ASSOCIATION of
lSSN 0811-5311 DATE- March 1991 "REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PUBLICATION
LEADER : Peter Hind, 41 Miller Street, Mount Druitt, 2770
SECRETARY: Moreen Woollett, 3 Currawang Place, Como West, 2226
TREASURER: Joan Moore, 2 anne net Street, Gladesville, 2111
SPORE BANK: Jenny Thompson, 2 Albion Place, Engadine , 2233
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" Ire! 1.~1!e r:,'f (Ilc\c.?orl!% :I. an (:I " !, .t 1.~2 .? :i. I-.; t ctnm 1:) :I. (+?.he ..(: :I. o ln'a 0.f: (Ilu(>?ens :L an cl .fu1-1.) $5 an cl a :I. :I. :i.e!ii , :i.!ii avi:t:i. :I. a I:, :I. e .f:u'cm !ii[3Al::' BooI*:. :';erv:i. tne , Bawe lc B:i rcl Eac,l.:.!s, I::'.0. Box :1.04 !, Wi.nma:l.~.?a,, b1. 8 ,, W. !, 2777 !, -f'ol- %90. 60 p:lu% (>os-ta(;je During the short period of his membership, Calder Chaffey has won a reputation for.being one of the most avid searchers after ferns and ferny places. Calder is also a keen identifier and his thoroughness is typified by the manner in which he has written concerning the identification of the local rainforest tree ferns, A sincere thank you Calder for sharing your knowledge in your article which appears elsewhere in this Newsletter. Calder has recently written of an interesting fern area that others might enjoy visiting. An extract from Calder's letter follows. "I have been meaning to tell you of a find on my way home from the last fern meeting at Wauchope. T found a small rainforest reserve up from Wingham - Goorganna Nature Reserve. One enters from the top of the plateau and walks down a good track descending about 600 m to a waterfall on Mumford Creek. Walk is 2.7 km to the bottom. Reserve 2 by 2 km. It is absolutely crowded with ferns with patches of dry, wet and in spray under falls. It would be well worth while for a future fern meeting. Good accommodation at Wingham or Wauchope or maybe we could get a place at Bonny Hills where we had the SGAP Conference. I only had a couple of hours to spare but noted a goodly number of ferns. Report on Activities of South East Queensland Group The Group had a good start to the year when 25 members met at the home of Peter and Pat Bostock on Sunday 3 February. We welcome Geoff Edwards to our Group and great to see Joyce Ward back as a regular. Peter Bostock has a new neighbour, David D'enton (formerly of Woombye) and although in residence only a week, he showed us his large collection of ferns, which took the move well. He has a big and varied collection of Drynaria riqidula in its many forms. Time was limited on our Lastreopsis study. It was decided that five members would make a special day to co-ordinate the information we have to date. We hope to come up with a reasonably workable "Amateurs Field Guide for Lastreopsis". Contributions Most Welcome Items for the Newsletter are always eagerly received. Please sha re your experiences / views / observations relating to ferns, with the membe,:rship generally by forwarding items to the Secretary. The deadline for our next Newsletter is 15 May 1991. And please remember our Spore Bank1 Contributions of fresh spore are appreciated - please forward direct to Jenny Thompson. Obituary Dr R.E. Holttum Contributed by Ray Best Having just received my Pteridological Societies Btlletin Volume 4, No 1, 1990; somewhat suprised to find an obituary to Dr Holttum who I am sure we woyld all agree was indeed the worlds 'Grand Old Man of Fernsf. An accepted leader around the world: having made many enquiries about ferns from him in the past, I always found hlm ready to share his vast knowledge with anyone requiring assistance. His many works have assisted over the years as a guide to all those I interested in ferns. So I decided to send you details as recorded in the British Pteridological Societies Bulletin. a. Or Eric Holttum, the Grand Old Man of pteridology. died on 18 September 1990 at Kew, Surrey. He had reached the end of a long and producttve life and had drawn his scientific work to a close with his account of Tectaria for Flora Malesiana, sent to the Editor in 1988. He was mentally active to the end, and ov2r the last few months had been piecing together his autobiography. Holtturn was born in Linton, Cambridgeshire. on 20 July 1895. He went to the Quaker :;chools of Saffron Walden and Bootharn, York, continuing his education at St John's College, Cambr~dge.His college years, tluwever, were interrupted by the First World War Hcrlttum, a Quaker, served in the Friends Ambulance U,nit and received the Croix rle Guerre for his active service. Following his return to Cambridge, he obtained a First Class Honouls degree in Botany irl 1920 and as part of his post-graduate studies on fossil ferns, he carried out fieldwork in Greenland with Prof. A C Seward. The fossils he collected were'related to present- ' day tropical species, and in 1922, perhaps with a desire to see things first-hand, he successfully applied for the Assistant Directorship of rhe Singapore Botanic Gardens, becorning Director in 1926. There his life-long interest in ferns was established. He was an observant botanist and also made very significant studies of many other groups, ir) particular, orchids, gingers, bamboos and sedges. He was an avid plant collector and made many trips to different States of Malaya, and to British North Borneo (now Sabah), where he made the first substantial collection of pteridophytes of Mt Kinabalu in 1933. His contribution to the botany of SE Asia has been well documented in his own account published for his eightieth birthday (in Fl. Malesiana Bull. 28: 2477-2500, 1975, which has a complete list of his publications to that date). In 1942 Japanese troops invaded Singapore, but luckily his wife and two daughters had already left for Australia. Aware of the value of Holttum's pre-war work, theJa~aneseordered him to continue his research at the Gardens. He therefore spent the three and a half years of the occupation on uninterrupted taxonomic research which laid the foundation of many substantial publications, including his account for Flora of Malaya, Vol. 2. Ferns (1954). The writing of Ferns of Malaya gave Holttum a broad perspective of the relationships of genera and the delimitations of families, and he began to see fundamental links that were not apparent in the accepted classification at the time, that of Carl Christensen. These views Holttum published as 'A revised classification of Leptosporangiate ferns' in the Journal OF the Linnean Society of London (Botany) (vol. 53: 123-158, 1947) a few months before E B Copeland's Genera Filicum, which unfortunately over-shadowed it: They formed, however, the basis of Holttum's approach to further fern studies and the arrangement for the pteridophyte series of Flora Mslesiana, of which he was to beco~nethe general editor. In 1949 Eric Holttum resigned from the Directorship of the Gardens and becanie ?Ile first Professor of Botany at the new University of Malaya in Singapore. He retired' to . England in 1954 and settled at Kew, where he was given facilities to work in the Herbar~urn - at the Royal Botanic Gardens until his death. A true field man, Holttum loved his Wednesday visits to the fern houses there, where many of his own living collections were growing. He encouraged Bert Bruty, Supervisor of those houses in the 1950's and 19601s, and explained the ecological requirements of these tropical plants. It was extremely sad that in the mid 1970's he began to lose his hearing and although he mastered lip-reading, having a two-way conversation became increasingly difficult. This did not stop him attending meetings however, and in 1981 he went to the International Botanical Congress in Sydney. It was there that the International Association of Pteridologists was set up and Eric Holtruni was a natural choice f~rits first President, a post he held until the next Congress in 1987 Holttum had been given many accolades: an ScD from Cambridge University, an honorary DSc from the University of Malaya, gold medals for orchidology from America, Malaysia, and the RHS, and for excellence in tropical botany by the Pacific Tropical Garden in " Hawaii. His great achievements, particularly since his 'retirement', are an inspiration and example to 11s all. Holttum joined the BPS in 1950 and members of the Society will remember him as our President from 1960-63, and as a Vice-President thereafter. Our annual meeting at Kew was for years rounded off with lea at the Holttums, when many of his Malaysian treasures could be seen. With his wife, Ursula, he frequently joined our field excursions, constantly pointing out interesting features about our native ferris - the number of vascular strands in the stipe, the unicellular hairs in Thelypreris, glands on the scales of Phegopteris. He never ceased to teach, yet it was always in an inspiring, friendly, modest, almost conversational style over a meal, on the train, or walking in the field. He was also excited at things others showed him, and was often heard to say that characteristic 'Golly, golly', a phrase Ursula disliked and repeatedly scolded him for using, but to no avail. A C Jerrny A SI Iv~PLEkv4ETHO D OF I DEi\lTIFICATIO N OF THE TREE FERNS OF N.E. N.S.W. by Calder Chaff ey This method only refers to tree fern: found growing naturally in the area of P(.S.W, from Pt llacquarie to the Queensland border and from the coast to the tablelands. It is not suitablt. for the idefitification of specir~~ensgrowing in gardens. These could be species brought in frorn other districts and more characteristics may have to be considered to make an identification. Most keys depend on olservdtic~nof material from the fern which is not al\vays available at all times . of the year. We have a11 exper*;c.nced the disappoirltment of finding a specimen without the opportunity * to rcturr~and identification has been made uncertain because the ft-onds were not bearing spores at that time of the year. The follo.v/ing key selects a number of characteristics which makc identification certain, and in any season soroe of these can be found. Occasionally one characteristic alone is enough to make a certain identification, e.g. the two types of scales prescnt'on Cy~theacc~operi. In the key below the rnark """ designates that this characteristic alone is sufficient tq identify this fern if indigenous and gro'v/ing in N.E. N.S.W. For use select from the headings "A" to "J" accc~~dingto the material l~ouhave been able fct find and work ihrough each section to s possible identification. Of course if you are lucky enough the get three or four types of material you sliould crime to the same conclusion in eact~section proving the identification. Tree ferns are here defined as ferns having arl upright habit with a wocldy caudex or trunk, The hard exterior of the trunk is covere? on more 01- less of the upper part tly the basal part of the stiper of the dead fronds and the extent to. which these persist helps in identification. At least sonw of the trunk is composed of the fern rhizomes forrning ,tough aerial roots visable on the lower surface. The top is crowrred blj e rndss of spreading fronds. To confc~rrnwith this clefinitton Bleck~nurnnudurn has been included. The tree ferns it is possible to find irr this part of the state are: Ql+chnum nudurn Cysnoger~ssub gen Cyathea australis ToJea barbara Cyathea sub gen Cyathes cur~ninghamii** Anyiclpteris evecta * Cyathea sub gen Sphaeruptet-is leichhardtisna Dicksonia antarctica Cyathea sub gen Sphaero'ptet-is coopet-i . Dicksonia youngiae * NOTE: Angiopteris eveota is only known to exist naturally in NSW by one s'pecimen in the F1E corner. *ic Cyathea cunninghamii has never been recorded in 1II.E. NSW tout it is possible that it will be fu'und in the Border or Nightcap Ranges as is exists only a few kilorneters to tlie north or1 the Larl-lington Plitei~. It is therefore included for completeness. A LAMINA 1 Fertile and sterile larrlina markedly dissimilar . Blechrlurrt r~udurrl"' 2 Pinnatifid (sterile lamina) . Glechnurn nl~dum 1 9 Fertile and sterile lamina sirnilsr . 3 3 1 -pinnate-pinnatifid to 2-pinnate . Todea tlal-toara "' 2 to 4-pinnate Angiclpteris e.r.ecta 2-pinnate-pinnatifid to 5 pinnate . Cy athea, :-pinilate to 3-pir1nete;pinnatifid . Dicksor~ia -. IJLT It-1 ATE SEOI-lEII'TS OF FROIJLiS TODEA BARBARA AflG IClPTER A EVECT A B STIFES Round Csngiopter-is evect.a ^' Channell~don dorsal surf~op , All other- tree ierns included in this area C ST lPE BASES OPI C kl-IDEX 1 IJsually Jec.iduous . Cy a ttlea coopet-i 1 * Stipe bases persisting on ~al~dex 2 2 k few persisting kngiop!er-is eveota %*/'lost stipe bass5 persisting All other tree ferns of ?his area D STlPE BASE:; Purple/blsck, shiny . Elechnurn r~uduln Grown ,smooth . Todsa barhara Thick, rleshy ,dark bt-o.\./r~ Arlgioptet-is evects Rough with oor~ioalspines to J mrn -, Cgathea australis ?darty,bro%t.tr~ .. Cy a the3 cunningharnii Sharp spines to 4,,mm, brown Cy athea leichhar-dti.3na " Rounded tuber-culrs to .5 nlrn Cyaih~acooperi Warty to smooth Dicksonia E ST IPIJLES AT BASE OF STlPE ,-omall- 2-3 cm, orlo pair Todea tarbsra 1.arge and fleshg-7-15 om, one pair kngiopt~riseveota F CAUDEX (TRUNK) - all measure~nentsUP TO: 60 em X 5 cm, black, fibrous, often multiple Bleohnum nudum 1.5 cm X 40 em, black, fibrous Todea barbara 90 cm X 45 cm, dark brown-black . Anqioptera evecta 20 mX 40 cm, stipe tlases persist upper 2JS Cyathea australis 213 rn X 15 cm, mostly covered with stipe bases Cg athea nl~nninghamii 7 m X 1 O cm, rnostly covered with stipe bases Cy att~ealeictlhardtialra 12 m X 25 cm, oval scars from deciduous stipes Cy a thea eooperi 5 rn S 80 crn, matted roots below, rtipes above Dicksonia antartica 5 m X 20 cm, dark matted roots and stipe bases Dicksonia ~joungiae G SCALES (at developing frond bases) 1 Scaler of one type only present Dark brown, 2 cn.1 narrowly triangular Blecllnurn rludurn Glossy brown to 5 cm X 3 mm Cyathea australis Thin, pale, dull to thick, dark bro\vl.~, shiny Cy 3thea cul.lni~~glumii 1.5 to 3.5 cm X 1 tcl 3 mm Silky pale straw to 6 cln X 1 mrn. . I-.* Scales of two types present Straw papery and dark brown needle-like SINGLE TYPE OF FLAT FLAT Af4D HA lii-L IKE HAIRS SCALES SCALES D ICKSOf4l A CY ATHE ti kl,lSTR AL IS CY ATHE A COOPER l YOI.IIIG IkE H HAIF:S (at developi~igfrond bases) C.ll>ssy ginger brown . Dicksonis entartic.3 " Pr is tly ,glossy dark red brown Dicksor~iayo1~119iae I INDUSIUM 1 Indusi?rm pr-eser~t 2 lndusium complete 3 Intjusium globular- 4 Indl~siurnslpitting ir~t~:,2 lohes dl~ntjstequal ur rernair~ingas a hemispherical scale - 4 * Indusiurn culnposed of two valves . 5 5 lnljusia uiider 1 .4 mril , Dicl:sonia ar It.il:l;il:d 5%lndl~sia over 1 .4 mm . Dicksonia y orlngiae B lndus iu~n linear Elecl,~nurnnudum P ., L* Indusiurrt incomplete of 3 few fringed scales arol~ndthe sot-i Cy a thea auctralis a 1 * lndusil~rnabsent . The other tree ferns of the are2 8. SPORES I Fertile & sterile larnina very dissimilar 2 2 Fertile fronds narrow and sparangi-a covering ver~tralsuriace . Elechnurn rtudl~rn" 1 ++ Fertile & sterile lamina sin-rilar 3 3 Sporar~gianot grouped into sori 4 4 Sporangia covering the basal area of the ventral surface of !he lower pinnae . Toclea ~~~~~~~a " S* Sporangia grouped into sori eGI S Sori oval En 6 Cl~~stersof 3 to 7 pairs of sporanqia near rn.sryin clf pirtna Ar~giopterisevecta 5* Sori round 7 7 Sori solii.at-y or1 !he lotles of the pinns away from the central vein I 8 Sori urrder 1.4 mln Oicksonia antarctic3 S* Sori over 1.4 mm . Dicksonia youngiae 7* Scrri paired along central vein of pinn.3 Cyatt~easpecies 1 to 10 pairs sori 0.5 to 1 mm Cy athea cooperi 2 to 12 pairs sori 0.3 to 0.8 mrn Cyathea leichhardtiana 3 to 8 pairs sori 0.5 to 1 nsm Cyathsa australis SOR l GLOSSLRY Caudex A~l~nrtrl~~~l:011) tr~~fernconslstlngnfstern sndollarrnlxome tlalr Epldnrmalsppandageconslstlngof onelongstedcallorn~rntr~rof~?Il~ lndrlslum A membrane covering s $orus Larn~na l'lie expanrlrta oalt of a leer Plnna 7 heprlmmj senman1 or a dlvlded Ion?lamlnn Plnn~ta 4 corr~pilundlnalwhere lha Ianilna IsQlvlUedandllre leallals at-ralI?Ba nn opporitu sldasof a cornmonracnls - Pinnai~iid A!ernlnar.ut ~ntolObHS98ClISld0eh~~tnalf~a\~l0Ih~rnldrlb Wnnale- Plnna[tfIu Dlvld%dIlr~lplnnataly (IX, ZX, 3X olc)wlth tho sagrllents of the flr~nlcllvlslon cut Inl o IO~PF Racnls Thest~rnsnfa COmporrnd 1931 boarlngthe plnn$o orplnnr~les Rhizonirt An unaoqrourid stem Sc nr a Thln llnttenel paprqslrur.l.l~rosl.trlchod to partqf n fern Snrus A cll~sterarsoul-uny la 91: Iho lortlleparc 01 the Ianrlna Sporanglum Anorganprudu~ingandcnntalnlng stcub Tho lbaf stork' from the Caudexlo the lamma Sllpllle An app~ndagenl lhahasmof 1.he sl lpa Ampeloptelria prolifera... .,.in Gladstone Tondoon B-otanic Gardens Ampelopteris, pronounced am pel opt ter is, is aptly named from the Greek, ampelos a vine, andpteris a fern. Some of its fronds can extend 2 to 3 rn in length. At the same time the frond will produce many plantlets along the entire rhachis. Given suitable conditions the plantlets will root and in turn start the whole process of plantlet producing fronds. Little wonder it is rarely considered more than a fern oddity for the enthusiast to grow in a basket or try to keep it from invading the whole of his garden. I first saw this fern growing naturally on the banks of the Albert River (Newsletter No 9 - June 1980). It appeared to be an unattractive fern, with the ability to trip up a hapless walker most efficiently. So imagine my surprise when visiting the Tondoon Gardens recently, to see a very attractive fern, being used as a ground cover on a gully, and to discover it was indeed Ampelopteris prolifera. Growing on a warm moist sheltered slope and covering a 3 by 4 m area, the fronds were a soft bright green, about 60 cm. Gone was its inclination to produce long tangling fronds and sparse pinnae. The area was apparently planted thoughtfully ;+.llowing the original plantlets to root wcll. Now they seem happy to just grow lush fronds, with an . occasional one producing the long plantlet bearing frond. Contributed by Irene Cullen British Pteridoloqical Society The International Centenary Symposium featuring pteridophyte propagation and culture, followed by a tour of fern gardens, is being held in July 1991. A varied programme i,s being planned which should appeal to anyone with a fascination for pteridophytes, no matter what their area or level of interest. Many eminent growers and scientists will be contributing including David Jones from ~ustralia. Papers to be presented include several on the history of fern cultivation, the diversity of cultivated ferns, commercial aspects and conservation. The programme will also include a visit to the living fern collections and the micropropagat ion unit at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. More information was published in our September 1990 Newletter. Anyone who has not yet indicated a possible interest in the Symposium should write for further information to : Jennifer Ide, Roehampton Institute, Whitelands College, West Hill, Putney, London, SW15 3SN. Sterilizina Gxowina Medium I::'l.ly :I. :l E rawn repo rP..L:!1; hav:i.1.1 q 1:)sen cj \.re!; .t. :i. or)ecl a l:)c~.\.t. .t. he n cet:l .I:<:, !st@ r i:I. :i. z e .t. l.le fn~?cl:i. eta 1.1 .;(+?(:I .J'(:Ir: .t. 118 1:) lP.opca(;~m her sxpele.:i.ent::e arlcl Ila!s .Fc>\.tncl t1)a.t. !she ge-t!i; exce:l.:l.erl.l r.esr.rl:t.e; I:>y !;-teri:L:i.+:i.ng -t..he medit.tm, A 1:) pa I-en .l:1. y !, an c:~.t lie r (;I rowe r. ha.; .k.o :I. cl ,. 1::' ll y :I. :I. L 1.m .t I-IQ l.las tjcx:>c:l I-G:!ircr :I. .t.!!; w :i. .(: lmu.t. buthsri. 1.1 q A bt:m .t. .t. l.le rs lPi:l :i. r :inq procc?clu re ,, 'i'h is 4.3k. i L 1.5. kc:? t l.)a.l: .t. l.~?re can In(? 11)ore ,tllan an(.? way arid we shc:,u:l.d nr).l r:ln'.c;cc>r.rragc?.tl.lo.;s who w:i!iih to try a cl:i;fferc.?nt 'LC c: h1.1 :i. q u(+?,, In .Ihe si:~r:;ec~f' !i;.telP..j. :I. :i z i17 (1 .t l~emed :i. urn j. n w h i c: 11 t h~? eipe,rcs are .tat:) he gr.swn, :i.t titlgt~~t.I:)e ~r(;jt.\ecl that "f'c::llt.rl!i; (;trow in na-kt.!I-e w:i .t ho1.1-t tee? r,ec~ss:i.ty 0.f L!!;:~II~ I:)(:)i :I. :i.nq WA.~QI'. !, .J:\.\rlq:L r::icles, @+kc,, to k:.i:LI. pat.haqen~1:;.ha*. (:~lriyh.t.:inh:i.b:i:t .11.1~?spore from grswing and cl sve3.a pi.17 !J . I-.!uwi?ver, ~17~17wfi 1.11.) cJ (+? r .taI,:.(+? .t 178 1:) I-(:)(::(.~3!3 we dt3 LlsuaJ.1.y mt:,clify nmtt.~rw:L cnnt:l:i:tic)r\!s,, Mu!i;.t. j.mpcol~.tar)t:l.y!, we aJL.ter~ (:,?I'I (::(:)(.II*~:ICJ c? t) :i. q 1.1 l.it.un :i. (:I :i. .k.y i:xr) cJ It.e?jt. I<. :i. (: .t~ t. lit:? .~.E?~IIPC.?I-i~ t.t.1r(? rarr (;j (3 'thereby pla.oclucir)g cor)clj.tj.or,c; that .f'avaur f~t1-1qa:I.ql-owth and o.kh(+?t- 1.1a!s .t. i.es w h:i. ch !::ornpe .te w:i. .l:h our .f err)!%. 7'ha 4:. :i.!ii w lty .t.he qen e va :I. rr.1 :I. e :i. .; .to $5 .le r :i. :I. :i. z e ,, :I:n .I: he "En cy c l(:)paecl:i. kt c~f:F:'c:.?~'.n.;" I:)y 1)av:i.(:I I... .. Jon e!i; !, the f:1:)2 I.aw:i. ng acl v:i. c::o :i r; !:j :i.ven ,, " 7' 116 ct!i;e (:IT I:>(:>j. :l :i rl q wa.l:e r orr .t l.ic.? sowJ. rig m :i. x .tcr lZ.c.?cr I*. hon .t. i. r~q :i. rl .I:tle oven ih t 93 cl eg veoc; [~?II.l: :i. (J r.ac1. .f:o r 30 mirl \.r .te!i; :i. !e .to k:i. I. J. .t. he s Fro res o.f a :I. (;J as !, rnc,!i;!iia.; , .furly) :i. arl cl 61 l :i.en .f'errl !i; w l.1 i (:: h may be p I-E.?!.?E?I-I .t. i 1.1 .t. l.i(.> 11) :i. x t\.r re .. 'I'hc.!sc $3pc, re!% (;J e lawj. 1-1 i~-kc+? .fi:\%.t.e v .t. l.)arl .t he !sown .fern 5; (:)ore!%arl cl ctrl :I. ~?+>!i; cl e5.k I-(:)yecl $imot,I-le I#. t.11s y cu.\r.rq .Fcrrl !i; I:~c.lr'ort.s .Ilwy have (:Icve :I. o (:)r+?d,, The?? nm5. x tc.tr.~! must hc a:L :t,r~~ecJf C) c:(:)c>Ih~.B(:)rc? !1;c:!~:i.r)(;~ bt)l.i.t i .t is wclv:ls&~bl~.to snw wl.r:ilc? the mix :i.s %.L:i.:l.:l wal-fn. .I:f. . thr? mix j.% .too hoot, the spu~~c.xst::m I~Pclnmagc~cl., If: it s.ti.:l:l. wi:tvnr .then .the ~[pwal-dcar.rv~t'k:ion aaF air w:i.:l:I. pi-everlt. carr.tarnirmating !;pore!s Tram en ter j. n g r.rn .t. :i. I. t. l.~?I:,(:) t j. l.; !i;c?i:t :I. Thanks is extended to the following generous members who recently made donations to our Group: Mrs ~.Geekie,Mrs F.Lowe, Mr & Mrs L. O'Connor, SGAP-N.S.W. Region, SGAP-Pine Rivers Group & SGAP-Queensland Region. This assistance is greatly appreciated. Subscriptions Due If you have not already paid your subscription for the 1991 calendar year, please remit $4 to the Treasurer, Miss Joan Moore, 2 Gannet Street, Gladesville, N.S.W., 2111. Liquid Fertilizers Efi Liquid fertilizers are those which are made from a mixture of inorganic chemicals readily dissolved in water. Because of those solubility, liquid fertilizers are very useful indeed for ferns, particularly in the growing season i.e., from September to April in southern Australia. During this time, potted ferns fed with these fertilizers on a regular basis produce a steady and pleasing growth rate. Another advantage of the ready solubility of liquid fertlisers is that nutrients become immediately available to the fern roots when applied. Some fertilizers in this group can be used as foliar sprays through which nutrients can be absorbed through the leaves of plants. Examples of liquid fertilizers which are popular with fern enthusiasts are: MAXICROP: Maxicrop is a product of sea weed. It is available in liquid form and has a high concentrate of elements and minerals. Maxicrop is easy to use and prepare- simply add it to a quantity of water until the desired strength is obtained. Apply diluted Maxicrop during the growing season at three weekly intervals. It is not advisable to feed liquid fertilizer in Winter, which is the time of the year when most fern species have a period of dormacy. They are entitled to a rest. AQUASOL. Aquasol comes to us in a crystalline form containing Nitrogen Phosphorus, Potassium and other elements. It is readily soluble and for ferns should be diluted at the rate of one level teaspoon in ten litres of water. Aquasol can be applied to potted or basketed ferns at fortnightly intervals during the growing season. It is also useful as a foliar spray at the same strength and will stimulate good steady growth. If newly emerged sporeling ferns become pale-coloured or yellowish in their sterile containers, they can be restored to green by spraying a fine mist of diluted Aquasol over them. It is advisable to use boiled water when making the dilution in this instance. There are numerous commercial brands of liquid fertilizers available, all of which are similar to the two examples given. Readers are in no way obliged to accept that these examples are the best procurable. Manures of poultry, horse, cow or sheep can be converted to liquid fertilizer by placing a quantity of manure in a hessian bag, tying the open end with string and suspending the bag in a drum of water. A.S.G.A.P. FERN STUDY GROUP Statement of Receipts & Payments for the Year 1990 Receipts : Membership Subscriptions ( includes $31 in advance ) Dona-tions Net proceeds of Raffles Interest Received Contra - Received in error Sales of "Ferns of Queensland" Sales of "Fern Dictionaryn Postage on Book Sales Sales of Newsletter Digests Net Overseas Subscription & to SGAP-N.S.W. Limited Total Receipts Payments : Donation to Burrendong Arboretum Association Purchase of Books & Postage on Sales Overseas Subscription to SGAP-N.S.W. Limited Contra - Received in error Postage of Newsletters 6 Correspondence Registrat ion of Newsletter for Posting Printing & S La t ionery Bank Charges & Taxes & Money Orders Advertisments, Mid North Coast Group Expenses associated with Book Summary : Cash at Bank 1 December 1989 Add Receipts for Year Less Payments for Year Cash at Bank 30 November 1990 Bank Balance at 30 November 1990 $1,453.39 (The above financial report made available by Treasurer Joan Moore. Thank you Joan for taking such good care of our finances). [:)t.tr encl of year get tcrge.t her was I7e1.d at t.l.re honre o'f 1::'a.I: I 'Tht::!r'e were i:t few clot.tl:).l..fu:l !i;tar'tar!;r t.0 thj.s ot.tt:i.nq!, m@ml:)o~-ssaying they wot.tl.d or1:l.y go i:f: :i:k was rrmt .I:oc~ hut.. A 'f:i.no, wi&rn\ day ir-i Syc:l~-ieyt.t.t~~.necl ttn a slrowe~*.yone wlrsn we reac:hecl tkre rnour) taj.rrs ,, It wa!an'".l: l1(3f dnt:l Jerlrry 'f01- C~C? c.t.t:i.(::kI.y t::l?ar~qed.fl*.urn t;Iror t.5 to :I.orrcj tlJ.at.tf;ers. AKI. twerr-l:y o+ u!t; clanr~ecl I-aY.n g@ar a?; wts fol:l.owed I:+ teI- d r:)wn 't.0 I-li:tz e :I. I:) ~*.oo 1.:. C: r(:?:?eI*:.,, (.;.;l:~?.~:..!;.~j;t~.j:.~!"....!j.j:.j.;:i!:;.~$m. was t.tie f: fi rs-t -ferrr recor**clecI ancl .jl.rt:~rt.l.y~'.f:tev!, !$." .,...m,~:,g.t:,~?,~;?,j~,y,J..j:.~!. tl-ie l.atter being t. Ire? f~rt:)I-(.? p ~CJ~II:i. rr E?II t. (~rrt. Ire (1ay ....B.j:,g;,::l:)!?,!:!-% ....!~!.ir.r.~!.$.!, !!..!! .....~:).!:!jj.Itj(n. i~rrel t. II~I-r sfl~ct:l.:l. !.:.;.~3j..l:jsw.:?.,,,. g!!:!.gjj. .!:.{!.:!...Y:.Z, wc.?r(;? i.cIk?r~t.:i.T:i.e(:l!,fo:t.I.t:)wecl l:)y t.tw d;ti.r~ty L.j:~:!,(;l.i;~m~pi!.,,.,. $.j:.!:~;~a!::.;i:.~ji .....a'i cl . t..j;.4~l,,, I . II ea r. I. y !!;a a .l:t. r a c t j. v an (:I nrolr.e p l<'arn:i. n err t was t IIG? P r'w c ken , E:%,p,!:j:idj..&!,m.,... ~;~;~,~~!.J:,.~,!:!~~.~c!fl, a I. sa c;o~n~?.F :i. 13 e !s pe c:i. mr2115 o-f :T:(;~~l.:,~~.,..,l;~~il.il.r:.~,~tff~~.t;j 18~ow i II g 1.1ea I- t ha t: I-a@k !, many w i .t 1.1 me .l.. re Ir j. g Ir t lr't.trr l*:.:.s . (::lo!ii~? tto the .fircst of ttre I::'a,7:1.1.ri,, ancl past. !some wet., 5l.ippery rucl.:.~, F'c+ter pc3i.17tecl out 'khe f:J.I.i~ryHy.flgj-,~.~!~)(_l,J,!:!~n !;!:![4!::.~~~.lj&.f~~..v_fi.4i;, ~l~~~~~h!~j.~!m~.~a.mt~.~~~~~~#~~qrow j. rlq from i ts Tfclva~tred rrac k crr~viczes , two ocJ d i.2.. j. c?c; ,!:Q~%~~~:.,T?.A.I.?,L$:.:~.....2:.r:.!:!!_?.(;;i?.-I::?. arr el !$.~j~j:~~+~$t.~:-.,~:&~.~g.~t.,~=$.~:j,an d 'I: hen Iran q i.n g 'from t Ire el am p roc la:. fa cc.? ~.~.~,~r!!!n;l~:.jf:~-b.j:.,?:_JL+~:(~.$Irg~.~jA.UI...edvi r\q t hi.s a I-ea I,,y.~.i?~?.g!d;.[..!,!!fi..-.;l:.:~:k:g.!:::?,J:,$~.was 'found q row i17 cj on an @art11 barr k, tht:.?17 we passod lar'ge. s.l:an(:Is csf: [J:!l,..c.j,$Ei~-.-~,~!.p,j:,:?aand &!.t.:?,clx+!:!.~!.m. ~T~.i;..,S.j:,~..a~;j,.;bjj.c.;,~!!fibef:a re ~~.ei:tc lrri. n g Ho r!ro!l; l'r tne F'a i.I. s ,. A .l: I-.he!;e Fa l 1 e; !, t.tn cl o I- A huge.:; OVP I*.--ha17 (11 .the w E?let+? (::(:)~t11 t. :I.E?!S:G ~J:.~:.;j,;,t~~:j!:!fl!...... p.g!.%.gr.s.~.[!,.$"j:.. and on none of t he~iec:oul.d we .f::i.ncl a d ivj.cled '~I*.(:)II~,, Rtny cl id ~c)j.17tto orre? patclr with marltecl1.y r:i.l:)p:l.ecl, wavy frorrcla t.hat. were very a.t.t.la.ac:li.ve - :i. t wc~u3.d be in.tere!ii.l:i~~gtc:, cliscovc?~*.if s1:)ore o-f ths!i;e produced fel-ns with si.mj.la~-shaped fronds, I:)t.tt alas 1-10 v:i.ahl.e repol-e were p~-@c;o~~t.F'lrofn fire IT.)C::~:.wcll.1. t2a't I:(3t.t17cI l:'fi.!:.xp.l.r.]:gl>-~:!~i[!).-.. v.f~!~-~~dij:~-.m. which j.!; se:l.clom seen away f'ram t lss t runkc; of Qj,-~~ki(~n_$,fi..-. fi!.?-~:~.!r.:.gf.~-.~.fi 'I..ree .f:er17s and .l..Irerr F'e'ker I.oc:at.ecl a !small. fi%!;.i.i.w?w~.!t!! w I'1:i c h he t Iroug Irt m:i. g 11 t be A,!!.+,,_ h.j,;.~?,;,i..$l!:j:j:!:!!!!, IR c 1ose r exi~rr~ina'tic~nlater prmved tI1a-l: it. was) . A-f'.b.e~.a shol-t walk, at Gl.c)wworm blac~kF:'a:L:I..; ain:i.cl.;t treat::lrerously 5 l :i p l:)ery rocl,:.!l; , I-'@-te r s liowecl us raeve ra1 p 1. an 2:s ~~,:l.z;j,;.l;j!~j:!!!). ~g;(;~.~!;?!:~,.;i:.;.i.~., cxmre w:i. t h fer ti:I. e f: ronel r:; w h j. c: 11 we o Inse ~~'veclttn be ~l.m(:)!s.l: wide as t.1-ie !i;tor'i.I.e fror~d!s, rn(2s.t w:i.t.l.r wlla'l: (JI.II*. Leadsr to1.cl u!i; are its cli.stinc-kj.ve perrclarrt Trorrd!:. Anutlrer R:tl,.:5Kl.trr!.u.t :i. el err .ti..f ieel 11 (?aI- IJYWAS e..:,,.... ~~~a.,:.LLg;,i:i.;~ !, ...!a 17 i.1.8 .t I.re I*.(=. toe I-(;? ftrarr y o'f' t lrr::! I:)e We coftrp:l.c.?~Cet:ltIrs round walk past. the t::J.:i:f'f.; (2.f tl~eAnrl:)hj.thc?i~trre i rr !i;om@wlri&.t wa rme I- (:on cl J. t. i(213 !t; . I...t.rrr c lr t.wr cl e I- !r Ire :I. t.eI*. .f: r'om .C 11e !:;hr:,we~*.!i;enclecl ot.t~-v:i.si.t to an arecia 0.f' nriar~y :i.rrtere?!i;t.:i.rrq .ferns,, FORTHCOMING EVENTS In South Eastern Queensland Sunday 7 April 1991, Excursion to Springbrook Meet 9 am sharp, Purling Brook Falls Car Park. Ring Peter Bostock (07) 202 6983, or Irene Cullen (07) 341 4272 if weather is doubtful. Members from Northern N.S.W. (and elsewhere) welcome. Sunday 2 June 1991, Meeting at Greenbank At 9.30 am Kerry Rathie's home, 5 Salston Road, Greenbanki, Peter Bostock will give an account of his trip to the ung&lla area. In the Mid North Coast of N.S.W. Sunday 3 March 1991, Trip to Yarrahapenny Turn amout 47 km North of Kempsey at Warrell Creek on to the Way Way Forest Drive (or Rosewood Road). Meet at Pines Picnic Area at 10 am, In Sydney Area Sunday 24 March 1991, Meeting at Collaroy Plateau Note slight change from previous advice. We now start at 10b.30 am at the home of Jan and John Fairley, 129 Claudare Street, Collaroy Plateau for a cuppa and a look at their garden. Then a short drive to Stony Range for meeting and lunch. Jan has asked Alec Blombery to be at Stony Range for a guided tour after the Study Session on.Psilotum and Ophioglossum. -Saturdav 20 April 1991, Outing to Bilpin Meet at 9.30 at the Fruit Bowl, Bilpin. We leave from the Fruit Bowl at 10 sharp by car convoy to nearby Waratah Park. It is only a short, easy walk to the ferny area. Lunch at cars. Enquiries to Moreen, 528 4881. We last visited this area in July 1987. Saturday 25 May 1991, Meeting at Merrylands At the home of Dulcie Buddee, 4 Leigh Street, Merrylands. Arrive from 12 noon, meeting starts at 1 pm. Study session will deal wi-th . Angio~pterisand Marattia. Hot water available, bring plate for afternoon tea. Enquiries to Dulcie, 632 5179. Sunday 23 June 1991, Outing to Cabbage Tree Creek From Sydney along Bells Line of Road, turn left -at -the lights at North Richmond, keep right at St John of God Hospital proceed toward Grose Vale, turn left into Cabbage Tree Road and continue to its end. Meet at entrance to Avoca Reserve at 9.30 and commence walk to Cabbage Tree Creek at 10 sharp. Carry lunch and wear sturdy shoes, some scrambling and descent / ascent fairly steep. Enquiries to Peter phone 625 8705.