The Clematis

Summer 2007/2008 Issue No 74

BAIRNSDALE

POSTAGE

Victoria

3875 PAID

Quarterly Newsletter of theBairnsdale & District

Field Naturalists Club Inc A0006074C 24 1 BAIRNSDALE & DIST FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB INC. A0006074C Collections List of Office Bearers for 2007 The Club’s collection of Victorian Field Naturalist journals was handed over to President: Pat McPherson ph. (03) 5152 2614 [email protected] the library at Forestech on permanent loan on 7 March. Secretary: Pat McPherson Treasurer: Margaret Regan ph. (03) 5156 2541 On receipt of a gift of Clematis Newsletters from Cyril and Zena Bowden (including two copies of the original newsletter dated 1962) Librarian, Dot Prout, Correspondence to: has undertaken to put together a complete set of Clematis for posterity. The Secretary, Last year the Club received a prestigious Banksia Award in recognition of years P.O. Box 563, of monitoring endangered species of orchids in East Gippsland. It is now seeking BAIRNSDALE 3875 photos of these orchids from members to set up a photographic collection for pos- Web Site: www.eastgippsland.com/bdfnc terity.

General meetings take place at: Calendar Noweyung Centre, 84 Goold Street Bairnsdale The Club resolved to print a calendar for 2008 highlighting the flora and fauna of 3rd. Friday of the month at 7.30pm sharp. No meeting June, July, August East Gippsland. Funding was received from the East Gippsland Catchment Man- agement Authority and the task was ably undertaken by Jennifer Wilkinson and Committee meetings take place: Thursday of the previous week Pauline Stewart. before the 3rd. Friday of the month at members homes except June, July, August when held on field excursions if required. Thanks . I would like to record my thanks to: Group Co-ordinators:  the management of Noweyung for the continued use of their building Botanic Group: James Turner Ph. (03) 5155 1258 for our general meetings Fauna Survey Group: Jenny Edwards Ph. (03) 5157 5556  DSE for the publication of the Clematis newsletter Bushwalking Group: Noel Williamson Ph. (03) 5152 1737  all the officer bearers and Group Co-ordinators and members for their Plant Study Group: Heather Oke Ph. (03) 5156 3231 support and contribution to the activities of the Club which has made Newsletter Editor: Pauline Stewart Ph. (03) 5152 1606 2007 another successful year. 80 Bengworden Rd. Bairnsdale.3875

email: [email protected] Pat McPherson All articles for Autumn Clematis must be in by March 1st. President

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 1. To further the study of natural history in all its branches, promoted by periodical meetings, field excursions and other activities. 2. To observe and strengthen the laws for the preservation & protection of indigenous flora and fauna and habitat and important geological features. 3. To promote the formation and preservation of National and State Parks and Reserves.

2 23  Peoples Review of Bushfires since 200 and spoke to it at a meeting at RULES TO OBSERVE ON FIELD TRIPS: Bruthen on 9 May. 1. Excursions are cancelled on days of TOTAL FIRE BAN.  Government Inquiry into the impact of public land management practic- 2. Participants to keep a visual on the car in front and behind. es on bushfires in Victoria and spoke to it at a meeting in Bairnsdale on 3. When making a turn, give signal, and stay at intersection until 31 July following car has also turned.  Proposed Management plan for Red Bluff on 5 July 4. If separated from other cars, stop, and stay with your car.  to Ross Trust for seeking grant for B&DFNC calendar (Unsuccessful) Other members will return to find you.  to East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority for funding for 5. Car pool passengers should offer a donation to the driver for fuel costs. publication of a 2008 B&DFNC calendar (Successful - $6.600)  to Round 9 of Australian Government Envirofund for a Smoky Mouse search in the Cobberas area in 2008 (Successful - $5000). SUBSCRIPTION FEES Networking The Club became an inaugural member of Habitat Network East Gippsland Family membership $30 (HNEG) and the President has agreed act as a patron to facilitate further develop- Single membership $20 ment of the network in the new year. Mid-year fee (new members only) $10

The Club participated in a joint meeting of all environmental groups auspiced by Gippsland Environment Group to discuss damage caused to the Mitchell River National Park by post fire rehabilitation works authorized by DSE. Responsibility for the accuracy of information and opinions expressed in this This was followed by a letter to the Bairnsdale Shire Council seeking a public newsletter rests with the author of the article. meeting to expose and discuss the process (declined) and by a delegation of Club members to Mr. K Giblin, local DSE Fire Management Officer, to voice our con- LIBRARY INFORMATION - Librarian - Dot Prout Phone: 5153 1303 cerns. • Books are generally borrowed for one month - however you can write on the sign-out sheet if you wish to have it longer. The Club was represented at the celebrations at the Bairnsdale Scout hall to com- • Should any library materials need maintenance, please make me aware of memorate 100- years of scouting in Australia. same. • If you wish to recommend a book, this can be done by writing a short The Club, along with a number of other local environment groups, set up and recommendation for the Clematis. This information could be from our li- manned a display at the East Gippsland Field Days in April. brary books or from other books that you believe our library could look at purchasing. Governance issues The name of the Secretary was submitted to the Australian Taxation Office as a CONTENTS Club contact person on the Australian Business Register. This is in addition to that of the Treasurer. Program January to June 2008 5-6 Permits to handle protected flora Type 1 under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act Orchid Hunt - Colquhuon, Canni Creek & Clifton Creek 7-9 1988 are current and held by eleven members of the Club. Blond Bay Sun Orchid Annual Count 10-11 Subscriptions have been raised for 2008 to $30 for family membership and $20 Loch Sport 12-17 for single membership. Amazing Moments in Nature 18 Smoky Mouse Searches 18-19 Because of the increased price of petrol members agreed to car pool as much as President’s Report for 2007 20-23 possible and that passengers offer a donation to the driver.

22 3 CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS and email address’s for meetings mond and Greenhills Nature Reserve at Gillingall. and field trips. James also conducted special excursions to survey and photograph orchids which Andrew Bould 5156 6494 [email protected] were blooming prolifically at Bally Hooley, Canni Creek, Moormung and Cann Jenny Edwards 51575556 [email protected] River. Heather Oke 5156 3231 [email protected] The annual survey of Metallic Sun Orchids at Blond Bay went ahead but the or- chid survey at Marlo aerodrome was cancelled because of bush fires. Elden Marshall 5157 9134 Pat McPherson 5152 2614 [email protected] Additional excursions were organized by: Wendy Parker 5152 2615 [email protected]  Jenny Edwards to Mt Hotham to hear researcher Dean Heinz explain the Margaret Regan 5156 2541 effects of the 2003 bushfires on the Burramay (Mountain Pygmy Pos- Jeremy & Nina Stewart 5153 0216 [email protected] sum) population and to visit their habitat at Dinner Plain Pauline Stewart 5152 1606 [email protected]  Robyn Grant to Mitchell River National Park to inspect damage caused James Turner 5155 1258 [email protected] by the post bush fire rehabilitation program carried out by bulldozer Noel Williamson 5152 1737 [email protected] contractors on behalf of DSE  Andrew Bould to Goongerah to survey fungi in a patch of rain forest in Erinundra National Park. DEGREE- OF DIFFICULTY FOR BUSH WALKS  Andrew Bould to Raymond Island where Alan Scrymgeour conducted a geological survey of the lake bed. Easy Flat, good firm track. Moderately easy Mostly flat, track in good to fair condition  Bush walks Moderate May be undulating, track in good to fair condition Walks to Hospital Creek Track, Lee Creek, Harveys Track, Store Creek, Billy Mod. difficult May be some steep sections, track may be rough in Goat Bend, Boggy Paddock, Bruthen Walking Track and Knockers Track were places ably planned and led either by Pauline Stewart, Jeremy & Nina Stewart or Noel Difficult May have long steep sections, track may be non Williamson. existent at times Walks vary in distance from 6 to 14 km. Camp outs Contact the leader of the walk for a rating if it’s not included in the The January camp out was cancelled because of the bushfires as was the Novem- program. ber campout at Limestone Creek due to lack of numbers. Campouts at Limestone

Creek and Omeo went ahead as planned.

Fauna Survey In April, Jenny Edwards, Fauna Survey Coordinator, conducted a survey at Please take note of safety procedures in your Bairnsdale & District Mitchelldale, a newly acquired property that now forms part if the Mitchell River Field Naturalists Club Inc. ‘RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY’ National Park. booklet. Plant Study groups This year the Club introduced a new activity; plant study groups, the purpose of Our club members would like to extend their best which is to facilitate members in building up their knowledge of indigenous flora. Armed with books, hand lenses etc they have met monthly, throughout the region, wishes to Beth Isakson, Marie Wade and Avril to collectively and collaboratively work on plant identification. Yates all of whom are very unwell at present. Submissions During the year the Club made the following Submissions:

4 21 BAIRNSDALE & DISTRICT FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB INC PROGRAM - JANUARY TO JUNE 2008 Reg. No. A0006074C

It is your responsibility to contact the co-ordinator of each field ANNUAL REPORT 2007 trip to notify them of your intention to participate. I am pleased to present the Annual Report of the Bairnsdale and District Field The co-ordinator can then notify you if the trip has to be cancelled Naturalists Club for 2007. due to adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Membership Evening committee meetings may not be required. Please check The current membership of the Club is seventy six, an increase of three on last before arriving. year. Life membership has been awarded to Marie Wade. It is with sadness that we record the death of another life member, Joy Johnstone, JANUARY in April. However, as one door closes another opens and we confidently welcome Sat. 12th. Special excursion 9.00am Bridge Club to Marlo a prospective member, little Henry Stewart, infant son of Nina and Jeremy Stew- Contact: James Turner art.

Committee FEBRUARY Six officers of the Club were elected in December 2005 and participated in eight Thurs. 7th. Committee meeting 7.30pm at Pat McPherson’s home. committee meetings and two planning meetings. Wed. 13th. Plant Study Group 10.00am at Forestech. Frid. 15th. General meeting 7.30pm Speaker Jenny Ellitt “Taxidermy, General meetings Preservation of Wildlife Skins” Seven general meetings and one special meeting of members were held during the Sun. 17th. Monthly excursion 9.00am Bridge Club to Nunniong year. Contact: James Turner No bushwalk in February Guest speakers MARCH Presentations were made by the following speakers during the year: Wed. 12th. Plant Study Group 10.00am at Forestech  Andrew Bould on Raymond Island exposed  Trish Fox on Habitat hectare measurement Thurs.13th. Committee meeting 7.30pm at Wendy Parker’s home.  Mike Duncan on Cultural ruins, birds, monkeys, animals and orchids in Sat. 15th. Special excursion 9.00am Bridge Club to Wulgulmarang. exotic Crete, Ecuador and Peru Contact: James Turner  Roger Bilney on the Threat of trading in exotic species to our native Sun. 30th. Bushwalk 9.00am Bridge Club to Mississippi Creek. wildlife Contact: Pauline Stewart  Paige McAlpine on Conservation volunteers Late March or early April members are invited to help with a Smokey  Geoff Williams on Platypus conservancy Mouse fauna survey to Native Dog. Date yet to be arranged.  Alan Scrymgeour on Two islands in the sun –Raymond and Lady Elliott Islands. APRIL Wed. 9th. Plant Study Group 10.00am at Forestech. Field excursions Thurs. 10th. Committee meeting 7.30pm at Margaret Regan’s home. Monthly field excursions were once again ably planned and led by James Turner Frid. 18th. General meeting 7.30pm Speaker: Raz Martin. to Bentley Plain, Lake Bunga/Lake Tyers, Bruthen/Sarsfield area, Providence Sun 20th. Monthly excursion 9.00am Bridge Club to Freestone Creek. Ponds/Swallows Lagoon, Deptford, Colquhoun/Lake Tyers, Briagalong, Mt Ray- Contact: James Turner.

20 5 Sun. 27th. Bushwalk 9.00am Bridge Club to Mitchell River National register their interest in participating, they can contact Jenny on (03) 5157 Park. 5556 or email [email protected] Contact: Noel Williamson ☺

MAY Thurs. 8th. 6.00pm Casserole tea followed by planning meeting and committee meeting at Pauline Stewart’s home. All members welcome for this social event. Bring along a casserole and/or a dessert to share. Wed. 14th. Plant Study Group 10.00am at Forestech Frid. 16th. General meeting 7.30pm. “Plants from Exotic Places” Members are asked to bring along photos taken on their travels Can be slides or CDs. Sun. 18th. Monthly excursion 9.00am Bridge Club to Marlo Plains and Mt. Raymond. Contact: James Turner Sun. 25th. Bushwalk 9.00am Bridge Club to Stony Creek, Mt. Alfred State Forest. Contact: Pauline Stewart

Committee and general meetings will now be in recess until September 2008

JUNE Wed. 11th. Plant Study Group 10.00am at Forestech. Sun. 22nd. Monthly excursion 9.00am to Colquhoun Forest. Contact: James Turner Sun. 29th. Bushwalk 9.00am Bridge Club to Ken Richards Track to Stuttering Fred Creek. Contact: Pauline Stewart

Leptospermum juniperinum Smoky Mouse habitat on the Buchan River, East Gippsland Drawing by Elise Walker Club members will be assisting in a Smoky Mouse survey in April 2008

6 19 Amazing moments in nature ORCHID HUNT IN COLQUHUON, CANNI CREEK by Jenny Edwards & CLIFTON CREEK - 1 September 2007 by Margaret Regan On a recent visit to Errinundra National Park, a small group of us were walking along the Errinundra Saddle Rainforest Boardwalk. Most of the Yippee, the first day of Spring and a gorgeous day!! In the Colquhuon group was ahead, Joan Bagley and I loitered behind, as a medium size bird Forest along Scriveners Track our first stop brought us two old friends, flew up onto a horizontal branch. Peering through binoculars I was think- Trim Greenhood (Pterostylis concinna) and Nodding Greenhood (P. nu- ing aloud to Joan as I noticed the scalloped pattern on the breast and won- tans). And from the last excursion one of the Tall Greenhoods. These all dered if it was a Bassian Thrush, but not enough scalloping I thought. used to be grouped into P. longifolia, but have now been divided. At this Then I observed that it had a barred tail like a cuckoo, but I did not imme- site the new species was P. melagramma which has a labellum with a dark diately recognise it as one of the cuckoos I know. My thoughts were bro- stripe down the centre. Further along Scriveners Track was Mountain ken with a flurry of bird activity nearby and a Black-faced Monarch took Greenhood (P. alpina) and Maroonhood (P. pedunculata). In the Moun- my attention. Back to the bird on the branch I notices a white browed tain Greenhood, the lateral sepals are swept back and the green labellum scrub wren boldly approaching it and wondered if there was going to be a protrudes from the sinus when set. The Maroonhood has long thin upright confrontation…. We were amazed to observe the white-browed scrub lateral sepals and the top of the hood is maroon. In this dampish location wren feed the mystery bird!! The penny had dropped (and the bird field was also the Sickle fern (Pellaea falcata). Musical notes were supplied by guide later confirmed) It was in fact a juvenile Fan-tailed Cuckoo, which Superb Fairy-wren and Grey Fantail. had obviously been raised by a White-browed Scrubwren family oblivious to the size difference of their baby! This was one of those amazing mo- Along Coquhuon Road were a number of small wattles in bloom - Spread- ments in nature. ing Wattle (A. genistifolia) with sharp-pointed phyllodes (ouch!!) and balls of flowers, 2-4 per axil; Hop Wattle (A. stricta) with narrow single-veined Smoky Mouse Searches phyllodes with usually 2 globular heads in the axils; Juniper Wattle (A. ulicifolia), another with spiny phyllodes and single globular heads; and The Club has been successful in their application for funding under the Sallow Wattle (A. longifolia) with flat phyllodes and spikes of flowers. Envirofund Scheme to fund searches for Smoky Mouse populations in the There was a large colony of a spider orchid (Caladenia peisleyi). This East Alps Unit of the Alpine National Park (Cobberas area). Jenny Ed- orchid has sepals tipped with dark clubs, and the recurved burgundy label- wards will be conducting the searches with assistance from club members. lum has 4 rows of calli and a fringed edge. Another orchid was Pink Fin- gers (C. carnea). This tiny orchid has 1-3 white to pink flowers with The Smoky Mouse is classified as Critically Endangered in Victoria and is transverse red bars on the labellum and column. Other plants were Nod- currently only recorded at one site near Native Dog Flat so it is vital to ding Blue Lily (Stypandra glauca) and Purple Coral-pea (Hardenbergia search similar habitats in the area for further colonies. violacea) which was brilliant purple everywhere. An interesting fungus was a Hexagonia sp. which is a woody pore-fungus with the pores on the Searches will involve low-impact methods such as predator scat analysis lower surface a hexagonal shape. Birds were Pied Currawong, Spotted and hair tube survey as well as trapping with Elliott traps. It is proposed Pardalote, Superb Fairy-wren and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. that field work will be conducted in April and this activity will constitute the clubs usual Fauna Survey Activity for autumn 2008. On Blackfellows Track we again saw Caladenia peisleyi and also Brown Beaks (Lyperanthus suaveolens). The striking Brown Beaks have a stiff Final details of the field trips will be made in the New Year and notified to narrow leaf and leathery perfumed flowers whose labellum has a bright members via meetings or the next Clematis. If any members would like to yellow midlobe. Red Wattlebird was heard calling.

18 7 Along the Lonely Bay Road at Lake Tyers was the Mayfly Orchid South of the Longford - Loch Sport Road along Track 4 in the ever present (Acianthus caudatus). The leaf is heart-shaped and purple beneath, like sandy soil was Saw Banksia, small Gippsland Manna Gum (Eucalyptus the Mosquito Orchid (A. exsertus). The tiny dark purplish flowers have pryoriana) and a dense shrubby layer with Sweet Wattle (Acacia suaveo- extremely long sepals. We also found White Fingers (Caladenia catena- lens) and Twiggy Guinea-flower (Hibbertia virgata). ta) which is similar to Pink Fingers but without the red bars. Cobra Greenhood (Pterostylis grandiflora), of course, is a very handsome orchid This bird list includes all species sighted or heard from Bairnsdale to Loch with broad flared brown petals. Dusty Miller (Spyridium parvifolium) is a Sport and return. There were 57 species: shrub to 2m whose leaves have strongly depressed veins and a lower sur- Emu Australian Pelican Australasian Gannet face with dense white hairs. The small white flowers are borne in flat Little Pied Cormorant Great Crested Grebe Black Swan clusters. Wattle Mat-rush (Lomandra filiformis) is a small plant with Australian Shelduck Chestnut Teal Australian Wood Duck strappy leaves and yellow flowers in branched clusters. The Mat-rushes Eurasian Coot Pacific Heron White-faced Heron are in the same monocotylenous family as the Grass-trees, the Xanthor- Great Egret Straw-necked Ibis Yellow-billed Spoonbill rhoeaceae!!. The bird noticed was identified as Musk Lorikeet. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Masked Lapwing, nesting with 4 eggs Red-capped Plover Black-fronted Dotterel Whiskered Tern Off then to the wonderful Canni Creek racecourse which is always a tre- Caspian Tern Wedge-tailed Eagle Whistling Kite mendous resource for plants and birds. Everywhere were thousands of Brown Goshawk Swamp Harrier Nankeen Kestrel Blue Caldenia (Caladenia caerulea). It has bands across the labellum like Brush Bronzewing Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Yellow-tailed Pink Fingers, only dark blue. Also there were quite a number of Golden Black Cockatoo Moths (Diuris lanceolata), a donkey orchid with pure yellow flowers. Galah Crimson Rosella Eastern Rosella The final orchid found here was the gorgeous Wax-lip (Glossodia minor). Fan-tailed Cuckoo Pallid Cuckoo Laughing Kookaburra Some other plants were Blue Star (Chamaescilla corymbosa) and Blue Superb Fairy-wren Red Wattlebird Little Wattlebird Dampiera (Dampiera stricta). On the wetter ground was Swamp Daisy Noisy Miner White-fronted Chat Grey Shrike-thrush (Brachyscome cardiocarpa) which has grass-like basal leaves and white or Golden Whistler Rufous Whistler Grey Fantail pale mauve flowers. It has heart-shaped fruits, hence the species name. Willie Wagtail Magpie-lark Olive-backed Oriole There was also heaps of the Tall Sundew (Drosera auriculata), which be- White-browed Woodswallow Grey Butcherbird cause nitrogen is scarce in wet ground, get the extra from trapping insects. Australian Magpie Grey Currawong Australian Raven There were many birds including Welcome Swallow, Superb Fairy-wren, Welcome Swallow Richard’s Pipit Skylark Magpie, Jacky Winter, Horsefield’s Bronze-cuckoo with a bare unstriped Common Starling Common Myna area down the front and a descending call, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Wil- lie Wagtail, Hooded Robin, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Fantail Cuckoo, On Monday the group travelled home separately and leisurely. A high- Olive-backed Oriole, Bell Miner, Pied Currawong, Red Wattlebird and light was a visit to the Sale Art Gallery to see two exhibitions. One was of Spotted Pardalote. The fabulous Silver-leaved Stringybarks (Eucalyptus paintings of the flora of South Gippsland including many ferns. The other conspicua) here are found in coastal and near-coastal parts of East Gipps- had been curated by the Royal Botanic Gardens and delightfully exhibited land near swampy areas. Their trunks and branches are often bent and mosses, liverworts, hornworts and fungi with history, uses and art. twisted (gnarled), and their sessile round blue-green leaves stand out amongst the surrounding trees. Wonderful long weekend camp-out, thank you James.

Back up to Clifton Creek, and near the corner of Long Bridge Road and ☺ Deptford Road were very vociferous White-winged Choughs who carried

8 17 it the other common name of Undertaker Orchid, and the species name on a turn when we first arrived and when we didn’t leave, they did. The ‘nigricans’ is from the Latin ‘nigri’ which means black. An interesting area had been burnt quite recently. Orchids were Noddies, Mountain sight of a different kind was a Red-Bellied Black Snake. Greenhood and Caladenia peisleyi. Also in flower were the small plants Showy Violet (Viola betonicifolia), Common Rice-flower (Pimelea hu- Further along this track were more treasures. Again the gorgeous pink milis) which is in the same family Thymelaceae as the much-loved Daph- Common Fringe-myrtle, but also ‘egg and bacon’ Showy Parrot-pea ne, Blue Bottle-daisy (Lagenophora stipitata), and a native plantain (Dillwynia sericea) and clear yellow Common Wedge-pea (Plantago sp.) with 3-veined leaves. The plantains are herbs with a rosette (Gompholobium huegelii). A shrub to 3m was Scrub Sheoak of leaves and erect leafless flower-stalks terminating usually in a spike of (Allocasuarina paludosa). Orchids were Red Beaks and Large Duck Or- small brown and green flowers. A common introduced plantain Ribwort chid (Calaena major). The Large Duck Orchid resembles a duck in flight, (Plantago lanceolata) is growing very profusely this spring. and the reddish brown flowers are upside-down. The hollow-beneath la- bellum is attached by a sensitive strap and is triggered by the copulatory Thank you James for great orchid hunting! motions of male sawflies. In this movement the pollinia (with pollen) are transferred to the sawfly to be delivered to another Large Duck Orchid. ☺

Along Lakeside Track was rare Small-leaf Star-hair (Astrotriche parvifo- lia) in the family Araliaceae which includes introduced Ivy and native Elderberry Panax ( Polyscias sambucifolia). The star-hairs have star- shaped or stellate hairs on their leaves and stems. There was also one plant of the bright pink Sticky Boronia (Boronia anemonifolia). And Love Creeper (Comesperma volubile) was twining upwards with its obvious blue flowers. It looks like a pea but isn’t, being in the family Polygalace- ae. At Spoon Bay right at the very end of Lake Victoria the soil was obvi- ously saline. A small tree was Common Boobialla (Myoporum insulare) which has serrated leaves and small white flowers that are hairy inside with purple spots. Plants with succulent leaves were the prostrate Round- ed Noonflower (Disphyma crassifolium) whose flowers are mauve with a white centre; and Southern Sea-heath (Frankenia pauciflora), a low shrub with white flowers; the Beaded Glasswort has succulent jointed stems and no leaves with the flowers immersed in the stems. These three plants are unrelated and in different families, but have all adapted to the drying sa- line conditions by producing succulent parts. The common name Glass- wort has been given to a number of saltmarsh plants. Their ash is a source of barilla, an impure form of sodium bicarbonate, and was used for glass- making. In this environment was also a yellow daisy Water Buttons (Cotula coronopifolia), a creeping perennial with 1cm flower heads; and Australian Salt Grass. Along Spoon Bay Track was another slashed area Introducing our youngest member, Henry Morris Stewart born 6th. October with masses of Common Aotus (Aotus ericoides) with Showy Parrot-pea, 2007 weighing 1520g (3lb 5oz.), first child of Jeremy and Nina Stewart. Hairy Pink-bells (Tetratheca pilosa) and Large Duck Orchid. Club members send their congratulations and best wishes.

16 9 BLOND BAY METALLIC SUN ORCHID ANNUAL are ‘egg and bacon’ colours and its ovoid pods are hairy, among many COUNT others. There were signs everywhere during the weekend of recent wind damage, and at the Emu Bight campground on a just fallen Coast Banksia 29 September 2007 (Banksia integrifolia) was Coast Mistletoe (Muellerina celastroides). The by Margaret Regan mistletoes are a family of semi-parasitic shrubs which grow attached to the branches of trees. Their seeds are deposited on the branches by mistletoe It was a very overcast, windy and cold day for the annual count of the en- birds. The seeds retain a sticky layer after passing through the bird and so dangered Metallic Sun Orchid (Thelymitra epipactoides). This beautiful they adhere to the branch. Here the seed germinates and forms an hausto- large orchid has a thick fleshy leaf to 25cm, and a flower stalk twice that rium, which penetrates into the food and water systems of the tree, which height bearing up to 20 flowers, each up to 35mm across. The flower col- the mistletoe then taps. Many species of mistletoe are host-specific and our varies from pink to blue to bronze with a metallic sheen. The aptly the Coast Mistletoe is found mainly on banksias. It is a plant of coastal named sun orchids do not open on cloudy days - much to our regret, espe- East Gippsland. On Lake Victoria were Black Swans with cygnets and cially as we had visitors who had not seen these beautiful plants before. despite the wind and waves, very sharp eyes saw very far out, a Great Most of the coastal habitat of this orchid has been cleared for agriculture. Crested Grebe. Its range in Victoria is in isolated coastal heaths and woodlands from Blond Bay westwards to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, with one Back west of Loch Sport in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, along a fire population near the Grampians. break was dense vegetation with Saw Banksia and Austral Grass-tree (Xanthorrhoaea australis). Again we saw Daphne Heath, Beard-heath, Every year members of the club count the numbers of the orchid flower- Thryptomene, Spike Wattle and Dampiera. In addition we also found ing. In 1997 an area with Metallic Sun Orchids was fenced to prevent Common Correa (Correa reflexa) with bright red and green flowers; and browsing of the plants by wallabies, kangaroos, rabbits and deer. In 2005 Oval-leaf Pseudanthus (Pseudanthus ovalifolius), a short wiry shrub with the area enclosed was greatly increased as it was found that the numbers small leaves and white flowers which are male or female. In the same inside the original enclosure increased dramatically over the numbers out- family Euphorbiaceae, which also includes Wedding Bush, is Broom side the fence. Inside the original enclosure in 1995 - 12, 1997 - 124, Spurge (Amperea xiphoclada), a small shrub which is usually leafless with 1998 - 159, 1999 - 0, 2000 - 94, 2001 - 253, 2002 - 181, 2003 - 82, 2004 - the stems acting as leaves and with tiny flowers in clusters. A pea was 178, 2005 - 261. Inside the extension in 2005 - 51. Totals 2006 - 94, Spiny Bossiaea (Bossiea obcordata) which has yellow and brown flowers, 2007 - 136. tiny heart-shaped leaves and spiny branchlets. Rosy Baeckea (Euromyrtus ramossisima subsp. prostrata) is another small shrub with pink teatree-like Other plants noticed around were the plentiful Spiny-headed Mat-rush flowers. Blue Spike Milkwort (Comesperma calymega) is a tiny herb to (Lomandra longifolia), among whose leaves the orchids sometimes hid, 30cm with narrow leaves and blue flowers in dense terminal racemes. The the bright red Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata), Creamy Candles flowers look like those of peas without the standard petal. Golden Grevil- (Stackhousia monogyna) and Button Everlasting (Helichrysum scorpi- lea (Grevillea chrysophea) grows to 2.5m with yellow hairy flowers and oides). Just outside the fence was a colony of Tall Leek Orchid ovate-oblong leaves. It appears to be endemic to Victoria between Sperm (Prasophyllum elatum). The single erect leaf is fleshy and round. The Whale Head and Traralgon with an isolated occurrence in the Brisbane flower stem can be up to 1.5m with up to 60 flowers in a crowded spike. Ranges. Orchids were Purplish Beard Orchid (Calochilus robertsonii) The scented flowers are inverted and greenish with a white labellum. whose labellum has a metallic sheen and is covered with long coarse hairs; and Red Beaks (Lyperanthus nigricans). Red Beaks has red and white- Further into the Reserve, on a side track we found the tiny rare Orange-tip striped flowers with prominent fringed labellums. Flowering mainly oc- Caladenia (Caladenia aurantiaca). Its white flowers are very similar to curs after hot bushfires. All parts of the plant dry black, which has earned those of Pink Fingers (C. carnea), but lack the red bars on the column and

10 15 (Calochilus robertsonii) has the central part of the labellum covered with labellum, having an orange tip to the labellum. Close by were very old coarse hairs (beard), but the other orchid Naked Beard Orchid (C. imber- plants of Austral Grasstree (Xanthorrhoaea australis) with the most mag- bis) of course has a labellum devoid of hairs. How strange to have a nificent huge creamy flowering spikes. One spike was briefly covered beardless Beard Orchid! with Silvereyes - the flowers were obviously filled with nectar. There was Spike Wattle (Acacia oxycedrus) which has very sharp flat small phyl- Then off to camp to settle in and warm up. The camp is reached over a lodes and bright yellow spikes; the pea Showy Bossiaea (Bossiaea ciner- causeway across Lake Reeve which has been several times covered with ea) with ovate to triangular pointed leaves, and yellow and brown flowers water after the June floods this year. The gravel road then travelled paral- (‘egg and bacon’); and two Guinea-flowers, Bundled (Hibbertia fascicula- lel to the lake, and it and the causeway were great places to watch for ta) which has very narrow leaves crowded in bundles, and H. riparia with birds, both land and water. Bird List. hairy broader leaves with recurved margins and flowers with notched pet- als. On Saturday we joined some of the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists on a visit to Gippsland Water’s property Dutson Downs. This area is normally Thank you once again, James. closed to the public, but the Field Naturalists had been asked to do plant surveys of several bush blocks. The Dutson Downs property is 8000 hec- ☺ tares. Only 3% of this area is presently used for waste water management. The wastewater is mostly from industries such as Australian Paper Mills. Other waste is oil, grease and milk waste. It is treated through a lagoon system before being pumped to an ocean outfall. A new treatment plant is being built to treat the water to a higher quality and return it for re-use at Congratulations go to APM. Part of the property is cleared and used for beef cattle farming. It our club member is the second largest closed cattle farm in Australia and produces expen- Christine Edwards and sive marbled beef for discerning buyers such as those from Japan. her groom Chris Bittner on the occasion of their The remaining area of the property has been conserved to protect the bio- marriage on the 17th. November 2007. diversity. It is known to hold Wellington Mint Bush (Prostanthera gal- braithiae) and the New Holland Mouse, both of which are rare. Three The ceremony took different areas were surveyed and comprehensive plants lists were made. place at the Uniting The Wellington Mint Bush was not found at any of the sites. Twenty-one Church, Bairnsdale with orchid species were seen. the reception at the Bruthen Mechanics On Sunday we drove through Loch Sport to Sperm Whale Head. From a Hall. lookout we had an amazing view across Lake Reeve, the park and back to The newly weds will Lake Victoria. There were loads of waterbirds on Lake Reeve, although reside in Bruthen. apart from Black Swans we were a little to far away to identify many of We wish them all the them. Along the road to Emu Bight the overstorey was mainly South very best. Gippsland Peppermint (Eucalyptus willisii) and Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis). Beneath was Pine Heath and the pea Common Aotus (Aotus ericoides) whose leaves have incurved margins, its flowers

14 11 LOCH SPORT - 12-15 October 2007 base. Most of the flowers of Early Nancy are unisexual, and the females by Margaret Regan had been fertilised and had big fat 3-chambered capsules. Peas were the pretty bright red-flowered prostrate Running Postman (Kennedia prostra- ta); and Dwarf Bush-pea (Pultenaea humilis), a spreading small shrub A convoy set off from the Bridge Club in Bairnsdale on the Friday morn- with concave leaves and apricot flowers crowded near the end of the ing for a four day camp near Loch Sport. Loch Sport is located south of branchlets. There was a large number of the tiny Swan Greenhood Lake Victoria of the Gippsland Lakes, near the coast. The 90 Mile Beach (Pterostylis cycnocephala). This orchid has a rosette of leaves with a Resort caravan park is just behind the sand dunes, right on the coast and flower stalk to 20cm with up to 24 flowers 9mm long. Swan Greenhood south of Lake Reeve. The first two days were pretty horrible weatherwise. grows on well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant, surviving by large tu- The wind was very strong and cold, and there was a little rain on the Fri- beroids. A pigface with triangular leaves and small bright pink flowers day. We were very rugged up - the thermals were much appreciated, but was Karkalla (Carpobrotus rossii). Monocotyledonous plants with insig- where was the scarf?? We took some time, pottering along the roads, as is nificant flowers were the Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia), usual for people studying plants. Chaffy Saw-sedge (Gahnia filum), a Twine-rush (Leptocarpus sp.) and

Australian Salt Grass (Distichlis distichophylla). Lunch was above the dunes at Golden Beach where we were serenaded by

Grey Butcherbirds, one a juvenile who hadn’t quite mastered the tune. We Further back along the Sale road, the vegetation was very dense with an also saw a rare Thyme Rice-flower (Pimelea serpyllifolia), a small com- overstorey with Saw or Old Man Banksia (Banksia serrata). Being spring pact shrub with tiny yellow flowers. On the outskirts of Golden Beach is a there were heaps of gorgeous plants in flower. One of the most attractive, small fenced reserve for the preservation of the Metallic Sun Orchid which flowers very profusely after slashing, was the bright pink Common (Thelymitra epipactoides). Unfortunately searchers could find no sign of Fringe-myrtle (Calytrix tetragona). The burgundy sepals of the flowers any plants. Several years ago there were 400 plants inside the area. There have thread-like awns which are really obvious when the petals fall. An- were however plants of the saline-loving Beaded Glasswort (Sarcocornia other member of the family Myrtaceae was Ribbed Thryptomene quinqueflora) . Maybe the environment has changed to become more (Thryptomene micrantha) which has a floral tube with 10 prominent ribs salty and the orchids cannot survive under these conditions. Other plants and sepals longer than the petals. Spike Wattle (Acacia oxycedrus) has outside the fence in the shrubby sedge-grassland were Coast Wattle flowers in spikes and pointed sessile phyllodes with three veins. There (Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae), Spreading Wattle (A. genistifolia), were many members of the heath family Epacridaceae, which is probably Coast Teatree (Leptospermum laevigatum) and Coast Banksia (Banksia why this class of vegetation is called heath. All the Common Heath integrifolia), all of which were shrubs not trees. Two epacrids were Pine (Epacris impressa) we saw was white-flowered. There were several Heath (Astroloma pinifolium) which is a spreading small shrub with dense Beard-heaths (Leucopogon sp.), named for the white internally bearded leaves and looking like a dwarf pine, with yellow and green tubular flow- corolla of most species. One was almost white, but pink in the bud. There ers; and Cranberry Heath (A. humifusum) which is usually prostrate and was yellow Pine Heath, and Daphne Heath (Brachyloma daphnoides) with has red tubular flowers. Astroloma is Greek from astron (a star) and loma white bulbous tubular flowers which are scented. There was the bright (a fringe), referring to the hairs inside the corolla (petals) tube. A daisy Blue Dampiera (Dampiera stricta) and the Slender Rice-flower (Pimelea was Milky Beauty-heads (Calocephalus lacteus), a plant of damp areas linifolia) which has hairy white flowers in large often nodding heads. A with greyish leaves and flowers in globular or oblong buttons. There was small delicate lily was Tufted Blue Lily (Thelionema caespitosum). This a tall Sheep’s Burr (Acaena sp.) like our common Bidgee-widgee, but with lily has tufted leaves and an open inflorescence with erect blue flowers the flowers on a long spike. Lilies were Pale Flax-lily (Dianella laevis) whose staminal filaments are covered with small bumps. Thelionema with pale flowers whose anthers were longer than the swollen yellow fila- comes from the Greek thelion (a nipple) and nema (a thread)!! Two inter- ments; and Early Nancy (Wurmbea dioica), a herb with white flowers esting orchids were both beard orchids. The Purplish Beard Orchid whose tepals (petals and sepals) have a distinctive purple nectary near the

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