Associations of Societies for Growing Australian ASGAP Study Group NEWSLETTER No 61. (6) October 2005 ISSN 0729-5413

Annual Subscription $5, $10 overseas Group Leader: Kris Kupsch, 28 Plumtree Pocket Burringbar, 2483 Ph. (02) 66771466 Email: [email protected]

Hello everyone, I’m sure this newsletter has been to excessive rainfall in June (611mm) the ground long awaited for study group members. I have has remained moist throughout the winter, which had to reside to the fact that colour photos in the has resulted in a mass of growth now that the newsletter were going to cost too much and warm northerlies have returned. owing to my irregularity of posting them I Notwithstanding, winter did result in a few couldn’t take the option of increasing the casualties, these being: membership costs to the group. Instead I have posted the photos of many of the plants, which I 1. Calophyllum bicolor, a rare have spoken about, on the following web site. I from Cape York, all ten specimens died will endeavour to utilise an ASGAP website in following two days when maximum due course. temperatures never exceeded 14C. 2. Pandanus basedowii seedlings from http://spaces.msn.com/members/kriskupsch/Per- Arnhem Land died, however I have sonalSpace.aspx?_c01_photoalbum=showde- older specimens doing fine. fault&_c02_owner=1&_c=photoalbum 3. Nypa fruticans the mangrove palm from the tropics died, however this was The subscriptions to this years membership will expected. be relaxed primarily due to my ‘slackness’ and 4. Gulubia costata (recently assigned to as the groups balance is currently a little over the Hydriastele). This species has $400 and in no need of ‘topping up’ at the been reported to survive Brisbane moment. I will send the next two upcoming winters when grown in a humid newsletters regardless of subscription renewals. greenhouse. Those persons wanting previous newsletters (last 5. Morinda citrifolia ssp. bracteata, as one Jan ‘05) please contact myself by phone or with the typical subspecies, both are email. very cold sensitive, however I have a Morinda citrifolia ssp. citrifolia now MY GARDEN UPDATES flowering, the only one of 10 that My garden is thriving and I have just completed survived two winters now. an updated database of all the species, which I cultivate. Any members who would like a copy The foremost difficulty with tropical species is of this list please contact me and I will send a list that they detest being wet and cold. During the (preferably by email) which additionally contains end of June we received a monumental rainfall brief notes on the 1133 species which I have event where 23 inches of rain fell over three growing and the 79 species which I have tried days. Many of my ‘Top End’ species became growing, however have died for various reasons. sick with a particular Cape York savanna species I’m currently concentrating on growing species basically developing mould on its and from Wet Tropics montane peaks. rotting. I have read in Kerry Rathie’s journals Winter is well and truly over with night time (leader of the ASGAP Palm/Cycad and temperatures now well over 15C and average Brachychiton Study Group) where he places temperatures now reaching 22C. We have had a some Cycad specimens into a dry shed to avoid mild winter with only two frosts occurring on the rotting during occasional wet-cold winters. They flats and additionally high rainfall for our dry then must be planted in brightly lit well-drained season. Our lowest temperature was 3.9C, ‘suntrap’. There certainly is a skill in growing which is a fraction warmer than expected. Due some of ’s cold tender species in 1 subtropical areas whilst others do surprisingly 16. Tecomanthe sp. Roaring Meg Creek well, even self-seeding and becoming of produced many tubular pink on ecological concern. The current distribution of the stems. A hardy vine to grow. species is determined by the past and often not by the present day conditions. RAINFOREST QUANDONGS The Elaeocarpus genus is within the pantropical Some species which I have flowering/fruiting in family . Australia has a diverse my garden at the moment: assemblage of species within this family, many being restricted to refugial habitats whilst a small 1. Elaeocarpus johnsonii, E. number are widespread and occur over a wide coorangooloo and E.grahamii are geographical range. flowering. 2. Peripentadenia phelpsii a large Quandongs are mostly easy to grow within (Elaeocarpacaeae) from the Mossman- cultivation and many have considerable Julatten area in the Wet Tropics. White horticultural potential in southern Australia, bell shaped flowers borne on the especially the highland species from the Wet branches. Tropics. I consider E. johnsonii to be a most 3. Brachychiton velutinosus and B. overlooked species, one that grows well by garrawayei from Cape York are cuttings, develops a squat bushy habit and has flowering well. very decorative bell shaped flowers in profusion. 4. parasiticum a cauliflorous species in the family from 1. Elaeocarpus angustifolius Silver the Wet Tropics, unusual and Quandong. This species is the northern decorative. equivalent of the southern E. grandis. The 5. johnsonii and D. jerseyana taxonomic splitting of this species from its are flowering heavily D. pruriens is southern cousin has been debated, however I’m fruiting. of the opinion that this is warranted. The leaves 6. Syzygium rubrimolle is fruiting heavily of this species (as the specific name suggests) are with landing on the roof! They are much narrower and the are additionally large fruit the size of a small apple and smaller than E. grandis. The Silver Quandong is edible. also common within non-riparian habitats whilst 7. Cassia queenslandica is flowering with E. grandis is a riparian specialist; however not its amazing golden in restricted to this habitat by no means. It grows profusion. easily in cultivation and possibly shouldn’t be 8. Diploglottis bracteata, smithii and grown in southern states to avoid ‘genetic obovata are flowering heavily. pollution’ with E. grandis. It is widespread 9. Cryptocarya williwilliana and C. throughout North . sclerophylla is flowering. They are most suited to small gardens. 2. Elaeocarpus arnhemicus Bony From north-central NSW and SE QLD Quandong. This Quandong grows within drier respectively. sites of tropical Australia, superficially 10. Syzygium wilsonii spp. wilsonii is resembling E. obovatus. Plants have grown well flowering with well over 300 blooms on in cultivation within NSW and have adopted a this 4m high , an amazing . bushy habit and have attractive serrated leaves 11. Cupaniopsis cooperorum is flowering when young. well again, easy to grow in the shade. 12. Eupomatia barbata the E. bennettii 3. Kuranda equivalent from the Wet Tropics is Quandong. This is a hardy tree that can be flowering. This species is very easy to successfully grown in NSW, bearing fruit after grow reaching just 1m at the most. about 6 years. It is restricted to the Wet Tropics 13. Elaeocarpus carolinae from the Wet being found in very wet forests and seasonally Tropics flowered with about a million wet . Its fruits are large and the flowers over this 5m high tree. The tree persistent rat-eaten endocarp is a sign as to was simply a spectacular sight. where the are within the forest. It can be 14. Hernandia bivalvis from SE QLD dry grown by seed, which doesn’t require cracking, rainforests is flowering well. and by cuttings, which are relatively easy to 15. Aceratium ferrugineum is flowering. A strike. When in is very ornamental highland Elaeocarpaceae with huge ornamental potential. Large pink bell- 4. Elaeocarpus carolinae occurs in the shaped flowers produced in profusion. highlands of the Wet Tropics and is very Tolerates full sun and grown by cuttings common along mountain roads such as on Mt Lewis. I have one specimen in the garden, which was recently a mass of flowers. It has grown 2 easily within full sun and without additional and I have observed 10m high trees killed by water. It reportedly grows well and flowers in the sudden cold spells. Trees are grown by seed, ANBG in Canberra. It has small lime green which must be collected from the previous years leaves and flowers mainly on the old wood. crop and cracked to extract the seeds. This ensures that germination takes two weeks rather 5. Elaeocarpus coorangooloo This species than 2 months or even 2 years. Four metres of occurs from the Windsor Tableland, northwest of growth in the first year aren’t un-heard of. Mossman and extends south to the Paluma region northwest of Townsville. It has performed 12. occurs south very well in cultivation growing quickly and of Dorrigo to the East Gippsland, Victoria in flowering heavily. The old leaves turn red and cool temperate rainforests. It was first introduced trees grow upright and produce buttress roots to me in my early years, I mistook it for a species from a young age. Reportedly, this species is of as it was covered in moss and had more closely related to a PNG species than it is hard rigid leaves. I would like to try to cultivate to other Australian species. it and would be keen to hear of people’s success/failures. 6. Elaeocarpus elliffii occurs commonly above 200m within the highlands of the Wet 13. Elaeocarpus johnsonii is a wonderful Tropics. It is a fairly nondescript species with plant with large furry leaves from the highlands large domatia present within its leaves. Plants of the Wet Tropics. It naturally occurs on granite can be difficult to establish in low rainfall areas. and metamorphics but I have seen it on basalt and I have it growing on clay. It grows easy by 7. Elaeocarpus eumundii The Eumundi cuttings and my specimen flowers at a height of Quandong reaches its southern limits in the Big 2m tall in every axil. Spotty green fruits Scrub area of NENSW, where it is locally follow the flowers. common and extends to the McIlwraith Range on Cape York. It is rather common in parts of the 14. the Silver Nightcap Range, growing within warm temperate Quandong occurs from Milton, NSW to Eungella rainforest and additionally within the Tweed’s west of Mackay. It is a common species within subtropical lowland rainforest. Specimens from the Tweed district and can be found at high NQLD have rounded/obtuse leaves than to those altitudes. This species is spectacular when in from NSW. Trees are fast growing reaching 6m new growth and should be more commonly in 4 years and are spectacular in flower. grown. Cuttings strike reliably. Trees grow to 40m within the forest, however garden 8. Elaeocarpus ferruginiflorus is a specimens would reach 15m. highland mountaintop species with attractive serrated rigid rusty leaves. I have seen it growing 15. Elaeocarpus largiflorens ssp. well in NQLD gardens however my specimens largiflorens the Tropical Quandong occurs died, although this was ten years ago when my commonly within the highlands of the Wet garden was a harsher place! It can be observed Tropics. It grows well in cultivation with all growing besides the Mount Lewis road in NQ. specimens growing fast in NSW. It tolerates full sun when young and produces large decorative 9. Elaeocarpus foveolatus occurs naturally red/orange senescing leaves. from Eungella west of Mackay into the Wet Tropics. It is a moderately fast growing species 16. Elaeocarpus largiflorens ssp. retinervis well suited to southern latitudes quickly is restricted to the granite highlands to the west developing the typical Quandong layered growth of Mossman, extending just to the north of Cape habit. Tribulation. I have seen it on Mt Lewis where it is rather common in locations at high altitudes 10. Elaeocarpus grahamii is found within above 1000m asl in very wet forest and is untried the foothill rainforests and wet sclerophyll of the in cultivation. Wet Tropics and can be locally common. It is a mere understorey tree and fruits when young 17. Elaeocarpus linsmithii occurs as a small (<3m tall). Trees have grown very well in NSW tree to 7m on the granite highlands between and quickly develop a central leading stem that Mount Bartle Frere and Mt Spurgeon west of bursts through to the garden canopy. The lime Mossman. I haven’t cultivated this species green leaves are covered in silky hairs. however in the wild I have seen it flowering at 1m tall growing within the highly leached soils 11. the Blue of the fern thickets on Mount Bartle Frere where Quandong requires little introduction to native it receives over 6000mm of rain annually and up plant enthusiasts. It is a very fast growing tree to to 12000mm. A nice looking plant. 35m that prefers being planted near water or within moist fertile soil. It cannot tolerate frost 3 18. Elaeocarpus miegei ssp. miegei is 24. Elaeocarpus sp. Bellenden Ker (aff known only from Melville Island in the Northern arnhemicus). This species is relatively common Territory and additionally the , within rainforests of North Queensland between PNG and Bismark Archipelago. It is listed as the McIlwraith Range and Paluma. I haven’t critically endangered with the flora of the grown it before however gauging from its and its occurrence in observed range of occurrence it should grow Australia is likely linked to migratory birds and easily in southern states. may further occur on offshore islands. 25. Elaeocarpus sp. KS/6 sp/ Mossman 19. Elaeocarpus michaelii (E. aff. Bluff is an undescribed mountaintop species culminicola) occurs within coastal areas from from Thornton Peak north of Mossman to Lambs Tully north. I have seen it on a number of Head west of Cairns. I had one specimen given occasions growing always in close proximity to to me in 1995 however it died and since then I the ocean. At Cape Tribulation there is a haven’t seen a specimen at all. It has leaves with specimen growing in sand near Mangroves. It is huge domatia. worthy of cultivation growing well in NSW and tolerating the cooler winters. 26. Elaeocarpus sp. Mt Lewis is a large tree recorded to 35m tall. It has a large seed with 5 20. the Hard endocarp ‘wings’ similar to E. stellaris but not as Quandong is rather common from Wyong, NSW pronounced. It is restricted to highland rainforest to its northern limit within the Undara Volcanic between 1000-1300m in the mountains behind NP, southwest of Cairns. It occurs as a large tree Mossman, northwest of Cairns. to 35m with notable blotches of white lichen on its trunk. I have seen the northern specimens 27. Elaeocarpus sp. Windsor Tableland. growing within the Undara Crater. They barely Often referred to, as E. sp. aff. ferruginiflorus reach 15m whilst the specimens, which occur occurs in both lowland and highland rainforest naturally in my locality, are large 35m trees. I between the McIlwraith Range and Mt Elliot too would look rather different if I stayed at near Townsville. I have tried this species Undara for long enough; it’s so very hot and dry however all specimens died. A friend has out there. This again prompts the question successfully grown this species in NSW and it “What’s a species”. I think that the Undara needs high moisture and shady conditions whilst specimens are E. obovatus, which have adapted young. to the drier conditions. Seeds require treatment. 28. Elaeocarpus sp. Minyon the Minyon 21. the Blueberry Quandong was thought to be extinct until one Ash is a very hardy species occurring from tree was found on the banks of Rocky Creek Flinders Island in Bass Strait to Fraser Island. It Dam north of Lismore. It has been further occurs as a common small tree within nearly all identified from a handful of sites all centred on types of forests within NENSW except the the wet mountainous refugia of the southeastern coldest forests. It is commonly encountered in Mt Warning Caldera in far northeastern NSW, in coastal dune scrubs where it co-occurs with the general area to which a number of rare heath vegetation. It is largely grown by cuttings species occur, such as hardeniana. It is and grows easily in well-drained soil. Prima easy to cultivate and rather fast growing with Donna is a most attractive cultivar of this species trees reaching 4m in less than five years. The and is freely available. species ultimate height is from 6m to 30m. They do prefer alluvial moist soils rather than the drier 22. Elaeocarpus ruminatus the Brown sites, which reflect their high rainfall natural Quandong grows fast and has an attractive habitat. layered habit (as many Quandongs do). It is common in the Wet Tropics to Eungella west of 29. Elaeocarpus stellaris is most peculiar in Mackay and has attractive lime green leaves. It is that it has fruit the size of a tennis ball, with the an easy tree to grow if moist conditions are seed deeply flanged by five ridges. It only grows provided. within very wet rainforests to the west of Innisfail in the Palmerston area and again in the 23. Elaeocarpus sericopetalus is a Cape Tribulation lowlands north of the Daintree component of highland rainforests growing on River. It grows very well in my garden with no granite in the Wet Tropics. It is an attractive further irrigation being necessary; it is actually species appearing morphologically different to rather fast growing. The exocarp needs to be other species in Australia. Its leaves are glabrous cracked to extract the seeds, which need and oblong. It can be cultivated by cuttings and protecting from rodents. requires moist humid conditions. I have lost specimens due to excessive heat and exposure to 30. Elaeocarpus thelmae Thelma’s the sun. Quandong. I haven’t grown this species however 4 a friend has one growing very well. It requires , D. mollissimum subsp. similar conditions to E. largiflorens in which it molle, Ehretia acuminata, , superficially resembles. It was named after Flindersia schottiana, Geissois benthamii, Atherton botanist/forester Bernie Hyland’s wife azedarach, Melicope micrococca, Polyscias Thelma. It occurs from Cape Tribulation west to murrayi, P. elegans, Pseudoweinmannia the Windsor Tableland. lachnocarpa, Sloanea australis, sinuatus, Streblus brunonianus, Syzygium 31. Elaeocarpus williamsianus Hairy francisii, Toona ciliata. Quandong is listed as endangered and has been found only in approximately ten locations Understorey Trees/Shrubs between Goonengerry-Broken Head area on the Abutilon auritum, Acronychia baeuerlenii, northern extremity of the ‘Big Scrub’ to Couchy Alchornea ilicifolia, Alyxia ruscifolia, creek, west of Murwillumbah. Recent genetic Anthocarapa nitidula, Archidendron analysis has confirmed that of four populations muellerianum, Atalaya multiflora, Akania studied all have originated from the same bidwillii, chartaceus, Baloghia rootstock, except one. All efforts to cultivate this inophylla, Bosistoa pentacocca, Capparis species from seed have proven futile, grafting arborea, Carissa ovata, Casearia multinervosa, has had limited success with the union rejecting Citrus australasica, Cleistanthus cunninghamii, the scion after a period of time, although cuttings Cryptocarya laevigata, Endiandra globosa, have proven successful as has marcoting. I grew Neolitsea dealbata, Notelaea longifolia, my specimen from a marcotted branch in 1994 Guilfoylia monostylis, , Ixora and now the tree is over 5m tall. It was first beckleri, Pentaceras australis, Rhysotoechia found in the wild in 1980 in Burringbar, across bifoliolata, Trema tomentosa var. viridis, the road from where I live. A local horticulturist, youngiana Mike Lickfold, found the species however it was later named in honour of the recently late Ground layer/Climbers botanist John Williams, and not vice-versa, thank , Austrocynoglossum goodness! latifolium, Austrosteenisia blackii, Calamus muelleri, Callerya australis, C. megasperma, RECENT BUSHWALKS Cissus antarctica, C. hypoglauca, Clematis Recent botanising walks (and escaping the glycinoides, Cordyline petiolaris, C. rubra, domestic scene) in my local area have been Deeringia arborescens, Flagellaria indica, concentrated on revisiting some of my favourite Gymnostachys anceps, Meiogyne stenopetala locations in search of species that I haven’t seen subsp. stenopetala, Melodorum leichhardtii, before or are in want of propagation material. Panicum pygmaeus, Pararistolochia praevenosa, Passiflora herbertiana, Ripogonum album, BLACK SCRUB NATURE RESERVE Trichosanthes subvelutina, Zehneria MT JURESALEM NATIONAL PARK cunninghamii The Black Scrub is a place that I very much enjoy visiting. It is subtropical rainforest at an Epiphytes/Ferns/Palms altitude of about 400m asl growing on basalt- Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, Cyathea derived soil. The trees are large and the forest is cooperi, C. leichhardtiana, Dendrobium at all stages of maturity; a phenomenon unseen kingianum, Dockrillia bowmanii, Linospadix in regrowth forests or planted rainforests. The monostachya, Platycerium bifurcatum, P. forest is accessible via a narrow track, which superbum, Pothos longipes, Pyrrosia confluens, meanders through the centre of the luxuriant P. rupestris vegetation. Upon a visit during March this year I was lucky to spot 6 Birdwing Butterflies and ‘VANDERLEEDENS’ numerous larvae on the Pararistolochia This area of forest is on private land and praevenosa vines. During my last visit a pair of possesses a high diversity of rare species Wompoo Fruit-Doves were observed flying restricted to the lowlands of the Mt Warning through the forest canopy; they are amazing volcanic region. The site is situated within a birds. In total within all stratums of the forest small coastal valley in a relatively warm and wet there are at least 250 species of life forms belt. The soil is metamorphic derived with heavy including trees, vines, shrubs, herbs, orchids, clay subsoil. The majority of the area was grasses etc within this forest. Some of the species partially cleared for Banana cultivation some 50 encountered at the Black Scrub included: years ago however since then has regrown and only small areas of Camphor Laurel and Lantana Canopy/Sub-Canopy Trees growth remain today. The site has stands of the Acacia bakeri, , endangered species: Argyrodendron trifoliolatum, A. actinophylla, (Davidson’s Plum), a well-represented patch of Brachychiton acerifolius, B. discolor, Fontainea australis (Southern Fontainea), Diploglottis australis, Dendrocnide excelsa, scattered individuals of moorei (Spiny 5 Gardenia), the highly significant Elaeocarpus sites of erosion, i.e. walking tracks! It does well williamsianus (Hairy Quandong) and a small within pots however slowly on planting out. It patch of (Southern Ochrosia) can be grown well by cuttings. among many other rare and threatened species. These other interesting species of note include 5. sp. Babinda has only been Archidendron muellerianum (Veiny Laceflower), recorded in the vicinity of the Babinda region Rhodamnia maideniana (Smooth Scrub where it is locally abundant and again near the Turpentine), Syzygium moorei (Coolamon), peak of Mt Isley closer to Cairns. I have seen Pararistolochia praevenosa (Richmond both these populations which are rather different Birdwing Vine), pinnatifolia (Red to one another in that one is at 50m and the other Bopple Nut), Endiandra globosa (Black about 1000m asl thus this species is likely to be Walnut), Acacia bakeri (Marble Wood) and found elsewhere nearby. It grows easily in tetraphylla (Rough Bush Nut) cultivation and has large lime green leaves. among other species. This property illustrates that with careful management; rainforest 6. Argophyllum sp. Koolmoon Creek regeneration can incur some very significant occurs in the upper Tully River area to the improvements to habitat quality and resilience, Kirrama Range of which I haven’t visited as yet. safeguarding valuable habitat for many rare and It would undoubtedly have similar requirements specialist species. to that of A. lejourdanii. This unnamed species has been suggest to be called A. lunarfridgea THE SILVER LEAVES OF THE RAINFOREST UNDERSTOREY Of these species A. nullumense and A. The Argophyllum’s are a small genus within the lejourdanii are by far the easiest to grow. There family Grossulariaceae (syn. Escalloniaceae/ is a little variability within these two species. For ). They have aptly incurred their instance the distribution of A. nullumense has genera name from the obvious silver under recently been extended to include sub- surface of their leaves (Argo = silver, phyllum = populations occurring at Mt Perry, west of leaf). There are six species within Australia with Bundaberg and another within the Eungella a further five species within . As region, west of Mackay. I believe that the typical of this family the Argophyllum’s are Eungella population warrants separate prevalent within cool moist niches within recognition, as it is very different to the typical rainforest and sclerophyll forests. They are all A. nullumense from the Mt Warning volcanic shrubs well suited to shady corners of the garden. area. Another form collected from Paluma northwest of Townsville is a closer match for A. 1. Argophyllum nullumense occurs from nullumense. A. lejourdanii has two distinctive the Lismore/Nimbin area to at least Eungella forms, the typical less serrate form, which is west of Mackay. It is easy to grow with the form more common, and another drier adapted form from Eungella being especially attractive. with deeply serrated leaves.

2. Argophyllum lejourdanii occurs within NQ between the western Daintree Ranges and INVITATION Mt Elliot near Townsville. It is easy to cultivate On the 18th November I will be giving a tolerating dry conditions, as in its natural habitat presentation at the NSW Regional SGAP it is often found on rock cliffs and steep slopes in meeting. The meeting will be held at the association with rainforest. Ermington Community Centre on River Road, Ermington @ 8pm. The talk will revolve around 3. Argophyllum verae is restricted to the the experiences I have had with the cultivation of environs of Hann creek on Cape York. It grows rainforest plants and the rainforests of Northern easily within the shade in NSW however dislikes NSW and Qld. Contact me for more information. dry conditions. It has hirsute leaves unlike the I hope to see you there. other species. This species was named in honour of the late Vera Scarth-Johnson, an artist from Cooktown who in 1995 was awarded an Order of REMINDER Australia Medal for her contribution to art and Please make all cheques payable to “ASGAP the environment of North Queensland. Rainforest Study Group” and not to myself. Also please send me a story about your garden, 4. Argophyllum cryptophlebum occurs or highlights from your experiences in Australian within the cool wet mountain ranges of the Wet rainforest; I haven’t received a single one yet Tropics from the Johnstone River to west of which I can put into the newsletter. There are Cape Tribulation. This species requires constant over 100 members so I expect at least one! Also, humidity and relatively cool conditions. I have please excuse any errors/shortcuts as I’m off to seen it growing in a number of the Wet Tropics Cairns in three days so I have much to do! mountains especially on rocky ridgelines and 6 Davidsonia johnsonii found a germinated seedling under a tree with the seed exocarp still attached to the hypocotyl This article is reproduced from a contribution I (seedlings stem). One theory is that the vector made to Issue 12 August-Sept 1999 of the (pollinator) has become extinct or the Australian Bushfood Magazine titled ‘More on populations are too far apart to allow cross- Davidsonia…’ pollination as the species may have a self- : Davidsonia johnsonii (syn. D. incompatibility mechanism and requires sp. Currumbin creek-, D. sp nov.) outcrossing in order to produce a viable seed. So Common name: Smooth Davidson’s Plum how has the species known that it wasn’t Distribution: confined to the remnants of the producing viable seeds and thus must sucker to Mount Warning Shield Volcano, having so far save itself? How old are the populations? How being recorded in around 24 locations between long have they been suckering? Tintenbar in the south, Nimbin in the west and Flowers: are borne on leafy shoots, which are Tallebudgera Valley in the north. produced with the first spring flush of growth. Habitat: occurs in wet sclerophyll and They are pink-red in panicles up to 15cm long subtropical rainforest and their margins. Often between early September and late October and grows as an understorey tree in association with rarely into December. Brushbox () and Flooded In the garden: these trees do best in a Gum (Eucalyptus grandis). The soil is most often subtropical climate with adequate moisture metamorphic in origin although some occur upon available during fruit set (Nov- Dec). It can basalt-derived soils especially within the higher handle light frost and appears to be doing well on altitude sites. This species is often found within the Atherton Tablelands although the noticeable formerly cleared land, which seems to assist its dry season halts growth and may delay flower development. The annual rainfall varies between initiation. The soil type isn’t of real importance populations in the order of 1400mm to 2500mm although due to a high demand for water during per annum. Of the 20 locations that I have fruit set, a soil with high moisture retention could personally sited all but a couple of ‘clumps’ be important; a well-mulched clay loam soil with occur on hillsides possibly as the level alluvial unimpeded drainage would be ideal. The trees lands have been largely cleared for grazing. It handle full sun provided they don’t dry out and grows naturally from near sea level just south of are best protected from the wind, as the limbs are to approximately 400 metres in brittle especially when in fruit. I have several altitude at Numinbah west of Murwillumbah. trees growing well under a cover crop of Habit: a very bushy small tree to 15m occurring Alphitonia petriei whilst the trees in full sun with in clumps originating from along the no cover are less happy. The fruit can be roots. Some clumps consist of trees numbering in damaged from sunburn although I have noticed the hundreds. Genetic examination being that they favour flowering on the shady side of undertaken may prove that each clump is of the the trees. same genetic stock. Although 90% of observed Propagation: because this species only rarely specimens occur within a closed forest situation, produces fertile seeds other methods have been two large specimens occur within a paddock in investigated. Cuttings are successful being the full sun. Some trees develop slight buttressing only means of current propagation and marcots but only on shallow soils on steep slopes. do work, as does tissue culture. The roots on the Fruit description: a drupe with two mostly non- cuttings are very fine and care should be taken viable ‘seeds’ per fruit. The fruit character varies when potting on. Cuttings can lack vigour and considerably between the isolated populations. take a while to become established; they are best Some fruit is consistently smaller than planted from a 300mm pot. Marcot’s or air Davidsonia jerseyana resembling a large grape layering took 6 weeks to form roots during however a few populations produce fruit closer October. The cultivation of a mixed group of to the size of the D. pruriens hairy form. The genotypes may result in seed production within colour is lighter than other Davidsonia’s being a orchards. pinkish colour rather than purple. The shape can Time to maturity and yields: a sucker has vary from round within the smaller fruiting sites began to flower after 8 years in the ground whilst to pear shaped or compressed with the width cuttings produce flowers after about 4 years. A being greater. The fruit start to drop from the five-year-old tree has produced 3 kg, a twelve- start of December and from reference until the year-old tree more than 40kg and two wild trees end of April, but more often until the end of within a paddock produce in excess of 500kg a February. ‘Average’ fruit size varies between 30- year. 80 grams. This species is unique having its own This species is highly ornamental and should be mechanism against immediate mass production. grown for its new growth alone, it doesn’t have The story is simple- the species only extremely irritant hairs as other Davidsonia’s and the fruit rarely produces viable seed, in fact only two are more palatable to eat. Additionally the people have found evidence to this. A colleague parrots don’t attack the fruits like other Davo’s. found what he believes to be a viable seed and I 7 TO:

SENDER:

Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants. Rainforest Study Group 28 Plumtree Pocket, Burringbar, NSW, 2483

8