Leptospermum As an Export Cut Flower Crop

Leptospermum as an export cut flower crop

A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation by Anthony T. Slater, Mary-Anne C. Blakemore, John D. Faragher, Peter R. Franz, Bret Henderson & Karen Green

June 2001

RIRDC Publication No 01/056 RIRDC Project No DAV-141A

ISBN 0 642 58278 5 ISSN 1440-6845

Leptospermum as an export cut flower crop Publication No. 01/056 Project No. DAV-141A.

The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report.

This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186.

Researcher Contact Details Anthony T. Slater, Mary-Anne C. Blakemore, John D. Faragher, Peter R. Franz, Bret Henderson & Karen Green NRE / Agriculture Victoria, Knoxfield Private Bag 15 Scoresby Business Centre VIC 3176

Phone: 03 9210 9222 Fax: 03 9800 3521 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.nre.vic.gov.au/agvic/ihd/

RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6272 4539 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in June 2001 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

Foreword

Wildflowers are cultivated in all States, and Australia’s annual wildflower production is valued at around $45 million at the farm gate, and the value of exports amounted to just under $30 million in 1999/2000. The key commercial wildflowers are geraldton wax, kangaroo paw, Thryptomene, and species of Banksia, Telopea, Leucadendron and Protea, but a key factor in the growth of this industry is the development of new products.

Leptospermum (tea-tree) is a diverse group of plants, and contains some highly attractive forms that are considered to be a valuable ornamental crop. The group has been limited in its use as a cut flower due to postharvest problems of some cultivars. Other cultivars have a good vase life and there is a strong interest in Leptospermum in export markets.

This project was conducted to identify and develop forms within the group that could be used as cut flowers with a long vase life, novel colour and varying flowering times for export.

This project was funded from RIRDC Core Funds which are provided by the Federal Government.

This report, a new addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 600 research publications, forms part of our Wildflower and Native Plants R&D program, which aims to improve the profitability, productivity and sustainability of the Australian wildflower and native plant industry.

Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website:

• downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop

Peter Core Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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Acknowledgments

This project was conducted with financial support by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, the Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) through its Specialised Rural Industries Program, and Longford Flowers.

We would also like to thank a number of people who have assisted the project through various efforts.

Denis Tricks and John Cane (Longford Flowers) have provided impetus, guidance and critical comment on the work from the start. They have also provided financial support and significant inputs through the provision of floral materials and the set up and maintenance of a field site.

Peter Williams collaborated and conducted some of his work on Phosphine fumigations on floral material from this project. Andrew McNish collaborated with work on ethylene sensitivity and MCP (1-methylcyclopropene, EthylBloc). Melissa Taylor and staff at Gatton College assisted with the field trial at Gatton.

Iain Dawson, Rob Cross, Kevin Seaton, Peter Ollerenshaw, Peter Abell, David Evans and Jonathan Lidbetter assisted with the provision of floral and plant material, and useful discussions on Leptospermum.

Kerry Thomas, and Cherie Bell provided assistance to the project. Alan Noon, Trevor Davy, Norm Morrison, Janyce Truett, Pam Rogers and Sam Ryan aided with the field trial at Knoxfield.

Contents

Foreword...... iii Acknowledgments...... iv Executive Summary ...... vii 1. Introduction ...... 1 Background...... 1 Objectives...... 2 2. Materials and Methods...... 3 2.1. Determination of suitable Leptospermum as cut flowers ...... 3 2.1.1. Collection of plant material...... 3 2.1.2. Propagation...... 3 2.1.3. Cultivation...... 3 2.1.4. Assessment of growth habit and floral display ...... 5 2.1.5. Pests and diseases ...... 5 2.2. Interstate performance...... 5 2.3. Postharvest trials...... 6 2.3.1. Leptospermum rotundifolium postharvest trials...... 6 2.3.2. Leptospermum grandifolium postharvest trials...... 8 2.3.3. Leptospermum morrisonii postharvest trials...... 8 2.3.4. Effect of simulated transport on L. grandifolium, L. morrisonii and L. obovatum....9 2.3.5. Effect of ethylene on Leptospermum...... 9 2.3.6. Postharvest fumigation trials with Phosphine...... 10 2.4. Leptospermum breeding program...... 11 2.4.1. Reproductive biology...... 11 2.4.2. Hybridisation program...... 11 2.5. Statistical analysis...... 12 3. Results ...... 13 3.1. Determination of suitable Leptospermum as cut flowers ...... 13 3.1.1. Collection of plant material...... 13 3.1.2. Propagation and cultivation of material ...... 13 3.1.3. Assessment of growth habit and floral display ...... 13 3.1.4. Pests and diseases ...... 17 3.2. Interstate performance...... 17 3.3. Postharvest trials...... 18 3.3.1. Leptospermum rotundifolium postharvest trials...... 18 3.3.2. Leptospermum grandifolium postharvest trials...... 20 3.3.3. Leptospermum morrisonii Burgundy postharvest trials ...... 21 3.3.4. Effect of simulated transport on 3 species of Leptospermum...... 22 3.3.5. Effect of ethylene on Leptospermum...... 23 3.3.6. Postharvest fumigation trials with Phosphine...... 24 3.4. Leptospermum breeding program...... 24

4. Discussion ...... 25 Cultivars and performance...... 25 Postharvest...... 25 Reproductive biology and breeding ...... 27 5. Implications and Recommendations...... 28 6. Bibliography ...... 29 7. Appendices...... 30 Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination...... 31 Appendix 2. Ease of propagation of some Leptospermum species and cultivars...... 41 Appendix 3. Vegetative characteristics of species and cultivars which have flowered ...43 Appendix 4. Floral characteristics of species and cultivars...... 49 Appendix 5. Vase life for species and cultivars...... 56

List of Tables Table 1. Vegetative characters of selections of Leptospermum...... 14 Table 2. Floral characteristics of selections of Leptospermum ...... 15 Table 3. Vase life (days) and post harvest performance of forms of Leptospermum...... 16 Table 4. Performance of the cultivars in March 1999...... 17 Table 5. Performance of the cultivars in August 1999...... 17 Table 6. Performance of the cultivars in June 2000...... 18 Table 7. Effect of recutting stems after dry transport on subsequent vase life and flower ...... opening...... 20 Table 8. Effect of ethylene and STS on vase life (days) of L. rotundifolium (Longford ...... improved)...... 23 Table 9. Vase life (days) of L. morrisonii Burgundy and L. morrisonii ex Qld, with and ...... without ethylene treatment...... 24 Table 10. Effects of fumigation on Leptospermum cultivars treated with Pestigas® and ...... ® ECO2FUME for 15 Hours...... 24

List of Figures Figure 1. The postharvest life of L. rotundifolium, following pre-transport pulsing with ...... hydrating solutions...... 19 Figure 2. The postharvest life of L. rotundifolium, following pre-transport pulsing with ...... nourishing solutions and/or germicides...... 19 Figure 3. Effect of pre-transport storage conditions on the postharvest life of L...... rotundifolium...... 20 Figure 4. The postharvest life of L. grandifolium, following pre-transport pulsing with ...... hydrating solutions...... 21 Figure 5. The postharvest life of L. morrisonii Burgundy, following pre-transport pulsing with hydrating solutions...... 21 Figure 6. The postharvest life of L. morrisonii Burgundy, following pre-transport pulsing ...... with nourishing solutions and/or germicides...... 22 Figure 7. Effect of transport on the total postharvest life of 3 species of Leptospermum...... 22 Figure 8. Effect of transport on the vase life of 3 species of Leptospermum...... 23

Executive Summary

Background

To ensure cut flower exports continue to increase it is necessary to increase the available product range with high quality new flower crops. The introduction of a range of Leptospermum species (commonly known as “tea-trees”), will help to ensure the expansion of the export flower trade continues. Leptospermum would be used as a focal filler, as the flowers are large and stems are showy. Forms of Leptospermum flower between August and April, and by flowering in December, tea-tree could also capture a significant share of the large Christmas market.

Leptospermum has been widely used in ornamental horticulture and the majority of cultivars have originated from selections of L. scoparium from New Zealand populations. Some of these variants of L. scoparium, with their dark red flowers and foliage, have been grown as cut flowers. However, their use has been limited as these forms have a short vase life due to flower wilting and abscission.

The majority of the remaining species of Leptospermum had not been surveyed for their suitability as cut flowers, and there are over 80 species found in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. There are a number of Australian Leptospermum species that are resistant to flower abscission, and are suitable for cut flower production as they are extremely hardy, fast-growing and floriferous. There are also a range of flower colours and sizes. A limited number of L. spectabile and L. rotundifolium are in production, and stems are sold on both domestic and export markets. These species both have a good vase life.

This project aimed to develop a range of Leptospermum species with long vase life, novel colour forms and varying flowering times for release as a new cut flower crop for export.

Determination of suitable Leptospermum as cut flowers

Cultivars and samples of the higher priority species were obtained from commercial nurseries, Botanical Gardens and natural populations in Victoria, Tasmania, NSW and Queensland. Within populations individual plants were identified which exhibited characters and/or variations of these characters which would make these plants acceptable for cut flower production.

In total 247 selections were obtained. Plant material was collected from two genera, one species from Neofabricia and 37 species from Leptospermum. Three named hybrid cultivars and three named cultivars that are not identified to a species were also collected. A further 17 selections are still to be identified to species. Six species were targeted and a number of cultivars were collected from these species to obtain a range of forms. Variation in characteristics such as flower size and colour, foliage colour and flowering time were considered when collecting these selections.

The plant material generally propagated readily although strike rates varied widely from 0 to 100%. Clones of the cultivars were maintained in a nursery at Knoxfield, and when numbers permitted placed into arboreta at Knoxfield and Longford. The majority of cultivars were easily cultivated.

To appraise the suitability of each selection as a commercial cut flower, plants under cultivation were assessed for their floral display and growth habit. Data was collected on plant height and form; flower size; colour; shape and distinctive features; time of flowering; the size and density of the floral display; length of the vegetative tip extension past the floral display; leaf colour; length of cut flower stem possible; and branching of the stem.

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The limited time frame meant some plants had not reached a sufficient size to be fully assessed by 30 June 2000. In total 82 cultivars from 27 species have been measured, and partial measurements were obtained on 25 of these cultivars due to insufficient material being available.

The variation in flower size and floral display between species was considerable. As an example, flower size varied from 1.0 to 4.0 cm diameter, flower colour varied from white through various shades of pink, mauve, purple, red and yellow, and the onset of flowering varied widely from August through to April.

The vase life of each clone was also assessed where possible. The assessment of vase life was limited by the number of cultivated selections that had at least five stems of sufficient quality. In total the vase life of 60 cultivars from 25 species were obtained. Of these, 43 species and cultivars had an average vase life of greater than 7 days, while one cultivar, L. morrisonii Burgundy, had an average vase life of 15.2 days. The remaining 17 species and cultivars were found to have an unacceptable vase life of less than 7 days, caused by the onset of petal and/or leaf abscission and drying.

The better species and forms of Leptospermum for use as cut flowers include L. ‘Aphrodite’, L. morrisonii, L. ‘Rhiannon’, L. rotundifolium, L. sericeum, L. spectabile,and L. turbinatum. Other species and forms with important characters include L. brevipes, L. grandiflorum, L. lanigerum, L. macrocarpum, L. ‘Merinda’, and Neofabricia myrtifolia.

Interstate performance

A trial was established to evaluate any variation in performance of 6 selected cultivars in different environments. These cultivars included L. morrisonii Burgundy, L. turbinatum LTMZ1, L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’, L. macrocarpum, L. serecium, and L. ‘Rhiannon’. Plots were established at two field sites in Victoria at IHD Knoxfield and at Longford Flowers, and one site in Queensland at Gatton. The plants at Gatton were maintained in 200 mm pots. Plants were assessed for survival, height, width and flowering.

Leptospermum rotundifolium, L. ‘Rhiannon’ and L. morrisonii ‘Burgundy’ exhibited a significantly higher survival rate at the site at Longford compared with Knoxfield, while there was no significant difference for the other cultivars. Leptospermum ‘Rhiannon’ and L. morrisonii ‘Burgundy’ also grew taller and wider at Longford. In contrast L. serecium performed better at Knoxfield. While the growth rate at Gatton, Queensland was higher the plants had not produced many flowers (data not shown). This reduced flowering response has been reported for other Leptospermum cultivars in southern Queensland.

Postharvest

Cut Leptospermum flowers appear to either dry out or the petals drop (abscise). For example L. scoparium hybrids and L. spectabile dry out, while L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’ petals often drop. Other species appear to drop petals if they are at high humidity (eg in a package) but dry out in a vase at room humidity, eg L. ‘Aphrodite’, L. lanigerum and L. obovatum. Some species were sensitive to externally applied ethylene and dropped petals, eg L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’ and L. morrisonii ex Q’ld, and L. petersonii. Inhibitors of ethylene action, STS (silver thiosulphate) and 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene, EthylBloc) prevented this ethylene damage. Leptospermum scoparium was not affected by ethylene or inhibitors in our experiments at low humidity.

Traditional postharvest treatments of germicides, acid, sugar or commercial preservative, did not prevent drying out in the vase after simulated export, though recutting the stems under water extended the vase life of L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’ which otherwise dried out.

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We observed that, in general, when stems were harvested with 10-20% of flowers open their vase life was longer than when they were cut with 50% or more of flowers open.

Leptospermum rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’ had a good vase life of 7 days after simulated export for 3 days at 15 °C, but L. morrisonii, L. obovatum and L. grandifolium had 4 days life at most.

Our recommendations for postharvest handling are: to grow species with a long vase life; cut stems when about 20% of buds are open; consider treating species that are prone to petal drop with anti- ethylene compounds; use good practices of cooling and germicides; and encourage the end user to recut stems and use a flower preservative.

Reproductive biology and breeding

The reproductive biology of the parent species was investigated to maximise the breeding effort. The floral development of the Leptospermum looked at showed a typical protandrous development pattern. The hybrid breeding program was successful and there are now 586 hybrids from a range of crosses growing in the field.

This Leptospermum breeding program should provide a range of plants with a combination of characters. With the current diversity within the parents, there is an opportunity to alter flower colour, size and flowering time. Although they have not been assessed yet as they have not developed to the point of flowering. In the spring of 2000 the first flowers were produced on some of these early hybrids and a few are showing some exciting traits – large pink ruffled flowers, late season red flowers.

As the selection work has identified a range of superior selections, the opportunity exists for the breeding program to concentrate on these superior selections to produce superior hybrids.

Recommendations

This project has established a good base to extend the work:

• The selections are being progressively characterised under cultivation, and a list of the better forms of Leptospermum has been created. This list will be added to as the assessment of current selections continues. The better forms need to be promoted and made commercially available under the agreed conditions. • The hybrid seedlings are young and still need to be assessed for their growth, flowering and postharvest characters. • The breeding program should be advanced to produce superior hybrids using the superior cut flower forms of the better species. • To devise better postharvest treatments. The sensitivity of important species to ethylene and the effects of ethylene inhibitors need to be determined. Treatments to prevent drying out need to be developed further.

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The Australian cut flower export industry has expanded from approximately $5 million in 1984/85 to near $30 million in 1999/2000. To ensure the increase in export earnings continues it is necessary to improve the quality and continuity of supply of existing products and increase the available product range with high quality new flower crops.

The introduction of a range of Leptospermum species will help to ensure the expansion of the export flower trade continues, for a number of reasons. Leptospermum (tea-tree) would be sold as a focal filler, as flowers are large and stems are showy. Some forms of tea-tree closely resemble cherry blossom, and are very popular in Japan, indicating that a niche market already exists in the most important export market for Australian flowers. Furthermore, between September and March there is always a species of Leptospermum in flower. The similarity in shape and colour range of Leptospermum to geraldton wax would mean that tea-tree could be a replacement for wax once the wax season ends, thereby ensuring a ready market for tea-tree. Flowering naturally in December, tea- tree could also capture a significant share of the large Christmas market.

There are about 80 Leptospermum species found in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia (Wrigley and Fagg 1993), although, the majority of cultivars widely used in horticulture originated from selections of L. scoparium from New Zealand populations. Tea-trees are renowned for their hardiness and fast growth, and will tolerate a range of conditions from dry sandy locations through to wet, marshy areas, and some are frost tolerant. With branches containing large numbers of attractive flowers up to 4 cm in diameter, they can make an excellent focal filler crop. The fast growth rate of a number of tea-trees enables these plants to produce branches of commercial length in the first year.

Some New Zealand variants of L. scoparium, with their dark red flowers and foliage, have been grown for many years as cut flowers. However, these forms have a short vase life due to flower wilting and abscission and they are susceptible to attack from scale and associated black smut, which significantly reduces productivity. A limited breeding program has been under way in New Zealand and California, using L. scoparium as a main parent, but the majority of the progeny are noted as still having a short vase life (Bicknell 1995).

In the early 1980s, L. scoparium was studied extensively in Israel (Zieslin and Gottesman, 1986), where it was found that buds failed to open after harvest, cut branches wilted and flowers dropped after about 4 days. Addition of an effective germicide and acidifying the vase water improved vase life to about 5 to 7 days. Leptospermum scoparium was very sensitive to ethylene, but application of STS did not completely inhibit flower drop. Pulsing for 24 hours with 4 to 8% sugar also improved vase life (Faragher, 1989). These results indicate that vase life in L. scoparium is poor, but can be improved with sugar and germicide treatments, while more work is necessary to find an effective anti-ethylene treatment. In the long term, it is preferable to develop new cultivars that are less sensitive to ethylene, as postharvest treatments are expensive and rarely completely effective. It is noteworthy that L. scoparium is no longer widely grown in Israel as a cut flower crop, due to its inherent short vase life (Prof. A. Halevy, pers. comm.).

The majority of the remaining species of Leptospermum have not been surveyed for their suitability as cut flowers, and have not been placed into breeding programs to produce a longer vase life. There are, however, a number of Australian Leptospermum species that are resistant to flower abscission, and are suitable for cut flower production as they are extremely hardy, fast-growing and floriferous. Vase life (in water) of a small number of Leptospermum species tested ranged from 2 days (L. laevigatum), 6 days in L. rotundifolium to 9 days in forms of L. spectabile (G. Lamont, J. Faragher, R. Jones, unpublished data).

The effect of postharvest vase solutions on a wider range of Leptospermum species needs to be tested to ensure a vase life, including export, of 10 days.

A limited number of L. spectabile and L. rotundifolium are in production, and stems are sold on both domestic and export markets. These species both have a longer vase life than L. scoparium and hybrids have been reported between these species (Harris et al. 1995, Ollerenshaw 1995).

Tea-trees are currently sought after and are receiving a higher price than geraldton wax in both the Japanese and USA markets. Species selected from southern areas are reported to be hesitant to flower in the northern areas of Australia. The development of Leptospermum suitable to grow in a number of regions will only be possible after appropriate forms are selected for those areas of Australia.

As well as selecting and breeding for longer vase life, other important cut flower characters include flower size and colour, flowering time and foliage form. There are a number of species of tea-trees that have flowers that are various shades of pink, and some that have foliage that is soft and includes various shades of greens and reds. While flowering time is not limited to spring, it ranges from August to April. Combining these characters should produce a range of hybrids with good colour and vase life that flower at various times.

1.2 Objectives

To develop a range of Leptospermum species with long vase life, novel colour forms and varying flowering times for release as a new cut flower crop for export.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Determination of suitable Leptospermum as cut flowers

2.1.1. Collection of plant material

To determine Leptospermum species that had desirable characteristics for cut flowers, descriptions of their vegetative and floral characteristics were examined. These were listed for each species, and the species were then ranked according to set criteria. The ranking was based on a combination of characters including: plant form, plant size, foliage colour, flower size, flower colour, flower shape, fragrance, flowering time, and the number and presentation of the flowers along the stem. The ranking placed the species into groups to prioritise their inclusion in the project.

Cultivars and samples of the higher priority species were obtained from commercial nurseries and botanical gardens.

Field trips were conducted to survey natural populations of the species that were ranked as a high priority for inclusion within the project. These populations were surveyed in Victoria, Tasmania, NSW and Queensland. Within populations individual plants were identified which exhibited characters which would make these plants acceptable for cut flower production.

A small amount of plant material was collected for propagation to enable further examination. The cutting material was selected, packed in a humid bag and stored on ice during transport to IHD (Institute for Horticultural Development, Knoxfield).

2.1.2. Propagation

The plants were propagated using semi-hardened tip cuttings, dipped in Clonex®, purple gel (3g/l Indole-3-Butyric acid) and placed in 100 mm Ritegrow black polypropylene squat pots containing Debco™ professional propagating medium. The pots were then placed into mist beds, which were maintained with a minimal basal temperature of 25ºC and a misting duration controlled by a Sage Horticultural, Sprinklermatic 303 with carbon block sensor on a balance arm sense unit. The mist beds were housed in a glasshouse with temperatures controlled within the ranges of 15-26ºC. Light levels were maintained between 10 and 25 k lux by an automatic screen on a 10 minute delay. The cuttings remained in the mist bed until they had a well-established root system, which ranged from 3-12 weeks depending on the selection. When necessary, cuttings were drenched monthly with Previcur to control fungal problems and Gesapon to control root eating insect larvae.

The ease of propagation and strike rates were noted.

2.1.3. Cultivation

2.1.3.1. Nursery culture Once cuttings had produced roots, the plants were tubed and maintained in a glasshouse with minimal heating. The glasshouse was maintained above a minimum temperature of 15°C with good air movement. The plants were on open mesh benches and were watered with an automatic sprinkler system on each, or every alternate, day.

All plants were grown in potting media of 6mm pine bark, 10mm pine bark, Seymour grit and deep mined sand (8:6:1:1 v/v). The potting medium contained fertiliser consisting of 3-5kg/m3 lime, 1 kg/m3 GU-49™ (source of iron), 500g/m3 Micromax and 600g/m3 I.B.D.U. (isobutylidene diurea).

When potted, plants were top-dressed with 3-4 month Osmoscote®. Plants were also fed weekly with the liquid fertiliser Vital® at the prescribed rates of 5ml/L after December 1999.

Once established, plants were potted up into 150mm pots and moved into a shade house to harden off. As the plants grew they were planted out into the field sites and a minimum of 2 plants were potted into 250mm or 300mm tubs. The tubs were then placed on open mesh benches in a wind- protected area and irrigated by overhead sprinkler once or twice a day depending on season and weather conditions. The plants were re-potted and top-dressed as required to maintain health.

2.1.3.2. Field trials Trial field plots of Leptospermum species and cultivars were established at the Institute for Horticultural Development (IHD) Knoxfield and Longford (East Gippsland, Victoria) during Autumn 1998. Plants previously propagated and hardened off were planted into the field. Each cultivar was planted out as 2 blocks of 3 plants that were randomly located within an arboretum. At Longford, available cultivars were planted out with plots containing 4 plants of each cultivar.

Site description - Knoxfield

Climate summary: The site experiences mild temperature conditions. The summers are warm with occasional hot days. There is an average of 7 days over 35°C. The winters are cool, with 9-10 frosts per year, some substantial and reach as low as -3°C. The site experiences an average rainfall of 900 mm per year, which occurs consistently throughout the year and has a peak in May and an increase in spring.

Soil: The soil is a grey clay loam, and was improved with the addition of sharp river sand and organic material. The pH of the soil is 7.0. There is no sub-surface problem layer in the root zone.

Beds: The plants were planted on raised beds, 20-40cm high. The beds were located on a very slight (<1 in 10) north facing slope.

Planting design: The plants were planted in single rows and spaced 1m apart, with 1.5m between the rows.

Plantation management: The fields were fertilised regularly and irrigated as required. Weeds were controlled by wood chip mulch and hand weeding, along the rows and by herbicides between the rows. The plants were pruned when planted and protected by windbreaks.

Site description - Longford

Climate summary: The site experiences mild temperature conditions. The summers are warm with occasional hot days. There is an average of 6-7 days over 35°C. The winters are cool, with a few frosts per year. Most are mild while some have been substantial and reach as low as -4°C. The site experiences an average rainfall of 650 mm per year, which occurs consistently throughout the year with an increase in late spring.

Soil: The soil is a sandy loam with a pH of 4.5.

Beds: Due to the good drainage the plants are not growing on raised beds.

Planting design: The plants are planted in single rows and spaced 1 m apart, and the rows are 3.5 m apart. Plantation management: The plants are fertilised periodically with Osmocote®. Weeds are controlled by woven weedmat around the base of the plant, mowing in between the rows, and

herbicide along the edge of the weedmat. The plants were not pruned when planted and are not protected by windbreaks. The site is protected by its north-east aspect from the wind.

2.1.4. Assessment of growth habit and floral display

2.1.4.1. Comparison of species and selections Data was collected on floral and vegetative characteristics when individual cultivars came into flower. All clones that had flowered as of 1 June 2000 were measured for a range of characters. These included: plant height and form; flower size; colour; shape and distinctive features; time of flowering; the size and density of the floral display; length of the vegetative tip extension past the floral display; leaf colour; length of cut flower stem possible; and branching of the stem. Flower and foliage colour were compared against R.H.S. Colour Charts (The Royal Horticultural Society 1966) to determine colour. Cultivars of each species were then compared to identify the best genetic material for further development. This was assessed against predetermined cut flower market criteria.

2.1.4.2 Assessment of vase life of selected clones Where at least 5 stems of each clone were of a harvestable quality, their vase life was assessed. Stems were harvested and placed in water for transport to the laboratory. Transport lasted for less than 6 hours, and the material was then placed at 1°C overnight. The following morning the stems were placed into deionised water in individual test tubes and placed in a controlled atmosphere with a temperature of 21°C and relative humidity of approximately 60%. The stems were assessed on a daily basis until all stems were considered to be at the end of their vase life.

End of vase life was determined to be when the stem ceased to have a decorative appearance. This was determined through assessment of foliage condition, floral display, condition of the flowers and buds, if the buds opened and any cultivar specific traits. If over 50% of the open flowers were shrivelled or in decline then the stem was deemed unacceptable. Excessive foliage, flower, petal or bract drop also resulted in the end of vase life for the stem. Other factors contributing to the end of vase life included: stem tip wilt, bud browning and aborting, and foliage colour deteriorating.

2.1.5. Pests and diseases

The overall cultivation conditions in the glasshouse, nursery and field areas were maintained as pest and disease free as possible, and the plants were only sprayed with fungicide and insecticide as required.

Unfamiliar pests or diseases and plants showing symptoms were sent to the Crop Health Service at IHD, Knoxfield for identification.

2.2. Interstate performance

A trial was established in September 1998, to evaluate any variation in performance of 6 selected cultivars in different environments. These cultivars included L. morrisonii Burgundy, L. turbinatum LTMZ1, L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’, L. macrocarpum, L. serecium, and L. ‘Rhiannon’. Plots were established at two field sites in Victoria at IHD Knoxfield and at Longford Flowers, and one site in Queensland at Gatton. The plants at Gatton were maintained in 200 mm pots. Survival rates of plants within these trial plots were monitored throughout the project at 6 monthly intervals. Plants were assessed for a range of growth characters including height and width.

2.3. Postharvest trials

2.3.1. Leptospermum rotundifolium postharvest trials

Flowering stems of Leptospermum rotundifolium have a good vase life but the flowers are subject to petal abscission. Trials were conducted to determine if the vase life could be improved using pre- transport pulses and treatments. Ethylene sensitivity was also monitored.

2.3.1.1. Pre-transport pulses A form of Leptospermum rotundifolium (Longford improved) was identified on a commercial property in Longford, Victoria. Flowering stems were picked to determine if different pre-transport pulsing solutions were effective in improving the vase life of stems after transport. The stems were packed dry for transport to the Institute for processing. The stems were kept cool with ice and reached the Institute within 4 hours. Upon arrival the stems were sorted, recut and pulsed with a number of solutions overnight at 0oC. The stems were sorted into stem sizes and percentage of buds open. They were also sorted for flower quality and damage. Most stems had approximately 60% of the flowers open, and most flowers were crumpled and semi-desiccated from the transport.

Eleven flowering stems with similar characters were placed into blocks for comparison of the effect of the pulsing solutions. The following pulsing solutions were tested:

• deionised water (as the control solution) • 50 mg/L chlorine (80 mg/L sodium dichloroisocyanurate, DICA), • 2% sucrose and 50 mg/L chlorine, • 4% sucrose and 50 mg/L chlorine, • 8% sucrose and 50 mg/L chlorine, • 250 mg/L citric acid (pH 2.8), • 2 g/L citric acid (pH 2.5), • 0.01% agral and 200 mg/L aluminium sulphate, • 0.0025% agral and 200 mg/L aluminium sulphate, • 200 mg/L aluminium sulphate, • Chrysal Professional (1%) (a commercial flower preservative).

Each stem was placed into an individual test tube containing a test solution. The eleven stems were randomised within a block for the period of the treatment. These eleven treatments were each applied to ten stems.

After 18 hours at 0oC the stems were taken out of the pulsing solution, and the eleven stems from within each block were bunched together. The bunches were lightly packed with foliage into a fibreboard carton lined with newspaper and placed in a 15oC controlled temperature room to simulate transport. After 72 hours the flowers were taken out of the packaging, the stems were recut and placed in individual tubes containing deionised water. The tubes were then placed in randomised complete blocks in the vase life room. The conditions in the vase life room were 20oC, 12 hour day/night lighting cycle (10 µE/m2/s) and 60% relative humidity.

End of vase life criteria

Vase life was considered to have ended when one or more of the following occurred:

Flowers

50% of the petals and/or flowers had dropped.

Greater than 75% of the petals had dried and shrivelled but had stayed on the stem.

Leaves. Excessive foliage wilt to make the stem unattractive

Discolouration of the leaves. This problem was not considered too detrimental provided the leaves were still on the stem. The end of vase life was noted when 75% of the leaves had discoloured.

2.3.1.2. Pre-transport treatments Flowering stems of Leptospermum rotundifolium (Longford improved) were picked, transported and sorted as described in the pre-transport pulsing experiment.

These stems were used for comparison of the effect of overnight storage temperature prior to transport. The overnight storage was conducted under three commercial conditions: (i) Cold dry storage was achieved by placing the stems in paper within a flower box at 0oC overnight. (ii) Cold storage of the flowers was undertaken while they were standing in buckets of water. These flowers were placed in the same cold room as the flowers in the flower boxes. (iii) The rest of the flowers were kept in water at 20oC overnight.

Three stems were used for each treatment in each block, and each treatment was repeated twice in two separate rooms. This resulted in each treatment being applied to 4 lots of 3 stems.

After 18 hours the stems were removed from the treatment, and the stems from within each block were bunched together. The bunches were lightly packed with foliage into a fibreboard carton lined with newspaper and placed in a 15oC controlled temperature room to simulate transport. After 72 hours the flowers were taken out of the packaging, the stems were recut and placed in individual tubes containing deionised water. The tubes were then placed in blocks in the vase life room.

2.3.1.3. Effect of recutting stems after transport This trial was conducted to determine the effects of recutting stems after dry transport on the subsequent vase life.

Leptospermum rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’ stems were obtained from the National Flower Centre (ex Bill Frew, Warragul), where they had been held dry at ambient temperatures (approx. 10°C) overnight. The stems were 35 cm long, with 10-50% of the buds open. They were given one of four recutting treatments: none; recut 50 mm in air; recut 50 mm under water; or recut 100 mm under water. The stems were placed into deionised water in the vase life room to measure vase life and the percentage of open flowers on the stem. The experimental design was: 4 recutting treatments x 5 replicate stems in a randomised block design.

The end of vase life was considered to be when either 50% of the open flowers rolled inwards (more than 45 degrees) or shrivelled. There was little abscission in these flowers.

2.3.2. Leptospermum grandifolium postharvest trials

Flowering stems of Leptospermum grandifolium have a good vase life but the flowers are subject to petal drying and shrivelling prior to abscission. Trials were conducted to determine if the vase life could be improved using pre-transport pulses.

2.3.2.1. Pre-transport pulses Flowering stems of Leptospermum grandifolium growing within the variety trial plot at IHD Knoxfield, Victoria, were picked for assessment to determine if different pre-transport pulsing solutions were effective in improving the vase life of stems after transport. The stems were placed into buckets of water after harvest, and reached the laboratory within 30 minutes of harvest.

The stems were sorted, recut and pulsed with a number of solutions overnight at 0oC. The stems were sorted into groups according to stem sizes and percentage of buds open.

Six flowering stems with similar characters were placed into blocks for comparison of the effect of the pulsing solutions. The following pulsing solutions were tested: deionised water (as the control solution) 50 mg/L chlorine (80 mg/L sodium dichloroisocyanurate, DICA), 250 mg/L citric acid (pH 2.8), 2 g/L citric acid (pH 2.5), 0.0025% agral and 200 mg/L aluminium sulphate, Chrysal Professional (1%).

Each stem was placed into an individual test tube containing a test solution. The six stems were randomised within a block for the period of the treatment. These six treatments were each applied to ten stems.

After 18 hours at 0oC the stems were taken out of the pulsing solution, and the six stems from within each block of treatments were bunched together. The bunches were lightly packed with foliage into a fibreboard carton lined with newspaper and placed in a 15oC controlled temperature room to simulate transport. After 72 hours the flowers were taken out of the packaging, the stems were recut and placed in individual tubes containing deionised water. The tubes were then placed in randomised complete blocks in the vase life room.

2.3.3. Leptospermum morrisonii postharvest trials

2.3.3.1. Pre-transport pulses Flowering stems of Leptospermum morrisonii Burgundy growing on a commercial property in Longford, Victoria, were picked for assessment to determine if different pre-transport pulsing solutions were effective in improving the vase life of stems after transport. The stems were packed dry for transport to the Institute for processing. The stems were kept cool with ice and reached the Institute within 5 hours. Upon arrival the stems were sorted, recut and pulsed with a number of solutions overnight at 0oC.

The stems were sorted into stem sizes and percentage of buds open. They were also sorted for flower quality and damage. Most stems had approximately 60% of the flower open, and most flowers were crumpled and semi-desiccated from the transport.

Ten flowering stems with similar characters were placed into blocks for comparison of the effect of the pulsing solutions. The following pulsing solutions were tested:

• deionised water (as the control solution) • 50 mg/L chlorine (80 mg/L sodium dichloroisocyanurate, DICA), • 2% sucrose and 50 mg/L chlorine, • 4% sucrose and 50 mg/L chlorine, • 8% sucrose and 50 mg/L chlorine, • 250 mg/L citric acid (pH 2.8), • 2 g/L citric acid (pH 2.5), • 0.0025% agral and 200 mg/L aluminium sulphate, • 200 mg/L aluminium sulphate, • Chrysal Professional (1%).

Each stem was placed into an individual test tube containing a test solution. The ten stems were randomised within a block for the period of the treatment. These ten treatments were each applied to ten stems.

After 18 hours at 0oC the stems were taken out of the pulsing solution, and the ten stems from within each block of treatments were bunched together. The bunches were lightly packed with foliage into a fibreboard carton lined with newspaper and placed in a 15oC controlled temperature room to simulate transport. After 72 hours the flowers were taken out of the packaging, the stems were recut and placed in individual tubes containing deionised water. The tubes were then placed in randomised complete blocks in the vase life room.

2.3.4. Effect of simulated transport on L. grandifolium, L. morrisonii and L. obovatum

Flowering stems of Leptospermum grandifolium, L. morrisonii and L. obovatum growing within the variety trial plot at IHD Knoxfield, Victoria, were picked for assessment to determine if simulated transport had an effect on the vase life of flowering stems. The stems were placed into buckets of water after harvest, and reached the laboratory within 30 minutes of harvest.

The stems were recut and placed in deionised water overnight at 0oC. Each stem was placed into an individual test tube. Two stems from each species were randomised within a block for the period of the treatment. This was repeated over ten blocks, or a total of 20 stems from each species.

After 18 hours one stem of each species within each block was placed into the vase life room. The remaining stem of each species within each block was taken out of the deionised water, and bunched together. The bunches were lightly packed with foliage into a fibreboard carton lined with newspaper and placed in a 15oC controlled temperature room to simulate transport. After 72 hours the flowers were taken out of the packaging, the stems were recut and placed in individual tubes containing deionised water. The tubes were then placed in randomised complete blocks in the vase life room.

2.3.5. Effect of ethylene on Leptospermum

2.3.5.1. Leptospermum rotundifolium ethylene sensitivity and the effect of STS The effect of ethylene on the postharvest quality of the stems was investigated. This trial was also conducted on flowering stems of Leptospermum rotundifolium (Longford improved) that were picked, transported and sorted as described for the pre-transport pulsing experiment.

The stems were 35 cm long, with 35-65% of the buds open; they were recut by 25 mm in air immediately before they were treated. The stems were placed into one of three STS treatments (0,

0.2, 0.5 mM Ag) for 17.5 h at 0°C and 90% RH. They were then placed in deionised water and treated with either 0 or 10 ppm (uL/L) ethylene, for 24 h at 20°C and 95% RH (in 150L tubs, with a beaker of 120 mL saturated NaOH to absorb CO2,). After this they were placed in the vase life room to measure vase life and petal/flower drop. The experimental design was: 2 ethylene treatments (3 replicate blocks) x 3 STS treatments (4 replicate stems). The STS treatments were randomised within each block.

The end of vase life was when either 50% of the open flowers rolled inwards (more than 45 degrees) or shrivelled, or when 50% of the open petals on the stem had abscissed (dropped).

2.3.5.2. Leptospermum morrisonii ethylene sensitivity Stems of 2 forms of L. morrisonii, ex Qld and Burgundy, were cut from plants at IHD. They were cut to 25 cm long, placed in deionised water and treated with either 0 or 10 ppm (µL/L) ethylene, for

24 h at 20°C and 95% RH (in 150L tubs, with a beaker of 120 mL saturated NaOH to absorb CO2,). After this they were placed in the vase life room to measure vase life and petal/flower drop.

The experimental design was: 2 forms x 2 ethylene treatments (3 replicate blocks) x 3 or 4 replicate stems (ex Qld 3, Burgundy 4). The replicate stems and the two forms were randomised within each block. The results were analysed by REML ANOVA (residual maximum likelihood, analysis of variance) because of the unbalanced number of replicate stems.

The end of vase life was considered to be when either 50% of the open flowers rolled inwards (more than 45 degrees) or shrivelled, or when 50% of the open petals on the stem had abscissed.

2.3.6. Postharvest fumigation trials with Phosphine

The effect of fumigating the flowering stems with Phosphine on the postharvest quality of the stems was investigated. This trial was also conducted on flowering stems of Leptospermum rotundifolium (Longford improved) and a number of other cultivars that were picked, transported and sorted as described for the pre-transport pulsing experiment.

Once sorted the flower stems were placed in water and were kept in water throughout the fumigation. It was important to keep the flowers well hydrated during fumigation otherwise they tended to dry out and deteriorate. This deterioration may have been caused by the temperature, respiration and transpiration rates during fumigation, and the fumigant itself or a combination of these factors. The flowering stems were transported to a commercial flower farm at Gembrook for fumigation.

These flowering stems of Leptospermum were included in the Phosphine fumigation trials of RIRDC project DAV-149A. In these fumigations 0.03gm/m3 of pyrethrum (applied as Pestigas®) followed 3 ® 10 minutes later with 0.42 - 0.49gm/m of phosphine (applied as ECO2FUME ). Phosphine concentrations at the end of the 15 hour fumigations were 0.31 -0.35gm/m3.

® The phosphine used was the cylinder gas formulation ECO2FUME (2% phosphine with carbon dioxide as a carrier gas). The fumigation chamber used was a 27 m3 modified shipping container set up for commercial use. A temperature of 15oC or above is recommended for phosphine fumigations (Winks et al. 1980).

After fumigation at Gembrook, bunches of flowers were transported to IHD, Knoxfield (travel time about 45 minutes, temperature about 20oC) where they were placed in the vase life for observations.

2.4. Leptospermum breeding program

2.4.1. Reproductive biology

2.4.1.1. Floral development of Leptospermum species Flowers of L. polygalifolium, L. rotundifolium and L. macrocarpum were observed closely during floral development for progressive stages of maturity. The flowers were dissected under a Wild Photomakroskop M400 to determine the changes to the male (androecium) and female (gynoecium) parts with maturity.

The period of stigmatic receptivity was determined by conducting controlled pollinations on stigmas of bagged L. polygalifolium flowers. The stigmas of the flowers were hand pollinated each day from Day 1 to Day 10, by wiping pollen from freshly dehisced anthers from flowers on the same plant across each stigma. The pistils were harvested 3 days after pollination and in FAA (Formalin acetic acid). Pistils were transferred to 10% sodium sulfite for clearing and autoclaved at 121°C for 15 minutes at 15 psi. Pistils were carefully squashed, and then stained with decolourised aniline blue and observed under a fluorescent microscope. The presence or absence of germinating pollen on the stigma and pollen tube growth in the style was recorded. The period that the stigma was receptive was also tested by staining stigmas with 1% Toluidine Blue for 5 minutes followed by washing with distilled water.

The period of time that the pollen was viable was investigated using flowers of L. polygalifolium. Pollen viability was tested by germinating pollen on agar slides. The agar was prepared as a 1% solution containing 10% sucrose and 0.008% boric acid. A few drops of the agar solution were pipetted onto a microscope slide, which spread to create a moist film. Fresh pollen collected from flowers 1 to 10 days post anthesis was sprinkled lightly over the surface of the slides. The slides were placed into petri dishes containing moist tissue paper. They were covered and incubated at 20oC for 24 hours. The pollen on the slides was examined under a microscope to determine percentage germination.

2.4.2. Hybridisation program

2.4.2.1. Controlled pollinations To optimise the timing of pollinations, Leptospermum flowers were observed closely during floral development for progressive stages of maturity. These observations were backed up with the results of the tests under section 2.4.1. The flowers of other species used in the breeding program were compared to ensure that they conformed to the developmental sequence of the observed species.

Inter-specific and inter-generic hybridisations were performed. Controlled pollinations were carried out preferentially on potted plants in the nursery and glasshouse to reduce losses due to the effects of environmental conditions or predators/pests. Where flowering was limited on plants in pots, hybridisations were undertaken in the field at Longford and IHD.

Plants that were to be used as female parents were identified. When flowers were at stage 1 of the floral development (with petals just opening), they were emasculated and covered with bags to exclude insect pollinators. After seven days the flowers were cross-pollinated and re-covered with the bag. The bag was then removed after a further seven days when the stigma was no longer receptive and the receptacle had started to swell.

Nuts were left to develop until they were mature. They were harvested prior to seed dispersal, or when the nuts had aged and the seeds were mature. The nuts were placed in paper bags until all seed was shed. Embryos were dissected from the seed, and were germinated on agar plates of MS media under controlled conditions. When the seedlings were at 2 leaf pair stage, they were removed from the plates, potted into 5 cm tubes and placed in mist beds for further growth. When the seedlings

had grown sufficiently they were repotted into 8 cm tubes and placed on benches in the glasshouse. When the hybrids were large enough they were planted into the field.

Crosses that were to be performed where flowering periods overlapped used fresh pollen. For hybridisations between species that did not flower concurrently stored pollen was used. To store the pollen and maintain its viability, pollen was collected when the anthers had just started to split. The pollen was placed in eppendorf tubes, which were then placed in a desiccator overnight before freezing at –20oC.

2.5. Statistical analysis

For all experiments the measurements were analysed by analysis of variance using the Genstat 5 statistical package from Rothamsted Experimental Station, UK. In the text Least Significant Differences (LSD) are at the 5% level, unless otherwise stated.

3. Results

3.1. Determination of suitable Leptospermum as cut flowers

3.1.1. Collection of plant material

A list of potential Leptospermum species to collect was compiled. Desirable Leptospermum species and cultivars were obtained from the nursery industry for assessment. Plant material was obtained from Botanical Gardens and natural populations.

In total 247 selections were obtained. Plant material was collected from two genera, one species from Neofabricia and 37 species from Leptospermum. Three named hybrid cultivars and three named cultivars that are not identified to a species were also collected. A further 17 selections are still to be identified to species. Variation in characteristics such as flower size and colour, foliage colour and flowering time were targeted when collecting these selections.

A complete list of cultivars collected is provided in Appendix 1.

3.1.2. Propagation and cultivation of material

The plant material collected from natural populations, botanical gardens and nurseries were generally propagated readily although strike rates varied widely from 0 to 100%. Details of ease of propagation and strike rates are given in Appendix 2.

There were a range of responses of cultivars to pot cultivation in the nursery. The majority of cultivars were easily cultivated.

3.1.3. Assessment of growth habit and floral display

3.1.3.1. Comparison of species and selections To obtain a suitable appraisal of each selection as a commercial cut flower, the floral display and growth habit were assessed on plants under cultivation. The limited time frame meant some plants had not reached a sufficient size to be fully assessed by the end of the project. In total 82 cultivars from 27 species, including 2 named cultivars of unknown species and 3 unidentified Leptospermum cultivars have been measured. Partial measurements were obtained on 25 of the 82 cultivars due to insufficient material being available. A full list of vegetative characters of all species is in Appendix 3, while a summary of characters of selections from the main species is in Table 1.

A number of the selections obtained from the landscape trade were not suitable for cut flower production due to weeping or dwarf vegetative habit. Some plants collected from the field were also unsuitable, as their growth rates were too slow to produce stems that were of harvestable length within an acceptable period. In some cases this may be explained by understanding the habitats from which the material came from; ie LLMF1 originated from an alpine area.

The floral characters measured include flower size, colour, shape, arrangement on the stem and any distinctive features. The variation in flower size and floral display between species was considerable. The largest average flower size was recorded for L. macrocarpum Pink 4.0 at Longford Flowers with a diameter of 4.0 cm, while the smallest was L. brachyandrum and L. obovatum CBG (glasshouse and nursery respectively) both with a flower diameter of 1.0 cm. Flower colour varied from white through various shades of pink, mauve, purple, red and yellow.

The onset of flowering varied widely from August through to April. The full details of floral characteristics for each species/cultivars measured are in Appendix 4. A summary of the details for a few species is in Table 2.

Table 1. Vegetative characters of selections of Leptospermum.

Species/Cultivar Location Foliage Description of stem Stem Flowers Length colour length in top veg tip (cm) 30cm (cm) L. ‘Aphrodite’ IHD 146A Upright with small flowering 53 17 5.2 Arboretum branchlets (1-2 flowers) L. brevipes IHD 200A Long and weeping 64.5 144 5.9 Arboretum L. brevipes IHD 137A Main stem narrow, branchlets 40 47 1.4 LBCBG Arboretum reddish in colour L. grandiflorum Longford 137B Long stems with erect 55 1 27 ‘Bicheno Pink’ pots branchlets L. lanigerum IHD 189A Upright, narrow, flowering 98 84 0 LLLP2 Arboretum branchlets L. macrocarpum IHD Short branchlets 35 4 12 CBG5 Arboretum L. macrocarpum IHD Long, prostrate 48.8 17 16 ‘Copper Glow’ Nursery L. macrocarpum Longford Long, fairly narrow 56.4 3 26.4 Pink 4.0 L. ‘Merinda’ IHD Long & narrow 40.3 26 1.8 Nursery L. morrisonii Longford Narrow, bushy branchlets 39.7 16 10.8 Burgundy L. morrisonii ex IHD 146A Long stems with flowering 44 2 20.5 QLD Arboretum branchlets, flowers on lower half L. polygalifolium IHD 137C 42.7 83 1.3 Arboretum L. ‘Rhiannon’ IHD 137A Long, narrow, usually single 52.8 3 23.5 Arboretum flowering branchlets L. rotundifolium IHD 137A Upright, mostly narrow 56.5 12 7 ‘Lavender Queen’ Arboretum L. rotundifolium Longford 137A Upright, narrow, small 29.7 6 6.6 (Longford branchlets improved) L. serecium ex IHD Upright, shrubby stems 58 2 22 Pomonal Nursery L. serecium ex IHD 147C Upright & shrubby 51 23 11 WA Arboretum L. spectabile 899 IHD 137C Upright, bushy, flowering 19 3 9.7 Arboretum branchlets L. spectabile IHD 137A Upright, bushy, flowering 40.3 7 16.8 Arboretum branchlets L. spectabile 967 IHD 147A Long, narrow, upright with 55.5 1 35.2 Arboretum bushy tips L. spectabile Longford Upright, terminal flowers, 47.7 19 12.4 foliage & flowers compact L. spectabile IHD Upright, spreading 46.3 32 20.5 Nursery L. turbinatum IHD 137A Long upright, narrow & bushy 63.8 5 26.3 LTPR1 Arboretum

Table 2. Floral characteristics of selections of Leptospermum

Species/Cultivar Date 1st Date main Flower Flower Flower description No. flowers Distance flower* bloom size colour in 10cm between (cm) flowering flowers stem L. ‘Aphrodite’ 31-Oct-99 (K) 4-Nov-99 (K) 2.2 Red purple Petals red, green & white 11 2.4 8-Nov-99 (L) 18-Nov-99 (L) 67C sepals, mass of bright flowers L. brevipes 12-Oct-99 (K) 23-Oct-99 (K) 1.1 White Round peals, small pink 50 0.3 15-Oct-99 (L) 26-Oct-99 (L) sepals, red rim L. brevipes 9-Sep-99 (K) 13-Sep-99 (K) 1.6 White Small flowers, rounded to 22 8.8 LBCBG diamond shaped petals, sepals red & green L. grandiflorum 10-Feb-00 (L) 10-Mar-00 (L) 2.4 Pink, paler Rounded to oval shaped 19 1.2 ‘Bicheno Pink’ at edge. petals, with elongated base. 62 B,C,D Petal margins crinkled, colour deeper along veins L. lanigerum 20-Aug-99 (K) 27-Aug-99 (K) 1.5 White Petals frilled. profuse, rounded 40 1.0 LLLP2 petals, pink/red sepals L. liversidgei 10-Jan-00 (K) 20-Jan-00 (K) 1.5 White with Oval petals alternating with 21 0.8 pink flush - burgundy sepals Red purple 65D L. liversidgei 10-Jan-00 (KN) 20-Jan-00 1.6 Red purple Delicate rounded pink petals 18 0.6 ‘Mozzie Blocker’ (KN) 70D with elongated attachment, sepals plum or deeper pink, clustered along stem L. macrocarpum 24-Sep-99 (K) 24-Sep-99 (K) 3.0 Dark Sweet scent, large bright pink 1 8.0 CBG191J pink/red flowers sepals green and turn pink L. macrocarpum 10-Oct-99 (KN) 17-Oct-99 2.6 Red purple Darker when younger, sepals 7 2.6 ‘Copper Glow’ (KN) 64D green, petals round L. macrocarpum 4-Oct-99 (L) 20-Oct-99 (L) 4.0 Red purple Huge flowers, petals & sepals 3 5.2 Pink 4.0 64D almost same colour L. Merinda 9-Oct-99 (K) 18-Oct-99 (K) 2.0 Red purple Round petals, white sepals, 13 1.4 63A red rim. Pink stamens L. morrisonii 23-Nov-99 (L) 9-Dec-99 (L) 2.4 White White sepals with a pink stripe 11 2.7 ‘Burgundy’ 3-Dec-99 (K) 21-Dec-99 (K) up the centre L. morrisonii ex 3-Dec-99 (K) 21-Dec-99 (K) 2.6 White Large rounded petals 8 2.1 QLD L. ‘Rhiannon’ 31-Oct-99 (K) 5-Nov-99 (K) 3 Purple Rounded petals, green hairy 9 2.3 8-Nov-99 (L) 16-Nov-99 (L) violet 81A sepals. Buds have brown bracts over them. L. rotundifolium 14-Oct-99 (K) 23-Oct-99 (K) 2.5 Purple Round petals, red sepals 7 2.5 ‘Lavender 76A Queen’ L. rotundifolium 11-Oct-99 (K) 18-Oct-99 (K) 2.8 Violet 83D Petals lighter at centre, red 4 2.7 ‘Longford sepals improved’ L. serecium ex 25-Aug-99 4-Sep-99 (KN) 2.6 Purple Petals rounded, sepals green 3 3.7 Pomonal (KN) violet 81D & red L. serecium ex 20-Aug-99 (K) 4-Sep-99 (K) 2.6 Purple Petals rounded, sepals 9 1.7 WA 9-Sep-99 (L) 23-Sep-99 (L) violet 81C red/pink, bright display Flowers are darker when young. L. spectabile 1-Nov-99 (K) 4-Nov-99 (K) 2.5 Red purple Petals round, some frilly, 7 2.2 (IHD) 59B sepals green. L. spectabile 11-Nov-99 (L) 25-Nov-99 (L) 3 Red purple Flowers at base of stem, 14 1.4 (Longford) 59A compact L. spectabile 31-Oct-99 (K) 4-Nov-99 (K) 3.0 Red purple Some petals reflex at edges. 2.5 4.0 899 60A Sepals green & hairy L. spectabile 7-Nov-99 (K) 19-Nov-99 (K) 2.9 Red purple Flowers at base of stem, 6 3.0 967 17-Nov-99 (L) 25-Nov-99 (L) 60A sepals green, petals oval L. spectabile 10-Nov-99 (K) 19-Nov-99 (K) 2.5 Red purple Sepals green 4.5 2.7 CBG 60B L. turbinatum 14-Oct-99 (K) 18-Oct-99 (K) 2.8 White Rounded frilly petals, pink/red 6 2.3 LTPR1 sepals *(K) = Knoxfield field site, (KN) = Knoxfield nursery, (L) = Longford field site

3.1.3.2. Assessment of vase life of selected clones Assessment of vase life was limited by the number of cultivated selections that had at least five stems of sufficient quality. In total the vase life of 60 cultivars from 25 species, including 1 unknown species and 5 named cultivars was obtained. Of these, 43 cultivars had an average vase life of greater than 7 days, while one cultivar, L. morrisonii Burgundy, had an average vase life of 15.2 days. The remaining 17 cultivars were found to have an unacceptable vase life of less than 7 days, caused by the onset of petal and/or leaf abscission or petal desiccation.

Observations taken throughout the vase life trials indicate that when stems were harvested with 10- 20% flowers open vase life expectancy was acceptable, but was reduced if stems were harvested later in the season with 50% of flowers open. The details of the vase life assessment for each species and selections are listed in Appendix 5. Vase life details for selections of a few species of Leptospermum are also in Table 3.

Table 3. Vase life (days) and post harvest performance of forms of Leptospermum.

Species/Cultivar Mean (s.e.) Flowering stage at harvest Comments on vase life L. 'Aphrodite' 12 (0) Some flowers and buds. Buds open and good display. Flowers shrivel. L. brevipes 11 (0) 20-50% in flower, lots of Buds open and good vase life. Flowers flowers and buds. shrivel L. grandiflorum Bed 9 (1.0) Flowers and buds. Buds open in vase. Flowers brown and 12 shrivel. L. lanigerum LLLP2 9 (0) Few flowers open at start, As the flowers open they only last 1-2 days with lots of buds. each but buds are OK. Foliage OK for a week. L. macrocarpum 10.4 (0.7) Buds only. Buds took a long time to open. For a good ‘Copper Glow’ vaselife assessment need flowers opening. L. 'Merinda' 7.2 (0.7) A few flowers but mainly Some flowers open, but only last a few days. buds. Foliage drying up to end vase life. L. morrisonii 15.2 (0.6) Buds to a few flowers. Buds open, but slowly. Flowers shrivel, Burgundy vegetative tip wilts, buds brown. L. morrisonii ex QLD 7.8 (0.5) 0-10% flowering. A few flowers open (minimal). Flowers shrivel, buds brown. L. 'Rhiannon' 11.6 (0.7) Some flowers and buds. Buds open. Flowers shrivelling. L. rotundifolium 7.8 (1.3) Lots of flowers open and a The buds opened and lasted. Leaves dried ‘Lavender Queen’ number of buds. and dropped. The flowers dropped petals. L. rotundifolium 13.8 (0.8) Some flowers, lots of buds. Buds open and good vase life. Petal drop. (Longford improved) L. serecium 11.8 (0.8) A few flowers open. A few flowers open during trial. Petals drop (Pomonal) but foliage OK. L. serecium ex WA 12.6 (0.3) Few flowers open at start, a Buds open and flowers last approx 7 days. number of buds. Leaf drop after 12 days. L. spectabile 6 (2.0) Few flowers Foliage tip wilted at start and did not (Longford) recover. Flowers senesced after a few days. L. spectabile (IHD 9.6 (0.9) A few flowers, mainly in Buds and flowers didn’t fully open. Petals Nursery) bud. shrivelling. L. spectabile 967 10.2 (0.8) A few flowers. Buds not Flowers open, but not well, a bit of opening. shrivelling. Flowers shrivel. L. turbinatum LTPR3 9.2 (0.2) Few flowers, mainly buds. Flowers open. Petals shrivel and drop.

3.1.4. Pests and diseases

The Leptospermum cultivars have been visited by the usual array of pests in plantations, although none occurred in large numbers. A few plants died in the Knoxfield field site from phytophthora. Whiteflies, aphids and root eating larvae needed to be controlled in the glasshouse.

3.2. Interstate performance

Table 4. Performance of the cultivars in March 1999

L. rotundifolium L. ‘Rhiannon’ L. macrocarpum L. morrisonii L. serecium L. turbinatum LSD ‘Lavender Queen’ ‘Burgundy’ cultivar (P=0.05) IHD Survival (%) 100 95 100 100 100 100 21.6 Height (cm) 27.5 44.3 33.1 27.2 63.0 41.0 10.3 Longford Survival (%) 55 95 100 95 100 35 21.6 Height (cm) 23.6 50.1 40.5 24.6 64.5 36.7 10.3 LSD Site P=0.05 (IHD to Longford only) Survival 18 18 18 18 18 18 Height 9.4 9.4 9.4 9.4 9.4 9.4 Gatton Survival (%) 100 100 100 100 100 100 Height (cm) 62.7 70.2 43.0 86.1 48.2 61.1 6.0

Table 5. Performance of the cultivars in August 1999

L. rotundifolium L. ‘Rhiannon’ L. macrocarpum L. morrisonii L. serecium L. turbinatum LSD ‘Lavender Queen’ ‘Burgundy’ cultivar (P=0.05) IHD Survival (%) 100 85 100 85 100 100 17.0 Height (cm) 32.3 45.7 42.9 32.6 85.3 43.5 12.4 Width (cm) 11.3 36.6 26.9 14.0 63.8 14.0 16.7 Longford Survival (%) 100 100 100 100 100 100 17.0 Height (cm) 36.0 71.0 46.0 37.3 72.5 37.3 12.4 Width (cm) 19.8 54.3 37.3 29.3 52.5 18.0 16.7 LSD Site (P=0.05) (IHD to Longford only) Survival 15 15 15 15 15 15 Height 10.2 10.2 10.2 10.2 10.2 10.2 Width 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 Gatton Survival (%) 100 100 100 100 100 100 Height (cm) 130.9 100.4 80.2 109.6 98.7 104.2 12.3 Width (cm) 102.0 66.2 62.3 63.2 61.7 76.2 9.7

Table 6. Performance of the cultivars in June 2000

L. rotundifolium L. ‘Rhiannon’ L. macrocarpum L. morrisonii L. serecium L. turbinatum LSD ‘Lavender Queen’ ‘Burgundy’ cultivar (P=0.05) IHD Survival (%) 35 19 74 38 95 85 31.0 Height (cm) 86.2 86.9 101.5 46.3 157.9 99.59 30.1 Width (cm) 73.9 92.0 82.7 54.8 156.8 107.0 34.3 Longford Survival (%) 100 100 95 100 100 100 31.00 Height (cm) 82.5 126.4 101.3 75.7 129.0 88.5 30.1 Width (cm) 55.0 139.0 96.1 103.0 119.8 77.0 34.3 LSD Site (P=0.05) (IHD to Longford only) Survival 27 27 27 27 27 27 Height 27.8 27.8 27.8 27.8 27.8 27.8 Width 30.7 30.7 30.7 30.7 30.7 30.7 Gatton Survival (%) 100 100 100 100 100 100

3.3. Postharvest trials

3.3.1. Leptospermum rotundifolium postharvest trials Flowering stems of Leptospermum rotundifolium have a good vase life but the flowers are prone to petal abscission and drying. Trials were conducted to determine if the vase life could be improved using pre-transport pulses and treatments.

3.3.1.1. Pre-transport pulses Figure 1. The postharvest life of L. rotundifolium, following pre-transport pulsing with hydrating solutions.

10 LSD (P =0.05) = 1.44 8

0 Deionised AlSO4 Agral Agral Citric acid Citric acid Chrysal water 0.0025% 0.01% 0.25 g/L 2 g/L 1%

Figure 2. The postharvest life of L. rotundifolium, following pre-transport pulsing with nourishing solutions and/or germicides.

10 LSD (P =0.05) = 1.44 8

0 Deionised Chlorine Sucrose Sucrose Sucrose Chrysal water 50ppm 2% 4% 8% 1%

Of the ten pre-transport pulsing solutions investigated no solution significantly improved the vase life of the cut stems over deionised water.

3.3.1.2. Pre-transport treatments Figure 3. Effect of pre-transport storage conditions on the postharvest life of L. rotundifolium

10 LSD (P =0.05) = 1.27 8

0 Cold, in water Cold, dry RT, in water

Of the three pre-transport storage methods that are currently used commercially, none of the methods had a significant effect on the vase life of the stems after simulated transport.

3.3.1.3. Effect of recutting stems after transport Four methods of recutting stems were compared to determine their effect on vase life after dry transport. The vase life of these flowers ended because the petals dried and closed up. When the four treatments are compared, recutting stems 50 or 100 mm under water increased the vase life compared with no recutting (see table 7). Separate analyses showed that on average the three recutting treatments significantly increased vase life compared to no recutting (P=0.01) and that there were no significant differences between the different recutting treatments (P=0.40). There were no significant effects on flower opening, at least in part because there was too much variability between stems.

Table 7. Effect of recutting stems after dry transport on subsequent vase life and flower opening.

Treatment Vase life (days) Flowers opened (maximum %) None 6.8 42 Recut 50 mm in air 8.2 54 Recut 50 mm under water 9.4 60 Recut 100 mm under water 8.8 58 LSD (P=0.05) 1.9 39

3.3.2. Leptospermum grandifolium postharvest trials

Flowering stems of Leptospermum grandifolium have a good vase life but the flowers are prone to petal drying and shrivelling prior to abscission. Trials were conducted to determined if the vase life could be improved using pre-transport pulses.

3.3.2.1. Pre-transport pulses Figure 4. The postharvest life of L. grandifolium, following pre-transport pulsing with hydrating solutions.

6 LSD (P =0.05) = 0.49 5

0 Deionised AlSO4 Agral Citric acid Citric acid Chrysal water 0.0025% 0.25 g/L 2 g/L 1%

Of the five pre-transport pulsing solutions investigated no solution significantly improved the vase life of the cut stems over deionised water. The short vase life (2-3 days) of the stems following simulated transport may not have been long enough to show any positive effects of the pulsing solutions.

3.3.3. Leptospermum morrisonii Burgundy postharvest trials

3.3.3.1. Pre-transport pulses

Figure 5. The postharvest life of L. morrisonii Burgundy, following pre-transport pulsing with hydrating solutions.

16 14 12 LSD (P =0.05) = 1.76 10 8 6 4 2 0 Deionised AlSO4 Agral Citric acid Citric acid Chrysal water 0.0025% 0.25 g/L 2 g/L 1%

Figure 6. The postharvest life of L. morrisonii Burgundy, following pre-transport pulsing with nourishing solutions and/or germicides.

16 14 LSD (P =0.05) 12 = 1.76 10 8 6 4 2 0 Deionised Chlorine Sucrose Sucrose Sucrose Chrysal water 50ppm 2% 4% 8% 1%

Of the nine pre-transport pulsing solutions investigated, the mean postharvest life was not significantly improved over deionised water. The vase life of these flowers ended because the petals wilted and desiccated.

3.3.4. Effect of simulated transport on 3 species of Leptospermum.

Flowering stems of L. grandifolium, L. morrisonii and L. obovatum growing within the variety trial plot at IHD Knoxfield, Victoria, were picked for assessment to determine if simulated transport had an effect on the vase life of flowering stems.

Figure 7. Effect of transport on the total postharvest life of 3 species of Leptospermum.

9 8 7 6 LSD (P =0.05) = 0.74 5 4 3 2 1 0 L. grandifolium L. morrisonii L. obovatum

No transport Transport

The total postharvest life was significantly increased for all three species following simulated transport (Figure 7). This increase was a reflection of the period that the stem were under the simulated transport, although the vase life of L. morrisonii and L. obovatum was significantly reduced after the transport (Figure 8). The vase life of L. grandifolium was not significantly affected although the vase life was very short. The vase life of these species ended due to the drying of the petals and flowers.

Figure 8. Effect of transport on the vase life of 3 species of Leptospermum.

6 LSD (P =0.05) = 0.74 5 4 3 2 1 0 L. grandifolium L. morrisonii L. obovatum

No transport Transport

3.3.5. Effect of ethylene on Leptospermum

3.3.5.1. Leptospermum rotundifolium ethylene sensitivity and the effect of STS

The effect of ethylene and STS on vase life of the stems was investigated on flowering stems of L. rotundifolium (Longford improved).

Table 8. Effect of ethylene and STS on vase life (days) of L. rotundifolium (Longford improved).

Ethylene STS (mM) 0 0.2 0.5 No 9.1 9.3 8.7 (drop, drying) (drop, drying) (drying, discolouration) Yes 7.0 8.6 8.6 (drop) (drying) (drying, discolouration, drop) LSD (P=0.05) = 1.2, LSD within a row = 1.3

Ethylene treatment reduced the average vase life from 9.0 days in untreated flowers to 8.1 days (P = 0.062). It decreased the life of flowers that had no STS treatment from 9.1 to 7.0 days. Ethylene treatment increased petal drop. STS had no significant overall effect (P=0.141) and no effect on flowers which were not exposed to ethylene but it did inhibit the effect of applied ethylene to cause petal drop and shorten vase life. The high dose of STS caused some petal discolouration (blueing).

L. rotundifolium seems susceptible to petal drop, both naturally and in response to applied ethylene. Whole flowers and buds also drop in response to ethylene. Some of the petal drying appears to be due to the petals having abscissed and been cut off from water, but remained physically on the flower rather than dropping. Note that Botrytis was found growing in the flowers of L. rotundifolium. In waxflower Botrytis causes ethylene production and flower drop and there is a fair chance that it may cause petal drop in Leptospermum.

3.3.5.2. Leptospermum morrisonii ethylene sensitivity The two forms clearly have different vase lives (Table 9). In general, both the forms ended their vase life because flower petals dried out and closed; there was very little petal drop. There was no significant effect of ethylene on vase life of either form. In L. morrisonii ex Qld, ethylene treatment caused a noticeable amount of petal, flower and leaf drop in the first two days after treatment (data not shown), so we conclude that this form is ethylene sensitive. L. morrisonii Burgundy showed no sensitivity.

Table 9. Vase life (days) of L. morrisonii Burgundy and L. morrisonii ex Qld, with and without ethylene treatment.

Ethylene Form L. morrisonii Burgundy L. morrisonii ex Qld No 10.0 (drying and closing) 7.5 (drying and closing) Yes 11.2 (drying and closing) 5.9 (leaf, flower and bud drop and flower drying and closing).

3.3.6. Postharvest fumigation trials with Phosphine

The effect of fumigating the flowering stems with Phosphine on the postharvest quality of the stems was investigated. This trial was also conducted on flowering stems of L. rotundifolium (Longford improved) and a number of other cultivars.

Vase life assessments of fumigated Leptospermum cultivars are given in Table 10. There was some variation in the age of the harvested product assessed and there was no discernible difference between the performance of control and fumigated stems. L. rotundifolium (Longford improved) performed well as did L. ‘Aphrodite’ and L. rotundifolium. The vase life of the other cultivars was shorter than desirable.

Table 10. Effects of fumigation on Leptospermum cultivars treated with Pestigas® and ® ECO2FUME for 15 Hours.

Leptospermum Average vase life L. ‘Aphrodite’ 7 days L. ‘Rhiannon’ 6 days L. rotundifolium 6 days L. rotundifolium (Longford improved) 8 days L. polygalifolium var. polygalifolium 5 days L. turbinatum 5 days

3.4. Leptospermum breeding program

The progressive changes to the androecium and gynoecium during floral development were noted, to enable the hybridising to be conducted at the correct stages of floral development.

The hybridisation program used 16 species and 2 primary hybrids as parents. At 30 June 2000 there were 586 hybrids from these crosses growing in the field.

4. Discussion

4.1 Cultivars and performance

The genus Leptospermum contains a diverse group of plants. There are a range of flower colours and sizes, and between August and March a member of the group will be in flower. These are important characters to develop this genus as a diverse floral crop, as it allows continual supply to the market, and it provides diversity within the crop.

Plants of Leptospermum have proven to be relatively easy to propagate and grow. They have not been shown to be prone to pest and disease problems, and some are vigorous growers. Cut flower stems can be cut from plants growing in Victoria after 18 months, and they are fully productive after 3 years. The number of harvestable stems on a plant varies between species, as some are more vigorous growers or produce longer side branches. Leptospermum should also prove reliable, as there are a number of cultivars that naturally have a good vase life.

Their performance in other Australian States may need to be assessed further as flowering is reduced in Queensland. This reduced flowering in Leptospermum has also been seen with other South- Eastern Australian flora such as Chrysocephalum (Beal et al. 1998) and Baeckea behrii (Slater 1999), and may represent a limitation to these crops being grown in more tropical regions unless cultivars suited to those regions are selected. This reduced flowering could be a response to higher temperatures or a reduced change in the photoperiod.

This work on Leptospermum has surveyed an extensive number of potential cut flowers cultivars. It has determined a number of species with good potential and surveyed populations of these species to obtain superior cut flower selections from these species.

The characterisation of these selections under cultivation has enabled us to determine a current list of the better forms of Leptospermum. They include L. ‘Aphrodite’, L. morrisonii, L. ‘Rhiannon’, L. rotundifolium, L. sericeum, L. spectabile,and L. turbinatum. Other species and forms with important characters include L. brevipes, L. grandiflorum, L. lanigerum, L. macrocarpum, L. ‘Merinda’, and Neofabricia myrtifolia. This list will be added to as the assessment of current selections continues.

4.2 Postharvest

Selections of Leptospermum have been used as ornamental plants for decades and they were tried as a cut flower, but generally not acceptable due to postharvest problems associated with petal drying and drop. These initial cut flower cultivars were mainly forms or hybrids of L. scoparium.

This project has identified several species and hybrids that have a long vase life. These will be valuable in commercial production and they are being used in the breeding program.

Cut Leptospermum flowers appear to either dry, shrivel and close up, or to drop their petals (abscise). Some species are prone to petal drop, both in the field and after harvest eg L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’. Species where the petals dry up on the cut stems include L. scoparium, L. spectabile and L. morrisonii. Many other species appear to drop their petals in the field and to drop them after harvest under humid conditions (eg in packages), but when they are placed in a vase at room humidity (eg 50 to 60%) the petals dry up eg L. 'Aphrodite'. L. obovatum, L. lanigerum and sometimes L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’. The same behaviour was observed in L. scoparium hybrids by Zieslin and Gottesman (1983).

In many flowers petal drop after harvest is caused by ethylene, which is either in the flowers or comes from external sources. We have not measured ethylene production by Leptospermum flowers yet, but Zielsin and Gottesman (1983) observed that ethylene production by cut L. scoparium flowers increased as they aged. However, when we applied inhibitors of ethylene action (silver thiosulphate, STS, or 1-methylcyclopropene, 1-MCP) they did not stop natural petal drop in L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’ (Table 8), L. scoparium or L. petersonii (Zielsin and Gottesman, 1983; Macnish et al., 2000). This suggests that internal ethylene did not cause natural petal drop.

When external ethylene was applied to L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’ and L. morrisonii (Queensland form) it caused petal drop (Tables 8, 9). Similarly, applied ethylene caused petal drop in L. petersonii (Macnish et al., 2000) and in L. scoparium if the flowers were held at high humidity (Zielsin and Gottesman, 1983). STS or 1-MCP inhibited the ethylene-induced petal drop in L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’, L. scoparium and L. petersonii, as they do in waxflower (Table 8, Zielsin and Gottesman, Macnish et al., 2000).

It will be important to understand better which species drop their petals, which dry out and under what circumstances these processes occur. It is also important to understand which species are sensitive to ethylene and which species are protected from ethylene by STS and 1-MCP.

Botrytis was present in the flowers of L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’ used in sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.5. This is important because in waxflower Botrytis infection causes ethylene production and flower drop and it is reasonable to expect that the same events may occur in Leptospermum. In waxflower, this problem is controlled by postharvest fungicides, ventilated cartons and most effectively by postharvest treatment with STS or 1-MCP.

In cut L. rotundifolium 'Lavender Queen' postharvest treatments which would be expected to improve water uptake and vase life (acid, wetting agents, germicide, cooling, sugar, acid and commercial flower preservative) did not extend the life (Figures 1, 2 and 3). This is probably because vase life ended due to abscission and these treatments are not likely to affect that. In one experiment where L. rotundifolium 'Lavender Queen' did not drop its petals, probably because the stems had been held dry for some time, recutting the stems increased vase life because it delayed petal drying and closure.

Leptospermum morrisonii flowers dry out in the vase. Postharvest pulses with chemicals which would be expected to improve water uptake and vase life (acid, wetting agents, germicide, cooling, sugar, acid and a commercial preservative) did not delay flower drying and the end of vase life.

We have not tested the effect of vase solutions on Leptospermum yet, but Gottesman (1982) and Burge et al. (1996) found that the germicides silver nitrate and hydroxyquinoline sulphate, citric acid, sugar, cycloheximide (an inhibitor of protein synthesis) and recutting stems under water increased vase life of L. scoparium.

Export flowers must have a good vase life after export. Leptospermum rotundifolium 'Lavender Queen' had quite a good vase life of 6-7 d after 3 days simulated export (Figs 1, 2 and 3) but L. morrisonii, L. obovatum and L. grandifolium were not so good with lives of 4, 4 and 2 days respectively (Fig. 8). The vase life of other important species after simulated export should be determined.

There is some evidence that vase life is greater if the stems are cut with only 10-30% of flowers open rather than 70 –100%. This can be seen in the observations L. ‘Aphrodite’, L. ‘Merinda’ L. myrsinoides, L. obovatum, L. petersonii, L. polygalifolium, and maybe L. spectabile (Appendix 5). It is also consistent with the observations of Zieslin and Gottesman (1986) who reported more abscission in mature flowers of L. scoparium than in young flowers. At this stage our recommendations for postharvest handling of Leptospermum flowers are:

• Grow species that have a long vase life, including a long life after export. • In ethylene sensitive species (eg L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’, L. morrisonii Queensland form, L. scoparium and L. petersonii and probably others that drop their petals) consider treating with STS, a commercial anti-ethylene preservative, or 1-MCP to protect against effects of external ethylene. • Use good postharvest practices, including cooling and a germicide or preservative when flowers are held in water after harvest. • Where possible avoid drying out, by holding the flowers at high humidity (possibly by covering them) and by avoiding too much air movement over the flowers. • Encourage the end users to recut stems, preferably under water and add a preservative to the vase.

4.3 Reproductive biology and breeding

The reproductive biology of the parent species needed to be understood to maximise the breeding effort. The floral development of the Leptospermum looked at showed the typical protandrous development pattern described in other Myrtaceae (see Beardsell et al. 1993 for review). The hybrid breeding program was very successful and there are now 586 hybrids from a range of crosses growing in the field.

This Leptospermum breeding program should provide a range of plants with a combination of characters. With the current diversity within the parents, there is an opportunity to alter flower colour, size and flowering time. Although they have not been assessed as they have not developed enough to assess flowering. In the spring of 2000 the first flowers were produced on some of these early hybrids and a few are showing some exciting traits – large pink ruffled flowers, late season red flowers.

As the selection work has identified a range of superior selections, the opportunity exists for the breeding program to concentrate on these superior selections to produce superior hybrids.

5. Implications and Recommendations

The characterisation of these selections under cultivation has enabled us to determine a current list of the better forms of Leptospermum (Table 13). This list will be added to as the assessment of current selections continues.

The current breeding program has been based on species, as the program had not identified the superior cultivars within the better species. A breeding program based on the superior cultivars (Tables 13, 14) will produce superior cut flower hybrids. Characters that are important include foliage, flower colour, flower presentation and size, vase life, flowering time.

With our success in intergeneric hybridisations and the reported success of other intergeneric hybrids formed with Leptospermum, other opportunities for intergeneric breeding are possible, ie Kunzea.

The main recommendation from this project is to extend the work to:

• advance the breeding program to produce superior hybrids • initiate the commercialisation of valuable selections • assess current selections, hybrids and trials • devise better postharvest treatments

6. Bibliography

Beal, P.R., Slater, T., Turnbull, L.V., Forsberg, L. and Faragher, J. (1998) Enhancing the Commercial Potential of Rice Flower and its Close Relatives. RIRDC. Canberra. Beardsell, D.V., O’Brien, S.P., Williams, E.G., Knox, R.B. and Calder, D.M. (1993). Reproductive Biology of Australian Myrtaceae. Australian Journal of Botany. 41: 511-26. Bicknell, R. (1995). Breeding cut flower cultivars of Leptospermum using interspecific hybridisation. New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science. 23: 4, 415-421. Burge, G.K., Bicknell, R.A. and Dobson, B.G. (1996). Postharvest treatments to increase water uptake and the vase life of Leptospermum scoparium Forst. New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science. 24: 371-378. Faragher, J.D. (1989) A review of research on postharvest physiology and horticulture of Australian native flowers. Acta Horticulturae 261: 249-256. Harris, W., Dawson, M.I. and Heenan, P.B. (1995). Opportunities for Leptospermum hybrid ornamental cultivars and a new ornamental cultivar - Leptospermum X violipurpureum 'Karo Spectrobay'. Horticulture in New Zealand 6: 1, 3-8. Macnish, A. J., Simons, D. H., Joyce, D. C., Faragher, J. D., Hofman, P. J. 2000. Responses of native Australian cut flowers to treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene and ethylene. HortScience 35: 254-5. O’Brien, S.P. (1994). Andromonoecy and fruit set in Leptospermum myrsinoides and L. continentale (Myrtaceae). Australian Journal of Botany. 42: 751-62. Ollerenshaw, P. (1995). Variety: 'Rhiannon'. Application No. 94/135. Plant Varieties Journal. 8: 1, 35-36, 26. Slater, A.T. (1999). Broombush Baeckea: Prospects for cutflower commercialisation. RIRDC. Canberra. The Royal Horticultural Society (1966). R.H.S. Colour Chart in association with the Flower Council of Holland. London. Williams, P. (2000). Improved fumigation for export wildflowers. RIRDC. Canberra. Winks, R.G., Banks, H.J., Williams, P., Bengston, M. and Greening, H.G. (1980). Dosage recommendations for the fumigation of grain with phosphine. SCA Technical Report Series No. 8, 9pp. Wrigley, J.W. and Fagg, M. 1993. Bottlebrushes, paperbarks and tea-trees: and all other plants in the Leptospermum alliance. Angus & Robertson, Sydney. 352p. Zieslin, N. and Gottesman, V. 1983. Involvement of ethylene in the abscission of flowers and petals of Leptospermum scoparium. Physiologia Plantarum 58: 114-8. Zieslin, N. and Gottesman, V. (1986). Environmental factors involved in growth, flowering, and postharvest behaviour of flowers of Leptospermum scoparium J.R. & G. Forst. Israel Journal of Botany 35: 101-108.

7. Appendices

Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination Appendix 2. Ease of propagation of some Leptospermum species and cultivars Appendix 3. Vegetative characteristics of species and cultivars which have flowered Appendix 4. Floral characteristics of species and cultivars Appendix 5. Vase life for species and cultivars

Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination

Genus Species Code Collection Location Collected by Date Comments Leptospermum ambioense Collected from a nursery Leptospermum arachnoides Longford Flowers Leptospermum attenuatum Longford Flowers = L. trinervium Leptospermum brachyandrum Fairhills Nursery 11/08/97 Leptospermum brevipes Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum brevipes LBCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 191 F Gardens Leptospermum continentale Collected from a nursery Leptospermum continentale LCSC1 Budawang Ranges David Evans 20/04/99 Mt Bush walker's car park, Porter's Gap car Park, Pointer Gap Rd. Code was ULSC1 Leptospermum continentale LCSC2 Budawang Ranges David Evans 20/04/99 Mt Bush walker's car park, Porter's Gap car Park, Pointer Gap Rd. Code was ULSC2 31 Leptospermum continentale LCSC3 Budawang Ranges David Evans 20/04/99 Mt Bush walker's car park, Porter's Gap car Park, Pointer Gap Rd. Code was ULSC3 Leptospermum continentale LCSC4 Budawang Ranges David Evans 20/04/99 Mt Bush walker's car park, Porter's Gap car Park, Pointer Gap Rd. Code was ULSC4 Leptospermum continentale LCSC5 Budawang Ranges David Evans 20/04/99 Mt Bush walker's car park, Porter's Gap car Park, Pointer Gap Rd. Code was ULSC5 Leptospermum continentale LCSC6 Budawang Ranges David Evans 20/04/99 Mt Bush walker's car park, Porter's Gap car Park, Pointer Gap Rd. Code was ULSC6 Leptospermum continentale LCSC7 Budawang Ranges David Evans 20/04/99 Mt Bush walker's car park, Porter's Gap car Park, Pointer Gap Rd. Code was ULSC7 Leptospermum crassifolium LCPG1 Pointers Gap TS, DE 26/11/98 Large 2-3, small thick leaves, no sign of flowers Leptospermum deuense LDCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 9, L. sp 8502581 Gardens Leptospermum deuense LDJK1 John Knight Seedling from John Knight Leptospermum deuense LDJK2 John Knight Seedling from John Knight Leptospermum deuense LDJK3 John Knight Seedling from John Knight Leptospermum emarginatum LECBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 9 Gardens Leptospermum flavescens = L. polygalifolium var. polygalifolium Leptospermum flavescens var. = L. morrisonii macrocarpa

Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination

Genus Species Code Collection Location Collected by Date Comments Leptospermum glaucescens LGLCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 9. Code was ULHB1. Gardens Leptospermum glaucescens LGLHB1 Hazards beach swamp, Tasmania TS 24/02/99 Good sized flowers, red sepals Leptospermum grandiflorum IHD Garden Leptospermum grandiflorum ‘Bicheno Collected from a nursery Pink’ Leptospermum grandiflorum ‘Silver Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Lighthouse’ Leptospermum grandiflorum LGAG1 Apsley Gorge, near Bicheno, TS 24/01/99 2 m spindly shrub, half way up ridge on walk to Aspley Tasmania gorge, early flowering, broad petals Leptospermum grandiflorum LGAG2 Apsley Gorge, near Bicheno, TS 24/01/99 Along river 200m from swimming hole, on south side, Tasmania pink flowers, petals spreading

32 Leptospermum grandiflorum LGAG3 Apsley Gorge River, Tasmania TS 24/01/99 Leptospermum grandiflorum LGARG1 Apsley Gorge River, Tasmania TS 25/02/99 Pink flowers, but small Leptospermum grandiflorum LGARG2 Apsley Gorge River, Tasmania TS 25/02/99 Pink flowers, good size Leptospermum grandiflorum LGARG3 Apsley Gorge River, Tasmania TS 25/02/99 Pink flowers, darker colour, size OK Leptospermum grandiflorum LGARG4 Apsley Gorge River, Tasmania TS 25/02/99 leptospermum grandiflorum LGBSF1 Bicheno State Forest, Tasmania TS 24/01/99 Broad petals, pale pink, 3m shrub Leptospermum grandiflorum LGCT1 Cherry Tree Hill, Tasmania TS 24/01/99 Opposite a bush track just north of Cherry Tree Rd, smaller leaves, 2-3 m slender shrubs Leptospermum grandiflorum LGCT2 Cherry Tree Hill, Tasmania TS 24/01/99 Pale pink flowers Leptospermum grandiflorum LGCT3 Cherry Tree Hill, Tasmania TS 24/01/99 Down the track opp cherry tree hill, pale pink form, 2-3 m shrub Leptospermum grandiflorum LGCT4 Bicheno State Forest, Tasmania TS 24/01/99 Broad petals, pale pink, 3 m shrub Leptospermum grandiflorum LGCTR1 Cherry Tree Rd, Tasmania TS 23/02/99 Pale pink flower Leptospermum grandiflorum LGLL1 Lake Leake, Tasmania TS 23/02/99 Large stand along the hwy, darkest pink hue, late flowering Leptospermum grandiflorum LGLL2 Lake Leake, Tasmania TS 23/02/99 Nice pink form, late flowering Leptospermum grandiflorum LGMA1 Mt. Amos, Freycinet Peninsula, TS 23/01/99 Very small plant, near track on granite face near the top of Tas Mt. Amos - large flowers, scarlet bracts and nectary Leptospermum grandiflorum LGMA2 Mt. Amos, Freycinet Peninsula, TS 23/01/99 1.5 m plant below LGMA1, large nuts, previously good Tas flowering, better growth Leptospermum grandiflorum LGMA3 Mt. Amos, Freycinet Peninsula, TS 23/01/99 1.5 m plant, large flowers which overlap Tas

Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination

Genus Species Code Collection Location Collected by Date Comments Leptospermum grandiflorum LGMA4 Mt. Amos, Freycinet Peninsula, TS 23/01/99 Small 0.5 m plant, smaller flowers but attractive, petals Tas join Leptospermum grandiflorum LGMA5 Mt. Amos, Freycinet Peninsula, TS 23/01/99 Robust shrub 2m, large flower and prolific Tas Leptospermum grandiflorum LGMA6 Mt. Amos, Freycinet Peninsula, TS 23/01/99 Robust shrub 1.5 m, med sized flowers, petals with a pink Tas tinge and overlap Leptospermum grandiflorum LGMA7 Mt. Amos, Freycinet Peninsula, TS 23/01/99 1.5 m shrub, med to good flower, pale pink petals, Tas floriferous Leptospermum grandiflorum LGMAS1 Mt Amos summit, Tasmania TS 24/02/99 Large flower, very slight pink tinge Leptospermum grandiflorum LGR600 Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 142 Gardens Leptospermum grandiflorum LGR937 Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 143

33 Gardens Leptospermum grandiflorum LGRCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 12 Gardens Leptospermum grandiflorum LGWL1 Wineglass Bay Lookout, TS 23/01/99 2 m shrub, below rocks to the left of the lookout Freycinet Peninsula, Tas Leptospermum grandiflorum LGWL2 Wineglass Bay Lookout, TS 23/01/99 2 m shrub, small buds near LGWL1 Freycinet Peninsula, Tas Leptospermum grandiflorum LGWL3 Wineglass Bay lookout, Tasmania TS 24/02/99 Large white flowers, terminal Leptospermum grandifolium Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum grandifolium ex RB Collected by Rob Beulke RB Leptospermum grandifolium Kuranga Kuranga Nursery 0/01/00 Leptospermum grandifolium LGS2 Snowy site 2 Peter Abells 20/04/99 Code was ULS2 Leptospermum juniperinum 0 Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum laevigatum 0 Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum laevigatum ‘Flamingo’ Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum lanigerum Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum lanigerum Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Weeping grey form Leptospermum lanigerum Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Grey leaf form Leptospermum lanigerum LLBL1 Bells Line of Road, NSW TS 11/11/97 Buds and fruit are hairy, probably L. lanigerum. Code was UL1 Leptospermum lanigerum LLCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 144 Gardens

Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination

Genus Species Code Collection Location Collected by Date Comments Leptospermum lanigerum LLCH3 Chinaman's Hat, Mt Wilson, TS 11/11/97 In bud, stems not as branched. Code was LMCH3 NSW Leptospermum lanigerum LLCH4 Chinaman's Hat, Mt Wilson, TS 11/11/97 In bud, stems not as branched. Code was LMCH4 NSW Leptospermum lanigerum LLLP1 Launching Place BH Leptospermum lanigerum LLLP2 Launching Place BH Leptospermum lanigerum LLMF1 Mt Field NP, Tasmania TS 22/01/99 Below Lake Fenton, upright shrub up to 10 m, white flower red sepals and nectary. Code was ULMF1 Leptospermum liversidgei IHD Garden Leptospermum liversidgei ‘Mozzie Kuranga Nursery 0/01/00 Blocker’ Leptospermum longifolium Fairhills Nursery 11/08/97 L. brachyandrum weeping

34 Leptospermum macrocarpum Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum macrocarpum ex Longford Longford Flowers Leptospermum macrocarpum LMAR1 Anvil Rock, Blackheath, NSW TS 11/11/97 Cream-green petals, pink-red sepals, large flowers, leaves red-tip Leptospermum macrocarpum LMAR2 Anvil Rock, Blackheath, NSW TS 11/11/97 Similar to LMAR1, but smaller Leptospermum macrocarpum LMAR3 Anvil Rock, Blackheath, NSW TS 11/11/97 Flowers large, cream-green petals and sepals Leptospermum macrocarpum LMC1 Clarence Saw Mill Rd, NSW TS 11/11/97 Leptospermum macrocarpum LMC2 Clarence Saw Mill Rd, NSW TS 11/11/97 Smaller leaves and flowers than LMC1 Leptospermum macrocarpum LMCBG191J Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 191 J Gardens Leptospermum macrocarpum LMCBG194 Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 194 Gardens Leptospermum macrocarpum LMCBG195 Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 195 Gardens Leptospermum macrocarpum LMCBG5 Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 5 Gardens Leptospermum macrocarpum LMCH1 Chinaman's Hat, Mt Wilson, TS 11/11/97 In bud, very large fruit NSW Leptospermum macrocarpum LMCH2 Chinaman's Hat, Mt Wilson, TS 11/11/97 Cream-green petals, green-pink sepals, dense flowering NSW Leptospermum macrocarpum LMGG1 Green Gully, Glen Davis, NSW TS 12/11/97 Small 15mm flowers, green-yellow petals and sepals Leptospermum macrocarpum LMGG2 Green Gully, Glen Davis, NSW TS 12/11/97

Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination

Genus Species Code Collection Location Collected by Date Comments Leptospermum macrocarpum pink Longford Flowers Leptospermum macrocarpum pink 3.1 cm Longford Flowers Leptospermum macrocarpum pink 4.0 cm Longford Flowers Leptospermum macrocarpum yellow Longford Flowers Leptospermum macrocarpum yellow 3.5 Longford Flowers cm Leptospermum micromyrtus LMICCBG13 Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 13 Gardens Leptospermum micromyrtus LMICCBG19 Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 195 5 Gardens Leptospermum minutifolium Longford Flowers Leptospermum minutifolium LMINCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 13

35 Gardens Leptospermum morrisonii Burgundy Longford Flowers Leptospermum morrisonii ex Longford Longford Flowers Leptospermum morrisonii Green Longford Flowers Leptospermum morrisonii Longford Flowers syn. L. flavescens var macrocarpa Leptospermum morrisonii LMBL1 Boyd's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 Small 1 cm diameter, yellow-green flower Leptospermum morrisonii LMBL2 Boyd's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 Small 1 cm diameter, yellow-green flower Leptospermum morrisonii LMBL3 Boyd's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 Floriferous, terminal, in bud Leptospermum morrisonii LMBL4 Boyd's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 Floriferous, terminal, in full flower Leptospermum morrisonii LMBLR1 Boyd's Lookout Road TS, BH 26/11/97 Tall (2-3 m), very upright plant Leptospermum morrisonii LMPG1 Pointers Gap TS, DE 26/11/98 Large shrub, large red leaves, in early bud Leptospermum morrisonii LMPG2 Pointers Gap TS, DE 26/11/98 Large shrub, large green leaves, in early bud Leptospermum morrisonii LMPGR1 Budawang Ranges David Evans 30/01/00 Pointer's Gap Road, red foliage Leptospermum morrisonii LMPGR2 Budawang Ranges David Evans 30/01/00 Pointer's Gap Road, green foliage, large flowers Leptospermum morrisonii LMPGR3 Budawang Ranges David Evans 30/01/00 Pointer's Gap Road, green foliage, large flowers, crinkly petals Leptospermum morrisonii LMPGR4 Budawang Ranges David Evans 30/01/00 Pointer's Gap Road, green foliage, good flower number Leptospermum morrisonii LMPGR5 Budawang Ranges David Evans 30/01/00 Pointer's Gap Road, green foliage, terminal Leptospermum morrisonii Fairhills Nursery 11/08/97 Leptospermum morrisonii ex Qld Fairhills Nursery 11/08/97 Leptospermum morrisonii Fine Leaf Collected from a nursery form

Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination

Genus Species Code Collection Location Collected by Date Comments Leptospermum morrisonii White Opal Collected from a nursery Leptospermum myrsinoides Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Pink Leptospermum myrsinoides LMLP1 Launching Place BH Leptospermum myrsinoides Pink Longford Flowers Leptospermum myrtifolium Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum nitidum ex Longford Longford Flowers Leptospermum obovatum Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum obovatum Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Dwarf form Leptospermum obovatum ‘Flamingo' Longford Flowers Leptospermum obovatum LOCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 13 Gardens Leptospermum obovatum LOS5 Snowy site 5 Peter Abells 20/04/99 Code was ULS5 36 Leptospermum petersonii Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Fine leaf form Leptospermum petersonii ex Kuranga Kuranga Nursery Leptospermum petersonii ex Qld Fairhills Nursery 11/08/97 Leptospermum petersonii Fine Leaf Form Leptospermum petersonii LPCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 13 Gardens Leptospermum petraeum LPETCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 195 Gardens Leptospermum polygalifolium Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum polygalifolium ‘Bronze’ Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum polygalifolium ‘Cardwell’ Fairhills Nursery 11/08/97 Leptospermum polygalifolium ‘Cardwell’ Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum polygalifolium ‘Pacific Fairhills Nursery 11/08/97 Beauty’ Leptospermum polygalifolium ‘Pacific Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Beauty’ Leptospermum polygalifolium LPCCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 13 ssp cismontanum Gardens Leptospermum polygalifolium Longford Flowers syn. L. flavescens ssp polygalifolium

Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination

Genus Species Code Collection Location Collected by Date Comments Leptospermum rotundifolium IHD Garden Leptospermum rotundifolium ‘Lavender Kuranga Nursery 24/06/97 Queen’ Leptospermum rotundifolium Jervis Bay Collected from a nursery. Leptospermum rotundifolium Longford Longford Flowers improved Leptospermum rotundifolium large Longford Flowers Leptospermum rotundifolium Lavender IHD Garden Queen Seedlings Leptospermum rotundifolium LRBL1 Boyd's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 On sharp RH corner near Boyd's LO, large pink flower, shrub 1-2 m

37 Leptospermum rotundifolium LRBL2 Boyd's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 Large soft pink flower Leptospermum rotundifolium LRBL3 Boyd's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 Very large flower Leptospermum rotundifolium LRBL4 Boyd's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 Smaller flower, petals are ovate (pointed) Leptospermum rotundifolium LRBL5 Boyd's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 Petals overlap, dark pink Leptospermum rotundifolium ‘Julie Ann’ IHD Garden Prostrate form Leptospermum scoparium Longford Flowers Leptospermum sericeum Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum sericeum Pomonal Leptospermum sericeum LSWA1 Cape Le Grande NP 5/11/97 Material sent via Kevin Seaton from the ranger Leptospermum sp ULCF1 Cape Flattery TS 5/08/98 2 m tall floriferous Leptospermum Leptospermum sp ULCF2 Cape Flattery TS 5/08/98 2 m tall floriferous Leptospermum Leptospermum X ‘Aphrodite’ Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 L. spectabile X ? Leptospermum sp. ‘Copper Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 L. polygalifolium Glow’ Leptospermum sp. ‘Copper Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 L. nitidum or L. turbinatum Sheen’ Leptospermum sp. ‘Little Bun’ Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum X ‘Merinda’ Kuranga Nursery 25/09/97 Leptospermum X ‘Rhiannon’ Faceys 24/06/97 L. spectabile X L. rotundifolium Leptospermum spectabile Kuranga Nursery 9/06/97 Leptospermum spectabile ex Longford Longford Flowers

Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination

Genus Species Code Collection Location Collected by Date Comments Leptospermum spectabile ex Longford Longford Flowers S2 Leptospermum spectabile ex Longford Longford Flowers S1 Leptospermum spectabile LSCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 9, (9) Gardens Leptospermum spectabile LSCBG899 Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 195 Gardens Leptospermum spectabile LSCBG976 Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 195 Gardens Leptospermum thompsonii LTHMC1 Mt Clyde, NSW TS 14/01/99 Canberra side of Mt Clyde, 3 m tall rough bark, flowers on old wood but near tips, probably L. thompsonii. Code was

38 ULMC1 Leptospermum trinervium Longford Flowers syn. L. attenuatum Leptospermum trinervium LTBL1 Boyd's Lookout TS, 2 m shrub, near finished flowering Leptospermum turbinatum Grampians TS, BH 26/11/97 LTMZ1 Leptospermum turbinatum Grampians TS, BH 26/11/97 LTD1 Leptospermum turbinatum Bronze Longford Flowers Leptospermum turbinatum ex Kuranga Kuranga Nursery Leptospermum turbinatum ex Longford Longford Flowers Leptospermum turbinatum Green Longford Flowers Leptospermum turbinatum LTB1 Balconies TS, BH 26/11/97 Extra petals Leptospermum turbinatum LTB2 Balconies TS, BH 26/11/97 Large flowers, late flowering Leptospermum turbinatum LTB3 Balconies TS, BH 26/11/97 Medium flowers, late flowering Leptospermum turbinatum LTCG1 Golton Gorge TS, BH 26/11/97 Medium-large flowers, red sepals, late - still with buds Leptospermum turbinatum LTFR1 Flat rock TS, BH 26/11/97 Red foliage tips, terminal flowers, just finished flowering Leptospermum turbinatum LTFR2 Flat rock TS, BH 26/11/97 Crimson-green foliage, end flowering by 2-3 weeks Leptospermum turbinatum LTMD1 Mt Difficult TS, BH 26/11/97 Medium flowers, red sepals, late Leptospermum turbinatum LTMD2 Mt Difficult TS, BH 26/11/97 Smaller flowers, but later than LTMD1 Leptospermum turbinatum LTMD3 Mt Difficult TS, BH 26/11/97 In bud Leptospermum turbinatum LTMD4 Mt Difficult TS, BH 26/11/97 Large flowers, late Leptospermum turbinatum LTMW1 Mt William TS, BH 27/11/97 Large flowers, red foliage Leptospermum turbinatum LTMW2 Mt William TS, BH 27/11/97 Large flowers, less red than LTMW1, red-purple Leptospermum turbinatum LTMW3 Mt William TS, BH 27/11/97 Dark foliage - purple

Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination

Genus Species Code Collection Location Collected by Date Comments Leptospermum turbinatum LTMW4 Mt William TS, BH 27/11/97 Dark foliage - black Leptospermum turbinatum LTMW4A Mt William TS, BH 27/11/97 Dark foliage - black, 1 plant with different foliage to rest of LTMW4 block in arboretum. Possibly a sport. Leptospermum turbinatum LTMW5 Mt William TS, BH 27/11/97 Starting 2nd? flowering for year, green foliage Leptospermum turbinatum LTMW6 Mt William TS, BH 27/11/97 Very dark foliage terminal fruit Leptospermum turbinatum LTMW7 Mt William TS, BH 27/11/97 Long internodes, straight unbranched stems Leptospermum turbinatum LTMW8 Mt William TS, BH 27/11/97 Very dark foliage Leptospermum turbinatum LTMW9 Mt William TS, BH 27/11/97 Dark foliage Leptospermum turbinatum LTPR1 Pohlner Rd TS, BH 26/11/97 In flower Leptospermum turbinatum LTPR2 Pohlner Rd TS, BH 26/11/97 Finished by 2-3 weeks Leptospermum turbinatum LTPR3 Pohlner Rd TS, BH 26/11/97 In flower, red sepals Leptospermum turbinatum LTPR4 Pohlner Rd TS, BH 26/11/97 Large flowers, green sepals, terminal 39 Leptospermum turbinatum LTRL1 Reid's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 Medium flowers, terminal Leptospermum turbinatum LTRL2 Reid's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 Dark foliage Leptospermum turbinatum LTRLB Reid's Lookout TS, BH 26/11/97 Good white, size, red sepals, terminal Leptospermum turbinatum LTTB1 Teddy Bear Gap TS, BH 27/11/97 Terminal, floriferous Leptospermum turbinatum LTTB2 Teddy Bear Gap TS, BH 27/11/97 Large terminal flowers Leptospermum turbinatum LTTB3 Teddy Bear Gap TS, BH 27/11/97 Elegant flowers, petals have recurved margins Leptospermum turbinatum? LT? Kuranga Nursery 25/09/97 Leptospermum unidentified ULCN1 Maddens Plains Peter Abells 3/05/99 A suspended swamp/heath community near Bulli (Wollongong) and the coast Leptospermum unidentified ULCN2 Maddens Plains Peter Abells 3/05/99 A suspended swamp/heath community near Bulli (Wollongong) and the coast Leptospermum unidentified ULMA1 Mt. Amos, Freycinet Peninsula, TS 23/01/99 2.5 m shrub, medium flowers, floriferous, red sepals, May Tas be L. scoparium Leptospermum unidentified ULMF2 Mt Field NP, Tasmania TS 23/01/99 Beside Lake Dobson, 1 m shrub, may be L. rupestre Leptospermum unidentified ULWD1 Western Distributor Forest track, TS 14/01/99 2.5 m tall shrub, not in flower, may be L. trinervum off Kings Hwy, NSW Leptospermum unidentified ULWD2 Western Distributor Forest track, TS 14/01/99 2.5 m tall, slender shrub, smooth bark minutely flaking at off Kings Hwy, NSW stem base, white petals Leptospermum unidentified ULWD3 Western Distributor Forest track, TS 14/01/99 Same as ULWD2 off Kings Hwy, NSW Leptospermum unidentified ex RB Collected by Rob Beulke RB Leptospermum unidentified LLMB1 Unsure of collection possibly Mt Buffalo

Appendix 1. List of species and cultivars collected for further examination

Genus Species Code Collection Location Collected by Date Comments Leptospermum unidentified LLMB2 Unsure of collection possibly Mt Buffalo Leptospermum unidentified UC1 Clarence Saw Mill Rd, NSW TS 11/11/97 Leptospermum unidentified UC2 Clarence Saw Mill Rd, NSW TS 11/11/97 Leptospermum unidentified ULGMB Needs to be identified Leptospermum unidentified UMW1 Mt Wilson Rd, NSW TS 11/11/97 Leptospermum unidentified LUMD1 Mt Difficult TS, BH 26/11/97 Leptospermum variabile LVCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 5 Gardens Leptospermum wooroonooran LWCBG Australian National Botanical TS 9/10/97 Bed 13 Gardens Neofabricia myrtifolia Fairhills Nursery 11/08/97 Neofabricia myrtifolia ‘Gold’ Fairhills Nursery 11/08/97 40 Neofabricia myrtifolia NMAR1 Archer River TS 3/08/98 4 m shrub recently finished flowering Neofabricia myrtifolia NMAR2 Archer River TS 3/08/98 In a population just north of AR roadhouse, in flower Neofabricia myrtifolia NMCB1 Cape Bedford TS 5/08/98 Coloured sands track, in flower, 3 cm bright yellow 2 m shrub Neofabricia myrtifolia NMCB2 Cape Bedford TS 5/08/98 In flower, 2.5 m shrub, multibranched, flowers 2 cm bright yellow Neofabricia myrtifolia NMCB3 Cape Bedford TS 5/08/98 Small shrub, good flowering Neofabricia myrtifolia NMCB4 Cape Bedford TS 5/08/98 Small shrub, terminal flowering Neofabricia myrtifolia NMCB5 Cape Bedford TS 5/08/98 Large shrub, good terminal flowering Neofabricia myrtifolia NMCF1 Cape Flattery TS 5/08/98 3 m multistemmed shrub, 2.5 cm b yellow flw Neofabricia myrtifolia NMCF2 Cape Flattery TS 5/08/98 2.5 m tall, multistemmed shrub Neofabricia myrtifolia NMCF3 Cape Flattery TS 5/08/98 In bud, late flowering, 2.5 m tall, multistemmed shrub Neofabricia myrtifolia NMIR1 Iron Range road TS 3/08/98 Large shrub, 5 m, robust, upright Neofabricia myrtifolia NMIR2 Iron Range road TS 3/08/98 Small leaf, spreading habit Neofabricia myrtifolia NMIR3 Iron Range road TS 3/08/98 Larger leaf, 3 m upright shrub Neofabricia myrtifolia NMM1 Musgrave - Edwards R Rd TS 4/08/98 Plants dry, very little growth, shrubs 2-4m, multistemmed Neofabricia myrtifolia NMM2 Musgrave - Edwards R Rd TS 4/08/98 Plants dry, very little growth, shrubs 2-4m, multistemmed Neofabricia myrtifolia NMM3 Musgrave - Edwards R Rd TS 4/08/98 Plants dry, very little growth, shrubs 2-4m, multistemmed

Appendix 2. Ease of propagation of some Leptospermum species and cultivars

Species Cultivar Location Strike Rate L. ‘Aphrodite’ IHD Arboretum 100% L. brevipes IHD Nursery 20-40% L. brevipes IHD Arboretum 20-40% L. brevipes LBCBG IHD Arboretum 40% L. brevipes LBCBG IHD Nursery 40% L. deuense LDCBG IHD Arboretum 40% L. emarginatum LECBG IHD Glasshouse 40% L. emarginatum LECBG IHD Nursery 40% L. glaucescens LGLCBG IHD Nursery 20-60% L. grandiflorum IHD Nursery 20-40% L. grandiflorum LGR600 IHD Nursery 90% L. grandiflorum LGR937 IHD Nursery 50% L. grandiflorum LGRCBG IHD Nursery 50% L. grandiflorum Bed 12 LGRCBG IHD Arboretum 50% L. grandifolium IHD Nursery 50% L. grandifolium IHD Arboretum 20-40% L. juniperinum IHD Nursery 100% L. juniperinum Longford 100% L. laevigatum IHD Arboretum 100% L. laevigatum ‘Flamingo’ IHD Nursery 0% L. lanigerum IHD Nursery 100% L. lanigerum LLLP2 IHD Arboretum 100% L. lanigerum LLLP2 IHD Nursery 100% L. liversidgei IHD Arboretum 80% L. macrocarpum CBG191J IHD Arboretum 40% L. macrocarpum CBG191J IHD Glasshouse 40% L. macrocarpum CBG5 IHD Arboretum 90% L. macrocarpum ‘Copper Glow’ IHD Nursery 100% L. macrocarpum ex Longford IHD Nursery 100% L. macrocarpum LMAR3 IHD Arboretum 90% L. macrocarpum LMC2 IHD Arboretum 40% L. macrocarpum LMCH3 IHD Arboretum 60% L. micromyrtus CBG195 IHD Arboretum 90-100% L. morrisonii ex Longford IHD Nursery 100% L. morrisonii Green Longford 100% L. myrsinoides Pink Longford 80% L. myrsinoides Pink IHD Nursery 80% L. obovatum IHD Arboretum 60% L. obovatum LOCBG IHD Arboretum 40% L. obovatum LOCBG IHD Nursery 40% L. petersonii IHD Arboretum 30% L. petersonii CBG IHD Arboretum 80% L. polygalifolium IHD Arboretum 70% L. polygalifolium IHD Nursery 70% L. polygalifolium Bronze IHD Arboretum 100% L. polygalifolium ‘Pacific Beauty’ IHD Nursery 40% L. rotundifolium Longford improved IHD Arboretum 100% L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Queen’ IHD Arboretum 50% L. serecium IHD Arboretum 100% L. serecium ex WA IHD Arboretum 50-70% L. spectabile 899 IHD Arboretum 80% L. spectabile IHD Arboretum 80-100%

Appendix 2. Ease of propagation of some Leptospermum species and cultivars

Species Cultivar Location Strike Rate L. spectabile 967 IHD Arboretum 90% L. spectabile CBG IHD Arboretum 40% L. spectabile CBG IHD Nursery 40% L. spectabile IHD Nursery 80-100% L. turbinatum LTAL2 IHD Arboretum 100% L. turbinatum LTB1 IHD Arboretum 50-70% L. turbinatum LTB1 IHD Nursery 50-70% L. turbinatum LTCG1 IHD Arboretum 100% L. turbinatum LTD1 IHD Arboretum 0% L. turbinatum LTD1 IHD Nursery 0% L. turbinatum LTMD2 IHD Arboretum 70% L. turbinatum LTMW1 IHD Nursery 100% L. turbinatum LTMW2 IHD Arboretum 40% L. turbinatum LTMW4 IHD Nursery 70% L. turbinatum LTMZ1 IHD Nursery 100% L. turbinatum LTPR1 IHD Arboretum 80% L. turbinatum LTRL1 IHD Nursery 100% L. turbinatum LTTB1 IHD Arboretum 80% L. turbinatum LTTB2 IHD Arboretum 100% L. variable CBG IHD Arboretum 90-100% L. variable CBG IHD Nursery 90-100%

Appendix 3. Vegetative characteristics of species and cultivars which have flowered

Species Cultivar Location Date of Foliage Colour Description of stem Stem length (cm) Flowers in top Vegetative tip Observation Group 30cm length (cm) L. amboinense IHD Nursery 12-Oct-99 Short upright stems 21.0 30 4.3 L. ‘Aphrodite’ IHD Arboretum 4-Nov-99 Yellow-Green Upright with small flowering 53 17 5.2 146A branchlets (1-2 flowers) L. ‘Aphrodite’ Longford 25-Nov-99 Narrow, upright 38.5 14 3.8 L. brachyandrum IHD 6-Dec-99 Short branchlets which end in a 18.8 No stems greater Glasshouse cluster of flowers than 30cm L. brevipes IHD Arboretum 23-Oct-99 Brown 200A Long and weeping 64.5 144 5.9 L. brevipes LBCBG IHD Arboretum 13-Sep-99 Green 137A Main stem narrow, branchlets 40 47 1.4 reddish in colour L. brevipes LBCBG IHD Nursery 12-Oct-99 Long, narrow, upright 18.4 No stems greater 1.9 than 30cm L. brevipes Longford 21-Oct-99 Long and weeping 69.8 142 4.5 L. continentale IHD Nursery 10-Jan-00 Long stem with short branchlets, 40 19 22 flowers extending mid way along stem L. emarginatum LECBG IHD 1-Sep-99 Upright 48 52 4.4 43 Glasshouse L. emarginatum LECBG IHD Nursery 4-Feb-00 Long branched stem, flowers 40 20 9.6 clustered L. grandiflorum ‘Bicheno Longford pots 10-Mar-00 Green 137B Long stems with erect branchlets 55 1 27 Pink’ L. grandiflorum Bed 12 IHD Arboretum 24-Sep-99 Yellow-Green LGRCBG 147A/B L. grandifolium IHD Arboretum 21-Dec-99 Yellow-Green Long compact stems with short 44.7 10 13 147A flowering branchlets L. juniperinum Longford 10-Jan-99 Branchlets long and slightly 42 162 7 weeping L. laevigatum IHD Arboretum 13-Sep-99 Green 137C Woody, upright 52 78 0 L. lanigerum Longford 20-Oct-99 Long, narrow, and upright. 43.8 40 0 Usually single stem/spike L. lanigerum IHD Nursery 6-Sep-99 Long, upright, terminates into 55 109 0 flowering spikes L. lanigerum Grey form IHD Arboretum 22-Sep-99 Greyed-Green Long and narrow stems 64 77 0.9 189A L. lanigerum Grey form Longford 20-Oct-99 Long, narrow, compacted foliage 59.5 80 1.2

Appendix 3. Vegetative characteristics of species and cultivars which have flowered

Species Cultivar Location Date of Foliage Colour Description of stem Stem length (cm) Flowers in top Vegetative tip Observation Group 30cm length (cm) L. lanigerum LLLP2 IHD Arboretum 2-Sep-99 Greyed-Green Upright, narrow, flowering 98 84 0 189A branchlets L. lanigerum LLLP2 IHD Nursery 6-Sep-99 One main stem with flowering 107 91 0 branchlets L. liversidgei IHD Arboretum 10-Jan-00 Green 141A Well branched stems with flowers 53 23 20 mainly in lower half L. liversidgei ‘Mozzie IHD Nursery 19-Jan-00 One or more main stems with 36.5 50 10 Blocker’ short branchlets covered in flowers L. macrocarpum IHD Arboretum 15-Feb-00 Short branchlets 42.5 2.5 22.5 L. macrocarpum ‘Copper IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Black 202A; Prostrate 28.7 26 3 Sheen’ NEW GROWTH Greyed-Purple 183A L. macrocarpum CBG191J IHD Arboretum 24-Sep-99 Green 137B Upright and narrow 14 1 2.3 L. macrocarpum CBG191J IHD 3-Sep-99 Fairly thick and woody, only a 38 17 7.2 44 Glasshouse few stems per plant L. macrocarpum CBG5 IHD Arboretum 15-Feb-00 Short branchlets 35 4 12 L. macrocarpum ‘Copper IHD Nursery 12-Oct-99 Long, prostrate 48.8 17 16 Glow’ L. macrocarpum ‘Copper IHD Nursery 12-Oct-99 Prostrate 33.7 8 9.0 Sheen’ L. macrocarpum ex Longford IHD Nursery 12-Oct-99 Long thick stems with short 17.8 6 2.7 flowering branchlets L. macrocarpum LMAR3 IHD Arboretum 15-Feb-00 Green 137A Short branchlets 30 2 0 L. macrocarpum LMC2 IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Yellow-Green Long, narrow, small branchlets 54 16 15.2 146A; Green 137A L. macrocarpum LMCH3 IHD Arboretum 5-Nov-99 Yellow-Green Spreading/semi prostrate, massed 48 42 3.2 146A flowering branchlets L. macrocarpum Pink 4.0 Longford 7-Oct-99 Long, fairly narrow 56.4 3 26.4 L. macrocarpum Yellow Longford 21-Oct-99 Flowers on small branchlets along 58 48 0 stems L. macrocarpum Yellow 3.5 Longford 20-Oct-99 Upright, sparse, not many buds 29.2 3 19 per stem L. ‘Merinda’ IHD Nursery 12-Oct-99 Long and narrow 40.3 26 1.8

Appendix 3. Vegetative characteristics of species and cultivars which have flowered

Species Cultivar Location Date of Foliage Colour Description of stem Stem length (cm) Flowers in top Vegetative tip Observation Group 30cm length (cm) L. micromyrtus CBG195 IHD Arboretum 10-Jan-00 Green 137A Long stem with short branchlets, 60 0 38 flowers on lower sections L. minutifolium Longford 10-Jan-00 Double branched stems- 40 63 5 branchlets attached to stem at acute angle L. morrisonii Longford 7-Oct-99 Long, narrow, bushy 45.3 28 14.2 L. morrisonii Burgundy Longford 26-Nov-99 Narrow, bushy branchlets, flowers 39.7 16 10.8 sessile? L. morrisonii Burgundy IHD Arboretum 21-Dec-99 Greyed-Purple Long branchlets with flowers on 49.5 1 41 187A lower sections L. morrisonii ex Longford IHD Nursery 24-Dec-99 Greyed-Purple Long branchlets with flowers 33 38 187A extending to growing tips on many stems L. morrisonii ex Longford IHD Nursery 24-Dec-99 Branched stems 33 38 3.4 L. morrisonii ex QLD IHD Arboretum 21-Dec-99 Yellow-Green Long stems with flowering 44 2 20.5 146A branchlets, flowers on lower half 45 L. morrisonii Green Longford 10-Jan-00 Densely branched stems covered 35 28 0 in flowers L. myrsinoides Pink Longford 29-Oct-99 Upright, narrow, small flowering 28.6 30 7.7 branchlets L. myrsinoides Pink IHD Nursery 8-Oct-99 Upright, narrow 39.2 81 0 L. obovatum IHD Arboretum 8-Dec-99 Green 137A Long narrow, terminal flowers on 34.7 15 9 side shoot off main stem L. obovatum dwarf form IHD Nursery 13-Dec-99 Stems branching into long 36.2 0 2.7 flowering side branchlets L. obovatum LOCBG IHD Arboretum 19-Nov-99 Upright and narrow 58.2 26 18.7 L. obovatum LOCBG IHD Nursery 27-Nov-99 Upright and narrow 31.5 20 4.8 L. petersonii IHD Arboretum 19-Jan-00 Yellow-Green Well branched, bushy stem 40 32 8 146B L. petersonii Longford 10-Jan-00 Short branchlets on long sparse 45 55 3.5 stem L. petersonii CBG IHD Arboretum 15-Feb-00 Yellow-Green Short branchlets 32.5 25 7.5 144A L. petersonii ex Kuranga IHD Nursery 9-Feb-00 Upright branched stem 40 24 17 L. polygalifolium IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Green 137C 42.7 83 1.3

Appendix 3. Vegetative characteristics of species and cultivars which have flowered

Species Cultivar Location Date of Foliage Colour Description of stem Stem length (cm) Flowers in top Vegetative tip Observation Group 30cm length (cm) L. polygalifolium IHD Nursery 4-Oct-99 Long, narrow, bit sparse between 51.2 63 1.1 branchlets L. polygalifolium Bronze IHD Arboretum 8-Dec-99 Greyed-Orange Long flowering side branchlets 37.7 8 6.2 177A L. polygalifolium ‘Cardwell’ IHD Nursery 6-Sep-99 Upright, many long thin 51 52 1.8 branchlets L. polygalifolium ssp IHD 26-Aug-99 Upright, some bent 44.7 35 3.8 cismontanum Glasshouse L. polygalifolium spp IHD Nursery 4-Sep-99 Semi upright stems 46 29 9 cismontanum L. polygalifolium ssp Longford 25-Nov-99 Upright, profuse flowering 34.3 71 1.2 polygalifolium branchlets L. polygalifolium ‘Pacific IHD Nursery 22-Sep-99 Stems branching at tip and bare on 33 42 1.8 Beauty’ lower section L. ‘Rhiannon’ IHD Arboretum 5-Nov-99 Green 137A Long, narrow, usually single 52.8 3 23.5 flowering branchlets 46 L. ‘Rhiannon’ Longford 25-Nov-99 Upright, narrow, terminal flowers 41.8 10 18.3 L. ‘Rhiannon’ IHD Nursery 29-Nov-99 Upright and narrow 38.5 29 1.2 L. rotundifolium ‘Jervis Bay’ IHD Nursery 27-Oct-99 Upright narrow, some have bent 39.7 14 5.5 tips L. rotundifolium Longford IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Green 137A Long upright, small branchlets 67.6 7 31.2 improved L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Green 137A Upright, mostly narrow 56.5 12 7 Queen’ L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Longford 29-Oct-99 Upright, narrow, small branchlets 29.7 6 6.6 Queen’ L. rotundifolium LRBL2 IHD Arboretum 25-Oct-99 Long, upright, short single 52.3 19 14.5 flowering branchlets L. scoparium ‘Lavender Longford 29-Oct-99 Long, upright, branching 45.7 23 3.7 Queen’ L. scoparium Longford 21-Dec-99 Long, upright branchlets covered 42 63 9 in flowers L. serecium IHD Arboretum 8-Oct-99 Yellow-Green Upright, sparse, young plant 37 3 6 146A L. serecium IHD 28-Aug-99 Upright and woody 40.5 4 3.5 Glasshouse

Appendix 3. Vegetative characteristics of species and cultivars which have flowered

Species Cultivar Location Date of Foliage Colour Description of stem Stem length (cm) Flowers in top Vegetative tip Observation Group 30cm length (cm) L. serecium Longford 7-Oct-99 Upright branching 52.0 14 8.7 L. serecium ex Pomonal IHD Nursery 6-Sep-99 Upright, shrubby stems 58 2 22 L. serecium ex WA IHD Arboretum 2-Sep-99 Yellow-Green Upright and shrubby 51 23 11 147C L. serecium ex WA Longford 23-Sep-99 Upright and shrubby 37 5 12 L. spectabile 899 IHD Arboretum 4-Nov-99 Green 137C Upright, bushy, flowering 19 3.0 9.7 branchlets L. spectabile IHD Arboretum 4-Nov-99 Green 137A Upright, bushy, flowering 40.3 7 16.8 branchlets L. spectabile 967 IHD Arboretum 19-Nov-99 Yellow-Green Long, narrow, upright with bushy 55.5 1 35.2 147A tips L. spectabile 967 Longford 25-Nov-99 Bushy, upright 21.5 7 11.8 L. spectabile CBG IHD Arboretum 19-Nov-99 Green 137B Weeping long stems, bushy tips 53.2 1 26.7 L. spectabile CBG IHD Nursery 29-Nov-99 Upright, bushy vegetative tips 31.8 4 11.8 L. spectabile Longford 25-Nov-99 Upright, terminal flowers, foliage 47.7 19 12.4 and flowers compact 47 L. spectabile IHD Nursery 29-Nov-99 Upright, spreading 46.3 32 20.5 L. trinervium Longford 20-Oct-99 Long, some with long flowering 47.7 60 3.2 branchlets, few weep L. turbinatum Bronze Longford 29-Oct-99 Long, narrow stems, upright 52.8 26 3.6 L. turbinatum Green Longford 29-Oct-99 Long, narrow, new growth droopy 49.7 10 14.8 L. turbinatum LTAL2 IHD Arboretum 15-Feb-00 Yellow-Green Well branched long stems 50 13 20 147A L. turbinatum LTB1 IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Yellow-Green Weeping/prostrate 29 3 5.3 147B L. turbinatum LTB1 IHD Nursery 12-Oct-99 Semi prostrate 49.7 15 9.2 L. turbinatum LTCG1 IHD Arboretum 5-Nov-99 Green 137A Spreading/weeping 37.2 7 17.5 L. turbinatum LTD1 IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Yellow-Green Long bushy stems 50.5 22 5.2 146B L. turbinatum LTD1 IHD Nursery 22-Sep-99 Upright and mostly narrow 46 4 14 L. turbinatum LTMD2 IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Yellow-Green Long, narrow, bushy 39.5 3 16.8 147A L. turbinatum LTMW1 IHD Nursery 4-Oct-99 Long, narrow and upright 34.3 25 1.9 L. turbinatum LTMW2 IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Brown 200A 49.2 9 13.7 L. turbinatum LTMW4 IHD Nursery 12-Oct-99 Long, narrow, upright stems 30 21 4.0 L. turbinatum LTMZ1 IHD Nursery 12-Oct-99 Long, narrow, upright 40.3 11 7.2

Appendix 3. Vegetative characteristics of species and cultivars which have flowered

Species Cultivar Location Date of Foliage Colour Description of stem Stem length (cm) Flowers in top Vegetative tip Observation Group 30cm length (cm) L. turbinatum LTPR1 IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Green 137A Long upright, narrow and bushy 63.8 5 26.3 L. turbinatum LTRL1 IHD Nursery 13-Sep-99 Woody, some quite thick 38 31 1.5 L. turbinatum LTTB1 IHD Arboretum 4-Oct-99 137Cgreen Narrow branching at tips 27.7 22 5.5 L. turbinatum LTTB2 IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Yellow-Green Long spreading stems, bare at 56.7 20 23.8 147A base, bushy at tip L. variable CBG IHD Arboretum 18-Oct-99 Green 143A Long, narrow, upright, small 49.3 61 5.4 flowering branchlets L. variable CBG Longford 29-Oct-99 Upright narrow, small branchlets 22 46 4.8 L. variable CBG IHD Nursery 29-Nov-99 Upright 42.7 67 1.6 L. wooroonooran CBG Longford 1-Dec-99 Short branching stems 17 0 3.7 48

Appendix 4. Floral characteristics of species and cultivars

Species Cultivar Location Date of Date 1st Date main Flower Flower description Flower colour No flowers on Distance between Comments Obs flower bloom size (cm) 10 cm of flowers (cm) flowering stem L. ambioense IHD 12-Oct- 10-Oct-99 12-Oct-99 1.6 Frilled petals, green sepals, red White 14.7 1.0 Not enough Nursery 99 rim flowering stems, small plant L. ‘Aphrodite’ IHD 4-Nov- 31-Oct-99 4-Nov-99 2.2 Green and white sepals, mass 11 2.4 Arboretum 99 of bright flowers L. ‘Aphrodite’ Longford 25-Nov- 8-Nov-99 18-Nov-99 1.9 White/translucent sepals, Red Purple 6 1.7 99 mostly single flowering 67C L. brachyandrum IHD 6-Dec-99 25-Nov- 6-Dec-99 1 Flowers in small clusters, turn White 18 0.3 Glasshouse 99 red in centre on older flowers, sepals white L. brevipes IHD 23-Oct- 12-Oct-99 23-Oct-99 1.1 Round peals, small pink sepals, White 50 0.3 Arboretum 99 red rim L. brevipes LBCBG IHD 13-Sep- 9-Sep-99 13-Sep-99 1.6 Axillary, rounded petals, sepals White 22 8.8 Flowers did not stay Arboretum 99 red and green healthy long for vase life L. brevipes LBCBG IHD 12-Oct- 9-Oct-99 12-Oct-99 1.1 Small flowers, rounded to White 9 0.8 Small plant, only 5 Nursery 99 diamond shaped petals small flowering

49 stems L. brevipes Longford 21-Oct- 15-Oct-99 26-Oct-99 1.1 Round petals, small pink White 49 0.3 99 sepals, red rim L. continentale IHD 10-Jan- 1-Jan-00 10-Jan-00 1.1 Oval shaped petals White 34 0.7 Nursery 00 L. emarginatum LECBG IHD 1-Sep-99 10-Aug- 1-Sep-99 1.2 Petals almost translucent, White 19 1.10 Already in full bloom Glasshouse 99 sepals are. Petals small and rounded L. emarginatum LECBG IHD 4-Feb-00 26-Jan-00 10-Feb-00 1.4 Rounded petals White 9 1.7 Nursery L. grandiflorum ‘Bicheno Pink’ Longford 10-Mar- 10-Feb-00 10-Mar-00 2.4 Rounded to oval shaped petals, Pink, paler at 19 1.2 00 with elongated base. Petal edge. Red- margins crinkled, colour deeper Purple 62 along veins B,C,D L. grandiflorum Bed 12 IHD 24-Sep- 16-Sep-99 1-Oct-99 LGRCBG Arboretum 99 L. grandifolium IHD 21-Dec- 29-Nov- 10-Dec-99 1.6 Ruffled petals, slightly pointed. White 15 0.7 Arboretum 99 99 Sepals red/pink L. juniperinum Longford 10-Jan- 1-Jan-00 17-Jan-00 1.3 Petals small and rounded, White 57 0.6 99 flowers clustered together L. laevigatum IHD 13-Sep- 13-Sep-99 22-Sep-99 1.9 Petals rounded, sepals pale White 26 0.8 Arboretum 99 translucent pink

Appendix 4. Floral characteristics of species and cultivars

Species Cultivar Location Date of Date 1st Date main Flower Flower description Flower colour No flowers on Distance between Comments Obs flower bloom size (cm) 10 cm of flowers (cm) flowering stem L. lanigerum Longford 20-Oct- 13-Oct-99 25-Oct-99 2.7 Green hairy sepals, round White 18 1.2 99 petals, flowers compact L. lanigerum IHD 6-Sep-99 25-Aug- 2-Sep-99 1.6 Rounded petals, sepals dark White 36 0.7 Flowers constant, Nursery 99 pink/red new ones only last 2 or so days L. lanigerum Grey form IHD 22-Sep- 22-Aug- 1.8 Petals round with frilly edges, White 23 1.4 Arboretum 99 99 sepals dark pink L. lanigerum Grey form Longford 20-Oct- 15-Oct-99 25-Oct-99 2.3 Wrinkly petals, pink hairy White 27 0.9 Massed display of 99 sepals, red rim flowers L. lanigerum LLLP2 IHD 2-Sep-99 20-Aug- 27-Aug-99 1.5 Terminal, profuse, rounded White 40 1.0 Petals frilled. Arboretum 99 petals, pink/red sepals Flowers shrivelled quickly at vase life L. lanigerum LLLP2 IHD 6-Sep-99 9-Aug-99 23/8/99 1.7 Petals wrinkly and rounded, White 30 0.8 Would make an Nursery sepals pink/red interesting bud arrangement L. liversidgei IHD 10-Jan- 10-Jan-00 20-Jan-00 1.5 Oval petals alternating with White with 21 0.8 Arboretum 00 burgundy sepals pink flush –

50 Red purple 65D L. liversidgei ‘Mozzie IHD 19-Jan- 10-Jan-00 20-Jan-00 1.6 Delicate rounded pink petals Red Purple 18 0.6 Stems could have Blocker’ Nursery 00 with elongated attachment, 70D been longer as plant sepals plum or deeper pink, was small clustered along stem L. macrocarpum IHD 15-Feb- 10-Feb-00 20-Feb-00 1.3 Rounded petals Pink fading to 4 4 Out of season Arboretum 00 cream flowering L. macrocarpum ‘Copper IHD 18-Oct- 11-Oct-99 18-Oct-99 2.4 Round petals, dark red sepals Yellow 2C 4 2.8 Not enough Sheen’ Arboretum 99 (red 46 A) flowering stems L. macrocarpum ‘Copper Glow’ IHD 12-Oct- 10-Oct-99 17-Oct-99 2.6 Darker when younger, sepals Red purple 7 2.6 Nursery 99 green, petals round 64D L. macrocarpum ‘Copper IHD 12-Oct- 10-Oct-99 18-Oct-99 2.1 Round petals, green sepals Green yellow 4.5 1.7 Sheen’ Nursery 99 (pink at bud stage) 154C L. macrocarpum CBG191J IHD 24-Sep- 24-Sep-99 24-Sep-99 3.0 Petals large and round, sepals Dark pink/red 1 8.0 Plants too small for Arboretum 99 green and turn pink vase life and not enough flowers L. macrocarpum CBG191J IHD 3-Sep-99 10-Aug- 3-Sep-99 3.1 Sweet scent, large bright pink Red purple 7 2.30 Not enough stems Glasshouse 99 flowers 59D L. macrocarpum CBG5 IHD 15-Feb- 10-Feb-00 20-Feb-00 1.9 Rounded petals Translucent 4 3.6 Out of season Arboretum 00 pink fading to flowering cream

Appendix 4. Floral characteristics of species and cultivars

Species Cultivar Location Date of Date 1st Date main Flower Flower description Flower colour No flowers on Distance between Comments Obs flower bloom size (cm) 10 cm of flowers (cm) flowering stem L. macrocarpum ex Longford IHD 12-Oct- 9-Oct-99 18-Oct-99 2.0 Hairy yellow/green sepals, Yellow green 4.7 1.1 Not big enough Nursery 99 occasionally pink 154C L. macrocarpum LMAR3 IHD 15-Feb- 10-Feb-00 20-Feb-00 2.6 Rounded petals, pink sepals Pale yellow 2 4 Out of season Arboretum 00 flowering L. macrocarpum LMC2 IHD 18-Oct- 11-Oct-99 18-Oct-99 2.2 Some petals curl out, sepals White 11 2.7 Not enough Arboretum 99 pink and red flowering stems L. macrocarpum LMCH3 IHD 5-Nov- 10-Oct-99 31-Oct-99 2 Rounded petals, pink and white White 15 0.7 Not enough Arboretum 99 hairy sepals, massed display on flowering stems stems L. macrocarpum Pink 4.0 Longford 7-Oct-99 4-Oct-99 20-Oct-99 4.0 Huge flowers, petals and sepals Red purple 3 5.2 Only 3 stems for vase almost same colour 64D life, flowers at base of stems L. macrocarpum Yellow Longford 21-Oct- 9-Oct-99 20-Oct-99 3.1 Sepals pink Yellow 2D 14 3.2 99 L. macrocarpum Yellow 3.5 Longford 20-Oct- 6-Oct-99 20-Oct-99 3.7 Pink hairy sepals, round petals Yellow 3 4 Not enough long 99 flowering stems L. ‘Merinda’ IHD 12-Oct- 9-Oct-99 18-Oct-99 2.0 Round petals, white sepals, red Red purple 13 1.4

51 Nursery 99 rim. Pink stamens 63A L. micromyrtus CBG195 IHD 10-Jan- 1-Jan-99 10-Jan-00 2.1 Rounded petals White 6 4 Arboretum 00 L. minutifolium Longford 10-Jan- 10-Jan-00 20-Jan-00 2 White rounded petals with White 23 2.3 00 pinkish centre and pink/plum sepals L. morrisonii Longford 7-Oct-99 7-Sep-99 7-Oct-99 2.8 Sepals pink, petals round, buds White 14 1.5 dark pink and white L. morrisonii Burgundy Longford 26-Nov- 23-Nov- 9-Dec-99 2.4 White sepals with a pink stripe White 11 2.7 99 99 up the centre L. morrisonii Burgundy IHD 21-Dec- 3-Dec-99 21-Dec-99 2.5 Large rounded petals White 7 1.7 Arboretum 99 L. morrisonii ex Longford IHD 24-Dec- 8-Dec-99 24-Dec-99 2.1 Large rounded petals White 9 1.7 Nursery 99 L. morrisonii ex Longford IHD 24-Dec- 18-Dec-99 24-Dec-99 2.1 Large rounded petals White 9 1.7 Not enough stems Nursery 99 L. morrisonii ex QLD IHD 21-Dec- 3-Dec-99 21-Dec-99 2.6 Large rounded petals White 8 2.1 Arboretum 99 L. morrisonii Green Longford 10-Jan- 5-Jan-00 15-Jan-00 2.5 Rounded petals with cream Creamy white 10 1.9 00 triangular sepals L. myrsinoides Pink Longford 29-Oct- 20-Oct-99 28-Oct-99 1.5 Very small sepals Purple 73C 13 1.0 Stems not long 99 enough

Appendix 4. Floral characteristics of species and cultivars

Species Cultivar Location Date of Date 1st Date main Flower Flower description Flower colour No flowers on Distance between Comments Obs flower bloom size (cm) 10 cm of flowers (cm) flowering stem L. myrsinoides Pink IHD 8-Oct-99 1-Oct-99 14-Oct-99 1.9 Flowers pink and fade to white Red purple 27 1.0 Nursery with age with red rim. Buds are 73C dark pink, tiny sepals. L. obovatum IHD 8-Dec-99 27-Nov- 3-Dec-99 1.6 Round petals, white to green White 8 1.2 Arboretum 99 sepals L. obovatum Dwarf form IHD 13-Dec- 9-Dec-99 20-Dec-99 1.5 Round petals, green translucent Cream 9 2.2 Not doing a vase life Nursery 99 sepals assessment due to "dwarf form" L. obovatum LOCBG IHD 19-Nov- 13-Nov- 19-Nov-99 1.1 Mass flowers along stems, White 15 1.3 Arboretum 99 99 white sepals L. obovatum LOCBG IHD 27-Nov- 14-Nov- 27-Nov-99 1 Round petals, white sepals, White 9 1.2 Nursery 99 99 small delicate flowers L. petersonii IHD 19-Jan- 17-Jan-00 27-Jan-00 1.7 White oval petals alternating White 9 2.6 Arboretum 00 with white/green almost transparent sepals L. petersonii Longford 10-Jan- 10-Jan-00 20-Jan-00 2 Elongated oval petals, rounded White 18 1.2 00 pale pink sepals

52 L. petersonii CBG IHD 15-Feb- 15-Jan-00 30-Jan-00 1.8 Oval petals alternating with White 14 1.25 Arboretum 00 burgundy sepals L. petersonii ex Kuranga IHD 9-Feb-00 18-Feb-00 10-Feb-00 1.9 Oval shaped petals White 9 3.8 Nursery L. polygalifolium IHD 18-Oct- 22-Sep-99 18-Oct-99 1.5 Compact, round petals, some White 28 0.6 Arboretum 99 frilly, white sepals L. polygalifolium IHD 4-Oct-99 25-Sep-99 11-Oct-99 1.6 Green sepals, petals rounded White 18 0.6 Nursery L. polygalifolium Bronze IHD 8-Dec-99 27-Nov- 7-Dec-99 1.8 Gap between sepals and petals, White 7 1 Arboretum 99 sepals white/translucent L. polygalifolium ‘Cardwell’ IHD 6-Sep-99 25-Aug- 4-Sep-99 1.5 Dark pink buds, petals rounded, White 18 0.9 Flowers shrivelled Nursery 99 sepals pink quickly at vase life L. polygalifolium ssp IHD 26-Aug- 12-Aug- 26-Aug-99 1.3 Small dainty flowers, pale pink White 9 0.80 cismontanum Glasshouse 99 99 sepals L. polygalifolium ssp IHD 4-Sep-99 20-Aug- 4-Sep-99 1.5 Rounded petals and pale pink White 13 1.3 cismontanum Nursery 99 sepals L. polygalifolium ssp Longford 25-Nov- 13-Nov- 22-Nov-99 1.8 Round petals, cream sepals, White 24 1.3 polygalifolium 99 99 profuse flowering L. polygalifolium ‘Pacific IHD 22-Sep- 15-Sep-99 22-Sep-99 1.5 Petals round and wrinkly, pale White 25 0.7 Vase life longer for Beauty’ Nursery 99 pink sepals and red rim just buds. Flowers shrivelled quick L. ‘Rhiannon’ IHD 5-Nov- 31-Oct-99 5-Nov-99 3 Rounded petals, green hairy Purple violet 9 2.3 Arboretum 99 sepals 81A

Appendix 4. Floral characteristics of species and cultivars

Species Cultivar Location Date of Date 1st Date main Flower Flower description Flower colour No flowers on Distance between Comments Obs flower bloom size (cm) 10 cm of flowers (cm) flowering stem L. ‘Rhiannon’ Longford 25-Nov- 8-Nov-99 16-Nov-99 2.6 Flowers at base of stem, Red Purple 10 2.5 99 compact 72B L. ‘Rhiannon’ IHD 29-Nov- 1-Nov-99 10-Nov-99 2.4 Buds have brown bracts over Red Purple 10 2 Nursery 99 them. Green sepals, flowers 70B compact and profuse L. rotundifolium ‘Jervis Bay’ IHD 27-Oct- 17-Oct-99 3-Nov-99 2.9 Red and purple buds, petals Purple 76C 9 1.5 Foliage green with Nursery 99 turn almost white when older red edging, not many stems as grown in a pot L. rotundifolium Longford IHD 18-Oct- 11-Oct-99 18-Oct-99 2.8 Fades with age, sepals red, Purple 76A 6 2.5 Not enough improved Arboretum 99 petals rounded flowering stems L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender IHD 18-Oct- 14-Oct-99 23-Oct-99 2.5 Round petals, red sepals Purple 76A 7 2.5 Queen’ Arboretum 99 L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Longford 29-Oct- 20-Oct-99 29-Oct-99 2.5 Petals lighter at centre, red Violet 83D 4 2.7 Queen’ 99 sepals L. rotundifolium LRBL2 IHD 25-Oct- 10-Oct-99 25-Oct-99 2.4 Round petals, red sepals, petals Purple 76A 11 1.6 Arboretum 99 pale at centre

53 L. scoparium ‘Lavender Longford 29-Oct- 16-Oct-99 29-Oct-99 3.0 Profuse, red and purple buds, Purple 78B 9 1.8 Queen’ 99 red sepals L. scoparium Longford 21-Dec- 9-Dec-99 18-Dec-99 1.2 Oval petals with a pink 'bar' in White and pink 16 0.4 99 centre, massed display along stems L. serecium IHD 8-Oct-99 1-Oct-99 6-Oct-99 2.4 Pink sepals, frilled edges on Purple 75 B 2 7.7 Only one flowering Arboretum petals stem (3 flowers) L. serecium IHD 28-Aug- 3-Aug-99 28-Aug-99 Rounded pink petals, sepals 3 2.00 Flowers were already Glasshouse 99 red/green dead and at petal drop. L. serecium Longford 7-Oct-99 25-Aug- 17-Sep-99 2.3 Not many flowers on plants, Purple 77D 6 3.3 Main flowering 99 old when measured period over when vase life trials started L. serecium ex Pomonal IHD 6-Sep-99 25-Aug- 4-Sep-99 2.6 Petals rounded, sepals green Purple Violet 3 3.7 Nursery 99 and red 81D L. serecium ex WA IHD 2-Sep-99 20-Aug- 4-Sep-99 2.6 Petals rounded, sepals green Purple Violet 9 1.7 Flowers are darker Arboretum 99 top and reddish under 81C when young. L. serecium ex WA Longford 23-Sep- 9-Sep-99 23-Sep-99 3.0 Petals rounded, sepals red/pink, Purple violet 4 4.4 Flowers tend to be 99 bright display 81B lower on stems L. spectabile 899 IHD 4-Nov- 31-Oct-99 4-Nov-99 3.0 Some petals reflex at edges. Red Purple 2.5 4.0 Only one plant in Arboretum 99 Sepals green and hairy 60A flower, 4 stems L. spectabile IHD 4-Nov- 1-Nov-99 4-Nov-99 2.5 Petals round, some frilly, sepals Red Purple 7 2.2 Arboretum 99 green. 59B

Appendix 4. Floral characteristics of species and cultivars

Species Cultivar Location Date of Date 1st Date main Flower Flower description Flower colour No flowers on Distance between Comments Obs flower bloom size (cm) 10 cm of flowers (cm) flowering stem L. spectabile 967 IHD 19-Nov- 7-Nov-99 19-Nov-99 2.9 Flowers pale with age, sepals Red Purple 6 3.0 Flowers at base of Arboretum 99 green, petals oval 60A stems L. spectabile 967 Longford 25-Nov- 17-Nov- 25-Nov-99 3.2 Flowers at base of stem, Red Purple 7 2.4 Not enough long 99 99 compact 60A flowering stems L. spectabile CBG IHD 19-Nov- 10-Nov- 19-Nov-99 2.5 Sepals green, Red Purple 4.5 2.7 Flowers at base of Arboretum 99 99 60B stems L. spectabile CBG IHD 29-Nov- 16-Nov- 27-Nov-99 2.8 Green sepals Red Purple 5 4.7 Nursery 99 99 60B L. spectabile Longford 25-Nov- 11-Nov- 25-Nov-99 3 Flowers at base of stem, Red Purple 14 1.4 99 95 compact 59A L. spectabile IHD 29-Nov- 13-Nov- 20-Nov-99 2.3 Flowers along stems, green Red Purple 10 2.2 Nursery 99 99 sepals 59A L. trinervium Longford 20-Oct- 12-Oct-99 27-Oct-99 2.2 Green hairy sepals, red rim, White 21 0.8 99 round petals L. turbinatum Bronze Longford 29-Oct- 16-Oct-99 29-Oct-99 2.8 Dark pink hairs on sepals, red White 10 2.2 99 rim, rounded petals L. turbinatum Green Longford 29-Oct- 17-Oct-99 29-Oct-99 2.8 Frilly petals, hairy, red and White 6 2.2 54 99 green sepals red rim L. turbinatum LTAL2 IHD 15-Feb- 10-Feb-00 17-Feb-00 2.7 Rounded to diamond shaped White 11 3.5 Out of season Arboretum 00 petals flowering L. turbinatum LTB1 IHD 18-Oct- 14-Oct-99 18-Oct-99 3.0 Hairy pink sepals, rounded White 4.2 2.5 Not enough Arboretum 99 petals, some deformed flowering stems, only a few flowers L. turbinatum LTB1 IHD 12-Oct- 9-Oct-99 12-Oct-99 2.9 Hairy green and red sepals, White 11 1.4 Not enough Nursery 99 round frilled petals flowering stems, flower with 6 petals L. turbinatum LTCG1 IHD 5-Nov- 31-Oct-99 5-Nov-99 2.8 Rounded petals, red hairy White 7 2.7 Not enough long Arboretum 99 sepals, flowers mid stem flowering stems L. turbinatum LTD1 IHD 18-Oct- 30-Sep-99 18-Oct-99 3.0 Round petals, hairy pink sepals, White 13 1.7 Long stems with Arboretum 99 red rim. large white flowers L. turbinatum LTD1 IHD 22-Sep- 22-Sep-99 27-Sep-99 2.9 Large round petals, dark pink White 3 3.2 Flowers large and Nursery 99 sepals, red rim display well. L. turbinatum LTMD2 IHD 18-Oct- 11-Oct-99 18-Oct-99 2.7 Sepals red and hairy, red rim, White 2 2.7 Not many flowers, Arboretum 99 petals rounded only 2 plants flowering L. turbinatum LTMW1 IHD 4-Oct-99 26-Sep-99 5-Oct-99 3.1 Round frilly petals, sepals White 9 2.6 Foliage red/brown in Nursery pink/red colour

Appendix 4. Floral characteristics of species and cultivars

Species Cultivar Location Date of Date 1st Date main Flower Flower description Flower colour No flowers on Distance between Comments Obs flower bloom size (cm) 10 cm of flowers (cm) flowering stem L. turbinatum LTMW2 IHD 18-Oct- 13-Oct-99 18-Oct-99 2.8 Red hairy sepals, red rim, White 9 2.7 Not enough Arboretum 99 rounded petals flowering stems, leaves grey/green and red L. turbinatum LTMW4 IHD 12-Oct- 9-Oct-99 14-Oct-99 2.8 Round frilly petals. Hairy red White 14 0.6 Nursery 99 sepals with red rim L. turbinatum LTMZ1 IHD 12-Oct- 10-Oct-99 17-Oct-99 2.8 Red hairy sepals, petals White 7 1.3 Nursery 99 rounded L. turbinatum LTPR1 IHD 18-Oct- 14-Oct-99 18-Oct-99 2.8 Rounded frilly petals, pink/red White 6 2.3 Arboretum 99 sepals L. turbinatum LTRL1 IHD 13-Sep- 13-Sep-99 Large rounded petals frilled at White 11 1.5 Most with out Nursery 99 edges, sepals red vegetative tip, although some with new growth do L. turbinatum LTTB1 IHD 4-Oct-99 26-Sep-99 4-Oct-99 2.4 Petals frilled and curl over. White 8 1.7 Not enough long Arboretum Sepals green w red rim flowering stems L. turbinatum LTTB2 IHD 18-Oct- 8-Oct-99 18-Oct-99 2.5 Round frilly petals, green White 11 1.9

55 Arboretum 99 sepals with red outline L. variable CBG IHD 18-Oct- 15-Oct-99 23-Oct-99 1.9 Translucent sepals, petals are Cream/white 22 1.2 Arboretum 99 notched L. variable CBG Longford 29-Oct- 18-Oct-99 29-Oct-99 1.8 White sepals, cream buds, White 17 0.8 Stems not long 99 petals are notched enough L. variable CBG IHD 29-Nov- 23-Oct-99 10-Nov-99 1.3 Frilly petals, white sepals White 23 0.7 Nursery 99 L. wooroonooran CBG Longford 1-Dec-99 18-Nov- 1-Dec-99 1.6 Red sepals, round frilly petals, White 22 0.6 99 mass display of flowers

Appendix 5. Vase life for species and cultivars

Date Cultivar Origin Vase life Flowering stage at harvest Comments on vase life (mean days (s.e.)) 3-Nov-99 L. 'Aphrodite' IHD 12 (0) Some flowers and buds. Buds open and good display. Flowers Arboretum shrivel 17-Nov-99 L. 'Aphrodite' Longford 12 (0) Most flowers open. Buds open. Petals shrivel 8-Nov-99 L. 'Aphrodite' (trial 2) IHD 7.8 (0.2) 100% flowering. Lots of flowers look good. Petal drop, Arboretum tip wilt, flowers shrivel. 30-Nov-99 L. brachyandrum IHD 13.2 (2.9) 10-80% flowering. Flowers open slowly. Stems with a Glasshouse lower % with a much better vase life. 18-Oct-99 L. brevipes IHD 8.2 (0.4) Lots of flowers open and a number of Flowers open and last, tip dry and Arboretum buds. leaves dry. Flowers shrivelled to end vase life. 20-Oct-99 L. brevipes (trial 2) Longford 9.8 (1.2) 50% in flower. Buds open, open flowers shrivel. 28-Oct-99 L. brevipes (trial 3) Longford 11 (0) 20-50% in flower, lots of flowers and Buds open and good vase life. Flowers buds. shrivel 16-Sep-99 L. brevipes CBG IHD 5.4 (0.3) Some flowers open and buds burst to Buds open but petals drop and flowers

56 Arboretum start with. dry after a few days. Foliage dries quickly. 8-Sep-99 L. 'Cardwell' IHD 6 (0) Some flowers open at start, but stems Petals dry quickly, foliage also dry Nursery with lots of buds. quickly, short vase life. 10-Jan-00 L. continentale IHD 5.6 (0.9) 50-90% in flower. Flowers dry. Nursery 26-Oct-99 L. grandiflorum Bed 12 IHD 9 (1.0) Flowers and buds. Buds open, flowers brown and shrivel. Nursery 30-Nov-99 L. grandifolium IHD 4.2 (0.7) 10-70% flowering. Tip wilt soon after start. Buds open. Arboretum Petals and flower shrivel. 13-Jan-00 L. juniperinum Longford 8.4 (0.4) 0-10% flowers. Flowers open, flowers shrivel. 2-Feb-00 L. juniperinum (trial 3) Longford 8 (1.3) Flowering various. Petals wrinkle and shrivel. Some tip wilt and leaf drop. 16-Sep-99 L. laevigatum IHD 14.2 (0.8) A few flowers open, mainly buds at Buds open and look attractive and last. Arboretum burst. Individual flowers start to die after 10 days. 6-Oct-99 L. laevigatum IHD 13.3 (2.2) A few flowers but mainly buds. Buds open. Petals start to drop after 7 Nursery days. OK cut flower.

Appendix 5. Vase life for species and cultivars

Date Cultivar Origin Vase life Flowering stage at harvest Comments on vase life (mean days (s.e.)) 16-Sep-99 L. lanigerum LLLP2 IHD 4 (0) Few flowers open, mainly buds. Buds did not open. Nursery 8-Sep-99 L. lanigerum LLLP2 IHD 9 (0) Few flowers open at start, with lots of As the flowers open they only last 1-2 Nursery buds. days each but buds are OK. Foliage OK for a week. 16-Sep-99 L. lanigerum IHD 7.4 (1.1) Some flowers open and lots of Flowers don't last once buds open, Nursery attractive buds. Short vase life. 18-Oct-99 L. lanigerum (grey form) IHD 6.25 (0.7) Some flowers and buds. Buds did not open. Flowers shrivelled Arboretum but last a few days. 20-Oct-99 L. lanigerum (grey form) Longford 6.2 (0.2) Most flowers are open at the start. Buds open. Petals brown and shrivel. (trial 2) 20-Oct-99 L. lanigerum (trial 2) Longford 7 (0) Lots of flowers and buds. Buds open. Tip flowers senesce first and flowers dying, foliage dry. 14-Jan-00 L. liversidgei IHD 5.2 (0.2) Flowering various 5-70%. Some leaf drop, flowers shrivelled.

57 Nursery 20-Jan-00 L. liversidgei IHD 8.2 (1.8) 5% flowering. Buds opening, but shrivelled and Arboretum drying. 19-Jan-00 L. liversidgei 'Mozzie IHD 12 (0.5) Various flowering 5-80%. Buds open, flowers shrivel. Blocker' Nursery 12-Oct-99 L. macrocarpum ‘Copper IHD 10.4 (0.7) Buds only. Buds took a long time to open. For a Glow’ Nursery good vase life assessment need flowers opening. 12-Oct-99 L. macrocarpum ‘Copper IHD 7.7 (1.7) A few flowers, mainly buds. Flowers open but not very wide. Sheen’ Nursery Foliage and buds are attractive. 20-Oct-99 L. macrocarpum pink Longford 5 (0) Flowers open, but buds are very young. Flowers shrivelled after a few days. Buds did not open. 20-Oct-99 L. macrocarpum yellow Longford 5.8 (0.2) A few flowers are open and a number Buds did not open, flowers shrivelled. of buds. 12-Oct-99 L. 'Merinda' IHD 7.2 (0.7) A few flowers but mainly buds. Some flowers open, but only last a few Nursery days. Foliage drying up. 26-Oct-99 L. 'Merinda' (trial 2) IHD 4.4 (1.0) Most flowers out a few buds remain. Buds open but flowers dropping. Nursery

Appendix 5. Vase life for species and cultivars

Date Cultivar Origin Vase life Flowering stage at harvest Comments on vase life (mean days (s.e.)) 13-Jan-00 L. minutifolium Longford 11 (0) 5% flowering. Flowers shrivel, bract drop, leaf drop. Few buds open. 20-Jan-00 L. minutifolium (trial 2) Longford 11 (1.5) 5-50% flowering. Buds opening, flowers shrivel 3-Feb-00 L. minutifolium (trial 4) Longford 12.2 (0.6) 50-70% flowering. Buds open, petals shrivel. Leaf and petal drop. 7-Dec-99 L. morrisonii Burgundy IHD 11.6 (1.0) A few flowers, mainly buds ready to A few flowers open. Flowers shrivel, Arboretum open. vegetative tip wilts, buds brown. 25-Nov-99 L. morrisonii Burgundy Longford 15.2 (0.6) Buds to a few flowers. Buds open, but slowly. Flowers shrivel. 8-Nov-99 L. morrisonii ex Longford IHD 33.6 (2.3) Foliage trial only. Initial tip wilt which recovered. Last (foliage trial) Arboretum very well. 7-Dec-99 L. morrisonii ex QLD IHD 7.8 (0.5) 0-10% flowering, a few flowers open Flowers shrivel, buds brown. Arboretum (minimal). 13-Jan-00 L. morrisonii Green Longford 6.2 (0.5) Various flowering stages. Some bract drop. Buds opening,

58 flowers shrivelling. 7-Oct-99 L. morrisonii Longford 11 (1.9) Some flowers and buds. Buds open and flowers last over a week. Petal drop and general drying causes end of vase life. 20-Oct-99 L. morrisonii (trial 2) Longford 12.4 (0.4) 50% of flowers open. Buds open, petal drop at day 12. 6-Oct-99 L. myrsinoides (pink) IHD 13.6 (0.7) Mainly buds at start. Buds ready to open, open and last. Nursery Young buds don't open. A good cut flower. 26-Oct-99 L. myrsinoides (pink) (trial 2) IHD 7.2 (1.2) 80% in flower. Flowers senesce quickly Nursery 26-Oct-99 L. nitidum IHD 11.8 (1.3) Some flowers and buds. Buds open, flowers senesce Nursery 30-Nov-99 L. obovatum IHD 7.2 (0.8) Some flowers, more buds. A few buds open. Flowers shrivel, Arboretum buds brown, foliage dries. 7-Dec-99 L. obovatum (trial 2) IHD 6.6 (0.3) 50-80% flowering. Buds open but not all. Flowers shrivel Arboretum and remaining buds brown. 16-Nov-99 L. obovatum CBG IHD 8.2 (0.7) Various flowering stages 10-70%. Flowers opened. Flowers shrivelled, no Arboretum petal drop.

Appendix 5. Vase life for species and cultivars

Date Cultivar Origin Vase life Flowering stage at harvest Comments on vase life (mean days (s.e.)) 30-Nov-99 L. obovatum CBG IHD 2.4 (0.6) Mainly in flower, a few buds. Short vase life. Flowers shrivel. Nursery 17-Dec-99 L. obovatum Red foliage Longford 3 (0) 95% in flower. Short vase life, possibly due to harvest stage. 16-Sep-99 L. 'Pacific Beauty' IHD 6.4 (0.7) A few flowers open and lots of buds. Flowers don't last once buds open, but Nursery buds are attractive. 18-Jan-00 L. petersonii IHD 7.4 (0.7) 5-10% flowering. Buds open, flowers shrivel. Arboretum 13-Jan-00 L. petersonii Longford 11 (0) 5-10% flowering. Buds open, flowers shrivel. 3-Feb-00 L. petersonii (trial 3) Longford 5.6 (1.1) 60-70% flowering. Flowers shrivel, short vase life. 6-Oct-99 L. polygalifolium IHD 14.2 (1.3) A few flowers open but mainly buds. Lots of flowers open and last a week Nursery before petals start to drop. End of vase life caused by petal drop. 30-Nov-99 L. polygalifolium Bronze IHD 8 (0.6) A few flowers mainly buds. Flowers open. Some leaf drop and tip

59 Arboretum wilt. Flowers shrivel. 7-Dec-99 L. polygalifolium Bronze (trial IHD 3.6 (0.6) 100% flowering. Short vase life, probably due to harvest 2) Arboretum stage. Petal drop. 17-Nov-99 L. polygalifolium ssp Longford 10.4 (0.9) 10% in flower. Flowers open, flowers shrivel. polygalifolium 25-Nov-99 L. polygalifolium ssp Longford 7.8 (1.2) Various flowering % 40-100%. Flowers open. Flowers shrivel. polygalifolium (trial 2) 13-Jan-00 L. polygalifolium ssp Longford 6.6 (0.2) 50% flowering. Buds open. Bracts drop, flowers polygalifolium (trial 3) shrivel, petal drop, leaves drop. 17-Nov-99 L. 'Rhiannon' Longford 11.6 (0.7) Well in flower 50-70%. Flowers open. Petal drop and shrivelling. They shrivel slightly then drop. 26-Oct-99 L. 'Rhiannon' IHD 9 (1.2) Few flowers, lots of buds. Buds open, but bracts covering buds Nursery cause a mess. Some buds not developing even though at bud burst earlier. Flowers shrivel. 3-Nov-99 L. 'Rhiannon' IHD 10.8 (0.7) Some flowers and buds. Buds open. Some petal drop, flowers Arboretum shrivelling.

Appendix 5. Vase life for species and cultivars

Date Cultivar Origin Vase life Flowering stage at harvest Comments on vase life (mean days (s.e.)) 8-Nov-99 L. 'Rhiannon' (trial 2) IHD 7.8 (0.3) A few flowers, a couple of buds. Petals shrivelled Arboretum 8-Nov-99 L. 'Rhiannon' (trial 2) IHD 6.8 (0.4) 50%+ flowers open. Buds open, flowers senescing early Nursery 3-Nov-99 L. rotundifolium IHD 8.6 (0.4) 50-80% flower. Buds open, petal drop and some flower Arboretum shrivel. 17-Nov-99 L. rotundifolium Longford 10.6 (1.4) Most flowers open 40-95%. Some buds on all. Buds open and flowers shrivelling at same time. 26-Oct-99 L. rotundifolium ‘Jervis Bay’ IHD 8 (0) Flowers and buds. Buds open. Nursery 18-Oct-99 L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender IHD 7.8 (1.3) Lots of flowers open and a number of The buds opened and lasted, Leaves Queen’ Arboretum buds. dried and dropped. The flowers dropped petals. 28-Oct-99 L. rotundifolium ‘Lavender Longford 13.8 (0.8) Some flowers lots of buds. Buds open and good vase life. Petal

60 Queen’ (trial 2) drop. 28-Oct-99 L. rotundifolium’ Lavender Longford 13.4 (1.2) 4 stems all buds, 5th stem 60% in All stems and buds 95-100% petal Queen’ (trial 3) flower. drop, no shrivelling. 17-Dec-99 L. scoparium Longford 4.6 (1.5) 30-90% in flower. Buds open, older flowers shrivel. 20-Oct-99 L. scoparium ‘Lavender Longford 7.2 (0.2) Flowers and buds. Buds open and stem looks good and Queen’ lasts well. Flowers die and petal drop. 20-Oct-99 L. scoparium ‘Lavender Longford 10.6 (1.1) Most flowers out. Remaining buds open. Flowers shrivel. Queen’ (trial 2) 8-Sep-99 L. serecium (Pomonal) IHD 11.8 (0.8) Few flowers open at start Few open during trial, petals drop but Nursery foliage OK 8-Sep-99 L. serecium ex WA IHD 12.6 (0.3) Few flowers open at start. A number of buds, few buds open Nursery during trial, petal drop occurred day 7. Leaf drop after 12 days. 27-Sep-99 L. serecium ex WA (trial 2) IHD 8.2 (0.2) Few flowers and buds. Buds open and flowers last approx 7 Arboretum days. Needs more flowers for a good assessment 17-Nov-99 L. spectabile Longford 6 (2.0) Few flowers. Foliage tip wilted at start and did not recover. Flowers senesced after a few days.

Appendix 5. Vase life for species and cultivars

Date Cultivar Origin Vase life Flowering stage at harvest Comments on vase life (mean days (s.e.)) 8-Nov-99 L. spectabile IHD 9.6 (0.9) A few flowers, mainly in bud. Buds and flowers didn’t fully open. Nursery Petals shrivelling. 16-Nov-99 L. spectabile IHD 8.4 (1.0) Few flowers, flower buds. Flowers open, flowers/petals shrivel. Arboretum 8-Nov-99 L. spectabile 967 IHD 10.2 (0.8) A few flowers. Buds not opening. Arboretum 16-Nov-99 L. spectabile 967 (trial 2) IHD 6 (0) Flowers and buds 50%. Flowers open, but not well, a bit of Arboretum shrivelling. Flowers shrivel. 16-Nov-99 L. spectabile CBG IHD 10.4 (1.3) A few flowers and buds. Buds open. Flowers shrivel Arboretum 28-Oct-99 L. trinervium Longford 8.8 (1.2) 5-20% in flower. Buds open. 80% open. Flowers shrivel, petal edges brown. 20-Oct-99 L. turbinatum Bronze Longford 8.4 (0.7) A few flowers, buds ready to burst. Flowers/buds open. Tip wilt, petals shrivel and drop.

61 20-Oct-99 L. turbinatum Bronze (trial 2) Longford 7.4 (0.6) 20% in flower. Buds do not open well. Flowers shrivel, tip wilt, petal drop. 20-Oct-99 L. turbinatum Green Longford 5 (0) 10% flower. Flowers shrivel 28-Oct-99 L. turbinatum Green (trial 2) Longford 9 (0) Flowers and buds. Buds open. Tip wilt, flowers shrivel. 22-Sep-99 L. turbinatum LTD1 IHD 6.6 (1.0) A few flowers and a few buds. Flowers open, foliage wilts, flowers last Nursery a few days. May need more flowers for a good assessment. 6-Oct-99 L. turbinatum LTMW1 IHD 8.6 (0.4) Mainly buds. Buds don't open well, once open did not Nursery last. Needs repeating on opening flowers. 12-Oct-99 L. turbinatum LTMW4 IHD 7.2 (0.7) A few flowers and a number of buds. A couple of flowers open, but only last Nursery a few days. Flowers shrivel. 8-Dec-99 L. turbinatum LTMW4 IHD 32.4 (0.36) Foliage trial. Lasts very well. Some drying out after foliage Arboretum 20 days. 8-Nov-99 L. turbinatum LTMW8 IHD 15 (1.6) Foliage trial. Initial tip wilt (some). Lasts well. (foliage trial) Arboretum 12-Oct-99 L. turbinatum LTMZ1 IHD 7.8 (1.8) Some flowers, a few buds. Few buds open, but look good. Nursery Flowers shrivel.

Appendix 5. Vase life for species and cultivars

Date Cultivar Origin Vase life Flowering stage at harvest Comments on vase life (mean days (s.e.)) 26-Oct-99 L. turbinatum LTPR3 IHD 9.2 (0.2) Few flowers, mainly buds. Flowers open. Petals shrivel and drop. Nursery 8-Nov-99 L. turbinatum LTPR3 (trial 2) IHD 8 (1.3) Some flowers and buds. Some buds open. Flowers shrivel. Nursery 8-Nov-99 L. turbinatum LTRL1 IHD 7 (0) Flowers and buds but limited number. Buds open. Senescence after a few Nursery days. 26-Oct-99 L. unknown UL1 IHD 5.2 (0.5) Flowers open, some buds. Buds opened and flowers have petal Nursery drop, and did not last long. 8-Nov-99 L. variable IHD 4.8 (1.0) 70% of flowers open. Flowers senescing. May have been Nursery picked too late. 18-Oct-99 L. variable CBG IHD 11.2 (2.4) Very few flowers, but lots of buds at Buds rarely open but look OK as buds Arboretum start. 3-Nov-99 L. variable CBG (trial 2) IHD 5 (0) 100% in flower. Flowers started to senesce after a few Arboretum days. May have been picked too late.

62 25-Nov-99 L. wooroonooran Longford 11 (3.3) Various flowering 10-95%. Flowers opened stems last OK. Petals brown and drop. As new petals fall, new flowers make the stem look OK.