Australian Plants online - Subscribers' NewsletterNumber 8 - November 1998Published by The Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants CONTENTS
1. New Search Facility on ASGAP Home Page
A new site search facility has been added to the ASGAP home page at:
http://www.silo.riv.com.au/SGAP/
The facility allows users to search for a particular topic. It's a fairly simple system and it returns a list of links to pages on the ASGAP site where the topic occurs - as far as I can make out it doesn't support complex search arguments.
I've tested it briefly and, although it's not perfect it seems to be a useful addition. Let me know what you think.
2. Hydroponics and Australian plants
In response to Mauro Pecollo's note in the last newsletter, Amani.Ahmed (Amani.Ahmed@uts.edu.au) writes:
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"It is true that there is little research on hydroponics and Australian plants. However, you can grow pretty much anything in hydroponics. For my PhD research I am using hydroponics to study the effect of plant nutrition on the oxalate, nitrate and saponin in Warrigal Greens (Tetragonia tetragonioides). Warrigal Greens is a native edible spinach, which is well suited to hydroponic production.
I have also trialled 5 other native edible plants in hydroponic systems - Dianella caerula (flax lily), Carpobrotus glaucescens (pigface), Rubus hillii (native raspberry), Austromyrtus tenuifolius (narrow-leaf myrtle) and Billardiera scandens (apple-berry). These species all grew well in hydroponics, using a standard commercial nutrient mix. However, they all take a long to produce a crop, and so are probably not commercially viable.
I also remember seeing an article on native ornamental plants in hydroponics in the magazine 'Practical Hydroponics and Glasshouses'. I'm not sure which issue - you could try emailing casper@hydroponics.com.au or the website http://www.hydroponics.com.au.
For more information on my research, please email me.
Amani Ahmed PhD student University of Technology Sydney"
3. Mulching with Eucalypts
Glenn Edwards (glenne@cygnus.uwa.edu.au) is interested in any possible inhibitory effects on other plants of eucalyptus prunings when used as a mulch.
I replied that "I don't know of any reason why aged eucalypt material couldn't be used. I've been using fallen leaves and bark as a mulch for years without any apparent ill effects."
Do any readers have any views on this?
4. Eureka Prizes for 1999
Anne Hollingsworth has sent the following information which might be of interest to some readers. Anne sent this some time ago and the deadlines are now close. Apologies for omitting it in the previous newsletter.
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"The Eureka Prizes, now in their ninth year, are Australia's pre-eminent national science awards. Administered by the Australian Museum, they acknowledge and reward outstanding achievements in Australian scientific and environmental research, science communication and journalism, and the promotion of science. In 1999 a record twelve prizes will be awarded, worth almost $100,000 in total.
Nominations/entries are now invited for the 1999 Eureka Prizes. The winners of the 1999 Eureka Prizes will be announced at a ceremony at the Australian Museum during National Science Week in May 1999.
THE 1999 EUREKA PRIZES
The Allen Strom Eureka Prize for Environmental Education Programs: $10,000 Entries close 30 November 1998 This prize honours Allen Strom's untiring devotion over 40 years to conservation and education. The prize aims to encourage and reward excellence in the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental education programs. Sponsored by the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority.
The Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Industry (not a monetary prize) Entries close 30 November 1998 This prize is awarded to any business, company or corporation which, through innovation or outstanding commitment to research, development or training, has sought to elevate corporate responsibility for scientific endeavour to a level consistent with our national capacity and needs. This is not a monetary prize, but an award offering prestige and distinction. Sponsored by the Australian Museum.
The Australian Sceptics Eureka Prize For Critical Thinking: $10,000 Entries close 30 November 1998 This prize encourages young scientists to investigate beliefs that owe little or nothing to the rigours of scientific method. It is awarded to a postgraduate student or post-doctoral researcher under 35 years of age in the physical or life sciences and related humanities area for a completed or planned body of work. Sponsored by the Australian Sceptics.
The Environment Australia Peter Hunt Eureka Prize for Environmental Journalism: $10,000 Entries close 31 January 1999. This prize commemorates the outstanding work of the late Dr Peter Hunt of the ABC's Science Unit, and is awarded for a particular work or for overall performance in the field of environmental journalism. Special emphasis is given to work that informs and influences public opinion and attitudes, and that recognises and promotes the principles of ecologically sustainable development. Sponsored by Environment Australia.
The Graphic World Eureka Science Book Prize: $10,000 Entries close 31 January 1999 This prize is designed to encourage publishers and Australian authors to produce quality books which bring science and the results of scientific research to the general public. Sponsored by Graphic World Printing Group.
The Michael Daley Eureka Prizes Sponsored by the Department of Industry, Science and Tourism Promotion of Science: $7,000 Entries close 30 November 1998 This prize is awarded for making science and the results of scientific research known and understood by a broader public, or for raising public awareness of the excitement of scientific discovery and its contribution to solving the problems facing society. The prize is open to people working within science, editors and news organisations but not individual journalists.
Science, Technology and Engineering Print Journalism: $7,000 Entries close 31 January 1999
Science, Technology and Engineering Radio Journalism: $7,000 Entries close 31 January 1999
Science, Technology and Engineering Television Journalism: $7,000 Entries close 31 January 1999
These 3 prizes are awarded to Australian journalists and communicators whose work in the relevant media area is assessed as having most effectively communicated scientific, technological and/or engineering issues to the public. Judging criteria include newsworthiness, scientific accuracy, creativity and entertainment value.
The POL Eureka Prize for Environmental Research: $10,000 Entries close 30 November 1998 This prize is awarded for research in any field of the biological, physical, mathematical or biomedical sciences leading to the resolution of an environmental problem or the improvement of our natural environment. The two essential criteria are scientific excellence and some manifest benefit to the natural world. Sponsored by POL Publications.
The University of New South Wales Eureka Prize for Scientific Research:$10,000 Entries close 30 November 1998 This is a new prize, awarded for outstanding but under-appreciated curiosity-driven scientific research done in Australia by an Australian scientist under 40. The work must be published in an internationally respected, externally refereed scientific journal, book or equivalent electronic publication. Sponsored by the University of New South Wales.
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More detailed information and nomination/entry forms for each category of prize are available from the Australian Museum's web page at:
www.austmus.gov.au/eureka
or from :
The Eureka Prizes
5. Germinating Difficult Seeds
Further to the discussion in the September issue of "Australian Plants online".....
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Heather Milligan writes....
"If you need seeds to be in constant running water, some of our New Zealand Native seeds also need this treatment, try putting the seeds in a cloth bag and put it in the cistern of your flush toilet."
and also getting flushed is Cherree Densley.....
"Re someone's request for germinating seeds which require water treatment, I have heard, but never tried, tying the seeds in a small muslin bag or cloth bag and tying them in the cistern of the toilet!!!! As it constantly empties and fills, the conditions needed for these type of seeds is created.
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I've thought of this myself but my family already thinks I'm weird!
6. Australian Native 'Birth Flowers'
Can anyone assist with this enquiry?
*************************** "I'm wondering if any of your members have ever come across a list of Australian native birth flowers.. apparently every month has an associated flower, just like stones.. the standard list is January -Carnation; February - Violet; March - Daffodil etc. But our patron is after a similar list for native Australian plants.. I just thought that since your society is comprised of people who are passionate about our own flora, they may have some ideas.. I do hope you can help,
Best regards, Jennifer Freeman, Librarian State Reference Library, State Library of Queensland (j.freeman@slq.qld.gov.au)"
7. Gold Medal Award
Some good news from Europe......
*************************** "The Flower Export Council of Australia Inc (FECA) is proud to announce it has been awarded a Gold Medal for its exhibition of Australian flora at the 1998 Aalsmeer International Flower Show currently taking place in the Netherlands.
The awarding of a Gold Medal to the 'Flowerful Australia' exhibit was especially pleasing for FECA as there were more than 400 exhibitors from 30 different countries competing for exhibition prizes at Aalsmeer this year.
The Aalsmeer International Flower Show is the premier world event for showcasing cut flowers, new varieties, plant material, and services such as financing, research and marketing.
The 36th Aalsmeer International Flower Show is the second year that two major Dutch Trade Shows have been combined. The two events, the International Horti Fair (NTV) and the International Flower Trade Show were held together under one roof at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction site from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 November, 1998.
The 1998 'Flowerful Australia' exhibition was the second year that such promotion has been co-ordinated by FECA. This years award winning 'Gold Medal' exhibit follows last years 'Silver Medal' awarded to the FECA display.
Credit and thanks must go to the members of the FECA Executive as organisers, to the agencies and companies who assisted with funding, to FECA members who attended this event (Denis Tricks, Jenni Bras and Tony Dick), to FECA's Melbourne floral designer for this event Mr Keith Wood for his floral design talent and flair and to all exporters and growers who donated fresh and dried Australian flowers and foliage for this event.
FECA believes the international interest created by the Australian exhibit and products displayed will lead to increased sales of Australian flora in the international marketplace in 1998/99."
8. Clematis Variety Testing
I'm no longer surprised at receiving messages from overseas but Silja Kreen is my first correspondent from Estonia.
Silja is interested in Clematis, particularly small flowered species, and writes.....
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"I study horticulture/gardening at Estonian Agricultural University. Last year I graduated from this university and my diploma thesis were "Perspective large-flowered Clematis varieties". This work was done using Mr. Uno Kivistik's large-flowered varieties and Soviet (USSR) based clematis variety testing method was used. Now I am working for my Master's degree and my topic of research is "Perspective small-flowered clematis varieties for verdancy(greenery)". I hope that this work will give me possibility to be more familiar with international variety testing methodology also."
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Perhaps any Clematis enthusiasts could get in touch with Silja at: lauri@eans.ee
9. Insect Repelling Plants
Two correspondents are interested in using Australian plants for repelling insects.
Tony Curl (curlyt@one.net.au) asked:
*************************** "Are any Australian Natives known for their insect repelling nature. I have a bad fly problem in my garden which I am trying to solve naturally. Is there any plants that can provide me with a natural line of defence?
and Tiffany (Cinny2104@aol.com) has a school project. She writes....
"Hi. My name is Tiffany and I'm an 8th grader at Williston Middle school. I have a science fair project that I'm doing and I need information on the eucalyptus. My project is on mosquitos and I was reading that there are certain oils from the eucalyptus tree that are used in some mosquito repellents. I would like to know first of all, if this is true and second of all, if there is any information you can send me on it.
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The only plant that I know of in this area is the recent plant release known as Mozzie Zapper. This is a form of Leptospermum (tea tree) with a high concentration of citronella in its leaves. I have no idea how effective it is or if it has any effect on flies. What about eucs?
Has anyone tried it or has some other truly repelling ideas?.
10. A Question of Ethics
Maria Hitchcock's dilemma about sending cutting material overseas brought several responses:
*************************** From Diane Whitehead, Victoria, British Colombia, Canada
"In response to the Correa Society executive member who worries that sending cuttings overseas may result in an overseas patent that will forbid propagation in Australia:
I read an article by an English woman who developed a new plant and contracted with a nursery which was going to patent and sell it. She was required to guarantee that no one else had it. She couldn't even give a piece to a family member, and had to hide it so that she could be sure no visitor to her garden stole a cutting. I am not sure whether this was a requirement of the nursery, or of the regulatory institute. I should think this would guarantee that no plant that was being sold or passed around among friends in Australia could then be patented somewhere else. If an Australian plant sported somewhere else, or was used as a parent of a plant that was unique enough to be patented, that would be a different matter. I certainly would not fear to share plants with overseas nurseries unless you are planning to patent a plant yourself. I don't know whether this is done in Australia (it isn't in Canada)."
From Andrew Wilson, San Diego, California
"This is a dilemma but one that must be faced. I do not like the privatisation of plant material but I recognise that if people have put in the effort to produce special forms or hybrids their rights, once they claim them, should be protected. How are those rights to be protected?
Get all members, Australian or not, of the Study Group to sign a document stating that any material they receive in the Study Group are for their private use only. Any attempt to transfer them to other persons will be prosecuted. I think you must face the unpleasant fact by getting all members to sign such a document. Frankly, members should have no difficulty signing. These Study Groups are for study of plants, not for the creation of commercial interests. A nurseryman, Australian, American or whatever should not be looking to material transferred within a Study Group for plant material to commercialise. They can obtain such material by paying for it.
From Cherree Densley, Killarney, Victoria
"Maria Hitchcock raises important questions and one which ASGAP has raised also. At present there is a moratorium on SGAP members sending seeds or cutting material overseas and the practice should be stopped. Many queries on the gardenweb/forum relate to getting Australian plants - seeds or cuttings - and I know the issue has been raised several times. Not only could the problems arise as Maria has suggested with nurseries getting genetic material which could be registered overseas, but the one which we face here every day is the environmental weed issue. Plants from all over the world are creating havoc along our roadways and in the bushland, and if we send plants overseas which haven't been grown there already, we could create another environmental problem overseas. Just yesterday, on walking through my own bushland, I happened to see a patch of white - it was an arum lily flowering deep in the bush. There are no houses within 10 kms from the area. Where did it come from? I certainly wasted no time in pulling it out, but I suspect that some Roundup should have been used as the small bulbs are very persistent."
11. Software for Australian Gardens
Peter Griffioen (csed1@ozemail.com.au) is trying to track down a programme that he used in the past. It covered Australian native plants and ran under Windows 3.11. It consisted of 2 diskettes and a handbook.
Does anyone have any ideas??
12. Now That's What I Call a Leaf!!!!
Following on from the item in the last issue, Tony Stuart suggests Eucalyptus globulus ssp. bicostata as a candidate for one of the eucs with large leaves. He says that they regularly reach 300mm long.
13. Small Wattles
Last time I asked..... "Is there a better small wattle than Acacia flexifolia?" Well a couple of challengers have come to light.
Anne Green suggests A. wilhelmiana (Dwarf Nealie)....a small wattle, native to the South Australian Murray Mallee. It is often less than a metre tall x up to 2 m wide. The slightly viscid foliage is a pleasant, bright green, which looks good in a dry, mallee landscape in summer and the masses of bright yellow flowers are open in September/October.
John Attwood (Tamworth, NSW) suggests A iteaphylla...."a very nice, small wattle which flowers prolifically in late winter/early spring. It has beautiful grey-green foliage and dense habit. A.iteaphylla apparently grows up to 5m, but it doesn't seem to be getting there in a great hurry. We have it planted as a show piece in the orchard, and have recently obtained some more in tubes to be placed around the cottage."
Cherree Densley's contribution is A. rotundifolia "Prostrate". This plant "really has set the lower garden alight with a wonderful display of about 2 metres across and about 1/2 a metre high with wide arching branches weighed down with glorious gold."
Are there no other candidates???
14. Raised Garden Beds
Robyn McKinnon's question last time about the best material for building raised garden beds brought the following response from Cherree Densley:
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"I have never found it successful to build up beds for Australian plants with bought or imported soil. It brings in too many weed seeds or the fill is sterile - may have been dug up too deeply. Instead - use you own soil by digging DOWN the pathways or making trenches -and placing the dug out soil on the area you wish to plant. Trench and mound is the system and the most successful Australian gardens use this system. Of course, one still sees 'sand beds' being made by some gardeners purely for Western Australian stuff, and being very successful too, but usually only short term.
15. Another Word on Ant Control
Cherree Densley has found that sprinkling talcum powder near ants really upsets them - "it makes it slippery for their tiny feet!! Also they lose their own scent, apparently!"
This is one method I just have to try!!
Finally....
There have been some problems with access to the ASGAP site in recent weeks...apparently due to a change over to a new Service Provider. At the time of writing the site is still not accessible but, hopefully, it will be back to normal soon.
By the way...I'm always looking for good material for the "Australian Plants online" magazine. If you know of any suitable articles (eg. from Seminars and Conferences), please let me know. I'll contact the authors for permission to reprint.
Best wishes Brian
Brian Walters, |