Carniflora Australis Journal of the Australasian Carnivorous Plant Society Inc. Number 4, October 2004

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ISSN 1448-9570 PRICE $5.00 Free with Membership Subscription submersible pump housed in a large create a bio mass that, with the help

All members, single, family and overseas $AU25.00 fiberglass pit that is connected by a of an inline sand filter, will dupli- 100mm PVC pipe to the bottom cate the Sphagnum bogs ability to Please make cheques or money orders payable to the Australasian pond. Water will continuously cir- purify water. A secondary advan- Carnivorous Plant Society Inc. Membership and correspondence culate through the system via a net- tage will be the ability of this sys- should be forwarded to the Secretary at work of pressurized soaker hoses tem to cool the water. The heating running along the contours of the up of water in the ponds is one of Riparian. The filtered water will the reasons for the failure of the www.carniflora.com gravitate through the Riparian and original Sphagnum bog. Shade

PO BOX 4009 ponds, being drawn into the pit via from the vegetation will also help a deep, clear pool. All ponds have to minimize heat build-up in the Kingsway West NSW 2208 (Australia) valves that can be drained individu- medium. Meeting are held on the second Friday of each month ally and sectors of soaker hose can Time: 7.30pm—10.00pm also be turned off. The carnivorous The placing of a Riparian zone in Venue: Woodstock Community Centre pond can be isolated from the rest the design will duplicate nutrient Church St, Burwood of the system. depleted growing conditions as seen on sandstone. These condi- Contents The growing medium for this pro- tions will restrict and stunt growth Front Page: Nepenthes reinwardtiana Photo by Greg Bourke ject needed to produce acidic and in these plants that would otherwise Back Page: A typical European bog. Habitat of Drosera anglica (inset). nutrient free conditions. The Gar- outgrow this area if planted on the Photos by Helmut Kibellis dens’ policy of not supporting the Gardens’ rich basaltic soils. Title Author Page extraction of peat moss due to envi- ronmental sustainability issues, Three viewing areas will allow for The final Leg Greg Bourke 4 meant that we would need to find a various interpretation fixtures. Two suitable replacement material. Co- of these platforms can be wheel- A Novel Method for the Cultivation of William “Tamlin” 11 conut coir was found to be an ex- chair accessed. The bottom viewing Drosera regia and Drosera graminifo- Dawnstar cellent substitute and when used in area will incorporate a dripping lia the system should hold its structure. rock ledge that can be viewed Coarse sand was incorporated into close-up. My Journal of Carnivorous Plants in Helmut Kibellis 19 the coconut coir at a rate of 3:1. A South Germany series of pH tests were performed This compact thematic plan with Byblis liniflora the northern rainbow Robert Gibson 24 with the ph slowly reduced to 6.5. its multi faceted features has the plant When plants are established and the potential to be the ‘jewel’ of the Mt system balanced the pH will, in Tomah Botanic Gardens, providing turn, reduce further. both individual snippets of wonder- The Sphagnum Bog: A brief construc- Michael Carle 30 ment which when in combination, tion overview The ponds and Riparian Zone will educate and tell a story.

2 31 The Sphagnum Bog: A brief construction UPCOMING SPEAKERS AND EVENTS FOR 2003/2004 overview Month Subject Speaker/co-ordinator

Michael Carle October 12th Trigger plants Greg Bourke After a long consultation and re- help visitors understand and appre- search period to find a model that ciate the complexities of hanging would both serve in an aesthetic swamps and bogs. November 28th Christmas swap meet Kirstie Wulfe and educational form, the recon- struction and refurbishment of the In an attempt to eradicate the intro- January 8-9 Display at the Royal Bo- Peter Biddlecombe Sphagnum Bog at Mt Tomah Bo- duced Equisetium, the existing bog tanic Gardens tanic Gardens commenced. was drained, some plants removed for later use and then a considerable February 19-27 Display, sales and talks at Greg Bourke An interpretation of an Upper Blue attempt made to remove it. the Mount Tomah Botanic Mountains hanging swamp with a Gardens Riparian Zone was the inspiration With the threat of further infesta- for the project, a project which will tion a waterproof membrane was also incorporate a Carnivorous sec- chosen. The liner not only covered Committee 2004 tion. the areas of the 3 ponds but also encompassed the Riparian Area. A President: Peter Biddlecombe Wetland areas have always been layer of sand covered the excavated considered unproductive and man area to reduce the possibility of the Vice President: Kirstie Wulfe has endeavoured to make them pro- liner being punctured. A geo- ductive by draining them. We now textile mat was placed both under Secretary: Jessica Biddlecombe know how important swamps are. and on top of the liner. The top They hold water in reserve during matting will aid in the flow of water Treasurer: Steve Moyle drought, polish our drinking water and stop the potential threat of soil and significantly reduce erosion medium slippage. Web Design: Chris McClellan downstream. Little known and ap- Librarian: Kirstie Wulfe preciated, due to ignorance, sphag- The Riparian Zone was terraced num bogs are a wealth of biodiver- and contoured to produce flat areas Seed Bank: Helmut Kibellis sity and fascination. that would support both large basalt rocks, some up to 2 tonne, and also Events/Publicity: Louis Mendeta, Brendan Walker This design will allow for the dis- help to reduce the slippage of the play of a varied range of plants that medium. Editors: Greg Bourke, Dr. Chris Schell will both inspire and educate. The mechanics of its workings will also The system uses a solar powered

30 3 References: The Final Leg Greg Bourke Australian Virtual Herbarium Website (Accessed 30 March 2004). Erickson, R. (1968). Plants of Prey in Australia. University of Western Australia E-Mail: [email protected] Press, Perth, pp. 94. Sarawak is the larger of the two the bats fly out in swarms and make Hartmeyer, S. (1997). Carnivory in Byblis Revisited - A Simple Method for Enzyme Malaysian states in Borneo. Run- their way into the surrounding jun- Testing on Carnivorous Plants. Carnivorous Plant Newsletter 26: 39-45. Lowrie, A. (2002) A Revision of Byblis (Byblidaceae) in south-western Australia. ning approximately 700km along gle to feed. This site was incredible. Nuytsia 15: 11-19. the northern side of Borneo and Clearwater cave is another interest- Lowrie, A. and Conran, J. (1998). A taxonomic revision of the genus Byblis inland some 250km this state is ing cave with a river running (Byblidaceae) in northern Australia. Nuytsia 12: 59-74. home to a diverse range of plants through it. Other attractions include Lowrie, A. (1998). Carnivorous Plants of Australia: Volume 3. University of West and animals. In recent years it has climbing Gunung Api, and the Pin- ern Australia Press, Perth, pp. 288. attracted some attention from Ne- nacles (limestone structures). Schnell, D. (1995). Heliamphora: The nature of its nurture. Carnivorous Plant penthes enthusiasts seeking new Newsletter 24: 40-42. species in the highland areas near Due to the lack of time we opted to van Steenis, C.G.G.J. (1953). Byblidaceae in Flora Malesiana 4, series I, p 135. the Kalimantan (Indonesian) bor- explore the lowland areas in search Studnika, M. (1994). Byblis – a Botanical Problem Once Again. Carnivorous Plant der. There are only a handful of of Nepenthes ampullaria, bical- Newsletter 23: 93-95. mountains over 2000m so speci- carata, rafflesiana, and veitchii. To ation in Sarawak is relatively low. get to the peat swamp forest where The time Richard Riles and I had these species grow we had to make PLANTS WITH BITE BOTANICAL allowed for this final leg was rela- our way up river for a few kilome- tively short but we were still able to tres by long boat then walk a fur- ILLUSTRATION COURSE see 12 species and two natural hy- ther 8 km to camp. We were lucky brids. that there was a good flow in the river allowing us to make it so far Saturday 12 and Sunday 13th of February, 2005 From Kota Kinibalu we flew into by boat. There were some places Miri, a small city in the north. From we had to get out and push but the Cost: $160 for the weekend course here we transferred to an 18 seater cool water was welcome relief from plane and headed inland to Gunung the lowland heat. Time: 10am—4pm. Bookings 4567 3014 Mulu National Park. This is one of the most famous National Parks in Our guide showed us various edi- Learn the tricks to capturing carnivorous plants on paper. This course Sarawak as it contains some spec- ble plants along the way including a is suited to beginners through to the experienced artists. Acclaimed tacular caves. Deer cave and the small black berry that tasted like botanical artists, Barbara Duckworth and Marion Westmacott will adjoining Lang’s cave are the larg- sherbet. The only downside was lead the class covering both drawing and painting techniques. est cave system in the world. The that the seeds were deadly if swal- opening to Deer cave is also the lowed! We were also lucky to see a Mount Tomah Botanic Garden largest in the world and is home to Flying Squirrel, the giant Helmeted millions of Free-tailed bats. At dusk Hornbill and many fish species that Bells Line of Road, via Bilpin NSW 2758

4 29 above 30ºC. The plant kept grow- corpse, and they may draw in nutri- we’re used to seeing in tropical fish per pitchers of this species are hol- ing, the few flowers that were initi- ent rich liquid produced by bacte- tanks back home. low allowing a small ant species ated were aborted, and the tiny pri- rial breakdown of the insect. This (Camponotus schmitzii) to make mordial flowers remained in the has yet to be tested with, say, in- After a night under the stars we their home. In return, the ants help leaf axils. sects tagged with radioactive iso- headed for a large forest covered the Nepenthes by breaking down topes. peat mound where the Nepenthes prey items. This prevents the pitch- The plant died in mid-May, just as would be found. It took us some ers from going rancid. What is most the second flower was about to In conclusion, Byblis liniflora is an time to locate the first pitchers of amazing about these ants is that open. The first sign of this was the easily grown species with long- Nepenthes ampullaria but soon af- they can actually swim! Also found death of part of the peduncle of the lived seeds, and simple cultivation ter, we found they were all around in the long lived Nepenthes bical- developing fruit, and then the plant requirements. Whilst it may not be us. The long stems often ran for carata pitchers were Mosquito lar- died from the base up, seemingly carnivorous, it is an attractive spe- many metres along the ground be- vae and tadpoles as well as many from root rot. It coincided with the cies that is well worth growing. fore heading upwards and disap- smaller animals. commencement of frosty nights. Viewing a plant with the sun be- pearing into the canopy. Clusters of hind it is an unforgettable experi- green, green and red spotted, and Unfortunately we were unable to Studies by Hartmeyer (1997) indi- ence and shows why it is aptly all red pitchers were found around locate Nepenthes veitchii but we did cate that Byblis is not a true carni- called the “Rainbow Plant”. the base of the climbing stems, the find an unexpected species in Ne- vore. He used photographic film on largest being the size of a standard penthes tentaculata. Normally leaves of a range of sticky leaved Acknowledgements coffee cup. found above 700 metres this lonely carnivores and was able to amply I wish to thank Guy van der Kin- plant was found at about 400 me- show the carnivorous nature of deren for the Byblis liniflora seeds Nepenthes rafflesiana was very tres. This particular plant was ma- Drosera and Pinguicula species: kindly provided. It is more than a rare here. I only recall seeing three ture but had quite small reddish the species tested had been able to little ironic that this native of north- plants. They had large lower pitch- pitchers to 8cm. Generally the eat discernible holes in the gel of ern Australia came into my collec- ers which were dark purple in col- forms growing at higher altitudes the film. Byblis liniflora however, tion from seed from Belgium. I also our. The upper pitchers were ex- have much larger pitchers (to made no impression on the film. thank Bruce Pierson for sharing his tremely narrow for the species and 30cm) and can be spectacularly The inference is that this species observations of this species in unusually coloured in lime green coloured. produces sticky fluid from the southeastern Queensland. with black splotches. glands, perhaps entirely for defen- It must be noted that this was the sive means, and that this species Seemingly restricted to areas of the one and only location where we does not actively breakdown the forest where the canopy was thin, encountered leeches. Don’t ever be soft tissue of these trapped insects. Nepenthes bicalcarata occurred in put off by those that say the tropics Even if this is so, perhaps these colonies. These large plants to 2 are full of leaches. It’s all lies! I plants are able to absorb at least metres across were a delight to see. think I also got my one and only some of the nutrients from trapped The pitchers for this species were mosquito bite here too and I did not insects? This may occur when ses- quite large and woody. Lower use any sort of insect repellent. Per- sile glands on the leaves are in op- pitchers were red while uppers were haps my body simply repels! portunistic contact with the insect lime green. The tendrils of the up-

28 5 Two days later we were in the At low tide we walked along the beautiful city of Kuching. Kuching beach to take a look at some Nepen- means cat in Malay. Naturally the thes we had seen from the boat on city is dominated by cat statues. our way in. The large plants of Ne- This is a fabulous tourist destina- penthes reinwardtiana were found tion for those who want to see a bit growing on almost bare rock of everything. Traditional Long- amongst Orchids and Rhododen- houses, superb food, museums, dron just above sea level. The hun- amazing fauna and flora including dreds of lime green pitchers stood the most amazingly beautiful car- out amongst the surrounding darker nivorous plant in the whole vegetation. world…….you guessed it! Utricu- laria minutissima! All this within Bako National Park has 30km of an hours boat, bike, bus, or car ride walking trails that cover the full from the CBD. range of habitats of the park. Jalan Lintang is a large loop track that Our first carnivorous plant stop covers most of the habitat and all of was the famous Bako National the carnivorous pant species we Park. A short trip by car then boat encountered. From the park head- Figure 3: Distribution map of Byblis liniflora as shown by bold horizontal from Kuching. This lowland haven quarters we headed North/East stripes. The dots represent herbarium collections from the Australian Virtual Herbar- is home to six Nepenthes species, along a boardwalk that meanders ium. Note the extension of this species down the Queensland coast to Fraser Island. one Drosera species and at least through the suffering mangrove four Utricularia species. trees. This tree is the staple diet of also be produced when carefully firmly closed over the ovary. the Proboscis Monkey and is slowly examining the flower – thus it is Within three days of self- The animal species here are easily disappearing due to the overgrazing easier to access than the pollen of pollinating the bloom the sepals seen and too numerous to name but of these unattractive herbivores. Byblis gigantea (Lowrie, 1998: began to separate in response to the some of the most popular and easily Giant Mudskippers can be seen 268) than the flowers of another now developing fruit. The end of seen are the Proboscis Monkeys, here at low tide as well as the crazy buzz-pollinated carnivorous plant, the style had also now died and had Bearded Pigs, and the crazy Ma- head-banging Woodpecker. How Heliamphora spp. (Schnell, 1994). started to wither. This species ap- caques. Macaques have been la- these birds can fly after bashing pears to be self-compatible and the belled the most fearless monkeys in their heads against the trunk of a The first flower produced lasted 10 self-pollination mechanism has the world and it didn’t take long for tree amazes me. days, the petals closing together at been elegantly described by Stud- us to find out why. Once settled in night and on cool days. Interest- nika (1994). our accommodation we washed and As the trail leaves the Mangrove ingly the flower finished just over a hung out our clothes only to have swamp it snakes up to the sand- day after I self-pollinated the Local temperatures were becoming the Macaques sneak in to steal stone plateau. On the way up Ne- bloom. The spent bloom shedding cooler than this species appeared to them! penthes hirsuta can be seen its petals and stamens as a delicate require, with minima to 5ºC during amongst the rocks in the deep unit whilst the sepals remained flowering, and maxima rarely

6 27 petal. The inner surface of the pet- shade. This hairy green pitcher spe- After a couple of hours admiring als was a darker shade of lilac with cies is fairly insignificant and can the rocky plateau we headed further an almost white base, so that the be easily overlooked. East along the trail to a wet area open flower had a small white cen- where Drosera spatulata? was en- tre. During April and May other As we reached the plateau we were countered. Commonly cultivated as flower buds developed in the axils amazed to see Nepenthes albomar- ‘Sp. 8 Borneo’ this small blush pink of every third of fourth leaf subse- ginata, Nepenthes gracilis, Nepen- petalled Drosera was a delight to quent to the first flower. thes rafflesiana, Utricularia caeru- see. Finally a real carnivorous lea and Utricularia minutissima all plant! The Drosera commonly The flower structure of Byblis is within a few metres of each other. grew on columns of dead leaves very interesting. Whilst the plants The distinctive Nepenthes albomar- that appeared to be several seasons strongly resemble sundews the ginata was not common but easily old. A single yellow flower of pos- flowers have only a single style and spotted due to it’s distinctive white sibly the most invasive carnivorous the five stamens are clustered on banded pitchers. Nepenthes rafflesi- plant Utricularia subulata was also one side of the ovary. The open ana was the most dominant and found at this site growing under a flowers are held at an angle, rather extremely variable (See pictures thin film of water. Also found at than facing up as most Drosera pages 16 & 17). Nepenthes gracilis this location was Nepenthes Figure 2: Byblis linifolia flower from flowers do, so that visiting insects was also quite common and vari- gracilis, Nepenthes rafflesiana and the front. Note the style is below the cluster of yellow stamens. are directed to a “landing pad” able. Pitchers from dark maroon to a hybrid of the two. formed by the sub horizontal petals green were encountered. Utricul- on the lower side of the flower. The laria caerulea at Bako was quite The trail then dropped off the pla- In early March, when the stem was style is sub horizontal and extends different to what I was used to see- teau into taller trees where Nepen- not quite 2 cm tall the first flower about 4 mm from the ovary. It ends ing in Northern Australia being ma- thes ampullaria and Nepenthes raf- bud was observed. The pedicel in a darker purple, knob-like stigma roon in colour as opposed to light flesiana grew. The latter species grew slowly to a maximum of 5cm that develops a tuft of hairs within a purple/violet or white. The lower was quite different to the Nepenthes long as the flower bud slowly few days of the flower opening. lip of the corolla was also broader rafflesiana growing on the sunny enlarged. In mid April the flower The stamens initially surround the than that of the Australian forms. plateau. Leaves were log thin and opened. It was a pretty lilac flower ovary but the white filaments Utricularia minutissima is a minute glossy and pitchers were large, very 14 mm across. The flower lasted for quickly become twisted to bring all species as the name suggests and large! This is what I had known just over 7 days, opening only when five yellow anthers to the upper surprisingly was the first carnivo- from cultivation as the ‘Singapore the temperature exceeded about side of the ovary about 2 mm short rous plant I spotted on the plateau. Giant’. 28ºC, i.e. usually opening for a few of the stigma and slightly higher The sometimes 2mm wide light hours centred on the middle of the than it. Yellow pollen is produced purple/white flowers did not stand Found as an affixed aquatic, day but only when skies were clear inside the stamens and is only re- out at all and were almost impossi- Utricularia uliginosa was found and a light warm northerly wind leased from a pore in the anthers ble to photograph with the camera growing in a deep permanent water was blowing. The outside of the when vibrated. This vibration is equipment I had at the time but I course. Although not found in petals had a few short-stalked glan- commonly produced by the buzzing think I spent more time trying to flower I can be fairly sure that my dular hairs near the edge of the wings of a visiting bee, but may than I did with any other species. identification was correct for two

26 7 Show in Sydney. The plant grew and flowered for a few months, set- Plants with Bite ting seed, which I sowed the next summer. However, the next genera- Carnivorous Plant Display & Fair tion of plants died before reaching flowering size and I had not grown 19-27 February 2005, Mount Tomah Botanic Gar- the plant until 2002. den In early January 2002, I sowed about a dozen B. liniflora seeds in Who said plants don't bite? Discover the weird, wonderful and small pot with a peaty sand mix. for some creatures, highly dangerous members of the plant The seeds had been in storage, in kingdom. Carnivorous plant display, talks and plant fair. my fridge for the previous three years and I was not sure if they Sat 19 Feb: The many and varied habitats of carnivorous were still viable. Within two weeks plants. Speaker Robert Gibson I was delighted to see the first signs of germination of about four seeds. Sat 19 Feb: Growing and Caring for Carnivorous Plants Figure 1: Byblis linifolia from the side. The glandular hairy nature of the Note the glandular hairy pedicel and (Without Getting Bitten) Beginners Workshop/Talk by members of the sepals. plant was immediately obvious by Australasian Carnivorous Plant Society. the stalked glandular hairs on the ritory (Lowrie and Conran, 1998). cotyledons. Most of these seedlings Sun 19 Feb: Official Opening of Sphagnum Bog by Bob Byblis liniflora is the most wide- appeared to have difficulty pene- Debus, Minister for the Department of Environment and spread member of the genus, and is trating the soil to get their root sys- Conservation found across northern Australia tems started, and all but one of from Western Australia to central them died within three weeks of Sat 26 Feb Growing and Caring for Carnivorous Plants Queensland and in southern New germination. (Without Getting Bitten) Beginners Workshop/Talk by members of the Guinea (van Steenis, 1953). In The surviving plant grew relatively Australasian Carnivorous Plant Society. Queensland the species is consid- quickly, with almost instant produc- ered to reach its southern most tion of a thin, erect stem and semi- Sat 26 Feb Carnivorous plants in cultivation. Speaker Greg point around Cairns and Proserpine erect linear leaves that soon reached Bourke (Erickson, 1968), however, the spe- a stable maximum length of about cies has been reported as far south 25mm. It wasn’t long before the Sun 27 Feb Plants to Die For – Carnivorous Plant Fair as Maryborough (B. Pierson, pers. circinate vernation of the leaves An opportunity to buy rare and unusual carnivorous plants directly comm., 2001) (Figure 3). became observable, that is the way from the growers. that the new leaves uncurl like a I first saw Byblis liniflora in the fern, but with the uncurling side For more information contact the society [email protected], early 1980’s and bought a plant facing away from the growing point (02) 4684 3478 or Greg Bourke at [email protected] from a stall at the Royal Easter axis. 8 25 reasons. There was a photograph Byblis liniflora: the northern Rainbow Plant labelled Utricularia recemosa in the visitors centre that was taken in Robert Gibson a similar habitat. This was clearly E-Mail: [email protected] Utricularia uliginosa. Secondly, Utricularia uliginosa is one of the Byblis liniflora is a widespread literally glow with what looks like a most common species in my home sticky-leaved annual herb from million tiny lights when viewed at a town of Sydney where it grows in northern tropical Australia and certain angle, such as from the side the same way. southern New Guinea. Its carnivo- and from above. If you are lucky rous nature is now uncertain but it you will note that the refracted light Unfortunately we now only had is an attractive and easily cultivated begins to take on the colours of the two nights left of our Malaysian plant. rainbow. It is this refraction and adventure with so many choices of reflection of light by the sticky what to do, so over a few warm The genus Byblis consists of six glands that give these plants the Guinness’ we made the decision to species and occurs in its own fam- common name of “Rainbow Plant” dash out to Bau in search of Nepen- ily, the Byblidaceae (Lowrie and (Erickson, 1968). thes northiana. So the following Carlquist, 1998; Lowrie 2002). All morning we headed back to species are summer growing and The best known, and largest mem- Kuching and then inland by car. consist of an erect to trailing cylin- ber of the genus is B. gigantea. This Along the way we found the Ne- drical stem which produces linear species was known from two re- penthes ampullaria, Nepenthes raf- alternate leaves. The flowers are gions, one east of Perth and the flesiana and Nepenthes mirabilis. produced in the leaf axils and are other some distance to the north- The latter species showing some Nepenthes rafflesiana “Giant form” at held individually on erect pedicels. east. Following a recent revision variation at one site. Here there Bako National Park with the author. Each flower has five narrow sepals, (Lowrie, 2002) the northern popula- were possible hybrids with Nepen- Photo by Richard Riles five purple (rarely white) petals, tion is now known as B. lamellata. thes rafflesiana. and a single superior ovary from Both species are robust perennials tifully coloured wavy pitchers were which a single style emerges, end- that grow to 60cm tall and die down One of the largest of Sarawak’s those of this famous species. The ing in a knob-like hairy stigma to the thickened roots sometime late Nepenthes grows exclusively on the closest we came was a dried pitcher (Figures 1 and 2). The five stamens in summer, resuming growth in late limestone hills inland of Kuching that had fallen to the forest floor. At have twisted filaments so that all autumn. The remaining species are and is quite difficult to locate due to least we had some proof of our anthers are held on the upper side annuals that grow across northern it’s preference to exposed nearly find! of the ovary in the open flower. All Australia. Byblis filifolia occurs in vertical cliffs and poaching. We exposed parts of the plant are cov- northwestern Australia; B. rorida were able to locate a few plants but So after seven plane trips and three ered in colourless stalked glands grows in a small area in the western these were a little far for the cam- Malaysian states we had encoun- that secrete a drop of sticky clear Kimberley district and B. aquatica era’s reach. The pitchers dangled tered 25 Nepenthes species, at least fluid. These drops refract and re- grows in streams in the north west beneath the rosette and it was clear six hybrids, five Utricularia species flect the sunlight so that the plants of the Top End of the Northern Ter- even from 30m away that the beau- and one Drosera. Not too bad for

24 9 what started out as a four day Sabah searching for carnivorous plants. trek. Without Richard I would have not Klaus gave me many seed packets even made it to Malaysia. of Pinguiculas and Roridula and it I’d like to thank Charles Clarke underlines the generosity not only and Robert Gibson for little morsels from Klaus but all the people we of information before and after the visited who offered me many seed trip and to Richard Riles for putting packets of various C.Ps to take up with my obsessed approach to home. If I had been allowed to, they would have given me plants References: (some very rare ones) as gifts. I have sent the seeds to my home Clarke, C.M. (1997) Nepenthes of Borneo, Natural History Publications (Borneo) address as I did not want to go Kota Kinibalu through the trouble of showing and Taylor, P. (1989) The Genus Utricularia—a taxonomic monograph, Royal Botanic explaining to the AQIS authorities Gardens Kew at Sydney Airport. I will make some of them available to the seed bank once they arrive. Pinguicula moranensis 'Kirkbright'

Do your carnivorous plants produce seed? How about donating some to the societies seed bank! For the seed bank to work successfully it relies on donations. Any spare seed you have can be forward to the societies address but it must be clean and labelled.

What do we mean by clean? You must ensure the seed is separated from all other flower parts.

How should it be labelled? With the full species name e.g. Drosera rotundfolia NOT D. rotundifolia. If sending seed from outside Australia, it must also have a customs declaration stating what is in the package. This avoids delays with customs.

If you wish to donate seed, it is advisable to contact the Seed Bank Manager [email protected] to ensure that it is OK to donate that particular species, i.e. some species are protected by CITES while others are listed as potential weeds in Australia.

Nepenthes ampullaria in grassland near Bau. Photo by Greg Bourke Please donate seed and help others enjoy growing carnivorous plants!

10 23 would make walking easier. When clipeata, truncata, flowering I stepped onto it, my left leg sunk Utricularia quelchii and a flower- A Novel Method for the Cultivation of right up to my hip and it was a ing blue Pinguicula filifolia were Drosera regia and Drosera graminifolia struggle to get out of this wet and outstanding examples from his col- muddy mess. lection. William “Tamlin” Dawnstar Afterwards Stefan invited us back He had prepared a BBQ lunch and E-Mail: [email protected] to his house giving us a chance to his wife made coffee and home- see his collection. Again, some made cakes for afternoon tea. In the course of conversations with dense medium seemed to impede rare Nepenthes, Pinguiculas and On our way back through Lands- fellow Cp enthusiast Joseph Clem- root growth, and the deepest roots South-African Drosera, Nepenthes berg, Andreas Fleishmann the Bota- ens (A.K.A. Pinguiculaman) we in the pot would rot. It seemed the nist had to show us his collection. talked long about Drosera roots. medium was always too wet, or too Again, he has a wide range of C.Ps, One thing we had both noted was dry. Nothing I did was right, and some rare South African and South that the behaviour of roots directly the plants died. I didn’t even have American Drosera as well as some reflect on the growth habits of to see the roots to know they had nice Pinguiculas. He promised to Drosera - in general: if the roots rotted. hand-pollinate these flowering Pin- grow, so grows the plant. We don’t guiculas and send the seed when get to see the roots like we do the Joseph informed me that he was ripe. rosette, but it is certain that if the cultivating Drosera regia in almost rosette is in growth, so are the aqueous culture in long fibre sphag- We arrived back in Augsburg late roots. num moss. The pot was not in tray afternoon and Klaus Keller invited water: it was in a deep container us to see his collection. Though it If the roots die off, it’s time to do that brought the level of the water was already late in Summer, the *something*: either to place the to just below the pots surface, some daylight extends up to 10 p.m. and plant into a semi-dormant regimen 2 cm. According to the literature we could see his collection in full if the loss is seasonal and natural, that I had been exposed to, I re- daylight. While Klaus has nice Sar- or to figure out (and quickly) why garded this as likely to result in ma- racenias, Heliamphora and some the roots are dying! In our discus- jor problems with the roots: rare Pinguiculas etc, his pride and sion I had mentioned some difficul- Drosera regia is not an aquatic spe- joy have to be the huge Roridula. ties I had in the cultivation of cies! But, you see, Joseph is lazy. Both species Roridula dentata and Drosera regia, and that I was look- He’ll admit to it too, and he hates to Roridula gorgoneas up to 3 ft in ing to better my results with this have to water anything 5 times that height. He is one of the few people species. I had always followed the he can get away with watering who can cultivate and propagate advice to use a gritty substrate, once. (He also likes to break the them successfully. His plants are similar to that used for tuberous rules whenever possible, I think!) Drosera, and a similar watering An interesting clone of Sarracenia leu- full of trapped insects and flower profusely. He had pollinated the schedule: not sitting in the tray and Here we must return to the root of cophylla at the Munich Botanic Gar- not overly sodden. For me, this the matter! As long as roots are dens. Photo by Helmut Kibellis flowers and managed to get seeds.

22 11 healthy and in active growth, a prevented the anaerobic processes He also had various smaller C.Ps approved or which enter Australia plant will remain in vigorous as described, but there was more! e.g. Dionea, Venus Fly Traps, S illegally, the German authorities growth. In habitat, many factors Joseph had noted the antiseptic Purpurea and Pinguiculas planted in will send them to botanic gardens bring oxygen around the plants qualities as well of Redwood smaller aquarium, big cognac for cultivation. Thus, some rare roots that may be lacking in cultiva- mulch, in the course of his work glasses attractively planted out and Nepenthes got into Munich Botani- tion. Oxygen discourages the pro- with orchids, and had used a sump ready for sale. cal Gardens. Unfortunately, they liferation of those nasty prokaryotic of 4-5 cm of this mulch at the bot- are not at their best because the organisms which are anaerobic by tom of the pot, before he added the Another hour or so and it was time Horticulturist in charge does not nature, thriving where oxygen is moss. to go. As a parting gift, Thomas quite know how to look after them. not present. So, in habitat, where a gave me a calendar full of C.P pho- Tuesday 20th July 2004 stream of pure water splashes and We speculate that it is likely that tos. rolls on, it dissolves oxygen into the such a sump discourages anaerobic An early start to visit Stefan Ippen- water. The water seeps around the bacteria that might otherwise cause Monday 19th July 2004 berger at Schnaitsee who not only plants roots. Ahhhhhh! I can al- problems with the roots, just as the has a great collection of C.Ps but most feel it! As a result, the roots presence of oxygen in the substrate An easy day going to visit the Bo- also took us to a rarely visited are protected from attack because in habitat does. Joseph gave me a tanical Gardens in Munich which swamp site. He advised us to either such organisms can’t survive in clone of his plant, and I tested the does not have a great display of wear gumboots or go barefooted as oxygenated conditions. method, using live moss that had C.Ps but in their glasshouses a we would surely sink into the wa- been milled in a food processor, rather interesting collection of tery peat and sphagnum moss. The When pots sit for long periods in with the sump at the bottom of the tropical plants ranging from Or- area was covered by some heath warm stagnant water trays, condi- pot as mentioned. It worked like a chids to Cacti, a pond with huge plants, sedges, low growing pine tions are favourable for anaerobic charm! The plant grows without South-American waterlilies as well trees, blueberry bushes and what processes deep in the pot which can any problem or difficulty of any as the Nymphea Gigantea from we have come to see clumps of attack and jeopardize the develop- sort. I merely change the water North Australia. Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera ing root tip, and once this transpires weekly, and scrub any algae out of Anglica. One of Stefan’s friends the health of the plant is inevitably the container the pot sits in. Our guide for the day was Andreas planted a Sarracenia purpurea affected. It’s the slimy athlete’s Fleischmann the Botanist whom I which survived very nicely. How- foot of the plant world! I thought Pleased with the success and ease mentioned earlier when we visited ever, Stefan explained that it will that Joseph’s method would surely of this method, I began to ponder Klaus Keller. Again, his knowl- not multiply by seeds as other result in the plants inevitable end, the slow growing nature of Drosera edge was invaluable and he went swamp plants would smother and but Joseph told me he had main- graminifolia in my cultivation. I into detailed explanations on rela- overgrow the seedlings and the tained continual culture of the plant had noted in photographs furnished tionships of plants. The botanic seed would be washed away. in question for some years, al- by Robert Gibson of Drosera gardens have a good selection of Stefan threw a couple of strands of though it had not flowered or gone graminifolia in habitat that the plant Aristolochias with their insect trap- Aldrovanda into the small lake dormant. This perked my interest! seemed to enjoy the edges of ping abilities which are purely used which was in the middle of this I could only conclude that the streams, and speculated the fresh for pollination. There were some swamp. On our way through this known natural antiseptic quality of quality of the water played a part in Nepenthes. Interestingly, unlike swamp, clever yours truly saw a the long fibre sphagnum somehow that preference. So, I made up a AQIS who will destroy plants not bare patch of soil and thought this

12 21 slides of several Australian This morning we were preparing to deep pot about a foot deep, using a terrarium), and at a temperature Droseras in his collection and his visit Thomas Carow’s C.Ps nursery the described method, and trans- which ranged between 55-85F in Drosera citrina in flower were a at Nudlingen. We met up with planted a 6 month old plant into it. spring/summer to 55-65F in delight. I mentioned that most of Klaus Keller and together we drove Formerly I had been growing the fall/winter, with a good night time us in Australia had trouble keeping 2.5 to 2.75 hours to get to our desti- plant in New Zealand long fibre drop all season of between 5-10 this species for any length in culti- nation. At the nursery we were met sphagnum in 4 inch pots in a cool degrees. From my experience, this vation but he couldn’t understand by Thomas who took us through. terrarium. I followed the standard is not a particularly heat sensitive why we find it difficult to grow as While Thomas operates a commer- advice to not allow the plant to re- Drosera species, provided it gets to it is relatively easy for him. I must cial nursery with every C.P. species main water logged with moderate cool off at night, which is an impor- mentioned when I watched Johan- represented, his strength are Heli- success, but once I started using the tant cultural consideration. The nes potting plants up, I am not sur- amphora. Not only are they new protocol, the growth rate and leaves were often black with insect prised that his plants look so good. healthy and strong but he has virtu- vigour of the plant improved dra- prey during the warmer months He takes so much pride and care. ally hundreds and thousands of spe- matically, each leaf coming longer, when it was cultivated outside in When receiving a new plant he cies and sub-species. Did I mention and thicker. 40-90% relative humidity and shel- would carefully remove every dead that Thomas has a great collection tered from rains, but these were leaf and re-pot into bigger plants of Dionea and Dionea ‘Dentate’ Remember what I said about the quickly replaced. The plant grew and fresh potting soil (even though originated by him. Huge glass- lengthening roots? The longer and well in the warm summer months. I thought these plants didn’t need houses full of all kinds of C.Ps. deeper they can delve without being The undrained container was white re-potting). Of course, the proof is Anyone who knew Ian & Carol constricted, the better the growth of to reflect light and prevent heat in the pudding. English’s C.P. nursery would have the plant, or so I believe. The build up, and any time the water in an idea but Thomas’ nursery is at longer the roots were, the longer the the container felt at all warm it was Sunday 18th July 2004 least double the size. leaves grew. The deeper pot and replaced, and the plant irrigated the easily penetrated substrate, with cool water from above until along with the antiseptic quality of the water flowing from the drain the medium all probably contrib- holes felt cool to the touch. When uted to the plants rapid growth and temps reached 85-90 for a week or prolific flowering: it had been 1 1/4 two in summer, the plant was kept year from seed collected by Fer- out of sunlight, and care was taken nando and Robert Gibson in Dia- to keep the water in the container mantina in August 2002 to the cool. Water was from collected beautiful plant with leaves about 10 rain. inches long, and bases as thick as pencils at flowering. During the frozen months here in Upstate New York, U.S.A., the I also broke with other traditional plant was grown on a rack as close advice regarding this species, grow- as possible under (8) 40 watt fluo- ing the plant in the same humidity rescent tubes 4 foot long, on a natu- that kept Dionaea happy (and not in ral day length cycle. I add as a

20 13 matter of curiosity only to Austra- non-harmful to the plants. I have half strength (depending on the lian readers that Drosera gramini- no experience with the use of Euca- C.P.). As most people who know folia survived being frozen rock lyptus mulch. Here is your chance me, my greatest interest were with solid for a day last winter, as did to go where no Cp’er has gone be- Pinguiculas and I wasn’t disap- Drosera ascendens. (Australian’s fore, and push the limits of knowl- pointed. Fine examples of Mexican don’t know a freeze from a sneeze. edge to here and beyond! Go for it! Pinguiculas and he had the only Be glad. Be very glad.) If the plants thrive, write and thank Pinguicula albida in anyone’s col- me. If they die, write and thank lection. In earlier years Christian One final note: upon the surface of me. Such is the life of a scientist. and I had been corresponding and the live moss was placed a small according to him many Sarracenias cluster of quartz crystals, evident in Addendum: Drosera ascendens ssp. I had sent are now in many the photos, leading some to assume has also been amenable to this cul- C.Ps collections all over Germany. that I am employing some form of ture. It was good to put a face to the convergent enharmonic stabiliza- name. Christian and Andreas tion, to focus the Earth’s bio- Conclusion/Discussion: I specu- Fleischmann (a Botanist) specializ- energetic field into the plants me- late that many other Drosera spe- ing in Droseras and parasitic plants dium. Well, they are correct. Trust cies would profit from use of this had many interesting discussions on me, try the quartz, and remember protocol. It may be that the tradi- various topics on different plants. there is more to growing these tional concept of providing aeration Regrettably we had to leave as we plants than just science. One needs by occasionally allowing the me- had 5 hours return trip ahead. some bit of magic as well. dium to dry may not be optimal in some cases, if other anaerobic in- The next day Johannes took me to For those in Australia wishing to hibitors can be utilized to insure his glasshouses which are located in try this method (so far untested in root health in very wet conditions. Schmiechen and showed me his Sarracenia flava atropurpurea from the Southern Hemisphere) a substi- C.Ps collection. He has 2 artificial Johanes’ collection. Photo by Helmut Kibellis tution of Eucalyptus mulch should Drosera regia is usually propa- bogs and 4 glasshouses. While he have a similar antimicrobial effect. gated by root cuttings. The use of has a good general collection of I like the small ice buckets motels the long fibre sphagnum moss me- C.Ps his strength are Sarracenias colouration up to the top and only provide you with as an outside con- dium makes trimming of the roots and tuberous Droseras which at this the lid had some green-yellow tainer. The idea is to use a good quick and simple: the whole mass is time of year (being Summer) are spots. deep pot that fits into a reservoir, or easily tipped out of the pot, the not on display. His Sarracenias are jardinière. Be inventive, but don’t roots trimmed, and the mass re- a joy to see. Being protected in the Johannes also has some nice steal the ice buckets too often. Live turned to the pot. No muck and no glasshouses from the elements of Droseras e.g pauciflora and some moss is better than dead moss in my fuss. Joseph has propagated hun- the weather they received enough other South African species and opinion. dreds of plants from the one mother sunlight to see the various colour pygmy Droseras. However, he The key is of course, the mulch. It plant like this. Cuttings may be variations in the pitchers. The Sar- mentioned there is not a great inter- would be best to use Redwood or taken at any time, in any season: 2 racenia flava atropurpurea showed est in Australian pygmy Droseras Cedar since these have proven to be cm cuttings inserted vertically (not it’s beautiful bronze dark red in Germany. Johannes showed me

14 19 horizontally) into similar medium ferent conditions inevitably produce My Journal of Carnivorous Plants in South will produce new plants. different results, and my success Germany may not be repeatable in your con- Suggestions: Try the experiment ditions. In all cases, move slowly if using other Drosera species associ- you decide to experiment, espe- Helmut Kilbellis ated with streams, seeps, or water- cially with prized plants. Other E-Mail: [email protected] falls. Oh, and lest you forget, have factors probably played a part as

th fun! well since once the plant went into Sunday 25 July 2004 who lives somewhere in Saarland the new regimen, the static condi-

near the French border – almost Disclaimer: This was not a con- tions of the terrarium were replaced I have just returned yesterday from 500 kms northwest from Augsburg. trolled experiment, and I present it with a dynamic exposure to more Overseas and thought as my mem- as one more experience in my long natural conditions, done carefully ory is still fresh, to write this arti- Christian’s Carnivorous Plants col- list of great Cp moments – and also over time. There. I have myself cle. lection is acknowledged to be one to encourage you to experiment, covered; now I have to hit the sack.

of the best in Germany if not in break the rules a bit and push the The Kangaroo’s are crowing here. Before I start I would like to thank Europe. After an almost 5 hour trip limits of what can be done by refus- the following people for inviting we got there by midday where we ing to *always* follow standard me into their homes, nurseries and were greeted at Christian’s land- advice. Also, keep in mind that dif- their hospitality. scaping business and general nurs- ery. He took us through this nurs- Christian Klein, Thomas Carow, ery which had some interesting and Christmas Swap Meet and Show 2004 Stefan Ippenberger, Andreas rare shrubs, trees and perennials. Fleischmann, and my special Sunday 28 November, 10am to 4pm thanks to Klaus Keller and Johan- Finally, he showed us fine exam- nes Betz who had organised all the ples of Sarracenias which were for trips and visits, and taking time off sale. Then he took us to his home Kirstie Wulfe’s House work. My great appreciation to where in a big aquatic bog were 6 Falcon St. Johannes Betz and his wife Burga many C.Ps, orchids and other bog with whom I stayed during my time plants displayed. After refresh- Hazelbrook N.S.W. in Augsburg for their warmth and ments he took us to his glasshouses friendship. and true to his reputation there were ►Get advice from the experts the rarest of Nepenthes, Pinguicu- ►Enter your plants in the annual growers competition I arrived in Augsburg/Bavaria on las, Droseras and many other C.Ps ►Bring your plants for sale, swap or show July 15th late afternoon and was like Utricularia, Genlisea etc. All ►BBQ facilities available. greeted by Johannes and Burga at were in remarkably good condition. ►A good day out for the whole family the train station. I had been warned Christian’s made no secret in the the next day that it will be a really fact that he does fertilise many of ►For more information contact us. [email protected] or phone early start – 5a.m! Ahead was a his C.Ps with Osmocote at up to 4684 3478 long trip to visit Christian Klein 18 15 Left page: Four different colour forms of Nepenthes rafflesiana. Above: Three colour variants of Nepenthes gracilis Below left: Nepenthes albomarginata scrambling over a Rhododendron. Below right: Nepenthes reinwardtiana viewed from the beach. All photos at Bako National Park by Greg Bourke

16 17 Left page: Four different colour forms of Nepenthes rafflesiana. Above: Three colour variants of Nepenthes gracilis Below left: Nepenthes albomarginata scrambling over a Rhododendron. Below right: Nepenthes reinwardtiana viewed from the beach. All photos at Bako National Park by Greg Bourke

16 17 horizontally) into similar medium ferent conditions inevitably produce My Journal of Carnivorous Plants in South will produce new plants. different results, and my success Germany may not be repeatable in your con- Suggestions: Try the experiment ditions. In all cases, move slowly if using other Drosera species associ- you decide to experiment, espe- Helmut Kilbellis ated with streams, seeps, or water- cially with prized plants. Other E-Mail: [email protected] falls. Oh, and lest you forget, have factors probably played a part as

th fun! well since once the plant went into Sunday 25 July 2004 who lives somewhere in Saarland the new regimen, the static condi-

near the French border – almost Disclaimer: This was not a con- tions of the terrarium were replaced I have just returned yesterday from 500 kms northwest from Augsburg. trolled experiment, and I present it with a dynamic exposure to more Overseas and thought as my mem- as one more experience in my long natural conditions, done carefully ory is still fresh, to write this arti- Christian’s Carnivorous Plants col- list of great Cp moments – and also over time. There. I have myself cle. lection is acknowledged to be one to encourage you to experiment, covered; now I have to hit the sack.

of the best in Germany if not in break the rules a bit and push the The Kangaroo’s are crowing here. Before I start I would like to thank Europe. After an almost 5 hour trip limits of what can be done by refus- the following people for inviting we got there by midday where we ing to *always* follow standard me into their homes, nurseries and were greeted at Christian’s land- advice. Also, keep in mind that dif- their hospitality. scaping business and general nurs- ery. He took us through this nurs- Christian Klein, Thomas Carow, ery which had some interesting and Christmas Swap Meet and Show 2004 Stefan Ippenberger, Andreas rare shrubs, trees and perennials. Fleischmann, and my special Sunday 28 November, 10am to 4pm thanks to Klaus Keller and Johan- Finally, he showed us fine exam- nes Betz who had organised all the ples of Sarracenias which were for trips and visits, and taking time off sale. Then he took us to his home Kirstie Wulfe’s House work. My great appreciation to where in a big aquatic bog were 6 Falcon St. Johannes Betz and his wife Burga many C.Ps, orchids and other bog with whom I stayed during my time plants displayed. After refresh- Hazelbrook N.S.W. in Augsburg for their warmth and ments he took us to his glasshouses friendship. and true to his reputation there were ►Get advice from the experts the rarest of Nepenthes, Pinguicu- ►Enter your plants in the annual growers competition I arrived in Augsburg/Bavaria on las, Droseras and many other C.Ps ►Bring your plants for sale, swap or show July 15th late afternoon and was like Utricularia, Genlisea etc. All ►BBQ facilities available. greeted by Johannes and Burga at were in remarkably good condition. ►A good day out for the whole family the train station. I had been warned Christian’s made no secret in the the next day that it will be a really fact that he does fertilise many of ►For more information contact us. [email protected] or phone early start – 5a.m! Ahead was a his C.Ps with Osmocote at up to 4684 3478 long trip to visit Christian Klein 18 15 matter of curiosity only to Austra- non-harmful to the plants. I have half strength (depending on the lian readers that Drosera gramini- no experience with the use of Euca- C.P.). As most people who know folia survived being frozen rock lyptus mulch. Here is your chance me, my greatest interest were with solid for a day last winter, as did to go where no Cp’er has gone be- Pinguiculas and I wasn’t disap- Drosera ascendens. (Australian’s fore, and push the limits of knowl- pointed. Fine examples of Mexican don’t know a freeze from a sneeze. edge to here and beyond! Go for it! Pinguiculas and he had the only Be glad. Be very glad.) If the plants thrive, write and thank Pinguicula albida in anyone’s col- me. If they die, write and thank lection. In earlier years Christian One final note: upon the surface of me. Such is the life of a scientist. and I had been corresponding and the live moss was placed a small according to him many Sarracenias cluster of quartz crystals, evident in Addendum: Drosera ascendens ssp. I had sent are now in many the photos, leading some to assume has also been amenable to this cul- C.Ps collections all over Germany. that I am employing some form of ture. It was good to put a face to the convergent enharmonic stabiliza- name. Christian and Andreas tion, to focus the Earth’s bio- Conclusion/Discussion: I specu- Fleischmann (a Botanist) specializ- energetic field into the plants me- late that many other Drosera spe- ing in Droseras and parasitic plants dium. Well, they are correct. Trust cies would profit from use of this had many interesting discussions on me, try the quartz, and remember protocol. It may be that the tradi- various topics on different plants. there is more to growing these tional concept of providing aeration Regrettably we had to leave as we plants than just science. One needs by occasionally allowing the me- had 5 hours return trip ahead. some bit of magic as well. dium to dry may not be optimal in some cases, if other anaerobic in- The next day Johannes took me to For those in Australia wishing to hibitors can be utilized to insure his glasshouses which are located in try this method (so far untested in root health in very wet conditions. Schmiechen and showed me his Sarracenia flava atropurpurea from the Southern Hemisphere) a substi- C.Ps collection. He has 2 artificial Johanes’ collection. Photo by Helmut Kibellis tution of Eucalyptus mulch should Drosera regia is usually propa- bogs and 4 glasshouses. While he have a similar antimicrobial effect. gated by root cuttings. The use of has a good general collection of I like the small ice buckets motels the long fibre sphagnum moss me- C.Ps his strength are Sarracenias colouration up to the top and only provide you with as an outside con- dium makes trimming of the roots and tuberous Droseras which at this the lid had some green-yellow tainer. The idea is to use a good quick and simple: the whole mass is time of year (being Summer) are spots. deep pot that fits into a reservoir, or easily tipped out of the pot, the not on display. His Sarracenias are jardinière. Be inventive, but don’t roots trimmed, and the mass re- a joy to see. Being protected in the Johannes also has some nice steal the ice buckets too often. Live turned to the pot. No muck and no glasshouses from the elements of Droseras e.g pauciflora and some moss is better than dead moss in my fuss. Joseph has propagated hun- the weather they received enough other South African species and opinion. dreds of plants from the one mother sunlight to see the various colour pygmy Droseras. However, he The key is of course, the mulch. It plant like this. Cuttings may be variations in the pitchers. The Sar- mentioned there is not a great inter- would be best to use Redwood or taken at any time, in any season: 2 racenia flava atropurpurea showed est in Australian pygmy Droseras Cedar since these have proven to be cm cuttings inserted vertically (not it’s beautiful bronze dark red in Germany. Johannes showed me

14 19 slides of several Australian This morning we were preparing to deep pot about a foot deep, using a terrarium), and at a temperature Droseras in his collection and his visit Thomas Carow’s C.Ps nursery the described method, and trans- which ranged between 55-85F in Drosera citrina in flower were a at Nudlingen. We met up with planted a 6 month old plant into it. spring/summer to 55-65F in delight. I mentioned that most of Klaus Keller and together we drove Formerly I had been growing the fall/winter, with a good night time us in Australia had trouble keeping 2.5 to 2.75 hours to get to our desti- plant in New Zealand long fibre drop all season of between 5-10 this species for any length in culti- nation. At the nursery we were met sphagnum in 4 inch pots in a cool degrees. From my experience, this vation but he couldn’t understand by Thomas who took us through. terrarium. I followed the standard is not a particularly heat sensitive why we find it difficult to grow as While Thomas operates a commer- advice to not allow the plant to re- Drosera species, provided it gets to it is relatively easy for him. I must cial nursery with every C.P. species main water logged with moderate cool off at night, which is an impor- mentioned when I watched Johan- represented, his strength are Heli- success, but once I started using the tant cultural consideration. The nes potting plants up, I am not sur- amphora. Not only are they new protocol, the growth rate and leaves were often black with insect prised that his plants look so good. healthy and strong but he has virtu- vigour of the plant improved dra- prey during the warmer months He takes so much pride and care. ally hundreds and thousands of spe- matically, each leaf coming longer, when it was cultivated outside in When receiving a new plant he cies and sub-species. Did I mention and thicker. 40-90% relative humidity and shel- would carefully remove every dead that Thomas has a great collection tered from rains, but these were leaf and re-pot into bigger plants of Dionea and Dionea ‘Dentate’ Remember what I said about the quickly replaced. The plant grew and fresh potting soil (even though originated by him. Huge glass- lengthening roots? The longer and well in the warm summer months. I thought these plants didn’t need houses full of all kinds of C.Ps. deeper they can delve without being The undrained container was white re-potting). Of course, the proof is Anyone who knew Ian & Carol constricted, the better the growth of to reflect light and prevent heat in the pudding. English’s C.P. nursery would have the plant, or so I believe. The build up, and any time the water in an idea but Thomas’ nursery is at longer the roots were, the longer the the container felt at all warm it was Sunday 18th July 2004 least double the size. leaves grew. The deeper pot and replaced, and the plant irrigated the easily penetrated substrate, with cool water from above until along with the antiseptic quality of the water flowing from the drain the medium all probably contrib- holes felt cool to the touch. When uted to the plants rapid growth and temps reached 85-90 for a week or prolific flowering: it had been 1 1/4 two in summer, the plant was kept year from seed collected by Fer- out of sunlight, and care was taken nando and Robert Gibson in Dia- to keep the water in the container mantina in August 2002 to the cool. Water was from collected beautiful plant with leaves about 10 rain. inches long, and bases as thick as pencils at flowering. During the frozen months here in Upstate New York, U.S.A., the I also broke with other traditional plant was grown on a rack as close advice regarding this species, grow- as possible under (8) 40 watt fluo- ing the plant in the same humidity rescent tubes 4 foot long, on a natu- that kept Dionaea happy (and not in ral day length cycle. I add as a

20 13 healthy and in active growth, a prevented the anaerobic processes He also had various smaller C.Ps approved or which enter Australia plant will remain in vigorous as described, but there was more! e.g. Dionea, Venus Fly Traps, S illegally, the German authorities growth. In habitat, many factors Joseph had noted the antiseptic Purpurea and Pinguiculas planted in will send them to botanic gardens bring oxygen around the plants qualities as well of Redwood smaller aquarium, big cognac for cultivation. Thus, some rare roots that may be lacking in cultiva- mulch, in the course of his work glasses attractively planted out and Nepenthes got into Munich Botani- tion. Oxygen discourages the pro- with orchids, and had used a sump ready for sale. cal Gardens. Unfortunately, they liferation of those nasty prokaryotic of 4-5 cm of this mulch at the bot- are not at their best because the organisms which are anaerobic by tom of the pot, before he added the Another hour or so and it was time Horticulturist in charge does not nature, thriving where oxygen is moss. to go. As a parting gift, Thomas quite know how to look after them. not present. So, in habitat, where a gave me a calendar full of C.P pho- Tuesday 20th July 2004 stream of pure water splashes and We speculate that it is likely that tos. rolls on, it dissolves oxygen into the such a sump discourages anaerobic An early start to visit Stefan Ippen- water. The water seeps around the bacteria that might otherwise cause Monday 19th July 2004 berger at Schnaitsee who not only plants roots. Ahhhhhh! I can al- problems with the roots, just as the has a great collection of C.Ps but most feel it! As a result, the roots presence of oxygen in the substrate An easy day going to visit the Bo- also took us to a rarely visited are protected from attack because in habitat does. Joseph gave me a tanical Gardens in Munich which swamp site. He advised us to either such organisms can’t survive in clone of his plant, and I tested the does not have a great display of wear gumboots or go barefooted as oxygenated conditions. method, using live moss that had C.Ps but in their glasshouses a we would surely sink into the wa- been milled in a food processor, rather interesting collection of tery peat and sphagnum moss. The When pots sit for long periods in with the sump at the bottom of the tropical plants ranging from Or- area was covered by some heath warm stagnant water trays, condi- pot as mentioned. It worked like a chids to Cacti, a pond with huge plants, sedges, low growing pine tions are favourable for anaerobic charm! The plant grows without South-American waterlilies as well trees, blueberry bushes and what processes deep in the pot which can any problem or difficulty of any as the Nymphea Gigantea from we have come to see clumps of attack and jeopardize the develop- sort. I merely change the water North Australia. Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera ing root tip, and once this transpires weekly, and scrub any algae out of Anglica. One of Stefan’s friends the health of the plant is inevitably the container the pot sits in. Our guide for the day was Andreas planted a Sarracenia purpurea affected. It’s the slimy athlete’s Fleischmann the Botanist whom I which survived very nicely. How- foot of the plant world! I thought Pleased with the success and ease mentioned earlier when we visited ever, Stefan explained that it will that Joseph’s method would surely of this method, I began to ponder Klaus Keller. Again, his knowl- not multiply by seeds as other result in the plants inevitable end, the slow growing nature of Drosera edge was invaluable and he went swamp plants would smother and but Joseph told me he had main- graminifolia in my cultivation. I into detailed explanations on rela- overgrow the seedlings and the tained continual culture of the plant had noted in photographs furnished tionships of plants. The botanic seed would be washed away. in question for some years, al- by Robert Gibson of Drosera gardens have a good selection of Stefan threw a couple of strands of though it had not flowered or gone graminifolia in habitat that the plant Aristolochias with their insect trap- Aldrovanda into the small lake dormant. This perked my interest! seemed to enjoy the edges of ping abilities which are purely used which was in the middle of this I could only conclude that the streams, and speculated the fresh for pollination. There were some swamp. On our way through this known natural antiseptic quality of quality of the water played a part in Nepenthes. Interestingly, unlike swamp, clever yours truly saw a the long fibre sphagnum somehow that preference. So, I made up a AQIS who will destroy plants not bare patch of soil and thought this

12 21 would make walking easier. When clipeata, truncata, flowering I stepped onto it, my left leg sunk Utricularia quelchii and a flower- A Novel Method for the Cultivation of right up to my hip and it was a ing blue Pinguicula filifolia were Drosera regia and Drosera graminifolia struggle to get out of this wet and outstanding examples from his col- muddy mess. lection. William “Tamlin” Dawnstar Afterwards Stefan invited us back He had prepared a BBQ lunch and E-Mail: [email protected] to his house giving us a chance to his wife made coffee and home- see his collection. Again, some made cakes for afternoon tea. In the course of conversations with dense medium seemed to impede rare Nepenthes, Pinguiculas and On our way back through Lands- fellow Cp enthusiast Joseph Clem- root growth, and the deepest roots South-African Drosera, Nepenthes berg, Andreas Fleishmann the Bota- ens (A.K.A. Pinguiculaman) we in the pot would rot. It seemed the nist had to show us his collection. talked long about Drosera roots. medium was always too wet, or too Again, he has a wide range of C.Ps, One thing we had both noted was dry. Nothing I did was right, and some rare South African and South that the behaviour of roots directly the plants died. I didn’t even have American Drosera as well as some reflect on the growth habits of to see the roots to know they had nice Pinguiculas. He promised to Drosera - in general: if the roots rotted. hand-pollinate these flowering Pin- grow, so grows the plant. We don’t guiculas and send the seed when get to see the roots like we do the Joseph informed me that he was ripe. rosette, but it is certain that if the cultivating Drosera regia in almost rosette is in growth, so are the aqueous culture in long fibre sphag- We arrived back in Augsburg late roots. num moss. The pot was not in tray afternoon and Klaus Keller invited water: it was in a deep container us to see his collection. Though it If the roots die off, it’s time to do that brought the level of the water was already late in Summer, the *something*: either to place the to just below the pots surface, some daylight extends up to 10 p.m. and plant into a semi-dormant regimen 2 cm. According to the literature we could see his collection in full if the loss is seasonal and natural, that I had been exposed to, I re- daylight. While Klaus has nice Sar- or to figure out (and quickly) why garded this as likely to result in ma- racenias, Heliamphora and some the roots are dying! In our discus- jor problems with the roots: rare Pinguiculas etc, his pride and sion I had mentioned some difficul- Drosera regia is not an aquatic spe- joy have to be the huge Roridula. ties I had in the cultivation of cies! But, you see, Joseph is lazy. Both species Roridula dentata and Drosera regia, and that I was look- He’ll admit to it too, and he hates to Roridula gorgoneas up to 3 ft in ing to better my results with this have to water anything 5 times that height. He is one of the few people species. I had always followed the he can get away with watering who can cultivate and propagate advice to use a gritty substrate, once. (He also likes to break the them successfully. His plants are similar to that used for tuberous rules whenever possible, I think!) Drosera, and a similar watering An interesting clone of Sarracenia leu- full of trapped insects and flower profusely. He had pollinated the schedule: not sitting in the tray and Here we must return to the root of cophylla at the Munich Botanic Gar- not overly sodden. For me, this the matter! As long as roots are dens. Photo by Helmut Kibellis flowers and managed to get seeds.

22 11 what started out as a four day Sabah searching for carnivorous plants. trek. Without Richard I would have not Klaus gave me many seed packets even made it to Malaysia. of Pinguiculas and Roridula and it I’d like to thank Charles Clarke underlines the generosity not only and Robert Gibson for little morsels from Klaus but all the people we of information before and after the visited who offered me many seed trip and to Richard Riles for putting packets of various C.Ps to take up with my obsessed approach to home. If I had been allowed to, they would have given me plants References: (some very rare ones) as gifts. I have sent the seeds to my home Clarke, C.M. (1997) Nepenthes of Borneo, Natural History Publications (Borneo) address as I did not want to go Kota Kinibalu through the trouble of showing and Taylor, P. (1989) The Genus Utricularia—a taxonomic monograph, Royal Botanic explaining to the AQIS authorities Gardens Kew at Sydney Airport. I will make some of them available to the seed bank once they arrive. Pinguicula moranensis 'Kirkbright'

Do your carnivorous plants produce seed? How about donating some to the societies seed bank! For the seed bank to work successfully it relies on donations. Any spare seed you have can be forward to the societies address but it must be clean and labelled.

What do we mean by clean? You must ensure the seed is separated from all other flower parts.

How should it be labelled? With the full species name e.g. Drosera rotundfolia NOT D. rotundifolia. If sending seed from outside Australia, it must also have a customs declaration stating what is in the package. This avoids delays with customs.

If you wish to donate seed, it is advisable to contact the Seed Bank Manager [email protected] to ensure that it is OK to donate that particular species, i.e. some species are protected by CITES while others are listed as potential weeds in Australia.

Nepenthes ampullaria in grassland near Bau. Photo by Greg Bourke Please donate seed and help others enjoy growing carnivorous plants!

10 23 reasons. There was a photograph Byblis liniflora: the northern Rainbow Plant labelled Utricularia recemosa in the visitors centre that was taken in Robert Gibson a similar habitat. This was clearly E-Mail: [email protected] Utricularia uliginosa. Secondly, Utricularia uliginosa is one of the Byblis liniflora is a widespread literally glow with what looks like a most common species in my home sticky-leaved annual herb from million tiny lights when viewed at a town of Sydney where it grows in northern tropical Australia and certain angle, such as from the side the same way. southern New Guinea. Its carnivo- and from above. If you are lucky rous nature is now uncertain but it you will note that the refracted light Unfortunately we now only had is an attractive and easily cultivated begins to take on the colours of the two nights left of our Malaysian plant. rainbow. It is this refraction and adventure with so many choices of reflection of light by the sticky what to do, so over a few warm The genus Byblis consists of six glands that give these plants the Guinness’ we made the decision to species and occurs in its own fam- common name of “Rainbow Plant” dash out to Bau in search of Nepen- ily, the Byblidaceae (Lowrie and (Erickson, 1968). thes northiana. So the following Carlquist, 1998; Lowrie 2002). All morning we headed back to species are summer growing and The best known, and largest mem- Kuching and then inland by car. consist of an erect to trailing cylin- ber of the genus is B. gigantea. This Along the way we found the Ne- drical stem which produces linear species was known from two re- penthes ampullaria, Nepenthes raf- alternate leaves. The flowers are gions, one east of Perth and the flesiana and Nepenthes mirabilis. produced in the leaf axils and are other some distance to the north- The latter species showing some Nepenthes rafflesiana “Giant form” at held individually on erect pedicels. east. Following a recent revision variation at one site. Here there Bako National Park with the author. Each flower has five narrow sepals, (Lowrie, 2002) the northern popula- were possible hybrids with Nepen- Photo by Richard Riles five purple (rarely white) petals, tion is now known as B. lamellata. thes rafflesiana. and a single superior ovary from Both species are robust perennials tifully coloured wavy pitchers were which a single style emerges, end- that grow to 60cm tall and die down One of the largest of Sarawak’s those of this famous species. The ing in a knob-like hairy stigma to the thickened roots sometime late Nepenthes grows exclusively on the closest we came was a dried pitcher (Figures 1 and 2). The five stamens in summer, resuming growth in late limestone hills inland of Kuching that had fallen to the forest floor. At have twisted filaments so that all autumn. The remaining species are and is quite difficult to locate due to least we had some proof of our anthers are held on the upper side annuals that grow across northern it’s preference to exposed nearly find! of the ovary in the open flower. All Australia. Byblis filifolia occurs in vertical cliffs and poaching. We exposed parts of the plant are cov- northwestern Australia; B. rorida were able to locate a few plants but So after seven plane trips and three ered in colourless stalked glands grows in a small area in the western these were a little far for the cam- Malaysian states we had encoun- that secrete a drop of sticky clear Kimberley district and B. aquatica era’s reach. The pitchers dangled tered 25 Nepenthes species, at least fluid. These drops refract and re- grows in streams in the north west beneath the rosette and it was clear six hybrids, five Utricularia species flect the sunlight so that the plants of the Top End of the Northern Ter- even from 30m away that the beau- and one Drosera. Not too bad for

24 9 Show in Sydney. The plant grew and flowered for a few months, set- Plants with Bite ting seed, which I sowed the next summer. However, the next genera- Carnivorous Plant Display & Fair tion of plants died before reaching flowering size and I had not grown 19-27 February 2005, Mount Tomah Botanic Gar- the plant until 2002. den In early January 2002, I sowed about a dozen B. liniflora seeds in Who said plants don't bite? Discover the weird, wonderful and small pot with a peaty sand mix. for some creatures, highly dangerous members of the plant The seeds had been in storage, in kingdom. Carnivorous plant display, talks and plant fair. my fridge for the previous three years and I was not sure if they Sat 19 Feb: The many and varied habitats of carnivorous were still viable. Within two weeks plants. Speaker Robert Gibson I was delighted to see the first signs of germination of about four seeds. Sat 19 Feb: Growing and Caring for Carnivorous Plants Figure 1: Byblis linifolia from the side. The glandular hairy nature of the Note the glandular hairy pedicel and (Without Getting Bitten) Beginners Workshop/Talk by members of the sepals. plant was immediately obvious by Australasian Carnivorous Plant Society. the stalked glandular hairs on the ritory (Lowrie and Conran, 1998). cotyledons. Most of these seedlings Sun 19 Feb: Official Opening of Sphagnum Bog by Bob Byblis liniflora is the most wide- appeared to have difficulty pene- Debus, Minister for the Department of Environment and spread member of the genus, and is trating the soil to get their root sys- Conservation found across northern Australia tems started, and all but one of from Western Australia to central them died within three weeks of Sat 26 Feb Growing and Caring for Carnivorous Plants Queensland and in southern New germination. (Without Getting Bitten) Beginners Workshop/Talk by members of the Guinea (van Steenis, 1953). In The surviving plant grew relatively Australasian Carnivorous Plant Society. Queensland the species is consid- quickly, with almost instant produc- ered to reach its southern most tion of a thin, erect stem and semi- Sat 26 Feb Carnivorous plants in cultivation. Speaker Greg point around Cairns and Proserpine erect linear leaves that soon reached Bourke (Erickson, 1968), however, the spe- a stable maximum length of about cies has been reported as far south 25mm. It wasn’t long before the Sun 27 Feb Plants to Die For – Carnivorous Plant Fair as Maryborough (B. Pierson, pers. circinate vernation of the leaves An opportunity to buy rare and unusual carnivorous plants directly comm., 2001) (Figure 3). became observable, that is the way from the growers. that the new leaves uncurl like a I first saw Byblis liniflora in the fern, but with the uncurling side For more information contact the society [email protected], early 1980’s and bought a plant facing away from the growing point (02) 4684 3478 or Greg Bourke at [email protected] from a stall at the Royal Easter axis. 8 25 petal. The inner surface of the pet- shade. This hairy green pitcher spe- After a couple of hours admiring als was a darker shade of lilac with cies is fairly insignificant and can the rocky plateau we headed further an almost white base, so that the be easily overlooked. East along the trail to a wet area open flower had a small white cen- where Drosera spatulata? was en- tre. During April and May other As we reached the plateau we were countered. Commonly cultivated as flower buds developed in the axils amazed to see Nepenthes albomar- ‘Sp. 8 Borneo’ this small blush pink of every third of fourth leaf subse- ginata, Nepenthes gracilis, Nepen- petalled Drosera was a delight to quent to the first flower. thes rafflesiana, Utricularia caeru- see. Finally a real carnivorous lea and Utricularia minutissima all plant! The Drosera commonly The flower structure of Byblis is within a few metres of each other. grew on columns of dead leaves very interesting. Whilst the plants The distinctive Nepenthes albomar- that appeared to be several seasons strongly resemble sundews the ginata was not common but easily old. A single yellow flower of pos- flowers have only a single style and spotted due to it’s distinctive white sibly the most invasive carnivorous the five stamens are clustered on banded pitchers. Nepenthes rafflesi- plant Utricularia subulata was also one side of the ovary. The open ana was the most dominant and found at this site growing under a flowers are held at an angle, rather extremely variable (See pictures thin film of water. Also found at than facing up as most Drosera pages 16 & 17). Nepenthes gracilis this location was Nepenthes Figure 2: Byblis linifolia flower from flowers do, so that visiting insects was also quite common and vari- gracilis, Nepenthes rafflesiana and the front. Note the style is below the cluster of yellow stamens. are directed to a “landing pad” able. Pitchers from dark maroon to a hybrid of the two. formed by the sub horizontal petals green were encountered. Utricul- on the lower side of the flower. The laria caerulea at Bako was quite The trail then dropped off the pla- In early March, when the stem was style is sub horizontal and extends different to what I was used to see- teau into taller trees where Nepen- not quite 2 cm tall the first flower about 4 mm from the ovary. It ends ing in Northern Australia being ma- thes ampullaria and Nepenthes raf- bud was observed. The pedicel in a darker purple, knob-like stigma roon in colour as opposed to light flesiana grew. The latter species grew slowly to a maximum of 5cm that develops a tuft of hairs within a purple/violet or white. The lower was quite different to the Nepenthes long as the flower bud slowly few days of the flower opening. lip of the corolla was also broader rafflesiana growing on the sunny enlarged. In mid April the flower The stamens initially surround the than that of the Australian forms. plateau. Leaves were log thin and opened. It was a pretty lilac flower ovary but the white filaments Utricularia minutissima is a minute glossy and pitchers were large, very 14 mm across. The flower lasted for quickly become twisted to bring all species as the name suggests and large! This is what I had known just over 7 days, opening only when five yellow anthers to the upper surprisingly was the first carnivo- from cultivation as the ‘Singapore the temperature exceeded about side of the ovary about 2 mm short rous plant I spotted on the plateau. Giant’. 28ºC, i.e. usually opening for a few of the stigma and slightly higher The sometimes 2mm wide light hours centred on the middle of the than it. Yellow pollen is produced purple/white flowers did not stand Found as an affixed aquatic, day but only when skies were clear inside the stamens and is only re- out at all and were almost impossi- Utricularia uliginosa was found and a light warm northerly wind leased from a pore in the anthers ble to photograph with the camera growing in a deep permanent water was blowing. The outside of the when vibrated. This vibration is equipment I had at the time but I course. Although not found in petals had a few short-stalked glan- commonly produced by the buzzing think I spent more time trying to flower I can be fairly sure that my dular hairs near the edge of the wings of a visiting bee, but may than I did with any other species. identification was correct for two

26 7 Two days later we were in the At low tide we walked along the beautiful city of Kuching. Kuching beach to take a look at some Nepen- means cat in Malay. Naturally the thes we had seen from the boat on city is dominated by cat statues. our way in. The large plants of Ne- This is a fabulous tourist destina- penthes reinwardtiana were found tion for those who want to see a bit growing on almost bare rock of everything. Traditional Long- amongst Orchids and Rhododen- houses, superb food, museums, dron just above sea level. The hun- amazing fauna and flora including dreds of lime green pitchers stood the most amazingly beautiful car- out amongst the surrounding darker nivorous plant in the whole vegetation. world…….you guessed it! Utricu- laria minutissima! All this within Bako National Park has 30km of an hours boat, bike, bus, or car ride walking trails that cover the full from the CBD. range of habitats of the park. Jalan Lintang is a large loop track that Our first carnivorous plant stop covers most of the habitat and all of was the famous Bako National the carnivorous pant species we Park. A short trip by car then boat encountered. From the park head- Figure 3: Distribution map of Byblis liniflora as shown by bold horizontal from Kuching. This lowland haven quarters we headed North/East stripes. The dots represent herbarium collections from the Australian Virtual Herbar- is home to six Nepenthes species, along a boardwalk that meanders ium. Note the extension of this species down the Queensland coast to Fraser Island. one Drosera species and at least through the suffering mangrove four Utricularia species. trees. This tree is the staple diet of also be produced when carefully firmly closed over the ovary. the Proboscis Monkey and is slowly examining the flower – thus it is Within three days of self- The animal species here are easily disappearing due to the overgrazing easier to access than the pollen of pollinating the bloom the sepals seen and too numerous to name but of these unattractive herbivores. Byblis gigantea (Lowrie, 1998: began to separate in response to the some of the most popular and easily Giant Mudskippers can be seen 268) than the flowers of another now developing fruit. The end of seen are the Proboscis Monkeys, here at low tide as well as the crazy buzz-pollinated carnivorous plant, the style had also now died and had Bearded Pigs, and the crazy Ma- head-banging Woodpecker. How Heliamphora spp. (Schnell, 1994). started to wither. This species ap- caques. Macaques have been la- these birds can fly after bashing pears to be self-compatible and the belled the most fearless monkeys in their heads against the trunk of a The first flower produced lasted 10 self-pollination mechanism has the world and it didn’t take long for tree amazes me. days, the petals closing together at been elegantly described by Stud- us to find out why. Once settled in night and on cool days. Interest- nika (1994). our accommodation we washed and As the trail leaves the Mangrove ingly the flower finished just over a hung out our clothes only to have swamp it snakes up to the sand- day after I self-pollinated the Local temperatures were becoming the Macaques sneak in to steal stone plateau. On the way up Ne- bloom. The spent bloom shedding cooler than this species appeared to them! penthes hirsuta can be seen its petals and stamens as a delicate require, with minima to 5ºC during amongst the rocks in the deep unit whilst the sepals remained flowering, and maxima rarely

6 27 above 30ºC. The plant kept grow- corpse, and they may draw in nutri- we’re used to seeing in tropical fish per pitchers of this species are hol- ing, the few flowers that were initi- ent rich liquid produced by bacte- tanks back home. low allowing a small ant species ated were aborted, and the tiny pri- rial breakdown of the insect. This (Camponotus schmitzii) to make mordial flowers remained in the has yet to be tested with, say, in- After a night under the stars we their home. In return, the ants help leaf axils. sects tagged with radioactive iso- headed for a large forest covered the Nepenthes by breaking down topes. peat mound where the Nepenthes prey items. This prevents the pitch- The plant died in mid-May, just as would be found. It took us some ers from going rancid. What is most the second flower was about to In conclusion, Byblis liniflora is an time to locate the first pitchers of amazing about these ants is that open. The first sign of this was the easily grown species with long- Nepenthes ampullaria but soon af- they can actually swim! Also found death of part of the peduncle of the lived seeds, and simple cultivation ter, we found they were all around in the long lived Nepenthes bical- developing fruit, and then the plant requirements. Whilst it may not be us. The long stems often ran for carata pitchers were Mosquito lar- died from the base up, seemingly carnivorous, it is an attractive spe- many metres along the ground be- vae and tadpoles as well as many from root rot. It coincided with the cies that is well worth growing. fore heading upwards and disap- smaller animals. commencement of frosty nights. Viewing a plant with the sun be- pearing into the canopy. Clusters of hind it is an unforgettable experi- green, green and red spotted, and Unfortunately we were unable to Studies by Hartmeyer (1997) indi- ence and shows why it is aptly all red pitchers were found around locate Nepenthes veitchii but we did cate that Byblis is not a true carni- called the “Rainbow Plant”. the base of the climbing stems, the find an unexpected species in Ne- vore. He used photographic film on largest being the size of a standard penthes tentaculata. Normally leaves of a range of sticky leaved Acknowledgements coffee cup. found above 700 metres this lonely carnivores and was able to amply I wish to thank Guy van der Kin- plant was found at about 400 me- show the carnivorous nature of deren for the Byblis liniflora seeds Nepenthes rafflesiana was very tres. This particular plant was ma- Drosera and Pinguicula species: kindly provided. It is more than a rare here. I only recall seeing three ture but had quite small reddish the species tested had been able to little ironic that this native of north- plants. They had large lower pitch- pitchers to 8cm. Generally the eat discernible holes in the gel of ern Australia came into my collec- ers which were dark purple in col- forms growing at higher altitudes the film. Byblis liniflora however, tion from seed from Belgium. I also our. The upper pitchers were ex- have much larger pitchers (to made no impression on the film. thank Bruce Pierson for sharing his tremely narrow for the species and 30cm) and can be spectacularly The inference is that this species observations of this species in unusually coloured in lime green coloured. produces sticky fluid from the southeastern Queensland. with black splotches. glands, perhaps entirely for defen- It must be noted that this was the sive means, and that this species Seemingly restricted to areas of the one and only location where we does not actively breakdown the forest where the canopy was thin, encountered leeches. Don’t ever be soft tissue of these trapped insects. Nepenthes bicalcarata occurred in put off by those that say the tropics Even if this is so, perhaps these colonies. These large plants to 2 are full of leaches. It’s all lies! I plants are able to absorb at least metres across were a delight to see. think I also got my one and only some of the nutrients from trapped The pitchers for this species were mosquito bite here too and I did not insects? This may occur when ses- quite large and woody. Lower use any sort of insect repellent. Per- sile glands on the leaves are in op- pitchers were red while uppers were haps my body simply repels! portunistic contact with the insect lime green. The tendrils of the up-

28 5 References: The Final Leg Greg Bourke Australian Virtual Herbarium Website (Accessed 30 March 2004). Erickson, R. (1968). Plants of Prey in Australia. University of Western Australia E-Mail: [email protected] Press, Perth, pp. 94. Sarawak is the larger of the two the bats fly out in swarms and make Hartmeyer, S. (1997). Carnivory in Byblis Revisited - A Simple Method for Enzyme Malaysian states in Borneo. Run- their way into the surrounding jun- Testing on Carnivorous Plants. Carnivorous Plant Newsletter 26: 39-45. Lowrie, A. (2002) A Revision of Byblis (Byblidaceae) in south-western Australia. ning approximately 700km along gle to feed. This site was incredible. Nuytsia 15: 11-19. the northern side of Borneo and Clearwater cave is another interest- Lowrie, A. and Conran, J. (1998). A taxonomic revision of the genus Byblis inland some 250km this state is ing cave with a river running (Byblidaceae) in northern Australia. Nuytsia 12: 59-74. home to a diverse range of plants through it. Other attractions include Lowrie, A. (1998). Carnivorous Plants of Australia: Volume 3. University of West and animals. In recent years it has climbing Gunung Api, and the Pin- ern Australia Press, Perth, pp. 288. attracted some attention from Ne- nacles (limestone structures). Schnell, D. (1995). Heliamphora: The nature of its nurture. Carnivorous Plant penthes enthusiasts seeking new Newsletter 24: 40-42. species in the highland areas near Due to the lack of time we opted to van Steenis, C.G.G.J. (1953). Byblidaceae in Flora Malesiana 4, series I, p 135. the Kalimantan (Indonesian) bor- explore the lowland areas in search Studnika, M. (1994). Byblis – a Botanical Problem Once Again. Carnivorous Plant der. There are only a handful of of Nepenthes ampullaria, bical- Newsletter 23: 93-95. mountains over 2000m so speci- carata, rafflesiana, and veitchii. To ation in Sarawak is relatively low. get to the peat swamp forest where The time Richard Riles and I had these species grow we had to make PLANTS WITH BITE BOTANICAL allowed for this final leg was rela- our way up river for a few kilome- tively short but we were still able to tres by long boat then walk a fur- ILLUSTRATION COURSE see 12 species and two natural hy- ther 8 km to camp. We were lucky brids. that there was a good flow in the river allowing us to make it so far Saturday 12 and Sunday 13th of February, 2005 From Kota Kinibalu we flew into by boat. There were some places Miri, a small city in the north. From we had to get out and push but the Cost: $160 for the weekend course here we transferred to an 18 seater cool water was welcome relief from plane and headed inland to Gunung the lowland heat. Time: 10am—4pm. Bookings 4567 3014 Mulu National Park. This is one of the most famous National Parks in Our guide showed us various edi- Learn the tricks to capturing carnivorous plants on paper. This course Sarawak as it contains some spec- ble plants along the way including a is suited to beginners through to the experienced artists. Acclaimed tacular caves. Deer cave and the small black berry that tasted like botanical artists, Barbara Duckworth and Marion Westmacott will adjoining Lang’s cave are the larg- sherbet. The only downside was lead the class covering both drawing and painting techniques. est cave system in the world. The that the seeds were deadly if swal- opening to Deer cave is also the lowed! We were also lucky to see a Mount Tomah Botanic Garden largest in the world and is home to Flying Squirrel, the giant Helmeted millions of Free-tailed bats. At dusk Hornbill and many fish species that Bells Line of Road, via Bilpin NSW 2758

4 29 The Sphagnum Bog: A brief construction UPCOMING SPEAKERS AND EVENTS FOR 2003/2004 overview Month Subject Speaker/co-ordinator

Michael Carle October 12th Trigger plants Greg Bourke After a long consultation and re- help visitors understand and appre- search period to find a model that ciate the complexities of hanging would both serve in an aesthetic swamps and bogs. November 28th Christmas swap meet Kirstie Wulfe and educational form, the recon- struction and refurbishment of the In an attempt to eradicate the intro- January 8-9 Display at the Royal Bo- Peter Biddlecombe Sphagnum Bog at Mt Tomah Bo- duced Equisetium, the existing bog tanic Gardens tanic Gardens commenced. was drained, some plants removed for later use and then a considerable February 19-27 Display, sales and talks at Greg Bourke An interpretation of an Upper Blue attempt made to remove it. the Mount Tomah Botanic Mountains hanging swamp with a Gardens Riparian Zone was the inspiration With the threat of further infesta- for the project, a project which will tion a waterproof membrane was also incorporate a Carnivorous sec- chosen. The liner not only covered Committee 2004 tion. the areas of the 3 ponds but also encompassed the Riparian Area. A President: Peter Biddlecombe Wetland areas have always been layer of sand covered the excavated considered unproductive and man area to reduce the possibility of the Vice President: Kirstie Wulfe has endeavoured to make them pro- liner being punctured. A geo- ductive by draining them. We now textile mat was placed both under Secretary: Jessica Biddlecombe know how important swamps are. and on top of the liner. The top They hold water in reserve during matting will aid in the flow of water Treasurer: Steve Moyle drought, polish our drinking water and stop the potential threat of soil and significantly reduce erosion medium slippage. Web Design: Chris McClellan downstream. Little known and ap- Librarian: Kirstie Wulfe preciated, due to ignorance, sphag- The Riparian Zone was terraced num bogs are a wealth of biodiver- and contoured to produce flat areas Seed Bank: Helmut Kibellis sity and fascination. that would support both large basalt rocks, some up to 2 tonne, and also Events/Publicity: Louis Mendeta, Brendan Walker This design will allow for the dis- help to reduce the slippage of the play of a varied range of plants that medium. Editors: Greg Bourke, Dr. Chris Schell will both inspire and educate. The mechanics of its workings will also The system uses a solar powered

30 3 Subscription submersible pump housed in a large create a bio mass that, with the help

All members, single, family and overseas $AU25.00 fiberglass pit that is connected by a of an inline sand filter, will dupli- 100mm PVC pipe to the bottom cate the Sphagnum bogs ability to Please make cheques or money orders payable to the Australasian pond. Water will continuously cir- purify water. A secondary advan- Carnivorous Plant Society Inc. Membership and correspondence culate through the system via a net- tage will be the ability of this sys- should be forwarded to the Secretary at work of pressurized soaker hoses tem to cool the water. The heating running along the contours of the up of water in the ponds is one of Riparian. The filtered water will the reasons for the failure of the www.carniflora.com gravitate through the Riparian and original Sphagnum bog. Shade

PO BOX 4009 ponds, being drawn into the pit via from the vegetation will also help a deep, clear pool. All ponds have to minimize heat build-up in the Kingsway West NSW 2208 (Australia) valves that can be drained individu- medium. Meeting are held on the second Friday of each month ally and sectors of soaker hose can Time: 7.30pm—10.00pm also be turned off. The carnivorous The placing of a Riparian zone in Venue: Woodstock Community Centre pond can be isolated from the rest the design will duplicate nutrient Church St, Burwood of the system. depleted growing conditions as seen on sandstone. These condi- Contents The growing medium for this pro- tions will restrict and stunt growth Front Page: Nepenthes reinwardtiana Photo by Greg Bourke ject needed to produce acidic and in these plants that would otherwise Back Page: A typical European bog. Habitat of Drosera anglica (inset). nutrient free conditions. The Gar- outgrow this area if planted on the Photos by Helmut Kibellis dens’ policy of not supporting the Gardens’ rich basaltic soils. Title Author Page extraction of peat moss due to envi- ronmental sustainability issues, Three viewing areas will allow for The final Leg Greg Bourke 4 meant that we would need to find a various interpretation fixtures. Two suitable replacement material. Co- of these platforms can be wheel- A Novel Method for the Cultivation of William “Tamlin” 11 conut coir was found to be an ex- chair accessed. The bottom viewing Drosera regia and Drosera graminifo- Dawnstar cellent substitute and when used in area will incorporate a dripping lia the system should hold its structure. rock ledge that can be viewed Coarse sand was incorporated into close-up. My Journal of Carnivorous Plants in Helmut Kibellis 19 the coconut coir at a rate of 3:1. A South Germany series of pH tests were performed This compact thematic plan with Byblis liniflora the northern rainbow Robert Gibson 24 with the ph slowly reduced to 6.5. its multi faceted features has the plant When plants are established and the potential to be the ‘jewel’ of the Mt system balanced the pH will, in Tomah Botanic Gardens, providing turn, reduce further. both individual snippets of wonder- The Sphagnum Bog: A brief construc- Michael Carle 30 ment which when in combination, tion overview The ponds and Riparian Zone will educate and tell a story.

2 31 Carniflora Australis Journal of the Australasian Carnivorous Plant Society Inc. Number 4, October 2004

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