Australian Plants online - Subscribers' NewsletterNumber 4 - May 1998Published by The Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants CONTENTS
1. Web Site Problems
Apologies to those who had problems connecting to the Australian Plants web site recently. I'm not sure what caused the problem but it now seems to have been resolved.
By the way, please let me know about any difficulties of any kind that you experience on the site, but particularly any broken links or missing graphics. I can't guarantee to fix everything but I can try....
And another reminder, the letters "SGAP" in the site URL must be in upper case, as in:
http://www.silo.riv.com/SGAP/
2. Floral Emblems Needed
In issue number 9 of "Australian Plants online", the descriptions of all of the major Australian floral emblems were completed. So what now?
One idea is to cover the floral emblems used by towns and municipalities across Australia. The idea would be to prepare a brief article on the plant, together with a photograph, and also briefly describe some of the features of the town itself.
However, I'm going to need some help with this....if your town or municipality has a native plant as a floral emblem, please let me know.
3. Join the Production Team
While I'm asking for help, here's another request.....
Due to changes in the administration of SGAP (NSW Region) I am going to have to make alternative arrangements for typing of material for "Australian Plants online". I could use a commercial secretarial service but perhaps there are some readers who would be prepared to type an article occasionally. It wouldn't be too onerous....perhaps 1 long or 2 short articles every three months with plenty of lead time.
It would work something like this. I would send the material to be typed by ordinary post and you could return it my email or on disk, whichever is more convenient.
The bad news....the pay is pretty poor (ie. there is none!). But you will get a mention as one of the production team which, I'm sure you'll agree, is far better than monetry gain.........
4. Black Bean....a Possible Cure for AIDS?
I received the following message from Susie Rainey:
*********************** "Subject: Australian Moreton Bay Chestnut
A year ago, I quickly scribbled the name of this tree (?) down in reference to a possible chemical cure for AIDS. Would you be able to give me an internet starting point or reference source to begin following this up? I am researching data for a mystery novel dealing with an ancient cure for an AIDS-like condition; I would rather educate readers than throw them a fictional bone.
Thank you so much for any help you can provide. Not being Australian, I am too much a stranger to this botanical reference."
************************
I had not heard of Castanospermum australe (Moreton Bay Chestnut or Black Bean) being used in research for an AIDS cure but on doing a bit of research using the ANZWERS search engine (my personal favourite), I came across the following short entry which is an extract from a talk given to the Brisbane Rainforest Action & Information Network by Dr. Merv Hegarty.
"Castanospermum australe - Black Bean
The compound Castanospermine is an alkaloid extracted from the seed of the Black Bean tree. It is found in all parts of the Black Bean tree but the content of the seed is especially high. It is easy to extract the alkaloid from the seed, as it is water soluble - the aboriginal people found this out a long time ago. The compound inhibits the actions of the enzyme that breaks down the sugar, glucose.
The molecule has been found to affect the workings of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus by preventing the 'docking' of the virus's glycoproteins to human lymphocytes. Two years ago the first clinical trials were held but pharmaceutical companies later dropped castanospermine to concentrate on 'cocktails' including the compound AZT. Who knows when/if castanospermine will be resurrected?
A different isomer (molecule with same components but different shape) is being used in research against nematodes. In New Zealand researchers are using castanospermine as the starting point from which to develop other compounds. A possible use is in improving tissue grafting (because of the way in which it affects 'docking' to sites) in surgery."
Dr. Hegarty has 40 years experience as a plant chemist with CSIRO in tropical crops and pastures, advising on the toxicology of plants. He now runs a consultancy (Plantchem) with his wife, Dr. Elwyn Hegarty, (a botanist, specialising in vines and rainforest ecology) which advises on the use of native plants in 'bush tucker' and pharmaceutical products.
I have provided Susie with the above information as well as with some basic information about the plant. If anyone can add to this information please contact Susie (Raineyms@aol.com).
5. Germinating Sugarwood Phil Bagust writes......
************************ "Hopefully someone can help me with this.........
Sugarwood (Myoporum platycarpum) is a beautiful arid zone tree that just extends its range into the northern suburbs of Adelaide. It can be propagated by tip cutting, but I'm interested if anyone has solved the problem of germination from seed. It's (atypical for the Myoporaceae) papery capsules are easy to collect in Summer/Autumn - but try coaxing them to germinate! Has this problem been solved? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated."
************************
I have to admit total ignorance on this species (in fact on the germination of most Myoporaceae) so, if you can help please contact Phil at paisley@cobweb.com.au.
6. Seaside Daisy...a Follow-up
Thanks to everyone who responded to Mona Meachem's request for info on "seaside daisy". I knew my suggestion of Carpobrotus rossii was going to really show my ignorance....and so it proved!
Seaside Daisy is a Mexican plant known botanically as Erigeron karvinskianus. It's a floriferous, very hardy herbaceous plant which forms a mound about 1m across by 40 cm high. the flowers are small and pink, turning to white so that both colours are present at once. It self-seeds freely, is extremely hardy and can spread easily, giving it high weed potential. The plant has been banned in New Zealand where it has caused a problem along water courses.
It was used quite a bit by Edna Walling in her garden landscaping (see also Item 8 below).
The web page: http://hammock.ifas.ufl.edu/txt/fairs/25556, refers to it as fleabane or Mexican daisy.
Thanks to Anne Green, Christian Narkowicz, Graeme Thorpe and Allison Payne for this information.
7. Well....Blow Me Down
Chris Roberts (Mrs.) asks about a plant called "Blow Fly Plant".
The mind boggles!
Well, I've drawn a blank so, if you can help please contact Chris at colrob@vianet.com.au (but please let me know too!)
8. Edna Walling
Kristine Taylor writes:
************************ "I am trying to find information on Edna Walling - both on her personal life and on her garden designs. If you are able to help me in any way, I would be very, very grateful. Many thanks ..."
************************ If you can help, please contact Kristine at krisdon@powerup.com.au
9. Germination Studies
Kelly Heffer is a third year student studying a Bachelor of Applied Science (Horticulture) at The University of Melbourne, Burnley College.
Kelly, Chris Jones and Joanna Bialecka are undertaking a horticulture research project on seed germination and are seeking background information on the germination of Goodeniaceae and Rutaceae species.
The following is the project outline:
Initial Aim
To compare the germination rates of selected species from the Goodeniaceae and Rutaceae families, in the following three different environments:
* Deno's basic procedure
Treatments
Those species which show significant variance in germination across the environments will be tested further using the following treatments:
* Photosensitivity - light and dark germination environments;
Species list
GOODENIACEAE
Anthotium humile
RUTACEAE
Boronia falcifolia
If you can help directly or suggest sources please contact Kelly at: k.heffer@student.unimelb.edu.au.
10. Money for nothing..... and Trees for Free!
Tony Stuart has a surfeit of trees..........
************************ "I have a number of seedlings of assorted trees to give away to a good home. They are mainly rainforest trees of the Sydney area with some grown from seed collected on the South Coast of NSW and a few from the Barrington Tops and North Coast.
I have plenty of red cedars (Toona ciliata), some coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum), a Notolea from the Bateman's Bay are which was being feasted on by rainforest pigeons at the time of collection, a few Cryptocarya species, some Clerodendron, sassafrass and an assortment of other plants some of which are unidentified. Due to limited space I have sowed many seeds in a few trays which are in constant use. The delayed germination times of some species give me seedlings from seeds sown one or several years previously. Some of these surprises are immediately recognisable but others have not been identified yet.
Many of these trees would be suitable for bush regeneration work in coastal NSW.
I know one other person who grows trees and then has the problem of what to do with them, and I guess that this would not be an uncommon problem for members of the society. Do you have any ideas for linking these small backyard collections and nurseries to people/organisations/charities/community projects who are wanting trees & other plants for revegetation projects."
************************ Tony is located in the Sydney area and can be contacted at: tonystu@ozemail.com.au
11. Propagation of Swainsona formosa
Sturt's desert pea is a popular plant but not all that easy to grow in humid areas. Malcolm The (them@galaxy.com.au) has asked:
************************ "I am interested in the propagation of the above species and have been told that it is very difficult. Could you post the question to your members for information please."
************************ Swainsona formosa is not especially difficult to propagate using the methods for acacia/pea flowers described on the Plant Propagation pages of the Australian Plants web site although some people recommend pretreatment by soaking in hot rather than boiling water. Growing on can be a problem. Most success is achieved by growing in deep containers with a very well drained potting mix.
Grafted plants, using the New Zealand species Clianthus puniceus as stock are becoming available and are more reliable.
There are probably more propagating and growing methods with this species than with any other plant. If you've had some success, how about sharing your ideas with the rest of us (you might like to let Malcolm know too).
12. Tree Removal
Chris Cousins (Chris_Cousins@kctp.com.au) would like some advice regarding the potential for Corymbia (Eucalyptus) maculata and an ironbark, Eucalyptus fibrosa var fibrosa, to cause property damage by blowing over or dropping branches. Chris writes:
************************ "I am currently negotiating with a neighbour for the removal of some large gum trees on his property which overhang my house. The trees are Eucalyptus maculata and an ironbark, Eucalyptus fibrosa var fibrosa.
During a storm in Maitland approximately two years ago a Eucalyptus maculata was blown over and totally destroyed a Councilor's home so I have some information regarding problems with this tree. The ironbark is more of a problem to me as it is larger, closer and often drops large dead branches.
Do you have any information on file regarding problems with these two species?"
************************ Well, I couldn't find anything so I'm hoping some reader has some experience in these matters.
Over to you.......
13. Name that Plant!!
If you're interested in a bit of a challenge take a look at:
http://thunder.simplenet.com
Michael Thompson is progressively putting a large number of photographs on line at that site. The only problem is that Michael doesn't know the names of many of the plants and has asked for assistance. If you can help, Michael will acknowledge your contribution.
Why not give it a go....there are photographs from several states so, chances are, you'll find a few that you can put a name to.
14. Dates for Your Diary
Keep these in mind if you're in the vicinity (Sorry about the emphasis on New South Wales' events. There's no deliberate parochialism here....honest!)
Illawarra Grevillea Park - Open days (10am to 4pm)
The park features a wide range of Australian plants with the emphasis on grevilleas. Barbecue and picnic facilities are available. Admission is $2 for adults; children free. The park is located at the rear of the Bulli Showground, Pacific Highway, Bulli. Further information from the Park's web site: http://www-personal.usyd.edu.au/~markz/grevillea/
August - Saturday 29 to Sunday 30, 9am to 4pm Shortland Wetland Centre, Sandgate Rd, Shortland, NSW. This event will be hosted by the Newcastle Group of the Australian Plants Society and there will be local garden displays, cut flowers, plant sales, environment and conservation group displays, craft, garden walks and "kids' korner".
September - Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 Kariong, New South Wales (5km south-west of Gosford on the Pacific Highway) The Central Coast Group of the Australian Plants Society will a major part of this annual Festival featuring over 100 non-profit and commercial exhibits. There will be sales of heath, rainforest and grafted plants (Grevillea, Hakea, Eremophila, Prostanthera), native plant displays, growing and propagation advice and plant propagation demos.
15. Mycorrhiza Collection
Len Walde needs some help with an unusual problem...
************************ "Help, please: I am interested in collecting ectomycorrhiza, from under Eucalyptus, as an inoculate for some "Snow Eucs" I am growing for eventual setting out in abandoned mine sites. This is all pro bono, low-budget, self funded research I am doing in the interest of helping solve a serious environmental problem.
My problem is I am just an old Engineer and need some "how-to" advice on how best to collect it and how to preserve and eventually propagate it in my small greenhouse. Also, is it possible to neutralize any insects and other potential pathogens without harming the beneficial fungi spores etc.?
If you have the time and inclination, I would appreciate and help you can give me."
************************ As an extremely young and virile engineer (who suffers from chronic self-delusion) I have both the time and the inclination but, alas, not the knowledge. Len can be contacted at sigma@ix.netcom.com
16. Where to find Aussie Ferns...in the USA
Debra Fritz (dfritz@rocketmail.com) is interested in two Australian ferns:
Diplopterygium longissimum - the "Giant Scrambling Fern", native to north-east Queensland as well as New Guinea and north to China. A large fern that forms tangled patches up to 6 metres high. It does not tolerate total shade.
and,
Angiopteris evecta - the "King Fern" or "Giant Fern" . It is supposed to have the largest fronds of any fern. It is found in north east New South Wales, Queensland and in Malaysia and Polynesia.
She would now like to "know is how to get my hands on these". Debra lives in Southern California and has been told that they can be grown there if she can get them. She's looked everywhere, contacted all kinds of Fern Societies, etc. and everyone wants them, but no one can find them...
Do our US readers have any ideas?
17. Acacia mangium - Wonder Plant?
I've received a few messages regarding this plant which is apparently being promoted as some kind of wonder plant in India. I'm not quite sure for what purpose but one correspondent was considering it as a border plant (windbreak?) for his orchard. However, this correspondent was also concerned about the weed potential of the plant as it has apparently not been assessed for invasiveness and several other Acacia species have become pests there.
To be honest I'd never heard of the species until these messages started to arrive but, according to Elliot and Jones, it's a tree 15-25 m high which occurs in far north Queensland and north to Malaysia. As a tropical species it would probably do well in parts of India but, as it probably has no natural pests there, it probably does have weed potential.
Does anyone have any experience with this plant?
Finally.......
"Save the Planet and Don't Mow the Lawn"
It seems that my years of adopting the "natural look" as far as my lawn is concerned have been vindicated by some recent research. The above headline in the Sydney Morning Herald of Monday 20 April, pointed to work carried out by the CSIRO in which a transparent chamber was set up over a paddock and the gases given off by the grasses was measured over a two year period.
It was found that, after cutting the grass, gas emissions (of reactive hydrocarbons, which add significantly to smog problems) increased 180 times.
Reactive hydrocarbons??? Do they mean methane???
Perhaps a herd of cattle did the mowing........
Best wishes Brian
Brian Walters, |