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RRP $ 4..00 1 | Spinette August 2012 RRP $ 4.00 2014 Calendar

th Cactus and Succulent Society of Meetings are held on 4 Tuesday of every month except December. Doors open at 7pm C actus and Succulent Society of for ‘early bird’ exchange and sales. Official meeting starts 8pm. Australia Venue: Mt Waverley Community Centre, 47 Miller Crescent, Mt Waverley Victoria 3149 Inc. A0007275Y P.O. Box 999 Braeside Victoria 3195 Regular updates included in this Journal or on the website. Visitors welcome.

www.cssaustralia.org.au th June 24 - Dr Randall Robinson – The Evolution of Cacti Patron POM – Any hairy cacti/succulent

Professor Tim Entwisle nd July 22 - Simon Wadham President POM – Any red cacti/succulent

Wayne Robinson 5623 4745 Aug 26th - AGM followed by James Lucas [email protected] POM – Any monstrose/crested cacti/succulent

Vice-President Nov 22nd & 23rd - Spring Show Brett Anderson 0429 363 749 brett.anderson [email protected] th Nov 25 – Noelene Tomlinson – Some sedums, hylotelephiums, petrosedums and .

Secretary phedimus cultivated in Australia. Barby Alston 0403 050 516 [email protected] POM = Plant of the month

Treasurer & Website liaison Officer * CSSA Committee Meetings: Any suggestions CSSA Members wish to have raised at Committee Marylin Ransome 0412 727 020 Meetings are welcomed by the Committee. Suggestions from Members will only be dealt with [email protected] at Committee Meetings, not in the interim, and should be provided in writing to the Secretary no later than the 1st of the Month. Memberships Tony Alston 0425 725 574 We currently have approximately 200 members, of whom 50-70 come to our regular monthly [email protected] gatherings where we have plant sales, a mini auction, raffles, a comprehensive library, light supper, interesting speakers and often great digital picture shows. Some of our members live far away - Committee interstate, even overseas, or just can’t make it along for a range of other reasons, yet still are able to Elizabeth Roebuck-Jones 0438 505 590 enjoy the benefits of the society through our 12 Journal issues per year. [email protected] (Australia-wide there are approximately 1000 cactus and succulent society members, but these all Felicity Wood 0416312105 belong within State or regional clubs). [email protected]

Bob Mitchell 9718 2250 Farewell from the Editor: I let you all know in last month’s journal that this will be my last Spinette as editor. I reflect on my focus Librarian over the years in this position—to try to keep everyone entertained, whether a local member or those interstate or Noelene Tomlinson 9889 5237 overseas. Also to cover a balanced range of interesting topics for the general membership, avoiding overly long or [email protected] technical topics that may not appeal but for a select few specialists. I have also tried to avoid ‘fillers’ that anyone can now ‘copy and paste’ from the internet, or other journals, by instead prioritizing and utilizing both local and Journal Editor Australia-wide, Australian relevant, original content. This also included at least one Australian native succulent article Attila Kapitany 041 999 0934 per year. Every year Spinette has at least 24 articles on cacti and succulents from across the world and I tried to [email protected] include one article in every 24 on our native species. With the word ‘Australia’ in our Society name, we are the first

Sub-editors place the public would head to get information about native succulents. Even though some are quite challenging to Noelene Tomlinson grow, we need to still learn about them and share what we know with others. Thank you all again for the support and the positive emails that have come in. Jill Abbott Cheers!

Attila

Contents Page 3 Tylecodon paniculatus by Joylene Sutherland Euphorbia unwelcome

4 What’s new with ant by Attila Kapitany

Cover 6 Rosenbaum Botanic Art Studio A silhouette of a cactus and succulent garden at sunset in suburban Melbourne. Here it seems to give the 8 The genus Cremnophila and some of its hybrids by Noelene Tomlinson illusion of an exotic desert location.

10 Meeting 27th May

Spring Show Succulenticon 2014

11 Advertising

ACTION PRINTING The views and opinions expressed by contributors, especially in articles are their personal opinions, not necessarily Hawthorn Vic 3122 those of, or2 endorsed| Spinette by the society,|June its 2014 officers, or the editor. All material herein is copyright and may not be [email protected] reproduced without the permission of the author.

Tylecodon paniculatus

by Joylene Sutherland

Last year I brought a Tylecodon paniculatus to the meeting for POM competition. There was quite a bit of interest in the spent flowers and I was asked if there would be any seed. I didn’t know and brought the plant home and put it back in its position outdoors on the rockery. I was very surprised to see, later in the year, dozens of tiny Tylecodons growing in the soil in the pot around their mother! There was obviously seed in those pods. I put the potted plant in a more sheltered position and forgot about it. Being autumn now, Tylecodons are coming into growth and I was extremely surprised to find on the shaded side of the pot, in shelter of their ‘mother plant’, several surviving baby Tylecodons. One of these looks like it has lost its top but developing new leaves and a couple others looking quite healthy. I only threw some water their way several times over summer as I usually don’t water these plants when dormant and I had thought all of the babies had died off.

Euphorbia Unwelcome Luckily for the majority of us who live in the southern areas of the Australian continent this nuisance Euphorbia weed is only apparent in the summer months. Did you know that it has small explosive seed capsules that can eject seed far from the parent plant? Be vigilant as a small plant of only 20 mm in diameter will have hundreds of seed, ready to go places you may not want. Plants grow quickly to 100 mm or more in diameter and typically have thousands of seeds.

The Tylecodon paniculatus 'mother plant' above and a close-up of its tiny babies below (alongside a match).

3 | Spinette |June 2014 I now want to focus on two ant plant species Lecanopteris What’s new with Ant Plants? sinuosa and Hydnophytum kajewskii, the latter being native to the (relatively nearby) island of Bougainville and the by Attila Kapitany Solomon Islands. For over a decade I have written articles about Lecanopteris is a small genus of epiphytic ferns, mostly from Australian native succulents which also included ant plants. south East Asia, with one species native to northeast Many cactus and succulent society members Australia-wide Australia. All Lecanopteris species have rhizomatous stems are familiar with these plants and grow a few, perhaps in equipped either with hollows (one species only), tunnels or part through my talks, but there are always enough people chambers where ants regularly make their nests. Most who are unfamiliar with them. So I start with a fast species have bizarrely-shaped rhizomes that are often very ‘refresher’ before moving on to new and more unusual ant different to each other. plants that will likely raise most people’s eyebrows. Lecanopteris sinuosa has mostly green or pale green stems Australian (epiphytic) ant-plants are unusual and fascinating 10-20 mm thick, covered in scales giving them a mottled because they have developed close relationships with ants grey–green and brown appearance. Fronds are 100-400 mm that primarily involve actually providing them with in length and during the dry winter season they may be shed readymade homes within hollow stems or leaves. entirely. When growing in sunny exposed conditions, during

dry winter months, fronds tend to be 100-150 mm in length,

while in humid summer conditions developing fronds are

mostly 2-4 times longer.

Lecanopteris sinuosa

Myrmecodia beccarii from Cairns Queensland dissected to show cavities, where ants are invited in to use as nesting sites.

A range of very different plant species independently evolved to form this informal grouping defined further by their sharing of a mutually beneficial relationship with ants. Technically they are called myrmecophytes which translates as ant-plants. The Australian plants that make up this group belong to the following families:

Dischidia major APOCYNACEAE Lecanopteris sinuosa POLYPODIACEAE Hydnophytum ferrugineum RUBIACEAE Hydnophytum moseleyanum RUBIACEAE Myrmecodia beccarii RUBIACEAE Myrmecodia beccarii ‘southern form’ RUBIACEAE Myrmecodia platytyrea subsp. antoinii RUBIACEAE Myrmecodia tuberosa RUBIACEAE

The first plant listed above is a type of climber, the second plant listed is a fern, while the rest are all recognized as types of sub-shrubs in the family Rubiaceae. (Coffee comes from a few tree species in the Rubiaceae).

In Australia these ant plants are restricted to the tropical northeast coastal regions of Queensland, with the greatest diversity in the Cape York Peninsula.

4 | Spinette |June 2014

Lecanopteris sinuosa

The epiphytic sub-shrub genus Hydnophytum of about 50 species is mostly from New Guinea and its neighbouring islands, with two species native to Australia. All Hydnophytum species have hollow areas within tubers.

Hydnophytum kajewskii is very poorly studied yet, it is without doubt the most bizarre and interesting of all ant plants. Its tuber develops horizontally while producing pairs Hydnophytum kajewskii in habitat on Santa Isabel Island, Solomon Islands. These are probably the very first photograph s ever published of this bizarre of very large rimmed holes that lead into the tuber’s interior species. Note also the colour and size of the uniformly paired entry holes below. cavities. Hydnophytum kajewskii is recognized as one of the Photos: Brendon Cleaver (above) and Derrick Rowe (below) weirdest plants in the world. And if you think I may be exaggerating then visit: http://www.botanicgardens.ie/herb/research/hydnophytum.htm

Ed: This modified article originally appeared in the printed book, ‘Proceedings of Succulenticon 2012’. Many members may not have read it, so with the approaching Succulenticon 2014 being in Queensland, it’s a perfect time to remind everyone about the great plants there. Also there’s the possibility of buying ant plants at the event and even travelling further north to see them in the wild. Brisbane and the local society have some of the best growers of ant plants. Come and learn from the experts. For more information on the event see page 11.

A large old specimen of Myrmecodia beccarii being examined by Derrick Rowe at Cooktown, QLD. Less obvious, in the adjoining tree to its right is a clump of another native , Dischidia nummularia. I am personally indebted to Derrick as he not only encouraged my interest in these plants but it was together on an expedition through the Cape York Peninsula that we first encountered Lecanopteris sinuosa in habitat. Also Derrick is among the first to ever photograph and publish photos of

Hydnophytum kajewskii.

5 | Spinette |June 2014

Rosenbaum Botanic Art Studio

Daniel Rosenbaum is a sculptor with a background in Design and landscape Architecture. Daniel spent 4 winters in Arctic Scandinavia sculpting ice and snow for the renowned Icehotel in Sweden. After several years carving ice he won an International Design award for a bedroom made of ice and snow (Ida 2008). In 2010 Daniel decided to continue his love of sculpture but in a warmer climate, sculpting materials that rather than melt, grow and change colour over time. The Rosenbaum Botanic Art Studio (now in Tathra NSW) was developed. It is a succulent nursery and sculpture studio specialising in creating sculptural vessels for botanic life.

Similar to bonsai, Daniel’s botanic artworks require a reasonable level of maintenance. In a ceramic pot such as the one above, it may take a year or two to fine tune the composition to arrive with the perfect balance of plant size and colour. Daniel prefers to work with mostly slow-growing miniature succulent varieties because his ceramic artworks are restricted in size by the kilns he fires in. Succulents have shallow root systems making them ideal for small container gardens, they are also available in a full rainbow spectrum of colours which gives great flexibility to this type of garden composition.

During studies at the National Art School to research the effects of Botanic Art on human health, Daniel became interested in healing gardens, greening cities and horticultural therapy as a means to help people in cities to connect with nature and to reduce stress-related ill-health. The nursery (at the time, located in Newtown, Sydney) invited visitors to select an empty pot and create their own garden choosing from a delicious assortment of succulents and nature artefacts. The aim of these gardening workshops was to remove external threats (by providing safe garden sanctuary) and to put the student/patients into a positive vibration, ‘a state of appreciation’, this happens when the student is allowed to freely browse and choose their ‘favourites’ from all the delightful succulents on offer as they marvel at the spectacular variety of life forms that

succulents have evolved into. Sea shells, stone, pebbles, driftwood etc were also used for their healing beauty and

A delicious assortment of succulents and nature artefacts in Daniel’s ability to captivate the visitor for a period of appreciation ceramic artworks. and gratitude to ‘mother nature’ for creating these wonders.

‘Horticultural Therapy is an established process in which A model-making demonstration by Daniel for students at the University of Technology, Sydney plants and gardening activities are used to improve the body, 2010. mind and spirit of those people for all ages.’ Cultivate - the Horticultural Therapy Society of NSW.

Daniel would like to see more people making Botanic Art, in particular the smaller lighter weight ‘desktop gardens’ would be ideal in the rehabilitation of trauma victims, drug addicts, troubled youth, burnt out business executives as well as for the elderly in aged care facilities.

Open by appointment only. Contact: [email protected]

6 | Spinette |June 2014

Trumpet Quintet

7 | Spinette |June 2014

The genus Cremnophila

and some of its hybrids

by Noelene Tomlinson

Genus Cremnophila

The genus Cremnophila was proposed by Rose in 1905 for a plant he had described as Sedum nutans two years before. "Cremnophila has two closely related species, one commonly placed in Sedum but never in (Cremnophila nutans), the other often in Echeveria but never in Sedum (C. linguifolia). The study of their hybrids by Uhl (1976) shows that it seems illogical not to place them in the same genus. So, Cremnophila is a compromise: its two species clearly belong together but do not fit easily into any other genus”. (IHSP, 2003. p. 85)

The name Cremnophila comes from Greek “kremnos” = cliff, slope, and “philos” = friend (for the habitat) and is appropriate as both of these plants love to hang from cracks in canyon walls in E. Central Mexico, their habitats are only 2. Cremnophila linguifolia (pictured above) is the only other about 15 miles separate. species. Its stem is to 1 m or more, and the rosette to a diameter of 25 cm, quite large, flowers white or greenish, Cremnophila are glabrous succulent perennials, with fibrous more like the flowers of an Echeveria. roots, stems pendent from cliffs, few branches. Leaves are alternate, rosulate, and turgid, with rounded margins. The The two Cremnophila are somewhat variable, even inflorescences are particularly long and horizontal or intergrading, so you may have both species without knowing pendent. it. They hybridize easily with other Mexican genera, so with Sedum, Echeveria, Graptopetalum, THE TWO SPECIES Thompsonella and Villadia. I have chosen to write about 1. Cremnophila nutans (pictured below) Rose, 1905 some of those Cremnophila hybrids I am familiar with here in (“nutans” after its nodding inflorescence, which it can pass Australia: on to its hybrids). Cyrus Pringle discovered this plant on cliffs INTERGENERIC HYBRIDS in the state of Morelos in Mexico in 1899. 1903 it was xCremneria (Cremnophila x Echeveria) described by Rose as Sedum nutans, and two years later, in 1905, he transferred it to his newly created genus xCremneria ‘Expatriata’ (pictured below) (Cremnophila Cremnophila. Clausen later preferred to move it back to linguifolia x Echeveria amoena ‘Microcalyx’). It was genus Sedum and as Rose's name "nutans" had already been described in 1905 and possibly is the same plant as used previously for a different plant in genus Sedum, he Echeveria 'Cochlearis', listed in Jean-Baptiste Deleuil's renamed it as Sedum cremnophila. In 1978 Dr. Reid Moran catalogue of 1875 (Marseilles, France). It is a small blue- resurrected the genus Cremnophila so that the correct name green cultivar with a stem to 10 cm tall, branching, leaves now is Cremnophila nutans. densely rosulate and clavate, to 4 x 0.9 cm, also somewhat glaucous. The inflorescence in winter/spring is to 30 cm It is not common in the wild, likes some shade and is a slow long; the stem bracts are easily detached and rooted. grower. The stems are to 80 cm, and the rosette to 19 cm diameter. It has thick, broad, fleshy smoky-green leaves with a scooped-out shape. The yellow flowers are Sedum- like, arranged in clusters on drooping flower stalks in winter. There is a green form of this plant, but mine is more a pale blue-green.

8 | Spinette |June 2014

xCremnopetalum (Cremnophila x Graptopetalum) unnamed (pictured above). I received this plant as a Graptopetalum, but its flowers indicate that it may be a hybrid of Cremnophila linguifolia x Graptopetalum amethystinum. It is tinged pink; rosette diameter to 8.5 cm, which is small for a Cremnophila hybrid, and blooms in late spring. The colour does vary somewhat xCremneria 'Mutabilis’ (pictured above) (C. linguifolia x E. with seasons. Does anyone know who bred it? Would scheerii?) is also a hybrid by Jean-Baptiste Deleuil from anyone like to suggest a name? 1874. E. scheerii is a very large plant and the parentage most xCremnosedum (Cremnophila x Sedum) likely is not correct. Bev Spiller said that her ‘Mutabilis’ came from Roger Jones in Ballarat in 1979, but she had no idea of ×Cremnosedum is a hybrid genus established for crosses its history prior to that. Leaves are thick and broad; flowers involving the genera Cremnophila and Sedum. The name was are greenish-yellow on a long inflorescence. published in 1981 in an article advertising plants offered by the International Succulent Institute (in the journal of The xCremneria ‘Pruinosa’ (pictured below) has sticky green Cactus and Succulent Society of America) to introduce the pointed leaves very finely hairy all over, keeled underneath. new hybrid 'Little Gem' created by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grim Loose rosette diameter is 20 cm; leaves to 9.5 x 3.5 cm; of San Jose, California. inflorescence length to 56 cm; a branching plant. The flowers have very long greenish bracts and yellow petals.

xCremneria ‘Scaphylla’ was originally published as an Echeveria, and has also been called ‘Scaphophylla’. It is an early hybrid of Echeveria agavoides x Cremnophila linguifolia xCremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ (pictured above) (ISI 1256 in also by Jean-Baptiste Deleuil (1872). It has big rosettes up to 1981) is a hybrid of the large Cremnophila nutans and the 30 cm wide and is developing a stem, the fleshy leaves are tiny Sedum humifusum (which means “spreading over the green and pointed, inflorescence length to 56 cm !! Flowers ground”). It forms very compact little clumps of small shiny 1 cm long, 0.5 cm wide, light yellow. green leaves and produces small yellow flowers on short stalks in spring. It prefers direct sunlight. xCremneria ‘Weingartiana’. Its origin and parentage are unknown. It is copper-coloured or has bronze tones on References: Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants, 2003, green leaves, the rosette is to 20 cm diameter, and leaves to vol. Crassulaceae 10 cm length x 4 cm width, but it can bloom when smaller For more photos and information on these plants, see than this. The inflorescence, to 47 cm, has a cone shape, and www.crassulaceae.ch flowers are pale pink and yellow. 9 | Spinette |June 2014 th Meeting 27 May 2014 Succulenticon 2014

Chaired by Wayne Robinson 8.00pm - 10.20pm A timely reminder to plan the rest of your 2014 60 members and 4 visitors calendar. Datesaver: 3rd - 6th October 2014 Brisbane,

Copies of all correspondence since last meeting were on the Queensland. table along with journals, newsletters and magazines: The Queensland Cactus and Succulent Society is one of the Ballarat and ACT CSS. biggest and has a great event planned including new plant releases! There will be a strong emphasis on collection visits Information for Members and plant sales. And if some of you think Queensland, palms 1) Members were informed that there is still a vacancy and our cacti and succulents don’t mix, then come along and for the Spinette Editor. be inspired. 2) All in attendance were reminded that they must have a number if they wish to either sell or buy at the Special Auction tonight

The evening’s feature The auction was very well attended. There was a large amount of plants changing hands and a lot of laughter too. The Auction finished approx. 9.30pm and then the special supper, arranged by Barb Simmons, was served. CSSA commission % raised from the Special Auction —$402.

Spring Show

The Mt Waverley Community Centre is booked; the date is set for our annual show and huge plant sale – Saturday Nov 22nd and Sunday Nov 23rd this year.

Your society is calling for its members, family and friends to be involved and participate, in any, many and a variety of ways – perhaps as a “Seller” of plants and related items, as an “Exhibitor” – showing and displaying your plants in the competition, as a “Buyer” and of course by assisting with the event by providing a helping hand in some way (even for an hour or so) – there are plenty of tasks large and small for our members to assist and be involved.

So “lock-in” the dates on your calendar, your phone, computer or whatever you use to remind you of important events.

Importantly – spread the word, to your neighbours, work mates and other friends to encourage them to come along and make the event bigger than ever.

Our show and huge sale is a great opportunity to make some purchases of interesting succulents, and cacti, and also importantly to socialise, and share a day-out chatting, admiring (and photographing if you like) the plants in the show. Look forward to seeing you there! Brisbane International Hotel, Virginia

Brett Anderson

. Venue on 10 acres . Ample accommodation onsite

(various options)

. Conference facilities . Secure sales area

Check the Cactus & Succulent Society of Queensland Inc. website regularly for updates www.cssq.org.au

To contact the Society Email:- [email protected] Or Write to The Secretary, CSSQ Inc. PO Box 65 Fortitude Valley Qld 4006

10 | Spinette |June 2014

COLLECTORS CORNER GARDENWORLD

CACTI & SUCCULENTS. We specialise in a wide range of plants in many genera. You are also welcome to enjoy our display gardens. We also specialise in orchids, bromeliads, hoyas, bonsai, and Do you live in the West? carnivorous plants. Of Melbourne? Or Victoria? PLUS Ballarat has a large society that draws members from far Gems, Fossils, Natural History, Books and much MORE! and wide. 10% discount on most lines to Society members on presentation of Ballarat Cactus & Succulent Society their membership cards. 9am-5pm 7 days Inc. A0032387J Phone: 5345 2995 810 Springvale Rd Braeside VIC 3195 PH: 03 97985845 FAX: 03 97063339 Email: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] Website: www.cactusoz.org www.collectorscorner.com.au Monthly meetings & newsletter, displays & excursions Meetings: 2nd Friday of each month from 7.30 pm

RORAIMA NURSERY

• Rare, unusual, exotic, and architectural plants • Queensland Bottle Trees For an extensive range of cacti, succulents and other • Largest range of cacti & succulents in Geelong region odd and unusual plants. • Unique sculptures • Beautiful drought-tolerant garden setting Available by mail order through our website: • 10% discount to CSSA members upon presentation of www.cactusland.com.au or visit our stall at the Queen membership card (in store sales only) Victoria Market, Melbourne for personalised and informative service. • Cacti & succulents available for sale online Visit our website and see what we have to offer, email us for 20 Swan Street, Lara, Vic. 3212 that hard to find plant.

Ph: (03) 5282 8704 Email: [email protected] www.cactusland.com.au www.roraimanursery.com.au Like us on Facebook

Australian Plants incl. Succulents Rare Succulents for Sale A wide range of succulents for the collector, beginner or landscaper.

Specialist in Aloes, Haworthias;

wide coverage of most other groups. Collections available. Once read, many garden books/magazines are discarded! Catalogue can be downloaded from www.cssq.org.au But a few are kept as collectors’ items or referred to time and again. (go to Buy Plants) Some books survive this internet age.

or email: [email protected] for a pdf

or send an A4 SSAE to:

Paul Forster, P.O. Box 2171, Ashgrove West, Qld 4060

www.australiansucculents.com ph 041 999 0934

Cactus Country James Lucas

Largest cactus garden in Australia This Webpage is in the process of growing as the interest in There are approximately 4,000 different species of mostly Succulents increases Australia wide. My aim is to have this as a Cacti, but still lots of succulents as well, displayed in a vast selling tool to the retail nursery industry, and a resource tool for the desert-like garden, with paths throughout. retail industry and public alike. A colourful and informative guide to A must for all travellers to the area. Succulents available in Australia today. It will also link clubs Open Daily 9am-5pm societies, enthusiasts and collectors together. I am a specialist Cafe & plant sales grower of Sempervivum, Echeveria and hundreds of other 4986 Murray Valley Hwy, Strathmerton VIC 3641 Succulents. Ph.: 0423307830 Fax: 0359686807 ph:(03) 5874 5271 Email: [email protected] www.succulents-australia.com Email: [email protected] www.cactuscountry.com.au

11 | Spinette Paid advertising |June 2014

12 | Spinette |June 2014