AUSTRALIAN NATIVE SOCIETY

CANBERRA REGION (INC)

Journal Vol. 17 No. 2 June 2012 ISSN 1447-1507 Print Post Approved PP299436/00143 Canberra Region Report March 2012 Contents 1. Propagation We started with about 10,000 plants ANPS Canberra Region Report 1 We have a very active and produc- on the ground at the parking lots of the Australian National Botanic Response to ANBG Draft Management Plan 4 tive propagation group that pro- duces about 2356 of the plants sold Gardens. These sales are be- Highlights from Study Groups 5 at our twice yearly sales. Cuttings are coming more important as a source Summer Walks 7 collected from member’s gardens of native plants in the Canberra and other sources and represent a Region because the variety of native Roo-proofing 18 large variety of plant material not plants that nurseries are selling is What's inside a gall 22 normally available in commercial decreasing. Often the only hope of buying certain taxa of plants is our Book reviews 28 nurseries. We have 3 shadehouse facilities and 3 hotbeds that are sale. As Myrtle Rust spreads and Vale Graham McKenzie 1944-2012 23 soon to be updated and improved. more restrictions are placed on plant movements, it is going to be even ANPS contacts and membership details inside back cover In addition, we have a trial program where plants, new to the ACT, are more difficult to find many species Cover: Podolepis jaceoides 'unfurling' and Leucochrysum albicans ssp. propagated and then given to of native plants. Even though most alpinum, photographed on the Mt Franklin walk by Janelle Chalker members to trial in their gardens. of the plants we sell are grown in the Every six months, members report local region which is currently free of on the progress or death of their trial Myrtle Rust, all myrtaceous plants at plants. In this way, we can ensure our sale are examined on arrival by Journal articles The deadline dates for submissions are 1 February that plants we sell have a good an expert from NSW who is brought (March), 1 May (June), 1 August (September) and 1 chance of success. A crucial part of in by the ANBG. This inspection The Journal is a forum for the exchange of members' November (December). Send articles or photos to: the propagation effort is the main- serves to protect the ANBG from and others' views and experiences of gardening with, possible infection and also protects Journal Editor tenance of a database. It contains propagating and conserving Australian plants. the public from buying infected Helen Parsons short descriptions of almost 2,388 All contributions, however short, are welcome. plants. PO Box 1114 plants and that are known Contributions may be typed or handwritten, and Queanbeyan NSW 2620 to grow in the region. This database 3. New Edition of Book accompanied by photographs and drawings. is updated with new plants and de- e-mail: [email protected] Australian Plants for Canberra Submit photographs as either electronic files, scriptions as needed. Plant labels are tel: 0427605202 or (ah) 02 6238 2673 Region Gardens was first produced such as JPGs, or prints. Please enclose a stamped, printed from this database and are Paid advertising is available in this Journal. Details from in 1973 and has been revised four self-addressed envelope if you would like your prints used on all plants at our sales. This the Editor. times with the latest being 2001. returned. If possible set your digital camera to take database will provide the basis of A committee is working hard to high resolution photos. If photos cannot be emailed, Society website: http://nativeplants-canberra.asn.au plant descriptions in the new edition produce a new book with colour pic- make a CD and send it by post. If you have any Printed by Elect Printing, Fyshwick, ACT of our book. tures to illustrate the text. The com- queries please contact the editor http://www.electprinting.com.au/ Original text may be reprinted, unless otherwise indicated, provided an acknowledgement for the source is given. Permission to reprint non- 2. Plant Sales mittee is consulting with members original material and all drawings must be obtained from the copyright holder. The views and opinions expressed in articles are those of the We have two plant sales per year on which plants are to be included authors and are not necessarily the views and opinions of the Society. and the most recent was 17 March. in the book. Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 1 4. Wednesday Walks those weekends when Weed Swap bodalla Botanic Gardens, the South- 10. Relations with the Australian Every week a group of members go is present. The goal is make people ern Tablelands Ecosystem Program National Botanic Gardens to an region of interest in the ACT aware of environmental weeds and and the ANBG. Over the past few years, the ANBG to plant natives instead. or surrounding region to spend the 8. Daytime Activity has been in the process of develop- ing a Plan of Management for the day walking and looking at plants. 6. Field Trips A number of years ago, some mem- next 10 years. ANPS Canberra Re- Many of the members are expert at Each month ANPS Canberra Region bers started what were called day- gion was active in the consultations identifying the plants and generate organizes field trips that usually time meetings so that people who that lead to the development of the a list of plants that they see in each occur on a weekend and go to more were not able to come to evening plan and has responded to various area. They have been going on these remote areas than the Wednesday meetings could participate and feel issues in the Draft that has been pro- walks for over 20 years and have Walks can do in one day. The trips part of the Society. As these were duced for comment. Representatives generated a large amount of data of are announced at least a month in not real meetings in the sense of from our Council meet on occasion what plants are seen where. Often advance in our monthly bulletin and speakers etc, it was recently decided with the Management of the ANBG walks are to the same region but in the most recent issue, a list of pro- to call them daytime activities. Usu- to discuss issues and work out how several years apart and it is interest- posed trips for the year is presented. ally these involve visiting a garden we can be helpful. For example, ing to see the changes in vegetation A number of these trips go to areas or a revegetated area. we have agreed to provide $2,000 that have occurred. We are currently well outside the ACT and involve 9. Garden Design Study Group next year to fund signage within in the process of considering how to participants and guides who are the gardens. We have suggested centralize this data to make sure that not part of our region. We are in the Canberra is one of three regions that that the ANBG could use the expert it isn’t lost and that it can be used by process of formalizing arrangements has a branch of the Garden Design knowledge of the Friends Guides to others. with adjacent regions to cosponsor Study Group. There are about 10 develop the text which should edu- trips so that members of different members and the aim is to have 5. Weed Swap cate the public about the interest- groups can go and be covered by about 4 events each year. Often Two weeks after our sales, a dedicat- ing features of some of the plants. insurance of that group. This coop- these events involve a visit to a gar- ed group of ANPS volunteers spends This donation has been accepted by eration will enhance the experience den and are coupled with the Day- the weekend at the north and south the ANBG with enthusiasm but the for all and break down the artificial time Activity. A report of the visit is Green Waste Recycling Centres details remain to be worked out. distinctions between different re- prepared by the leader, Ros Walcott, distributing native plants to those and published in the Newsletter of who bring in local environmental gional societies. Submitted by Ben Walcott the GDSG. March 2012 woody weeds for composting. Col- 7. Monthly Members Meetings our brochures produced by the ACT In the evening of the second Thurs- Government of local environmental day of each month except January, woody weeds are handed out to all we have a members meeting with who are interested. This program a formal speaker. Attendance is is funded by the ACT government normally between 50 and 70 mem- which pays for about 2,000 plants bers and there is an extensive range grown by our members that are of books for sale as well as plants. distributed free over the course of Member growers donate plants that the weekend. The managers of the Wednesday walk- are raffled to members. The pro- ers on the Tinderry Recycling Centres report that activ- ceeds plus extra funds are donated Grassland, Roger ity is increased by about 25% on to organizations such as the Euro- Farrow 2 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 3 Response to the Draft Management Plan Gardens. For example, volunteers in the Plan, there seems to be little from the Orchid Society of Canberra emphasis on making the ANBG 2011-2021 of the display the flowering plants of the more of a garden. There appears to Australian National Botanic Garden ANBG orchid collection in the Visi- be little emphasis on pruning exist- tors Centre and Display Glasshouse, ing plants, for example, and plan- The Australian Native Plants Society only mention of establishing such yet their contribution seems to be ning for plant successions except for of Canberra Region has as the first a Committee/Council is on page buried in the general issues relat- trees. We believe that the ANBG is three goals in its constitution the fol- 115 where the 10 year goal is to ing to volunteers and National Park a garden and as such plant mainte- lowing objectives: 'investigate models' for its creation, Volunteer Policy. nance should be of a high standard. • To provide a forum for the discus- hardly a strong commitment. Such Plant maintenance Submitted by Ben Walcott sion and exchange of ideas on the a group which could oversee the While there are a number of refer- horticulture of Australian native management of philanthropic funds ences to 'best horticultural practices' plants including their cultivated would assist the ANBG in getting varieties. such funds in spite of being part of a government department. • To improve Australian native Highlights from Study Group Newsletters plants as garden subjects. Stakeholders • To promote the conservation of In the Draft Plan, Section 4 address- Received March 2012 Australian plants and their habi- es the issue of 'engaging communi- tats. ties' but it seems to be focused on by Shirley Daniels, Study Group indicated that few was available. Liaison Officer, ANPS Canberra These objectives overlap signifi- casual garden visitors rather than The name ‘Acacia’ continues to be Region cantly with those of the ANBG as interested groups. This is fine as far an issue and is being challenged expressed in the draft Management as it goes but there are organiza- Joining study groups is a great way by two African botanists. This will Plant 2011-2021 and so we support tions that also could be involved. of sharing information from all over be brought up at the International the Plan with enthusiasm. However, ANPS Canberra Region and all the derived from members’ Botanical Congress in China in 2017. we do have the following comments other organizations across the experiences in growing and carefully Further information is available that we feel are very important and country under the Australian Native observing plants, participating in www.worldwidewattle.com/ that are not well addressed in the Plants Society (Australia) umbrella field trips and accessing the latest infogallery/nameissue. Plan. are very supportive of the ANBG and research in their areas of interest. its goals yet no mention is made The Eucalyptus Study Group The establishment of an Advisory The Acacia Study Group has an of them or any indications of how has articles on the suitability of Committee/Council article indicating that wattles are they could assist the ANBG in its eucalyptus wood for bridge building The establishment of such a group not considered a cause of allergic missions. Other organizations such and its use in biofuel production. should be one of the first priorities rhinitis. Further information is as the Orchid Society of Canberra, There is also an article explaining in the coming year. Such a Commit- available www.aihw.gov.au This Canberra Ornithologists Group and the use of the and peduncle tee/Council of experts from around ties in with the results of a survey Friends of Grasslands have many to distinguish E. rhodantha from E. the country would provide advice conducted by them at the ANPSA members who are passionate about macrocarpa. on setting of priorities within the Biennial Conference in Adelaide. A the Gardens. To acknowledge that The Study Group reported Plan and give the Gardens a platform question about the availability of these organizations exist and could that a new grevillea has been for raising funds. At present, the wattle varieties at local nurseries be useful would add support to the discovered in the Great

4 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 5 Desert. 'The species Grevillea causes including weather and/or Top of the Tinderries after fire, Martin Butterfield ilkurlka ms was collected as part pathogens. of a survey in the Ilkurlka area, a The Fern Study Group reported on relatively unknown region about an excursion to the granite belt area 150 kilometres west of the WA of south-east QLD and north-east border. The survey was carried out NSW in October 2011. As well as Summer Walks by DEC and the Spinifex People, in the many species of ferns sighted, partnership with the WA Museum, there were lots of flowers, including Adelaide Zoo and Museum Victoria.' orchids. Peter Olde has alerted the study The Study Group suggests group to a ban on the importation that the Pangarinda Arboretum is of the Grevillea to the US due worth a visit if you are travelling to serious problems with insects in between Melbourne and Adelaide. It the Anoplophora genus. The pest is is at Wellington East, a 10 km detour not known to be present in Australia from the highway. The Isopogons & but grevillea is one of the plants Petrophiles Study Group reports that known to be attacked by it. 2 new species and 2 new subspecies A number of members of the of from WA have now Correa Study Group have reported been described. substantial losses of plants and Want to know more and share what there is considerable reflection on you know? Join a study group.

The Wednesday Walkers roamed of Canberra and east of Michelago. widely during the 2011-12 summer. A large fire went through the area We only had to postpone one walk in December 2010 and we were and that was because of torrential keen to see the regeneration. rain rather than it being too hot. The approach from Michelago The relatively mild, wet summer takes us through some excellent provided some good displays of grassland and we always stop, flowers in some of our favourite mainly to check on a special plant haunts. - Dodonaea procumbens. It is rated as vulnerable under both the NSW The Tinderries Threatened Species Conservation In early December, we made a return Act and the Commonwealth Hypoxis hygrometrica, Boboyan Loop walk, Roger Farrow visit to the Tinderry Mountains south Environment Protection and

6 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 7 Biodiversity Conservation Act, few Stegostyla moschata. On the mainly due to habitat destruction southern side, Boronia algida was and weed invasion. We were flowering well and the Philotheca pleased to find many of the plants myoporoides was coming back. carrying seed. Lots of grasses were In the car park there was a lot of flowering and there was some Gompholobium huegelii in full flower colour from Convolvulus erubescens, and carpets of seedlings of Acacia Chrysocephalum apiculatum, costiniana and Oxylobium ellipticum. Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor, We continued on to the dampish Goodenia pinnatifida, Swainsona area, where the meteorological sericea and Eryngium ovatum. We station is, for lunch and also saw continued on and stopped part a good display there - Calotis way up the climb to look at a good scabiosifolia var. integrifolia, Diuris display of Astrotricha ledifolia, monticola, Brachyscome scapigera, Ajuga australis, Veronica perfoliata, Craspedia variabilis, Ajuga australis, colourful Dodonaea viscosa seed Dodonaea procumbens seed, Tinderrries graminifolium, Hibbertia pods and Pelargonium australe. trip, Roger Farrow obtusifolia, Linum marginale At the top of the range we split and some interesting plantagos into 2 groups - one to tackle the (Plantago antarctica was one of big boulders on the northern side Lomandra multiflora, Tinderries trip, them). We continued down the of the road and the other group Martin Butterfield explored the area south. Both had good views and a wealth of plants. On the northern side we were pleased to find some slightly out of the ordinary plants regenerating - ssp. oxyantha, Prostanthera phylicifolia (some flowering), Phebalium squamulosum ssp. ozothamnoides, Olearia iodochroa and Platysace lanceolata, along with excellent displays of flowers on Lomandra longifolia (and a heady perfume), Stylidium graminifolium, Hibbertia obtusifolia, Stellaria pungens, Pratia pedunculata, Astrotricha ledifolia, Tinderries trip, Roger Olearia erubescens and some Farrow large Microseris lanceolata, many Thelionema caespitosa and the last Lomandra longifolia, Tinderries trip, Martin Butterfield

8 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 9 eastern side of the range to the ski runs. Our previous visit was Boboyan Loop Round Flat Trail, eager to check on exactly 6 years ago on 14 December This was our first walk for 2012 and what we call the 'Mystery Pea' (see 2005 - the first post-fire visit. We one we hadn’t done for a while. It the article by Jo Walker and Roger were interested to see any changes. starts from the Yankee Hat car park Farrow in Journal Vol. 15 No. 9, We walked slowly up the main in Namadgi National Park and is March 2009). We had found it some old ski run - a gradual climb with initially on the Old Boboyan Road years ago and couldn’t put a name Eucalyptus pauciflora woodland before turning east past some to it. It is a large bush over 2m tall, on either side of the cleared run. granite outcrops and a swampy area with leaves and flowers similar to There were many plants flowering then returning on a fire trail. It was Podolobium alpestre. On the way and giving mass displays in some disappointing to find many weeds to it, many things were flowering cases. There were still some peas Mystery pea, Tinderries trip, encroaching on what used to be including Thysanotus tuberosus, out - Podolobium alpestre, Daviesia Roger Farrow high quality bushland. However, we Wahlenbergia stricta, Pultenaea ulicifolia and just a few Oxylobium saw some good plants and some subspicata, Ozothamnus thyrsoideus, ellipticum. Many of the Bossiaea flowers. The trees were lovely as Podolobium alpestre, some very foliosa were covered in ripening tall Diuris sulphurea with up to 7 seed pods. There were good large flowers per stem, Gastrodia displays of Tetratheca bauerifolia, sesamoides, Hibbertia obtusifolia, , Pimelea glauca masses of Ajuga australis and Pratia (even some pink ones), P. ligustrina, pedunculata (white and blue). There Podolepis jaceoides, Leucochrysum Pimelea ligustrina, Mt Franklin, was a small river running through albicans ssp. alpinum (masses), Roger Farrow the area where we’d previously Senecio pinnitifolius, Brachyscome found the Mystery Pea but we diversifolia, B. spathulata, Euphrasia managed to get through and found collina, Olearia erubescens, Craspedia the it flowering. It has survived the variabilis, Erigeron bellidioides drought, a tree falling on it and now and there were a few Rhodanthe the fire. Also in this area we were anthemoides as well as Hymenochilus surprised to find a Grevillea oxyantha crassicularis, Diuris monticola, Linum ssp. oxyantha and some Thelionema marginale, Brachyscome decipiens, caespitosa - we’re only used to Microseris lanceolata, Tasmannia seeing them high up in the granite lanceolata and Coprosma hirtella boulders. We also saw Trachymene flowering. We added a few extra composita – a plant we rarely see. A species to our 2005 post-fire list very rewarding day. which have seemingly taken a bit longer to reappear - Mt Franklin chamaepeuce, P. rigida, Tasmannia Mt Franklin is in the Brindabella lanceolata and Brachyscome Mountains, west of Canberra. Many diversifolia. We had lunch at the top Dianella tasmanica, Mt Franklin, Roger Farrow years ago there was a ski lodge surrounded by flowers and fantastic there (burnt in the 2003 fire) and views.

10 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 11 always and we saw large areas of Head we saw lots of Ozothamnus P. angustifolia, P. eriocephala and a Ranunculus lappaceus and some Chrysocephalum semipapposum stirlingii flowering as well asSenecio mystery one (lots) which will need lovely grasses. linearifolius. We stopped at the flowering, many Cullen further work and another visit. Tinderry Nature Reserve microcephalum, Hibbertia obtusifolia, intersection of Warks Road and Mt Bollard Pimelea curviflora (including an Bendora Dam Road for morning At the beginning of February, we orange one), Hypoxis hygrometrica, tea and saw many Stylidium The track to Mt Bollard runs off had a short walk in the Tinderry Gompholobium huegelii, Lotus armeria still with some flowers, Wild Cattle Flat Road in Tallaganda Nature Reserve about 8km south australis, Stylidium graminifolium, Astrotricha ledifolia forming National Park, east of Canberra of Burra. We had explored this area Helichrysum rutidolepis, Baeckea fruit and some lovely, weeping and Queanbeyan. It is an easy several times many years ago. It gunniana, Leptospermum Leptospermum brevipes. We spotted walk on a fire trail for about 1.5km is heavily wooded with some very myrtifolium, the last of the Epacris some Dipodium roseum, Platysace then there is a very steep ascent old trees, many of which show breviflora, one Ozothamnus stirlingii, lanceolata and Pimelea treyvaudii to the top of Mt Bollard. The signs of damage from strong winds some very floriferous Kunzea flowering as we continued on to walk starts in Eucalyptus dives and perhaps lightning strikes – ericoides and some spectacular Poa Bendora Dam. We did a loop walk forest with an understory of Eucalyptus rubida, E. macrorhyncha, sieberiana var. hirtella. We added a in rather hot conditions but saw lots mainly Daviesia mimosoides with E. rossii and E. dives. There were a considerable number of species to of interesting plants and some new , P. silvatica, number of shrubs including a few our post-fire list. Most of us were ones for our list - Grevillea oxyantha Comesperma ericinum (flowering), with flowers – Dillwynia sericea, D. caught in a sudden downpour as we ssp. oxyantha (with some flowers), Choretrum pauciflorum and Bossiaea phylicoides, Comesperma ericinum, finished the walk, but it was worth it. G. lanigera, Prostanthera lasianthos, foliosa. We found some interesting . The main grass Acacia pravissima, Astrotricha orchids – Chiloglottis trilabra and was Joycea pallida with very tall Bendora Dam ledifolia, Dillwynia phylicoides (a Thynninorchis huntianus (Elbow flowerheads. A highlight was a big Bendora Dam Road starts near few flowers), Hibbertia calycina, Orchid) and later, Diplodium patch (17 plants) of hyacinth orchids Bulls Head in the Brindabella Acrotriche divaricata, Leionema decurvum. We had lunch at the base - Dipodium roseum. There were Ranges and winds its way down lamprophyllum, marginata of Mt Bollard among some very tall some single ones scattered around to the Cotter River and Bendora and Hovea asperifolia. We also found Eucalyptus fastigata, E. radiata and as well. We plan to return at a future Dam. As we descended from Bulls four pomaderris species - P. aspera, E. dalrympleana. Quite a few fit, date to renew our acquaintance and adventurous people then climbed to explore more fully. the top and found a few new plants Nerriga Private Property including Platysace lanceolata, flowering, and more C. trilabra, not Also in February, we visited a to mention a copper head snake. private property off Meangora The rest of us explored the flatter Road which runs off Endrick River area and found many greenhoods Road just south of Nerriga. The - Diplodium decurvum - as well as drive in was tantalizing with several some Wahlenbergia stricta (very vegetation types including tall large flowers), Lagenophora stipitata, forest of Eucalyptus sieberi and a Helichrysum rutidolepis, Veronica swampy area. Many of the plants Hypericum gramineum, Boboyan we encountered were new to Loop, Martin Butterfield calycina all flowering and Coprosma quadrifida, Glycine clandestina, us and a lot of homework was done later to identify them. We

12 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 13 started off in a forested area which some in full flower – Eucalyptus included Eucalyptus radiata, E. melliodora. We turned left at the dives and a scribbly gum which water tank and went to the two we didn’t identify. The understory dams before returning on a narrow was fairly dense with a variety of track between the powerlines and species including Leptomeria acida, the houses. Many Acacia implexa ssp. ? livens, P. were in flower as well as a few A. microphylla, Boronia algida, Banksia parramattensis, Erodium crinitum, spinulosa, Patersonia longifolia, Chrysocephalum semipapposum P. sericea, Acacia ? amoena, A. (swathes of it), C. apiculatum, terminalis, Laxmannia gracilis, Cassinia quinquefaria (just starting Mitrasacme polymorpha, Lomandra to flower), C. longifolia, C. hewsoniae longifolia and many others. Then on (just finishing), Calocephalus citreus to a swampy area with Eucalyptus and Amyema miquelii. ovata around the edge as well as some Leptospermum morrisonii, L. Booroomba Rocks Car Park to juniperinum, Baeckea utilis, Epacris Honeysuckle Creek Campground

Dipodium roseum, Tinderry Nature Reserve, Dillwynia phylicoides, Tinderry Nature Reserve, microphylla and many Spiranthes This has become a favourite Martin Butterfield Martin Butterfield australis, including a white form. walk, always with plenty to After lunch we took a route on a fire see. We repeated it towards the trail to the edge of Morton National end of February and were not Park and saw among other things, E. disappointed. It is about 4km long moorei, Allocasuarina nana, Phyllota and mostly downhill – we leave phylicoides, Chloanthes parviflora, cars at both ends. The narrow track Persoonia laurina, P. lanceolata, meanders through regenerating Comesperma sphaerocarpum and woodland mainly, dominated by the unusual grass, Anisopogon Eucalyptus viminalis, E. radiata, E. avenaceus. dalrympleana and E. dives. The Mount Ainslie-Mt Majura Saddle regrowth from the 2003 bushfire is very thick making off-track We often walk on Mt Ainslie and exploration fairly difficult. We saw Mt Majura but this time, decided good displays of Calotis scabiosifolia to tackle the saddle in between. var. integrifolia, Brachyscome We started from Kellaway Street, spathulata, Helichrysum rutidolepis, Hackett, and followed the Persoonia chamaepeuce, Glycine equestrian trail before turning left clandestina, Podolepis hieracioides, to climb to the ridge where we had Lotus australis, Olearia tenuifolia, wonderful views on both sides. Ozothamnus stirlingii (just Comesperma ericinum, Tinderry Nature Reserve, Calotis scabiosifolia var. integrifolia, Booroomba Although weedy along the ridge, finishing) and the more unusual Roger Farrow Rocks car park to Honeysuckle Creek camp- there were some lovely old trees, ground, Graeme Kruse Olearia ramulosa var. stricta and O. 14 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 15 glandulosa - both flowering well - and a couple of Lobelia dentata. We saw a few orchids - Diplodium decurvum (lots of patches), one clump of three D. coccinium (new to our list), some Eriochilus cucullatus and a few Dipodium roseum just finishing. There were also some Coprosma hirtella with red berries. The last part of the walk had a soundtrack of thunder but we managed to finish just before the Above right: Persoonia silvatica, Mt Bollard, heavens opened. Martin Butterfield; You can read a short description of Above: Persoonia mollis, Nerriga Private our various walks, look at the list Property, Roger Farrow; of plants we found (and often, the Left: , Nerriga Private birds we spotted) and see some Property, Roger Farrow; photos in the Wednesday Walks

Below left: Persoonia microphylla, Nerriga section of the ANPS website - http:// Private Property, Roger Farrow; nativeplants-canberra.asn.au

Below: Persoonia chamaepeuce, Booroomba , Booroomba Rocks to Honeysuckle Rocks car park to Honeysuckle Creek camp- Creek campground walk, Graeme Kruse ground, Graeme Kruse

Bursaria spinosa, Booroomba Rocks car park to Honeysuckle Creek campground walk, Graeme Kruse

16 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 17 (including some which have plants of genera that are generally Roo-proof native gardening fragrant foliage) include species unpalatable, should be guarded in of Eremophila, Prostanthera, the first year. ‘Guarding’ can include Westringia, Eriostemon, and plastic or mesh tree guards, netting, by Mark Sheahan Myoporum appear almost totally or old chicken wire from the tip, Bungendore NSW not only don’t shoot them, but some who even buy hay for these, the unpalatable to ‘roos. Little wonder either placed around or on top of When I bought my block on top of most drought-resilient of animals. some of these have become the the plants (depending on the plants the Lake George escarpment near ‘woody weeds’ of our rangelands. form). Bungendore in 2007, a friend said And its these animals that pose Other ‘woody weed’ genera will 5. Roos hit plants hard in Winter. 'You’ll never grow a garden here!' He the greatest challenge to the also likely be left untouched by In Summer, there’s lots of growth had a point – too cold, too hot, too gardener. The trials and errors of ‘roos. everywhere and the garden isn’t windy, too dry … and then there’s the past five years have taught me • Plants with hairy or sticky leaves. hassled by ‘roos. Guards can be that ‘Bywong clay’! some strategies that have helped There’s a million words in the removed after the last frost (i.e., overcome the frustration of that first botanical dictionary for ‘hairy’, Determined to prove the doubters mid-October) but should be re- Autumn, and grow a garden in this and if a plant’s foliage is one of wrong, I carefully constructed my installed around the first frost (i.e., environment so heavily populated these (particularly if its ‘glaucous’) garden beds … half river sand, and late April). The unpalatable genera with kangaroos. it may be unpalatable. Examples the rest a mix of bought ‘topsoil’, can probably remain un-guarded in include Ptilotus, Chrysocephalum, the local clay, and secret ingredient: 1. Don’t plant lawn. I like the small their second year. In a drought year, Lysiosepalum and Xerochrysum. coco-peat. I planted over a hundred area of buffalo grass lawn I installed it may be necessary for plants to be Genera which are, as a rule, ‘boutique’ native plants (sourced in that first summer to replace guarded all summer. palatable, may have species which mainly from Park Lane Nursery back the sea of pavers I inherited. It’s aren’t, such as Acacia howittii or 6. Some plants remain palatable, in Wangaratta) and over their first not invasive, and will survive the A. verniciflua. Also, some strappy- others don’t. In later years, many summer, they thrived. droughts and frosts of these parts. But its a mecca for roos. It brings leafed plants, like Lomandra are plants may survive year round un- Satisfied, I went away for a month them right into the garden, and generally left un-touched, but guarded and only be ‘lightly pruned’ in April/May, and came back to find once there, they can’t resist the others (e.g. Dianella) seem to be by the marsupial herbivores. In my they’d all been eaten down, or out. other tasty treats on offer. I don’t more palatable. garden these include Grevillea, I had lost probably half of them. A regret the lawn, but it means more • ‘Woody’ plants. Some plants (like Melaleuca, Baeckea, Scaevola. Just third still had some green foliage reliance on the other strategies Callistemon) seem to have too observe and guard if necessary. surviving at their base, and the below. much cellulose (are too woody) to Others, however, will be munched rest were (remarkably I thought) be palatable. no matter how old they are. These 2. It doesn’t matter how spiky it is. untouched. Genera with these features should seem to include plants in the Plants with the spikiest, thorniest Papilionaceae (pea-flowers) and I’ve never seen as many kangaroos make up the bulk of the plantings, foliage may still be palatable to ‘roos. Rutaceae (Correa, Boronia) families, in any rural area as exist in these particularly early on. 3. Rely mainly on ‘unpalatable’ among others. Sadly, there’s not parts. They love the Canberra 4. Guard everything in the first plants. There are some genera of much point in planting these unless hobby-farm landscape, obviously, year. Young plants, and particularly native plants that are, generally, you’re prepared to keep them with its pastures un-pressured by those straight out of the nutrient unpalatable to ‘roos. These include: guarded, particularly in Winter. commercial flocks, a dam on every rich potting mix of the nursery, • Plants with oily or fragrant foliage. 5 acre block and landowners who are particularly palatable. Even Plants with high oil content

18 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 19 My garden is composed entirely of foliage shinier and yummier for ‘roos. Australia. 10. Try a dog? Would a house-dog plants that don’t grow taller than They might as well recommend a deter ‘roos at night? I don’t know … 8. Some other peri-urban myths a metre …. but taller plants will of spray of dishwater! but it might. Other myths include the application course be right once they get above Some have suggested the use of of Blood & Bone as a deterrent, but Despite the cold, the hot, the dry browsing height. foliar sprays used in New Zealand of course, you wouldn’t want to put and the wind, and despite the native 7. Forget foliar sprays. I reckon to deter possums, but I was told that on your natives. Or, even (for clay soil, I’m managing to establish a there’s a lot of rubbish spoken about these are not registered for use in the blokes) pissing around your garden that is diverse and attractive, the effectiveness of garden to ‘mark your territory’, but as for 6 or 7 months of the year, foliar sprays. Whatever first-hand experience suggests this the unsightly guarding can be the peddlers of these is no deterrent at all! dispensed with. products might take 9. Roos will not only eat, but And although I’m now OK with ‘roos out of your wallet, in trample. Roos will be oblivious in the garden (they’re certainly a my experience they to whatever paths you’ve made highlight for visitors!), the gardener won’t work. Neem Oil, through your garden. Large ‘roos needs strategies to manage their and other such potions can easily trample or dislodge plants impacts. Having achieved this, I’m recommended to me, from your garden. I’ve lost a couple now back to square one, back to the seem to just make the of semi-advanced plants from this. original problem … Plants grow so Strong, high and sturdy stakes (with damn slow in this climate! Hakea Burrendong Beauty (right) and Epacris (below) protected in or without guards) around your cages plants may provide some protection.

The lawn in the garden

20 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 21 What’s inside a Gall by Roger Farrow Plant Galls come in all shapes and sizes and can be found on the leaves, stems, buds and roots of their host plants. They include distorted buds such as the red Figure 3 Eucalypt Stem Gall hakea gall (Fig.1), swollen stems caused by Apiomorpha bug and leaf excrescences on eucalypts (Figs 2 & 3) and witches brooms. Galls are the plant’s reaction to the secretions of the invading organism which may be a fungus, nematode worm, mite or insect. The undifferentiated tissues in the gall provide food for the occupying organism which, at the same time, is protected from adversities of the external environment such as Figure 1 Bud Gall on weather extremes and predators Figure 4 Gall on Acacia and parasites. aneura Flinders Ranges On the latest field trip to the Flinders Ranges we found numerous globular galls on Mulga Acacia aneura (Fig 1). It can be seen from the image that they are formed from a phyllode. I had expected these to be caused by minute parasitic wasps in the family Torymiidae and would have contained wasp larvae which I have found in similar-looking galls on phyllodinous wattles in our own region (Fig 5). When the Mulga galls Figure 5 Acacia gall were sliced open we found instead caused by Torymid wasp Figure 2 Eucalypt leaf galls caused by Psyllid at Araluen a mass of tiny insects called thrips bugs which are familiar as pests of roses

22 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 23 and other ornamentals) (Fig.6). In the gall initiation period. Our thrips this image we can see nymphs and on A. aneura produces a gall which is eggs of the thrips. tightly closed and is rarely attacked by kleptoparasitic thrips although Thrips are a curious group of well- when I saw some on the outside defined and identifiable insects with of galls I thought that they were sucking mouthparts. Many species checking it over (Fig 8) The galls are parthenogenetic (meaning eventually fall to the ground where absence of males), although when they slowly dry out and eventually present the males have enlarged split open to release the mature forelegs used in combat. They also thrips which fly away and start new exhibit social behaviour and are colonies. often polymorphic, that is showing differences in morphology like wing I would like to thank Laurence size Mound of CSIRO Entomology for directing me to his co-written book More than 20 species of Thrips in the on Acacia thrips which devotes family Phlaeothripinae induce galls over 300 pages to this fascinating in Acacias and are thought to have subject. Figure 7 Some winged adult thrips radiated following the radiation of Acacia in Australia. The species that we found on A. aneura is probably Phlaeothrips arotrum. The colony is started by a foundress and may Crespi BJ, Morris DC, Mound LA. pass through several generations of 2004 Evolution of Ecological and wingless individuals before winged Behavioural Diversity: Australian adults are produced (Fig 7). These Acacia Thrips as Model Organisms. eventually emerge, mate (if males ABRS & ANIC, CSIRO Canberra are present) and disperse to found new galls. What is special about some of these species of Acacia thrips is that they have a 'soldier' class (like termites and ants), which defend the colony from invasion by other species of thrips termed kleptoparasites. If these successfully gain entry to the gall they kill the inmates and set up home and feed on the plant tissue inside the gall. Figure 8 Possible kleptoparasitic thrips The female foundresses are also known to fight one another during

24 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 25 general page of photographs of protection from enemies and places (p.143) celebrates both to perch. They need foods such as the flowers and the birds drinking insects, seeds and nectar. Water Book Reviews their nectar. The Scarlet Honeyeater must be freely available in a safe feeding on the butterscotch yellow environment. Adams demonstrates flowers of Grevillea ‘Honey Gem’ is a in great detail how to achieve these striking study in contrasts, p. 286. effects in your own garden using Adams wants us to create gardens native plants. The detail is such This extensive and detailed book which conserve biodiversity that you could use the book as an is the result of many years of wherever possible and attract and introductory guide to both birds observation, experiment and retain as many different species and native plants. Each bird chosen documentation. George Adams of Australian birds as we can. He receives a page of text and a photo published Birdscaping Your Garden points out that birds and plants have and illustration with a short list of in 1991 for Australian bird lovers, and evolved together and the isolation of recommended plants to attract the Birdscaping for Garden Spaces for Australia has resulted in a particularly species. Each plant has its own photo American audiences in 2009, so has close interdependence between the and a short description of how to many years of experience with birds two groups. We need to pay attention grow this plant and its attraction for and gardens on both continents. He is to the needs of both native plants birds. a photographer, illustrator, architect, and birds. He shows photographs of This book gives the reader garden designer, conservationist and several native gardens from different excellent information on birds, devoted bird watcher. areas of Australia to demonstrate the native plants and gardens and the The first thing you notice about this sort of gardens he is describing. interactions among them. It is highly book is the wealth of illustration. It All bird attracting gardens must recommended for those wanting to seems as if every important piece provide water, food and protection. see more birds in their gardens. of information has its own relevant Birds need safe sites to nest, photo or drawing. The illustrations are not selected to be just generally Birdscaping Australian Gardens applicable, but to particularly and A guide to native plants and the exactly demonstrate the point in garden birds they attract the text. Adam’s fine drawings add a different dimension of detail from Author: George Adams the photographs. The photographs D & G Publishing, 2011. themselves are stunning, of both plants and birds. When you first open the book the inside cover of Eucalyptus caesia and the Reviewed by Rosalind Walcott frontispiece of an Eastern Spinebill in Eucalyptus ficifolia let you know Utricularia dichotoma, that you are in capable hands. The Nerriga Private Property, Roger Farrow

26 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 27 in to the commercial production spread prevented. Manual and and black and white photographs; of indigenous wetland plants other physical controls, reduction however there are about 25 pages of and eventually opened up his of light levels, chemical control colour photographs included in the own nursery. Nick Romanowski’s and biological control including centre of the book. hands-on experience and depth of competitive planting; are all control In summary the book is interesting, knowledge of the subject matter methods discussed. Unfortunately, well written and provides a significant are reflected in this, his most recent it is likely that a combination of level and scope of information on book. methods may be required. the subject matter. It emphasises the The well-structured chapters are The third chapter is an interesting danger of wetland weeds and the logically arranged and there is also examination of native plants as need for control over their sale and a glossary, a section on further weeds. The difficulty and uncertainty spread while admitting there may information sources as well as a handy in classifying native plants as not always be solutions and certainly index. The first chapter discusses the distinguished from introduced not simple or single solutions to grey issue of exactly, what is a weed plants, receives attention and wetland weeds (members will relate in the wetland context. It further the author provides a number of to many of the common issues in explains the associated problems interesting and relevant examples. regards to the problem of terrestrial and effects of such weeds on our This chapter ends with a 13-page weeds). waterways and water sources and compendium of ‘Minor indigenous The book would be of interest immediately establishes the main wetland weeds,’ including a to anyone planning or owning a sources of the weeds (ornamental description of the plant, its uses, wetland such as a dam or grey water plants from the aquarium and water impacts and controls (unfortunately, Author: Nick Romanowski system or those involved in the garden trade). The reader is also there are only two black and white CSIRO Publishing (2011) rehabilitation and management of informed of the unpredictability of photographs included). any waterway, water body or habitats 184 pages ISBN: 9780643103955 - AU wetland weeds, a theme repeated Chapter 4 is a ‘Compendium of including water. It would also be $ 49.95 throughout the book. weeds’ grouped under the categories a valuable source of information Next, the second chapter expands of ‘grasses‘, ‘sedges and rushes‘, ‘other for anyone involved in providing on the required basic knowledge of wetland weeds’ and ‘waterlilies‘. education in the areas of weed Reviewed by Victoria Tanner the first and explains information A brief discussion on algae, cyan prevention and control and for those on the prevention, control and bacteria and seaweeds completes lobbying for greater restrictions on management of wetland weeds. the section. The information the commercial sale of potential Here the author emphasises the included on each weed is divided weeds. The author of this comprehensive importance of education but also into paragraphs divided under paperback full of information draws attention to the importance the headings of a description, about both native and introduced of initially assessing the type and origin, use, preferred growing species of wetland weeds, had level of threat caused by a particular condition, confusing species, an early interest and background weed. He admits that in some cases, environmental effects and control in zoology particularly fishes,it may not be possible to control and management. Unfortunately, aquatic invertebrates and frogs. weeds and that they may only be there are only a few line drawings He later developed this interest able to be managed and their further

28 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 29 Vale Graham McKenzie 1944-2012 match for the log as it was rather He had built an outdoor table at blunt. Undeterred he said we must the spot which required equal by Roger Farrow construct a bridge of branches numbers of people to sit each side to cross the log and so we set to for stability. Unfortunately, when work. Graham drove his Hilux over the diners on one side of the table, Members will be saddened to learn My first encounter with Graham the ‘bridge’ and we followed, not including Graham, got up those of the death of Graham McKenzie was a field trip to Bendethera to see realising that the Prado wheel base on the other side, Mike Shihoff and on March 8 after a long illness. the Blue Wattle (A. covenyi), a place was longer and the running board myself, suddenly found ourselves Graham and Leslie were long time he knew well from his 4WD Club lower, so we sustained a large dent propelled backwards, table members and often participated in days. He and Leslie were in fact the which remained with us for a while upended, wine glasses safely in the field trips where I got to know only people to turn up with their as a souvenir of that trip. We also hand but bolognaise sauce airborne. him. Some members will also know trusty Trayon on the back of their had a field trip to their property on Those were the days! him as the former headmaster of Hilux. We drove up the rugged Deua the Deua River at Myrtle Rim where Sutton School. After retirement he Firetrail and rounding a bend we Besides our group Graham our group spent several enjoyable continued a busy schedule helping found a huge tree fallen across the was involved with many other ‘happy hours’ around a fire with with the Isolated Students Education track. Graham produced a rather community-focussed groups and Graham reciting the verses of Banjo which took him and Leslie to remote ancient chain saw which took a worked tirelessly to support their Patterson and various hilarious corners of the country. long time to start and proved no aims. It was a great privilege to anecdotes of their outback trips. have known Graham, a person who always ‘seized the day’ throughout his life, despite the adversities he faced and we extend our sincere sympathy to his wife Leslie and Family.

30 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 31 Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc. The aims of the Society are to foster the recognition, Membership Fees conservation, and cultivation of Australian native plants. Annual membership including Bulletin and Journal – $35 Meetings are held at 8.00pm on the second Thursday of ($20*) each month, February to December, in Canberra. Visitors are always welcome. Annual membership including Bulletin and Journal and Day and weekend field trips to locations of outstanding Australian Plants – $47 ($32*) botanical interest are organised on a regular basis. * Concessional rates apply to pensioners, full-time students The Society publishes a Bulletin in all months except January, and the unemployed. and this quarterly Journal in March, June, September and December. Website : nativeplants-canberra.asn.au

Council President Assistant Sec/Treas Other useful contacts Ben Walcott Rosalind Walcott Study Group Liaison Officer 10 Wickham Cres 10 Wickham Cres. Ian Anderson Red Hill ACT 2603 Red Hill ACT 2603 Pimelea treyvaudii, Bendora Dam walk, Roger Farrow 12 Wylly Place 02 6161 2742 [email protected] Hughes ACT 2605 [email protected] [email protected] 02 6125 2890 [email protected] Other Council Members [email protected] Vice President Jenny Campbell Propagation aid sales John Arundel 5 Moten Street Glenn Pure 1/121 Thynne Street Campbell ACT 2612 66 Crozier Circuit Bruce ACT 2617 [email protected] Kambah ACT 2902 [email protected] Shirley Daniels 02 6231 6457 Secretary PO Box 3087 Jodie Durrant Wanniassa ACT 2903 Public Officer 25 Jukes Street [email protected] (for Associations Incorporation Act purposes) Hackett ACT 2602 Warwick Daniels Paul Meier [email protected] PO Box 3087 7 Robert Lewis Crescent Treasurer Wanniassa ACT 2903 Gordon ACT 2906 John Carter [email protected] 10 O’Hea Street 6294 6601 (h) Masumi Robertson Wanniassa ACT 2903 All Society correspondence to 2/14 Portus Place [email protected] The Secretary Bruce ACT 2617 [email protected] ANPS Canberra Region (Inc) [email protected] [email protected] PO Box 217 John Robertson Civic Square ACT 2608 2/14 Portus Place Bruce ACT 2617

Chiloglottis trilabra, Mt Bollard walk, Martin Butterfield Back cover: Spiranthes australis, Nerriga Private Property Photo by Roger Farrow

32 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 Journal, Australian Native Plants Society, Canberra Region Inc—June 2012 33