Page 1 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian – Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants ASGAP Rainforest Study Group NEWSLETTER No 62. (7) June 2006 ISSN 0729-5413 Annual Subscription $5, $10 overseas Photos: www.web-a-file.com Study Group Webpage (under construction): http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/rainfor.html Email: [email protected] Address: Kris Kupsch, 28 Plumtree Pocket, Burringbar, , 2483. Ph. (02) 66771466 Mob. 0439557438

Introduction ASGAP trip to Sydney Nov 2005

It has been a long while since I wrote a During my brief visit to Sydney in November newsletter, I apologise for taking so long. last year as part of an invitation to speak at a Since the last newsletter the family and I have SGAP meeting in Ermington, I got to do the moved back to the Wet Tropics. I now work following: as an Environmental Scientist undertaking 1. I was escorted by Cas Liber, ASGAP vegetation surveys and compiling Study Group leader. Cas environmental management plans for parts of toured me through the Botanic the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This Gardens, his garden, among others. has been a rather large transition, leaving Many thanks to Cas and his family. behind my garden and all of my immediate 2. I visited Betty Rymers garden at plans in NSW; the job was too good to refuse. Kenthurst. Betty has a notable I wish everyone the best with their rainforest garden including a large endeavours and hope this newsletter was Brachychiton discolor, Dianella worth the wait. tasmanica and an unusual variegated 1. Membership- I will not be asking for Pisonia umbellifera. Thanks for the renewals upon closing of this financial year, visit Betty and the Pisonia cuttings instead I will send this edition and will grew! contain a notice within the next for those 3. I visited Alan Fairly, author of needing renewal. Please send letters to the ‘Seldom Seen’. Alan’s Banksia with NSW address until I settle down at a more ‘deflexed’ flower spikes was most permanent location. amazing. Thanks Alan. 2 Webpage- a webpage is being 4. I visited Pip Gibian’s garden at Dural, constructed for the Study Group. This will be which surprised me with many improved on in the coming months. tropical (especially Phaleria 3. Photo gallery- some newsletter clerodendron and Cupaniopsis photos have been included as a webpage to diploglottoides). Read further about reduce costs. Sorry for those persons without Pips experiences within this the use of the Internet. Please ask if you want newsletter. Thanks Pip. to download or use these images for any 5. I visited Jo Hambrett, leader of ASGAP reason at all. Username ‘tropicalbotanics’ Garden Design Study Group. Jo’s Password ‘4511113’ garden uses both rainforest and 4. Article incentive scheme- I’m offering woodland species to great effect. an incentive for people who are willing to Thanks again Jo. compose a well researched article on a topic 6. Ian and Tamara Cox’s garden at which relates to rainforest cultivation Kenthurst is an amazing sandstone and other rainforest based science. Every garden. This really taught me how article must be discussed with me prior to narrow minded I am. Many approval. Information on temperate species is , and Ferns are highly desirable. Please email or call me to being grown. Thanks Ian and discuss this first. Tamara.

Page 2 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006

Severe T. C. Larry the integrity of these communities. Small Compiled by Kris Kupsch, Rainforest Study Group Leader rainforest remnants many on alluvium or

I had just moved back to tropical basalt have been very hard hit by TC Larry. after spending a year in NE NSW, when it Within the Innisfail-Babinda areas all linear was obvious that a severe tropical cyclone small fragments with a high edge to core was brewing in the Coral Sea. Whilst living ratio, are now unrecognisable and now prone in Cairns between 2002-2005 only a couple to invasion by vines and exotic grasses, which of small Coral Sea disturbances occurred. increase susceptibility to fire and displace Severe Tropical Cyclone Larry crossed the secretive species. Additionally gardens and coast just 70km to the southeast of where I arboretums, which have taken decades to was living. I was living in Atherton, which is construct, are now unrecognisable and are usually considered a ‘safe haven’ from the missing many prized feature specimens that exposed tropical coast, however Larry moved are rare and hard to obtain. Notably non- native collections were worst affected. at such a slow speed (~15km/hr) that little intensity was lost once it smashed Innisfail The destruction from the cyclone not only and the coastal tourist town of Mission Beach. brought life to an end for some forest giants it It tracked west directly up the Johnstone also created life for others. Barely a few Valley affecting some estimated 500 km2 of weeks after the storm a ‘mast’ flowering of the Wet Tropics. I had never seen anything several notable species including Brombya like it before. Experiencing horizontal rain platynema, Medicosma sessiliflora, and pulsing winds that roar like you’re chrysant hus, X. whitei and standing next to a jet engine for 3 hours, Pullea stutzeri were observed. It could be really does change your appreciation for suggested that the life history traits of these calm sunny days. Following the storm the species have evolved or been influenced by affect these winds had on pristine rainforest disturbance events such as cyclones. It may was incalculably obvious. The also help to explain why there are more within the Palmerston NP and those of the pioneer species (band-aid species) within coastal ranges facing the ocean (Graham, tropical rainforests compared to subtropical Basilisk, Walter Hill, Francis and Bellenden rainforests. Without events such as these the Ker Ranges) bore the full brunt of the very biodiversity of a given area of forest would destructive unimpeded clockwise vortex, become lower due to reduced niche variance. courtesy of the warm tropical ocean. This forms the basis of the ‘Intermediate

Mountain ranges, which were once covered Disturbance Hypothesis’ where diversity is in luxuriant mesophyll forests, were reduced maintained due to some areas of forest always being in a transitional state of development. to sticks from afar resembling woodland ecosystems. Ridge tops showed obvious Upon inspection of post cyclone areas it was damage with complete canopy collapse a found that some species showed a far greater widespread feature. Traversing through tolerance to cyclonic winds than others. cyclone-damaged forests is very difficult. Within the Innisfail area, still standing, Upon a field visit to the Palmerston area, I not uprooted but missing branches were was shocked by the degree of damage and ranked as having a ‘reasonable’ degree of subsequent increase in sunlight reaching the tolerance, whilst those still possessing forest floor. One element however was within branches were ‘significantly’ tolerant; the forests favour, it has been cloudy and needless to say many were ‘totally intolerant’. rainy almost everyday since Larry arrived on The following species illustrated significant the 20th March, thus providing protection to tolerance to cyclonic winds: Flindersia spp. understorey species and reducing the threat especially F. schottiana which didn’t lose of dry season fires. Incidentally, where I now even within 200km/hr winds, live, there have been no more than 10 days rainforest species especially where the sun has been sighted for 4 months; rheophyte species such as Callistemon and it has been either heavily overcast, drizzling Xanthostemon were very tolerant, or raining on all the other days. Calophyllum inophyllum, mature, but not

Weather events such as TC Larry are young survived well (Hoop completely natural and stronger cyclonic Pines were very susceptible), Argyrodendron events have occurred in the past, however spp. were notably tolerant within the forest disturbance within tropical systems in the canopy, Ficus spp. were mostly tolerant due modern world provides a challenge, as to their flexible branches, paddock specimens foreign processes now exist which endanger of Alstonia scholaris endured well and native palms did well too.

Page 3 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 The life was undoubtedly affected as 1) Australian National Herbarium, CPBR, CSIRO Plant Industry, G.P.O. Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. the leaves and all the fruit and developing 2) Division of and Zoology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. flowers were destroyed in the storm. I noticed 3) Harvard University Herbaria, 22 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge MA a major increase in birds to artificial feeders, 01238, USA; Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, United Kingdom. as many as 50 honey eaters visited following the storm however after 4 months as few as 5 Many will be hesitant in adopting these visit. Increases in road kills were observed, nomenclature changes. I certainly can especially ‘secretive’ species, which were identify parity within the original genera obviously distressed. especially by fruits; however I lack knowledge to differ on this matter. As much as I was concerned by the state of once intact rainforests I was also engrossed Notes on Athrotaxis by the opportunity it gave to me as a botanist. Southern Conifers within the family Cupressaceae I was presented with an array of specimens Composed by Phil Parsons, Launceston Botanical Gardens

usually out of reach, within the forest athro= clustered canopy. The forest floor was littered with taxis= arrangement (in reference to the clustered scales on the cone) canopy vegetation including epiphytes, vines and interestingly the mature leaves of forest Many stands of Athrotaxis are found in the giants, which are much smaller and rigid alpine areas of Tasmania. Some occur as than one would expect thus making exposed outliers taking on a Krumholtz form identification an often-surprising activity. due to their location close to the ‘-line’ The appearance and odour of freshly cut logs whilst others are found in the cold oceanic of famed timber trees, which littered the heath vegetation, rising conically or tracks, was also a great experience. overarching as if designed during ancient times. Like macleayana, the species In summary, all natural systems require Athrotaxis selaginoides [King Billy Pine] also disturbance however European settlement grows within rainforest. Perhaps unlike has resulted in devastating change to most Callitris they can form coniferous forests; ecosystems, thus natural disturbance in where rainfall is sufficient. Their common combination with human induced name is derived from a part of their home degradation and implications from global range, the King William ranges in western warming has the potential to transform Tasmania. Like other rainforest species, ecosystems. Athrotaxis current distribution is an artefact New additions to Syzygi um of fire regimes, both natural and human Published in BLUMEA 51 (2006) pg 131–142 induced. Authors: L.A. Craven1, E. Biffin1, 2 & P.S. ASHTON3 At a mine site on Mt Read (near Rosebery), Summary: Based on morphological and burning occurred in the 1890’s. Whilst molecular data, we have concluded that recovery has been initiated by both mining , Acmenosperma, Cleistocalyx, and restoration works along with acid mine Piliocalyx and Waterhousea should be drainage, there are still very few natural combined with . recruits. Within the site a mature remnant

Old name New name remains extant around the mine site water Acmena divaricata Syzygium divaricatum supply. Associated vegetation here includes Acmena graveolens Syzygium graveolens an understorey of the deciduous Nothofagus Acmena hemilampra gunnii, a close relative of the South American Acmena hemilampra Syzygium hemilamprum species N. pumilio; milliganii, a subsp. orophila subsp. orophilum difficult to germinate Proteaceous plant and Acmena ingens Syzygium ingens another cypress, Diselma archeri (Cheshunt Acmena Syzygium pine – named after the property of the mackinnoniana mackinnonianum collector who is also commemorated in the Acmena resa Syzygium resa species by his friend and correspondent at Acmenosperma Syzygium pringlei RBG Kew – Hooker). Occurring with pringlei Waterhousea Syzygium Athrotaxis is the Epacridaceous/Ericaceous hedraiophylla hedraiophyllum species Prionotes cerinthoides and Archeria Waterhousea Syzygium with Richea species occurring on the edge of mulgraveana mulgraveanum the tree line. The most easily reproduced of Waterhousea Syzygium unipunctatum the above is the Athrotaxis from both seed unipunctata and cutting. However, studies show it is very slow to colonise new areas and, once killed by

Page 4 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 fires, recovery occurs at a rate of about 60m produced irregularly (usually at the start of per century. However, rumours of its the growing season), also arising from the intolerance of lower rainfall condition are tuber. These have the classic arum flower unfounded. Once established it has survived features of a central, stalk like spadix in a mean average rainfall of 1000mm in surrounded by a wide, hooded spathe. years as low as 700mm, and has been grown Flowers vary in colour from green through down to 100m asl. white, pink and dark red, while the shape and size of the spathe varies enormously as This species may be seen at Cradle Mountain well. The flowers of most species only last for NP by taking the boardwalk around Dove a week or so, which is somewhat surprising Lake or if more adventurous the Twisted given their size. Lakes walk. Many other sites still contain this tree. Of the Australian species, A. galbra is unusual in that it produces flowers that have a sweet Notes on Amorphophallus fragrance. These are generally green Composed by Charles Clarke throughout, but may also be darker in colour James Cook University, Cairns in some populations. The name ‘galbra’ is amorphos = shapeless unusual (and should not be confused with phallus = stick, symbol of penis, the flowers spadix is penis like upon emerging from the soil prior to opening. “glabra” which means glabrous) and is derived from the name given to the plants by Plants belonging to the the Djabugai people near Cairns, where the Amorphophallus in the aroid family first specimen was collected. Its range is now (Araceae) are sometimes known as “corpse known to include northern Queensland, parts lilies”, due to the often putrid scent emitted of the and , by their flowers. The most famous member of where it grows around rivers, streams and the genus is A. titanium, the “Titan Arum”, beaches, often in vine thickets with a sandy which grows in the rainforests of Sumatra substrate. A. paeoniifolius has an even wider and produces what is thought to be the distribution, being found throughout Asia, largest of all plants. This species Polynesia and even Madagascar, as well as is now grown in a number of botanic gardens tropical Australia, where it can be found at a around the world and when it flowers makes few sites on Cape York Peninsula. This species headlines attracting crowds of curious has played an important role in many onlookers. societies in Polynesia, and is likely that it was introduced to Australia some time before the However, there is more to the genus than just arrival of Europeans. A. paeoniifolius has a A. titanium - there are several other “giant” spectacular flower which is wide and species from Sumatra and Borneo, such as A. brightly coloured with pink, purple and hewittii, A. decus-silvae and A. gigas. In all, yellow. there are about 90 species of Amorphophallus, with the genus ranging Both Australian Amorphophallus species are from tropical Africa, through Asia to readily grown in tropical climates. Successful northern Australia, where two species can be cultivation depends on growers appreciating found. These are A. paeoniifolius and A. the plants need for a dormant spell during galbra. the cooler times of the year. Any good quality potting mix can be used. The plants are gross Species of Amorphophallus have an feeders, so fertilisers should be liberally interesting growth habit. The main storage applied during the growing season. At this organ is a tuber, which varies from a few time, the mix should be kept moist then centimetres to over a metre underground. In during winter should be allowed to dry out. most seasons, this gives rise to an elaborate Whilst Amorphophallus species are , which is borne on a long, straight, fleshy associated with rainforests; they often grow that is often around 1 - 1.5m tall in around clearings or disturbed areas, so they many species, but up to 5m tall in A. appreciate about 50% direct sun most of the titanium. The petiole varies in colour from time. Species such as A. paeoniifolius can light green throughout to black, but is often actually be grown in full sun, but look best beautifully marked with green, white, grey when they receive direct sun for just an hour and purple patches. The leaf is often heavily or two a day, with bright filtered light at divided, with 3-4 main branches. The leaves other times. Both A. paeoniifolius and A. are usually produced at the start of the rainy galbra are tropical plants, which means are season and die down soon after the unlikely to grow well, and flower, south of commencement of the dry. Flowers are about Brisbane (editor’s note: both species are

Page 5 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 growing satisfactorily in NE NSW within a had trunks as thick as an arm so you can warm north facing garden site). Further imagine they took some removing, although I south, it will be necessary to provide them pulled out almost all by hand. By planting with supplementary heat and humidity when trees we also hope to suppress Giant they are in active growth (which basically Parramatta Grass and Paspalum as well as the means that a greenhouse will be needed). above-mentioned weeds which don’t like Despite these limitations, both Australian shade. We still have Crofton Weed, Fireweed Amorphophallus species are rewarding to and Ageratum, which is a continual battle to grow and deserve much greater attention keep under control. From past experience I than they have received to date. have found it is a waste of time trying to eradicate these invasive species without Member’s profiles putting some competition in their place. (Editor’s note: ‘there is no vacuum in nature’) HAULER GULLY – Reforestation of degraded land Our garden and establishment of our ga rden Composed by Charlie Pierlot We commenced our planting at the end of Rainforest Study Group Member 1997, starting with our house block. We History…………………… were keen to have mostly rainforest trees, but have mixed these with some exotics, We came to this place (twenty minutes drive especially Camellia’s. It was a pleasant south west of Coffs Harbour) from Victoria in surprise to learn when we started the garden 1997 and purchased our place at ‘Hauler that Camellias, especially ‘Sasanqua’, do well Gully’, which is 6.68 hectares or here. Along the way we have made quite a approximately 17 acres. The purchase few “big” mistakes, one being planting trees included nine cattle, as well as 200 banana around the house which we have since learnt ‘trees’ behind the house. The cattle destroyed will grow to become far too large (Editor’s any self-sown young trees that came up in note: I too have made this error much to my the paddocks, and it was impossible to plant father’s distaste!). For us it has been a steep trees and protects them from the cattle. Cattle learning curve in gardening in the sub- destroy more trees by rubbing and pushing tropics. Our initial concentration in the first them than they do by grazing them. Also the couple of years was on the house garden, as external fences bordering the State Forest we were unable to even think of the paddocks were of little deterrent to the cattle. until the cattle were gone. There are now no This land at Crossmaglen, in hindsight, longer house gardens as all the fences have should never have been cleared and planted been removed.

with bananas, which is now (in-part) an Name tags unviable industry. Our land is also not cattle country so we thought ‘let’s return it as near As we have increased the number and variety as possible to its original vegetation’. In years of trees, especially the rainforest trees, we to come the timber may be able to be quickly realised that we would have to be selectively milled whilst still retaining the able to permanently identify the various trees, majority as forest. especially the more uncommon ones. We started off with aluminium tags [used by Removing the cattle left us free to plant trees nurseries] where you impress the name on and allowed natural regeneration of the land with a ball point pen. These were a failure, as to take place. We are amazed at the large very quickly the wind either screwed them number of trees, especially Red Cedars that off or distorted them so that they were have self sown outside the electric fence line difficult to read. We next tried pieces of old up on the hill. Around the house, apart from Venetian blind blade, and wrote on them the Citrus trees, a Sandpaper Fig, Silky Oaks with a permanent garden texta. The blades and introduced Jacarandas there were no lasted but not the writing, especially where other trees when we arrived. The place was the sun hit the tag. Next we tried these same unfortunately heavily infested with weeds, tags screwed on to wooden pegs, protected Lantana mainly, but also Camphor Laurel, from the sun. It wasn’t long in our acid soil Cassia and Small Leaf Privet. Lots of hard before the pegs rotted out. Also with the pegs work and twelve months later the whole all painted yellow the place looked like a place was virtually free of these weeds. The memorial garden. small amount that now come up, mostly are what birds deliver to us, and easily controlled We finally settled on the present system of by pulling out by hand. Some of the Lantana tagging when my son suggested engraving

Page 6 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 waste cut-offs of aluminium strips from his especially tasty trees have a mesh guard still workshop, and screwing them on to any around them. Of course there are species they aluminium suitable as pegs. This has been don’t seem to like such as Turpentine and very successful and hopefully they will last a Lemon Scented Gums. Also in rainforest long time. My engraving skills leave a lot to species they don’t like Koda, Red Cedar, Black be desired but at least the tags are Bean, Foam Bark, White Cedar, Flame Tree, permanently readable. White Beech, Red Kamala, Hollywood, Deep Yellowwood and Hoop Pine [although they Thanks to Ann and her trusty computer for will ringbark Hoop Pine]. record keeping we now have a good database of our trees including when they were As well as wallabies, black and white planted. We believe only by doing this will cockatoos also destroy or damage quite a we be able to see which ones survive and number of trees; however we generally thrive. We also want to be able to leave our accept this as a part of nature. list for people who come after us. We hope this won’t be for a long time yet, and will One now has to contend with the Currawong only be when the place becomes too much to regurgitating Camphor Laurel and Bitou seed manage. all over the bare ground as they seem to like to feed on the bare disturbed ground. Wallaby fence Planting of trees [especially the eucalypt Swamp wallaby destruction has caused more plantations] heartache and tree-loss than any other problem since we began planting trees in Again a lot of experimenting. We started off 1997. Overcoming this problem has seen a by spraying one-metre diameter circles in the lot of experimentation. long grass after the cattle were removed. From our experience this has certain On my farm in Victoria I had used electric drawbacks. The roots from grass such as fences with great success so we tried a fence Kikuyu and other grasses will quickly invade energiser I bought with a maximum voltage under the soil to compete with the tree. Also of about 4,500 volts. We think the wallabies the surrounding area is a great source of liked the thrill of this shock, so we went back , which quickly germinate on the bare to the drawing board. We next purchased the ground making a lot more work in follow-up present day energiser that delivers 9,500 spraying. Also in frost prone areas the cold volts. This was certainly a deterrent for a air tends to sit in the hollow and the air has while, however it comprised of a fence of little ability to move on. Also on really hot, only positive wires and we have watched a still days [over 40°C] the trees, if susceptible, wallaby push at the fence and then jump are more likely to suffer heat stress.

through so quickly it didn’t have time to get a We have found complete spraying of the area shock. I then added a plain negative wire in to remove all competition from weeds to be between the positive wire. They still seemed the most successful method, although we to be able to jump through quickly, have had to be careful not to kill any particularly during winter when the ground established trees. Prior to this year we have is dry and the ability to close the electrical slashed then sprayed to keep the weeds under circuit is diminished. I then replaced the control. One disadvantage of this method is negative plain wire with a high tensile barb that slashers windrow the grass so you have and this has really stopped them in their your mulch all in one row. The better option tracks. (Editor’s note: Barbed wire results in seems to be to spray the grass [Giant increased bat mortality) Parramatta, Paspalum, Kikuyu etc.] even Incidentally, all the steel pegs and most of the when tall, and then mulch. This creates an wire were already on our property as internal even bed of mulch, which smothers, for a fencing so it has cost very little to set up. The while at least, any new growth of weeds and materials were easy to carry up the steep creates mulch later for planting of new trees. hillside as I was doing all the fencing myself. When planting I have a certain regime which Whilst not 100% wallaby-proof it has cut the I follow. I always soak the trees in a bucket in problem back by at least 98%. We know of a solution of ‘Seasol®’ and water as I carry one old man wallaby that, every so often, them out for planting. Due to the rocky takes to jumping over for a feed, but his nature of the ground I use a pick and loosen damage is minimal and I am willing for him the soil approximately 500mm in diameter to have his little bit of feed. That is why some and the depth of the pick (approx 250mm).

Page 7 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 The eucalyptus tree plantings are spaced at Garry Daly two metres both ways. This gives a quick Rainforest Study Group Member Compiled by Kris Kupsch, Rainforest Study Group Leader canopy in twelve to twenty-four months and suppresses mainly the blade grasses quite I have never met Garry Daly; however we quickly reducing the need for spraying. Also I have kept in touch via email for about 3 years hope that the black cockatoos, due to their sharing our garden diaries and knowledge of wide wingspan and slow flight, will be cultivating native rainforest plants. Garry is unable to get into the trunk of the trees to the director of an environmental consultancy chop them off as they seek for grubs. business ‘Gaia Research Pty Ltd’ located on the south coast of New South Wales at I can plant roughly 120-150 trees per day Nowra. Garry is a zoologist and primarily although I don’t believe it is a matter of how studies threatened species of animal, in many you plant in a day, but how many particular reptiles and (see Daly survive, that matters. In this year’s planting of 1996, 1998, Daly et al. 2000, 2003). One of around 1800 trees I have only lost 2-3%. his main interests is defining the distribution Digging a hole to put the plant in destroys the of rare over the landscape in relation natural structure of the soil as we learnt to to vegetation communities. Recently he our detriment while farming in Victoria. You published a paper on the Yellow-bellied tend to bury the top few centimetres of soil, Glider that linked the distribution and habitat with its nutriments and , and bring corridor of this species within a coastal area up some of the lifeless sub-soil. As planting of and discussed the problems with conserving eucalypts takes place at the end of February this forest dependant species due to when the soil is generally damp, I do not give development pressures (Daly 2006). You can the trees any further water, they only get download one of his reports. Just Google what comes from the heavens. ‘Gaia Research’ and click on ‘Eurobodalla’ I do a number of follow-up sprays in the first then ‘Landcare - Bingi Strategic Plan part one twelve months to suppress the weeds and and two’.

encourage greater tree growth. As can be Garry’s 40-hectare property has subtropical seen, some eucalyptus trees have grown over rainforest along the creeks and ‘benches’, tall eight metres in fifteen months using the open forest of Blue Gums, Turpentine on the above regime. In early spring I walk around lower slopes, Brown Barrel and Coastal with a hand held fertiliser spreader and apply White-tipped Box on the upper slopes and DAP over the whole area, and then the trees Cinnamon Myrtle ( myrtifolia) as are ‘on-their-own’. a midcanopy in drier rainforest beside the Whilst I already had an inclination to start creeks. The subtropical rainforests of this planting trees there is one person to whom I area were described as “the thickest jungle in give great credit, the Botanist, Alex Floyd. He the colony” and the names Illawarra Brush has been my mentor and my inspiration. I and Berkeley Brush were used to describe have rarely met a person with so much “the most formidable brush I have ever met knowledge in his field, and in allied ones with” (Mills and Jakeman 1995).

such as geology etc. He is an inspiration, not Where Garry lives is the most extreme limit only to me but many others throughout of distribution of many subtropical genera of Australia. He is able to impart his knowledge rainforest plants. Due to the near coastal without making one feel inadequate because location, moderate rainfall and areas of basalt you either don’t know the botanical name of soil, has allowed for northern species to a plant or are unable to pronounce it persist at such southern latitudes. Some correctly. Many a time he has looked at me species such as White Bolly Gum (Neolitsea with a puzzled expression at my attempts but dealbata), Bolwarra (Eupomatia laurina), Red I am not afraid to ask or be corrected. He is Cedar (Toona ciliata) and the Illawarra Flame truly a great educator and a man of the Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) occur from people. this region throughout NSW into the tropics Should any readers wish to visit our place or of Queensland, however some common the Coffs Harbour Regional Botanical Illawarra species become rare or absent Gardens, or if I can pass on more of our within tropical Queensland including experiences please feel free to phone us on Illawarra Plum Pine (Podocarpus el atus), [02] 6653 4374. Thanks from Charlie. Silver Quandong ( kirtonii), Jackwood (Cryptocarya glaucescens) Cabbage Palm (Livistona australi s), Cheese Tree (Glochidion ferdinandi), Bleeding Heart

Page 8 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 (Homalanthus nutans), Sandpaper Fig (Ficus Mountain Grey Palm Oraniopsis coronata) and the Native Tamarind appendiculata growing within wet sites. The (). This suggests that the Pine Mountain Coral Tree (Erythrina sp. Pine Illawarra-Nowra area is a southern Mountain) hasn’t flowered yet however he stronghold for subtropical species and a last tells me it has grown very well. Flowers have ditch shelter for the hardier ‘megathermal’ appeared on the endangered Tweed Caldera tropical species. Garry’s land adjoins a endemics Smooth leaved Davidson’s Plum portion of the Cambewarra Range National (Davidsonia johnsonii) and the Small leaved Park and a total of over 110 rainforest species Tamarind (Diploglottis campbellii); occurs on or adjacent to the land. This is one coincidently these two species share almost of the richest rainforests in the Illawarra, he identical northern and southern limits of says. natural distribution. The Walking Stick Palm (Linospadix monostachya) is growing very Garry has often commented, over the last two well and fruiting for him. He has the years, of dry and extreme weather with beautiful mountain species Uromyrtus tenella below average rainfall. He has subsequently (syn. Uromyrtus sp. Tinaroo Range) from the enlarged the existing dams and brought extra Wet Tropics, flowering. The Stream Lily water tanks to help his garden through these Orthothylax glaberrima (also a restricted dry periods. He recently noted 100 mm of species from the Tweed Caldera) is growing rain has fallen over the last week (to his well down there. Garry sometimes mentions relief) adding however that the drought of a friend of his from Saddleback Mountain hasn’t broken but that he should be right near Kiama, who has large specimens of until September at least. Mountain Mist Palm Laccospadix australasica

During the hot weather of New Years day in (both single trunk and clumped forms that which Garry recorded a maximum of 44 are now fruiting annually). This species only degrees many of his plants were burnt. He occurs on high peaks within the Wet Tropics says the Treeferns lost many leaves as “they between Paluma and Mt Finnegan south of were fried”, “species from highland tropical Cooktown. Garry states “the solitary trunked areas did not fare well” and further states form from Mt Lewis is about 4 - 5 m in that “if we receive similar extreme height and the trunks are quite thick. The temperatures, as is predicted with global cool nights, deep red volcanic soils and high warming, then many rainforest species in rainfall suit this species. I noticed that the temperate Australia will be affected and seeds of the Mt Lewis form are about twice as entire vegetation communi ties may alter”. He large as the clumping form. Some say that lost a Bangalow Palm (transplanted they are separate taxa. Saddleback gets specimen) of 1.5m tall during this hot about 2500 mm per year compared to our 1200 mm.” weather, had the tips of his 2m tall Red Carabeen’s (Geissois benthamii) burnt off and Edit ors no t e: Correspondence with John flowers off his Red Apple (Syzygium ingens Dowe, a renowned Palm taxonomist based at (syn. Acmena ingens) singed also. Within JCU, Townsville has the following to say on later emails Garry relates data from the Laccospadix: “Based on the apparent Bureau of Meteorology that “January 2006 recognition that there were populations of was the hottest on record for NSW with either multi-stemmed or single stemmed average temperat ures up 3 degrees”. Over members [which suggested to some people the last fire years there have been several that there may be two species of wildfires in the Nowra area and the rainforest Laccospadix], I have examined this question. I (and house) on Garry’s place has been found that this apparent situation was not threatened. correct and that all populations are a mixture

Garry has a large assortment of Australian of both multi-stemmed and single stemmed species many which are rare to his local area individuals. I have also looked at fruit and with a number of species from NSW and the flower variation across different populations highlands of Queensland. He has had notable and found that there were no significant success with tropical rainforest differences to warrant suggestion of including davallioides (which he taxonomic changes. Bill Baker [and a has had success in growing by cuttings), student], from the Herbarium, RGB Kew [UK} fraxinifolia, diversifolia, has been doing some DNA studies with coriaceum, Laccospadix and Howea [a genus of two heterophylla (taken 11 years to flower) and species from Lord Howe Island, closely . He has specimens of the related to Laccospadix]. To my knowledge, he

Page 9 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006

has not found any reason to suggest that the Notes on Xanthostemon populations of Laccospadix are genetically Compiled by Kris Kupsch, Rainforest Study Group Leader Text anomalies by Garry Sankowsky distinct, but that Howea is otherwise distinct enough to be maintained as a separate genus. xantho = golden The question he examined was 'how closely stemon =

related are Laccospadix and Howea?', based Within Australia the genus Xanthost emon on the situat ion that the two genera were encompasses 14 recognised species. Some morphologically similar enough to be occur as tropical rainforest giants whilst considered as a single genus. In summary, others are littoral or woodland trees and there is no difference in populations to . A further 31 species occur in New warrant separate recognition, and that the Caledonia, The Solomon Islands, PNG and currently recognised single species, Malesia. Those from are Laccospadix australasica, is sound. among the most spectacular of flowering

Garry has to put tree guards around most shrubs, nevertheless the Australian species trees to protect them against Deer, Swamp namely X. chrysanthus, X. youngii and X. Wallabies and Possums; he also occasionally verticillatus are equally impressive. All but X. has Rats and Wombats eating his Palms youngii and X. crenulatus can be readily within his shadehouse. Swamp Wallabies grown in subtropical Australia from north of have previously broken the tops of his Trema Sydney, however other species such as X. aspera, Elaeocarpus reticulatus and some whitei, X. graniticus and X. oppositifolius Ficus, much to his annoyance. He uses 900 could be grown even further south towards mm high, small gauge chicken wire for the Victoria. In the Tweed area of NE NSW I have guards and often drapes extra segments of all but 2 species growing, illustrating the old wire over the top again for added extensive scope of using this tropical genus protection. within horticulture down the east coast of Australia into the subtropics. As some species Garry visited Madagascar in October 2005 to are from tropical climates with a distinct wet- learn more about this great islands flora and dry season the further south you are the more natural beauty. He sadly reminded me “the important positioning becomes within the majority of the landscape has become garden, so to take full advantage of day anthropogenic grassland with Borassus lengths during winter, warming the air and palms”. He further states “The more I see the soil, to mimic tropical Australia as close as interact ion between humans and the natural possible. Others from highland areas (above world the less I feel optimistic. If we define 500m asl) are easy to grow in southern the air, water, soil, plants and animals as the regions. natural capital that allows us to exist then we are not only eating into the interest but the Hopevale Sand Penda core assets”. Xant hostemon arenarius (arenarius= in reference to its natural occurrence on sand)

References: A little-known species that in recent years has Daly, G. (1996). Observations on the eastern owl been introduced into horticulture, by the Heleioporus australiacus (Anuran: ) in method of asexual propagation. It is classified south eastern New South Wales. Herpetofauna 26 (1): 33-42. as ‘rare’ and occurs mostly on sand within the Cape Flattery area just to the north of Daly, G, Pennay, P. and Coombes, D. (2002). Surveys for Cooktown. It reportedly can grow to 20m tall the stuttering frog Mixophyes balbus on the south coast however in the garden a maximum of 6-10m of New South Wales. Herpetofauna. 32 (2): 110-130. is envisaged. It grows well in subtropical

Daly, G. and Senior, C. (2003). Surveys for and habitat Australia however temperatures to 2°C create assessment of the Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria black spots (dead cells) on the leaves of aurea on the far south coast of New South Wales. young plants in winter. Recently I visited my Herpetofauna 33 (2): 86-102. garden and surprisingly observed new

Daly, G. (2006). Mapping glider songlines: growth being produced quite liberally in the development of a landscape management policy for the middle of winter where average minimums yellow-bellied glider Petaurus australis (Shaw 1791) in are 6°C and maximums 20°C, quite unlike the Eurobodalla Shire on the south coast of New South Cooktown which currently has 18°C and Wales. Australian Zoologis t 33 (2): 180-187. 28°C respectively. I have only one planted

Mills, K and Jakeman, J (1995) Rainforests of the specimen, which is doing very well with no Illawarra District. Coachman Publishing, Jamberoo special care required. Full sun and well-

drained soil is preferred although I have mine

Page 10 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 growing in clay, though not impeded This is perhaps the best foliaged Penda at drainage. The flowers are yellow. least on young specimens. The leaves don’t have a petiole (at least when young), as they Golden Penda are amplexicaul in that they wrap around the Xant hostemon chrysanthus stem as if clasping it. It is native to the NT and (chrysanthus= in reference to golden flowers) WA occurring along streams in woodland A well-known species with cultivars ‘Expo and monsoon forests. It requires full sun with Gold’, ‘Tropic Splendor’ and ‘Trail Blazer’, an abundance of water during the ‘wet’ occasionally being cultivated. The latter two however is drought tolerant. Cool wet cultivars have variegated leaves, and the winters must be avoided as I had a specimen former being a prolific flowerer with smaller begin to develop a fungus rot on its leaves rounded leaves. The typical wild type occurs even in full sun. A maximum height of 10m almost entirely along watercourses on granite is expected within cultivation and is a rather and can possess impressive growth features fast growing plant even in NE NSW. It has where seasonal monsoonal floods have cream coloured flowers and is occasionally moulded their root buttresses into contorted available from select nurseries in QLD. gnarled patterns. They occur in dry - very wet rainforests from the Pascoe River near Lime Penda Iron Range to the area south of Ingham, Xant hostemon formosus (formosus= beautiful) usually in the lowlands on river banks, however some impressive specimens occur This extremely restricted species is classified on the Gillies Range and up to 1000m asl. In as ‘endangered’ only being known from the cultivation it is easy to grow if given extra Little Cooper Creek area within the mega- water during dry periods. The cultivar ‘Expo diverse ice age refuge collectively known as Gold’ is a far superior choice for gardens. An the ‘Daintree Lowlands’. This species is very atypical specimen I have growing in NE spectacular and is possibly mostly pollinated NSW, originally from the Pascoe River, differs by bats, as its floral morphology is most in that it has much broader oblanceolate unique, producing huge amounts of nectar in leaves and limey green flowers. This cavities surrounding the floral gynoecium specimen has grown very well now being 6m (ovules). It is locally common within habitat tall. Overall this species is easy to grow if however occurs mostly as a riparian tree given freely drained moist soil. Owing to its below 100m in altitude (with prominent riparian habitat it suffers from dry periods in coppice shoots) in association with many low rainfall and very seasonal areas. Cold is relict species such as Lepidozamia hopei, tolerated at least as far south as Nowra. Idiospermum australiense, Stenocarpus cryptocarpus, Archidendron kanisii, Cape Penda trinervia, Syzygium glenum Xant hostemon crenulatus and Ryparosa sp. nov (auct. R. javanica). (crenulatus= in ref erence to the slightly notched leaf margins) Owing to its lowland tropical heritage it is An unusual and poorly known Penda in that surprisingly hardy in subtropical Australia it has thick crenulated leaves (that are tolerating rainfall at least a half (1800mm) of slightly orange in colour) and has a corky its normal average and temperatures down trunk, which has growth scars imbedded ten degrees lower (to 2°C) than Cape within it. I obtained this species eleven years Tribulation experiences as a minimum. ago and my sole specimen has only grown to Cutting grown plants have been sold for a a height of 1 m tall suggesting that NE NSW few years and it would be interesting to see is not an ideal climate for this species. In its how it performs in more southern latitudes natural habitat from Cape York to just north than NE NSW. In the garden it adopts an of Cooktown, growing within seasonally open but bushy habit however growth is swampy woodland and gallery rainforest it slower than other Xanthostemon species. The can grow 15m tall. I have not seen this new growth is attractive being scarlet-purple. species for sale nor observed the flowers Shade is preferred however should be trailed however they are reputed to be cream/white. in sunnier locations for its hardiness. It is unlikely to ever be popular within cultivation. Granite Penda Xant hostemon graniticus Gum leaved Penda (graniticus= in reference to its occurrence on granite soils)

Xant hostemon eucalyptioides This Penda is classified as ‘rare’ and is only (eucalyptoides= in reference to its resemblance to Eucalypts, either its leaves or flowers) known from the immediate surrounds of Mt Pieter Botte at altitudes between 600-800m

Page 11 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 asl. This mountain is a sharp protrusion of early they can be readily shared among granite to the direct west of Cape Tribulation growers. and can be seen from the road north of Mossman (if the weather is clear that is). It Xant hostemon paradoxus (paradoxus= in reference to this species being paradoxically grows in windswept tropical rainforest contrary to the usual type- possibly contrary within its dry within possibly the most remote part of the habitat)

Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. It has A widespread species occurring from NT, WA proved to be an easy species to cultivate and and PNG, occurring in woodland and cold doesn’t seem to worry it. I have several monsoon rainforests, being relatively in my garden with the trees positioned in full common in parts. It has hairy leaves at least sun flowering much more heavily. They grow when young and grows slowly in cultivation. relatively fast and this species only reaches a I have just one plant, which has now survived maximum height of about 10m or usually through three winters down to 2°C with no smaller within cultivation; 5-8m. Possibly the ill effects. This is surprising owing to its most attractive feature is its leaves which are monsoonal tropical origin. The flowers are deeply channelled by the venation and have a bright yellow rivalling X. chrysanthus. This rusty-orange new growth. Trees are often species would prove to be a worthy street tree multiple stemmed and branches can be rather for drier tropical towns from Townsville to leggy thus pruning may be a desirable Broome. It needs a full sun position within practice; which I haven’t tried. Plants are cultivation. sometimes available from select nurseries, as cuttings have proven relatively easy to strike. Guava Penda The flowers are cream in colour and are Xanthostemon psidioides highly favoured by butterflies, as are all of (psidioides= in reference to its resemblance to the genus Psidium, the Guava genus) the Xanthostemon species. This Penda is poorly known in horticulture. I Southern Penda have a grafted specimen (on X. chrysanthus). Xanthostemon oppositifolius It grows very well with no ill effects to (oppositifolius= in reference to its opposite leaf arrangement, however not atypical within this genus) temperatures towards 2°C. The leaves are covered in a grey bloom, an adaptation to its This species is restricted to the KinKin – often woodland habitat within sandstone and Pomona and Cooloola areas to the south and other fire refuges of Arhnem Land, Alligator east of Gympie in SE QLD and can grow to a River, Melville Island and adjacent tropical large tree of 35m. Originally a tree prized for WA. The flowers are cream and attractive to timber, this combined with a naturally butterflies. Propagation material is scant and restricted distribution has resulted in the I have only ever seen it cultivated on three species being classified as ‘vulnerable’ within occasions. It is a manageable species to a its natural habitat of lowland subtropical maximum height of about 5m within rainforest. The occurrence of this species in cultivation. It tolerates hot dry conditions SE QLD illustrates a previously greater once established. geographical range for Xanthostemon and that the genus is derived from a rainforest Varied Penda origin. I have seen this species in the wild just Xant hostemon umbrosus once (July 1996) growing within sand in the (umbrosus= in reference to it being found often growing within the shade) Cooloola National Park in association with species such as hilliana and Masses of cream flowers adorn this plant Melicope vitiflora. It is known to occur when in flower and thus it should be used further inland as a large tree especially when extensively within subtropical and tropical growing on basalt soils. Within cultivation Australia. The specific name ‘umbrosus’ is specimens can flower at 1m in height misleading as it prefers to grow in full sun however may not flower every year following than shade. My plants are all cutting grown this initial event. I have several within the and thus flower from 50cm in height. Cold garden with all growing moderately fast doesn’t bother them and growth is although not as fast as many other species moderately fast even in southern latitudes. and thus after ten years are crowded by There are three distinct species often lumped foliage and require more sun for better into X. umbrosus. The typical X. umbrosus is flowering. Plants tolerate full sun from an a species of WA, NT and Cape York. There early age however constant soil moisture is are another 2 species on Cape York which required. The flowers are creamy green in are distinct from X. umbrosus, these being X. colour with prominent anthers. They are sp. ‘Mt Tozer’ which is a larger tree having often difficult to source however as trees fruit bigger obovate leaf without recoiled margins

Page 12 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 (as is common in X. umbrosus). The other is natural range from Shipton’s Flat, (within the X. sp ‘Bolt Head’ which has longer elliptic western Bloomfield area near Cooktown) leaves with often brownish new growth through the Atherton Tablelands, to the Another previously sold as X. sp. ‘Browns region around the Tully Gorge. It occurs both Creek’ is now included with X. sp. ‘Bolt within drier rainforest (1500mm) on basalt, Head’. All these ‘species’ have creamy-white to wetter lowland forests often on subtle flowers and are easy to grow within a sunny ridges susceptible to storm damage and co- site. As they all originate from seasonal dominated by Acacia and Agathis. Two monsoonal Australia they are very hardy particular specimens near Kuranda are through dry periods. Two are trees whilst X. massive canopy trees to 40m. Therefore many sp. Bolt Head is a big . The natural old trees don’t exist being cut long ago for distribution for X. umbrosus is from north of timber and their trade name is Red Penda. Iron Range in the southern Shelbourne Bay The flowers are bright yellow and are area to Cobbold Gorge west of Mareeba spectacular, rivalling the better-known extending to WA. Knowledge of the natural Golden Penda. They grow fast within distributions for the two ‘species’ on Cape cultivation and can flower at 2m in height. York is scant however both occur near Iron The leaves are large and furry with Apricot- Range on the eastern coast. pink new growth. Seed germinates easily and can be stored, typical of most ‘dry-seeded’ Bloomfield Penda Myrtaceae. All my trees are seed grown, been Xanthostemon verticillatus easy to grow in full sun and cuttings remain (verticillatus= in reference to the leaves being arranged in whorls) unknown. Cold temperatures are tolerated.

This is a small tree due to its preference as a Xant hostemon xerophilus rheophyte along granite boulder lined, strong (xerophilus= in reference to its dry adapted leaves)

flowing feeder creeks of the Bloomfield and This ‘rare’ species is found only within the Daintree rivers. It was for many years Jardine River area near the tip of Cape York (following Bernie Hyland’s initial discovery) however is reputed to be locally common. I thought to be ‘lost to science’ until Tony have never seen this species in cultivation Irvine found it growing within the Bloomfield however owing to the adaptability of most Region. The conservation status is classified as other Xanthostemon it would undoubtedly ‘rare’. I first saw this species in the wild just a prove adaptable in southern climates. It is few weeks ago on the edge of Roaring Meg being cultivated on the Atherton Tablelands, Creek, a tributary of the Bloomfield River. As near Tolga growing well in basalt with an I approached this watercourse I knew that if I average rainfall of 1300mm and minimums looked hard enough I would probably find of 6°C. It has never been available for sale as this species. After some time of searching I yet. found it directly in front of me growing beneath Callistemon viminalis upon an island Red Penda in the creek. There was a thicket of them, Xant hostemon youngii which would be submerged for weeks during (youngii= in honour of Sir John Young Governor of NSW 1861-1867) heavy rains. The typical X. chrysanthus also occurred at this site suggesting that The natural distribution of this ‘rare’ Penda is parapatric speciation may be at play from the coastal littoral forests, near the contributing to the evolution of this species. MacIlwraith Range to the Olive River north of Within horticulture it is a very pleasant shrub Iron Range up to about 50m in altitude. In producing large scented limey-yellow flowers regards to floral display, this Penda is possibly and a bushy manageable shape, which adapts the best, being red in colour and resembling well to pruning. It is best grown in the full Metrosideros excelsa from New Zealand. This sun and surprisingly adapts well to species is however difficult to grow in significantly drier and colder sites than its cultivation and I know of only three well natural habitat would suggest. It grows and grown trees, these being near Cairns and flowers well in NE NSW with no ill positioned in well drained soils in mostly full symptoms. sun. Specimens within full sun, flower much heavier than shaded ones. I haven’t been able Atherton Penda to grow this species in NE NSW however a Xant hostemon whitei nearby native enthusiast has a specimen (whitei= in honour of C.T.White (1890-1950), a Qld Government Botanist for 35 years) growing, albeit slowly, within basalt soils with moderately high rainfall. I think This ‘rare’ species produces synchronous grafting would be an ideal pursuit with X. flowering following cyclonic events within its chrysanthus or X. umbrosus as its rootstock.

Page 13 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006

Notes on Within cultivation all species grow easily if Compiled by Kris Kupsch, Rainforest Study Group Leader planted in a protected cool moist site. Many

cerato = horny species especially C. hylandii have petalum = considerable horticultural value.

Ceratopetalum are generally restricted to Coachwood mountainous regions both within southern and northern latitudes; a disposition shared (apetalum= in reference to the calyx lobes which appear to be by almost all the species. Within -apetalum = no petals)

the tropics a biogeographical trait coined A widespread common species occurring ‘latitudinal compensation’ is obvious as from the McPherson Range and Girraween species are restricted to higher altitude forests National Park (SEQ) down through to where as in southern states related species Bateman’s Bay in NSW. It has simple leaves may occur near sea level. This attribute with variably serrate margins. Within NE occurs within this genus where there are 8 NSW, near its northern limit, this species is species in total, all being found within most common within cool and warm Australian rainforests, with 1 species temperate rainforests where it often co- extending to Papua New Guinea, probably a occurs with Antarctic Beach (Nothofagus recent migrant with the onset of the Papuan moorei). It however can also be found Central ranges which allowed for an growing in cool wet sclerophyll gullies and exchange of cool adapted species from seldom with lowland subtropical rainforests, Australia, now considered to be the largest and if so, on poorer soils where larger leaved stronghold of Australian derived Gondwanan species cannot compete. It grows well in species. cultivation as long as soil moisture is

Two species are restricted to temperate and sustained whilst young, however is hardy subtropical habitats, being C. gummiferum following this early stage. In the wild it can and C. apet alum, whilst five species C. reach 25m however garden plants seldom corymbosum, C. hylandii, C. iugumensis, C. reach 10m and are quite bushy. Its flowers macrophyllum, C. virchowii being restricted are cream but age to a light red colour. See to the Wet Tropics and C. succirubrum an additional article on this species on page 15. extending to PNG. The family Cunoniaceae is probably of Gondwanan ancestry and Thornton’s Coachwood invariably all species are of rainforest decent Ceratopetalum corymbosum with only a couple of genera evolving to (corymbosum= in reference to its flowers being a corymb)

frequently capture wet sclerophyll habitats. A ‘rare’ species occurring only in very wet All Ceratopetalum have an ‘impaired’ wind- mountainous terrain, on a couple of granite dispersed seed, thus don’t possess the ability peaks within the Daintree region; primarily to traverse great distances and bridge dry on Thornton Peak (QLD third highest) and ecological barriers. Owing to their current Mount Hemmant. The climate of these peaks, distribution, Ceratopet alum must be whilst situated well into the tropics, is considered to be relictual species in all parts. subtropical in nature and extremely wet and Whilst driving between Brisbane and Cairns often shrouded in cloud. Average rainfall for it is very difficult to imagine a cool rainforest these locations well exceeds 5000mm (5m) type extending in a continuous extent north per year. I first saw this species growing on to south. Therefore, considering current the summit of Thornton Peak in November climate trends towards periods of increased 2005. It can be found growing between warming and drying, it is very unlikely that granite boulders in cloud forests. The new cool rainforest species will expand their growth of the trifoliolate leaves has a ranges and colonise ‘new-niches’. purplish tinge and the trees are often poorly Comment by Darren Crayn (Research Scientist National formed and gnarled due to the often-extreme Herbarium of New South Wales) “there is strong weather conditions. Frozen pools of water evidence that and Cunoniaceae are have been known to occur on Thornton Peak closely related and probably sister groups. Also, evidence is strong that the following genera are nested during winter, within eyeshot of the Daintree within Cunoniaceae: Bauera, Davidsonia and lowlands. This species is unknown within Eucryphia. Each of these has u s ually been put in its own cultivation however would be hardy in family. Bauera in particular presents an interesting case southern Australia. Its flowers () are of a shrubby, fire and dry-adapted lineage evolving usually cream-white but red has been from within a rainforest group. Tetratheca within Elaeocarpaceae is another good example”. recorded too. It is unlikely to be ever made available within horticulture for the interim.

Page 14 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 New South Wales Christmas Bush A poorly known rare species growing to 10m tall that has only been officially recorded (gummiferum= in reference to this species bearing a gum like between Mt Hemmant, (just to the south of sap when wounded) Cape Tribulation) to the Big Tableland about This common species is the best known of the 30km south of Cooktown, however I have genus with the red sepals of the flowers found it at Hilda Creek near the Daintree making it an attractive feature commonly River at 300m asl; most collections are made grown as a garden plant and on farms for cut over 500m asl. The trifoliolate leaflets can be flowers in southern states. It flowers around large up to 20cm long (which is how I easily the beginning of summer and occurs identified it within the field). I haven’t seen naturally between Ulladulla and Evans Head this species in cultivation and material is only on the central north coast of NSW. Well- available from protected areas, thus severely drained soil is recommended as wild plants restricting its use within horticulture. Once are often found growing on sandstone, thus again a reminder that all species originate with good drainage. Fungus can affect plants from the wild and collecting initial material grown in heavy soils. It is grown successfully eliminates future in-situ pressure from as far north as the Atherton Tablelands in collectors. This species will therefore not be North Queensland. The following cultivars available to enthusiasts as no one can legally have been produced from this species, collect seed or seedlings from the wild. It however not all are traded, ‘Albery’s Red’, however would probably succeed well in ‘VIC 90-1’, ‘Festival’ ‘Bill Winter’, ‘Christmas southern climates owing to its mountainous Belle’, ‘Promises’, 'Albery's Millennium Red', habitat. The specific name refers to ‘ridge- ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Christmas Snow’ dweller’ and was once referred to as Ceratopetalum sp. ‘Mt Hemmant’, for a very Hyland’s Coachwood notable 1065m high mountain, <5km from Ceratopetalum hylandii the Coral Sea with steep granite cliffs. Few (hylandii= in reference to Australian botanist Bernie Hyland, (1937- ) a specialist of Lauraceae and Myrtaceae) botanists have ventured to its mossy summit and some species have only ever been found This species is named for eminent Australian there. botanist Bernie Hyland; however it could equally refer to its mountainous habitat in the Large leaved Sycamore granite highlands between Mount Lewis and Ceratopetalum macrophyllum Mt Spurgeon behind Mossman with another (macrophyllum= in reference to its unique large leaves)

occurrence on the western flank of Mount A ‘rare’ and unusual small tree possessing Bartle Frere. This species is a common small simple leaves which on young plants can be tree within its restricted habitat. Plants can be up to 30cm long. The new growth is purple easily identified by the very undulate margins and attractive as it unfolds from the large of its comparatively small trifoliolate leaves. stipules. It can be found growing mainly The new growth is purple and is most along granite creeks within the Daintree area spectacular. This species can be grown by (up to 600m asl) between Roaring Meg Creek cuttings and isn’t fussy about cool southern and Noah Creek often in association with climates as long as rainfall is above 1500mm australianum. Little known in per year and evaporation rates are relatively horticulture although southern winters are low (<5mm per day). On Mount Lewis where tolerated and potted specimens grow fast and this species is locally common, maximum are very striking. Dry conditions are not temperatures can be as low as 8°C during tolerated. Flowers are fragrant and either overcast winter days and down to -2°C on purple or cream. clear winter nights; a vast contrast to the nearby lowlands. A sunny aspect is best to Satin Sycamore promote a bushy shape and for best Ceratopetalum succirubrum flowering: flowers are cream in colour and (succirubrum= in reference to the red sap which oozes from wounded bark) fragrant. There is potential for this species as cut foliage. This species is rarely available This comparatively common large tree is from nursery outlets and its entire natural rarely encountered within horticulture distribution is within the Wet Tropics World although is used within restoration plantings Heritage Area. in the tropics. It naturally occurs between Mt Finnegan, immediately to the south of Mountain Sycamore Rossville near Cooktown to Millaa Millaa on Ceratopetalum iugumensis the southeastern Atherton Tablelands (iugumensis= in reference to its preference to grow on ridges, or at least where most people have found it) between 400-1200m asl, and also within PNG. This species is easily identified from its

Page 15 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 co-occurring cousin C. virchowii as its leaf rarely look happy and are not very apexes are acute whilst C. virchowii has rewarding, especially once you have seen drawn out acuminate tips. It is easily grown what they should look like during a holiday in cultivation if moderately cool moist up north. Choosing plants more suited to conditions are supplied when dry with high your conditions is the way to go. I want to summer rainfalls ensured, thus shade is best describe a few random species, which have in drier sites. Trees become bushy with age proved appropriate for our conditions. and the new growth is crimson-red. Flowers are generally cream in colour. It is currently Aniseed Myrtle available from select nurseries in the tropics. Anetholea anisata (syn. Backhousia anisata)

Pink Sycamore This ‘Backhousia’ comes from a small area on Ceratopetalum virchowii the central coast of New South Wales, namely (virchowii= in honour of Professor Rudolph Virchowii (1821- 1902) a German scholar in many schools of science) the Nambucca and Bellingen valleys. It is now uncommon in the wild. It has long, narrow, An attractive rare tree noted for its flowering undulating, shiny leaves, which smell and ‘flushing’ of trifoliate pale purple foliage. strongly of aniseed when crushed. The The flowers are cream, which occur in winter flowers are cream and fluffy, due to and envelop the tree’s rounded canopies. I conspicuous . The glossy wavy leaves recently found a flowering population of this and the plentiful scented flowers make this species for the first time. They grow on an attractive plant. With suitable moist leached soils and have a restricted occurrence conditions it grows into a large tree. within the reasonably cool rainforests of the Bellenden Ker Range including Mt Bartle Coachwood Frere and the immediate surrounds of the Ceratopetalum apetalum Atherton Tablelands being locally common at Boonjee. In cultivation within NE NSW it Coachwood is a common tree in the moist grows steadily in a protected site among gullies of New South Wales and can be found other rainforest species. Propagation material in quite cold areas on the Great Divide. It is is scarce however persevering enthusiasts can closely related to the NSW Christmas Bush, occasionally source plants from growers in Ceratopetalum gummiferum. The bark is NQLD. smooth and pale grey with concentric rings around the tree and often with rounded Growing rainforest plants in lichen patches. The flowers are cream, aging to a reddish-pink, but never attaining the temperate eastern Australia bright red of the Christmas Bush. Never the Composed by Pip Gibian, Rainforest Study Group Member less the flowers are massed and showy. As We have an artificial rainforest where we live with the Christmas Bush, the “petals” of the in the northwest outskirts of Sydney. The flower are actually lobes of the calyx (sepals). winter temperatures here are cooler than in Flowering occurs in November and December most of the city. We also have a small with the seed ripening in January and rainforest timber plantation at Gloucester, February. Fresh seed germinates very well. NSW, in a region, which still carries The timber is a good cabinet timber. It is significant natural areas of cool-temperate pinkish brown and is said to smell like and wet- at Barrington caramel. We have found this is a hardy plant, Tops. Many rainforest species will grow out which has survived heavy frost at Gloucester. of their natural range, and a few northern We did lose quite a few plants last summer. species can be amazingly hardy in colder They were young plants, completely exposed climates. There are two distinct difficulties for in a paddock and did not like the succession these plants. Some are frost sensitive-that is of over 40° days in January. they are damaged early one winter’s morning when the thermometer suddenly plunges Rosewood below zero. Once frostbitten the plants may fraserianum

die, or be so damaged that they are stunted. Rosewood was an important cabinet timber, The other more subtle effect is seen when the red-brown and scented. Since NSW State day-to-day temperatures are just too low to Forests stopped logging rainforests, the promote growth. These plants tend to grow has become scarce and valuable. You can for two or three months only each year, i.e. sometimes buy small articles made from December, January and February. For the recycled Rosewood, some which spent many other nine months they sit and do nothing, years in a previous life as a fence post. not dead but not very alive either. They Termites don’t like it. It is a bit fussy,

Page 16 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 requiring rich soil and protection from frosts flowers are green and insignificant. The fruits and excessive heat when young however come in clusters of mauve berries like once established it is much hardier. When miniature grapes, and many plants fruit very grown in the open the tree is dense with a heavily. The fruit is soft and edible, and very rounded crown and glossy leaves. The attractive. They are also hardy coming up in flowers are fragrant. The fruit is pink or red very hot, dry parts of our property. and splits to release 6 to 8 glossy red seeds. Scrub Turpentine Narrow-leaved Orangebark rubescens Mayt enus silvestris Usually this is a dense, bushy shrub to 3 Maytenus silvestris is hardy, occurring in dry metres, but it may grow into a tree. It is an rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. It is a early succession species growing in many large shrub with narrow leaves. The flowers rainforest types from southern NSW to SE are green and inconspicuous, but the fruits QLD. The white flowers are fragrant. Late in are gold or orange and very attractive. Fresh the year it is covered in small bright red seed germinates promptly. I have not planted berries, which age to black. The leaves have a this at Dural, but it has appeared in disturbed rounded “myrtle” shape. It is gradually ground at Gloucester. It should be pretty easy invading the former cow pasture at to grow. Gloucester and would be an ideal regeneration plant. Tall Rice Flower

Pimelea ligustrina Notes on Compiled by Kris Kupsch, Rainforest Study Group Leader This plant is also found both in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. If the truth were Hicksbeachia = in honour of Sir Michael Hicks-Beach (1837- 1916) a British Colonial Secretary) known, it could be a bit of a weed as it is very easy to grow. It is a shrub to 2 or 3 metres, so The Hicksbeachia genus comprises two a good garden size, with bright green leaves recognised species with another form or in regimented rows. The terminal, white species remaining to be described. These flower head is the biggest of the eastern species are among the most spectacular of Pimelea, being globular and 3 to 4 cm across. rainforest plants and are superb examples of Some forms have golden anthers protruding the family Proteaceae that has many equally from the white tubular flowers. In our impressive species. This genus is commonly experience each bush is fairly short-lived, referred to as Bauple, Red Bopple or Monkey maybe 8 or 10 years, becoming woody and Nuts due to the red fruits arising from unattractive as they age. Hard pruning after racemes upon the trees mostly leafless trunk flowering keeps the plant looking good for and (if present) branches. The trees are often longer. It self-seeds, so you are unlikely to monopodial having a single trunk with a tuft lose the species and the number of of leaves towards the top of the slender stem spontaneous seedlings has not been a which grows to a height of about 8-10m problem for us. Cuttings strike easily and often with multiple trunks, especially in H. vegetative propagation allows you to pinnatifolia when growing in regrowth maintain the best-flowered forms. We know Camphor Laurel dominated forests or as of a Victorian grafter who has used this plant roadside trees. The tropical ‘species’ are very as the rootstock for grafting some of the rare within cultivation, however of late a Western Pimelea. This is an attractive idea for healthy batch of garden grown plants has NSW and Queensland growers, who often become available, whilst the southern find that the graft rootstocks do not grow subtropical species is much easier to source well in our conditions. This is a spectacular and grow. All deserve being planted as a plant in flower, and easy to grow. feature plant within any formal garden or street planting. Elderberry Panax Polyscias sambucifolia Red Bopple Nut Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia This plant can become a tree in Victorian cool (pinnatifolia= in reference to the pinnate foliage) temperate rainforest, but more commonly is a shrub to 2 metres. It also grows in wet The southern species H. pinnatifolia occurs sclerophyll forest and is natural on our Dural within the Big Scrub remnants and other sites block. Seedlings grow rapidly and root within the Tweed-Byron area on basalt and suckers can also grow to form a colony. The metamorphic soils, extending north to Mount leaves are pinnate although the actual form Tamborine in the Gold Coast Hinterlands. varies in different areas of its habitat. The Other populations occur within the foothills

Page 17 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 of the Dorrigo, Bellinger and Nambucca ‘other’ has a smaller red, smooth fruit Valleys further south of the Big Scrub. It is resembling a large fleshy Grevillea follicle. listed as a ‘vulnerable’ species however is Within cultivation great difference is noted, locally abundant. The purple-crimson the ‘true pilosa’ is very intolerant of low flowers are produced mostly during spring humidity, bright sun, dry soils and hot (and other odd times) and are heavily honey temperatures. I once grew 16 plants of the scented. Trees are easy to grow once ‘true pilosa’ with all dying within 6 months established and are fairly hardy however however one garden plant in NSW is growing seedlings have a very high mortality due to very well; being possibly the strangest looking leaf skeletonising insects, their susceptibility plant I have. This plant is just 1m tall though to soil borne pathogens and/or intolerance of its leaves are 60cm long and broadly lobed. particular microelements within the soil. I Trees of the ‘other’ species have fruited have found that it is best to germinate seeds following 8 years of growth to 5m tall within pots and plant-out in a fairly sunny however the ‘true pilosa’ is much slower position, under a 25% shade cloth shelter at growing and after 6 years is just 1m tall, but the third leaf stage, providing fertiliser to otherwise healthy. Both ‘species’ should be encourage growth through the ‘SIDS’ period, planted in a sheltered site but the ‘other’ all too common within rainforest Proteaceae. species is far more tolerant of sun and lower Once the threat of summer scorching humidity. This ‘other’ species is consequently temperatures has passed (late Feb) remove the only one being grown, with a good batch the shadecloth. This species has attractive released into subtropical horticulture as of pink/red new growth and doesn’t grow large late. thus making it a suitable tree for small gardens and street plantings. It can also be Plant-Animal Interrelationship felled to encourage multiple trunks and thus increased flowering. It tolerates cool It was interesting to read about a group of plants conditions and can be grown as far south as in New Zealand which still possess growth traits Melbourne. The fruit kernels are edible but once used to defend themselves from the extinct Bird, the Moa. These plants are known as not a delicacy. I have trees which now flower ‘divaricating’, they are spineless and protect each year and are just six years old. their growing tips by branching at wide angles and forming a ball like habit. This trait is shared Ivory Silky Oak among 54 species from various plant families in Hicksbeachia pilosa NZ. The Australian plant Everistia vacciniifolia (pilosa= in reference to hairy leaves which distinguish it from H.pinnatifolia) and closely related Coprosma species possess a similar ‘divaricating’ growth trait too. If anyone Once lumped in with the southern species, knows of further Australian species possessing this Wet Tropics endemic is restricted this trait, I would love to hear from you. See between the Big Tableland-Home Rule area, http://www.n zes.org.nz/nzje/free_issues/ProN ZES24_21.pdf just south of Cooktown (which is the northern limit of the Wet Tropics Bioregion) to the Cardwell Range up to 1000m asl. It is This is a new book for people interested in rather apparent that two forms/species exist rainforest plants occurring on the forest under ‘pilosa’. The true ‘pilosa’ is only known floor. A photographic CD is included with from the Bellenden Ker Range, which over 150 species. It can be sourced by includes Mt Bartle Frere and the immediate contacting Nullum Publications. surrounds of Topaz. I have seen this species [email protected] (the true ‘pilosa’) only, ever, growing within the unbearably wet forests of Topaz, again on the western approach to Mt Bartle Frere and within the lowlands at Harvey Creek, north of Babinda at the base of Mt Bellenden Ker. The ‘other’ species has much coarser leaves and occurs over a wider range of rainforest types. This ‘species’ is much less pilose and seems to grow into a better-formed tree, as in the wild the ‘true pilosa’ often consists of dead limbs with just a few growing twigs. The ‘true pilosa’ has purplish flowers whilst the ‘other’ has either cream or again purple flowers. A major difference is the ‘true pilosa’ has larger red dimply fruit, more like a drupe whilst the

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