does, you will not regret the wait. I have a specimen I raised from seed eight years ago and it is in full flower in my garden each year by Christmas Day.
The Chamelaucium can be treated similarly but the germination is not so reliable. You may also want to try it by the so-called Bog method in which seeds are sowed on a medium that is maintained wet. The seeds are relatively fine and should be barely covered."
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In case anyone is wondering about Templetonia flowering at Christmas....Andrew lives in California.
Finally....
For those of you in Australia, we are now entering the "Show Season". From mid August to mid October there will be spectacular displays of Australian wildflowers held in many areas. There is no better way to learn about growing, propagating or just appreciating Australian plants than by attending one or more of these shows.
You will find a list of those that I'm aware of at:
http://www.silo.riv.com.au/SGAP/whatson.html
See you there.....
Best wishes Brian
Brian Walters, |