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Found my Elatosttachys nervosa in flower so have included four photos of the flowers and a swollen ovary.
Have also updated the flowering period from March to May to include mid June.
The flowers are a pale to mid pink petals are born on 25mm to 60mm long peduncles.
Angophora leiocarpa Mount Cootha Botanic Gardens.
Angophora leiocarpa Mount Cootha Botanic Gardens.
Angophora leiocarpa Mount Cootha Botanic Gardens.
Angophora leiocarpa Mount Cootha Botanic Gardens.
Angophora leiocarpa Mount Cootha Botanic Gardens.
Angophora leiocarpa Mount Cootha Botanic Gardens.
Angophora leiocarpa Mount Cootha Botanic Gardens.
A recent trip to Brisbane have several species added including seven photographs of Angophora leiocarpa.
The following plants have had name changes and have been moved to the new name and page accordingly. Desmodium brachypodium – Oxytes brachypodia, Desmodium gunnii – Pullenia gunnii, Desmodium heterocarpum – Grona heterocarpa , Desmodium nemorosum – Grona nemorosa, Desmodium rhytidophyllum – Maekawaea rhytidophylla & Desmodium varians – Grona varians.
Spiranthus sinensis is an extremely variable species which has been known as Spiranthus sinensis var australis, Spiranthus subspecies australis and recently as a new species in its own right Spiranthus australis.
Veronia cinereum – Cyanthillium cinereum.
Aristolochia laheyana Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW.
Aristolochia laheyana Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW.
MCBG Brisbane Qld.
MCBG Brisbane Qld.
MCBG Brisbane Qld.
MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Aristolochia laheyana had a good flowering period this year and appears to have set fertile seeds. I have added two photos of the ripe fruits.
Xanthostemon verticillatus caught my attention with two small grasshoppers in the act of reproducing, then it followed up with the seeds being dispersed and different foliage and stems being covered in hairs as opposed to the glabrous photos taken in NSW.
Harnieria hygrophiloides MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Harnieria hygrophiloides MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Harnieria hygrophiloides MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Harnieria hygrophiloides MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Harnieria hygrophiloides MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Hibiscus panduriformis MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Hibiscus panduriformis MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Hibiscus panduriformis MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Hibiscus panduriformis MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Hibiscus panduriformis MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Hibiscus panduriformis MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Have a few new photographs taken of Harnieria hygrophiloides at the Mount Cootha Botanic Gardens.
There are six new photos of Hibiscus panduriformis with three old photos being removed.
Austromyrtus dulcis Capalaba Qld.
Androcalva argentea MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Androcalva argentea MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Androcalva argentea MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Androcalva argentea MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Androcalva argentea MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Androcalva argentea MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Commersonia salviifolia MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Commersonia salviifolia MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Commersonia salviifolia MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Commersonia salviifolia MCBG Brisbane Qld.
Have added a photo of the fruit of Austromyrtus dulcis, first time I have had the camera with me when in fruit.
A new plant Androcalva argentea has been added with description and six photographs.
Androcalva argentea
Classification:
Class: Equisetopsida
Subclass: Magnoliidae
Superorder: Rosanae
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Subfamily: Byttnerioideae
Genus: From andrós, which is ancient Greek for having both sexes and Calva which is Latin for the bald part of the scalp. It refers to organs or structures (here the flowers), which have no hairs. They may have ciliate hairs on the margins.
Specie: From Aárgillos, which is Greek and later Latin for silver. It refers to structures or organs usually the foliage and stems, which are silvery.
Sub specie:
Common Name:
Distribution:
Androcalva argentea is confined to central and south east Queensland from the Carnarvon Range to the Chinchilla area. It has been recorded in Carnarvon National Park Queensland Herbarium, 2012.
https://avh.ala.org.au/occurrences/search?taxa=Androcalva+argentea#tab_mapView
Habitat Aspect Climate:
Androcalva argentea prefer dappled shade to full shade. It mainly grows in dry open Eucalyptus woodlands on ridges, undulating terrain or along ephemeral watercourses. It is often found in pure stands that can cover up to a hectare. It grows on alluvial flats in gullies and gorges, on stony ridges and rocky hill slopes. The altitude ranges from 30 meters ASL to 600 meters ASL.
The temperatures range from 2 degree in July to 40 degrees in January.
The rainfalls range from lows of 400mm to 800mm average per annum.
Soil Requirements:
Androcalva argentea prefer sandy loams, fine silts or alluvial deposits. The soils are usually derived from decomposed sandstone or shales. The soils pH ranges from 5pH to 6pH. It does not tolerate water logged soils. Non saline soils to moderately saline soils are tolerated.
Height & Spread:
Wild Plants: 1.5m to 4m by 1m to 3m. (plants can cover 10,000 square meters due to its habit of suckering from rhizomes. Guymer, 2005)
Characteristics:
The stems of Androcalva argentea often grows as a medium shrub. The stems are densely covered in silvery pannate hairs.
The alternate, ovate leaves measure 35mm to 130mm in length by 20mm to 70mm in width. The petioles are densely covered in silvery pannate hairs and measure 4mm to 8mm in length. There are two triangular stipules that measure 2mm to 6 mm in length.
The asymmetrical bases are truncate while the apexes are acute. The discolourous laminas are mid grey-green to silvery-green, dull and moderately to densely covered in velvety star hairs on the upper laminas while the lower laminas are moderately to densely covered in soft, silvery velvet star shaped hairs. The laminas recurve slightly upwards from the mid vein to the margins on the upper and decurve slightly downwards close to the apexes. The margins are irregular, with rounded serrations on the edges of the leaves. The mid vein and alternate pinnate lateral veins are strongly prominent on the lower lamina and distinctly visible from the upper lamina.
The inflorescences of Androcalva argentea are born in dense clusters of 10 to 30 flowers from the upper leaf axis. The peduncles moderately to densely covered in soft, silvery velvet hairs and measure 10mm to 20mm in length. The pedicels measure 4mm to 11 mm in length. The 5, pale creamy green, triangular, bracts measure 2mm to 4mm in length. The 5, white petal like sepals are covered in velvety hairs externally and are glabrous internally. The white to cream petals measure 8mm to 10 mm diameter with. The petals measure 4mm to 6mm in length with 3.
There are 3 staminodes with the central one spatulate and the other two linear and longer than the sepal lobes.
The glossy, globose, pale pink ovary is glabrous. The white style and stigma measure 1.5mm to 2mm in length. The sweetly scented flowers appear from November to March.
Androcalva argentea’s fruits are unknown
Wildlife:
Androcalva argentea is unknown.
Cultivation:
Androcalva argentea is a beautiful large shrub or small tree which is fast growing. It is a good starting point for those wanting to start a small arid garden on bare ground. Do bear in mind though that the plants are known to sucker freely from the roots.
As a small shrub it will grow 3 meters to 5 meters tall by 2.5 meters to 4 meters in diameter when grown in the open.
If it is given a little moisture, plenty of mulch for moisture retention and an even soil temperature, applying native fertilizers on an annual basis in the first two years of growth good flowering will be assured.
Propagation:
Seeds: Is unknown.
Cuttings:
Use 60mm to 80mm long cuttings from the present season’s growth. The best time to take the cuttings is in early spring following the last frosts. As the plants sucker freely cuttings should be very easy to strike.
1 Prepare the cutting mix by adding one third sharp clean river sand, one third peat and one third perlite. These ingredients are sterilize,
2 Select good material from non diseased plants,
3 Select semi green stems for cuttings. Look for a stem with two or three nodes,
4 Place the cutting on a flat, hard surface, and make a clean down one side of the cutting for 10mm to 15mm with a sharp sterile knife or razor blade. – This scarification of the node will increase the chances of roots emerging from this spot. Now remove all but one or two the leaves, leaving the apex leaves in tact. If the leaves are very large in proportion to the stem, cut off the apical halves.
5 Fill a saucer with water, and place a little mild to medium rooting hormone into another container like a milk bottle top. Dip the node end of the cutting into the water and then into the rooting hormone. Tap off any excess hormone,
6 Use a small dipple stick or old pencil to poke a hole into the soilless potting mix. Ensure the hole is slightly larger than the stem diameter and be careful not to wipe the rooting hormone off the cuttings base, place the cuttings in a pattern ensuring the cuttings are not touching each other,
7 I like to place the pots in Plastic bags to help maintain temperature and moisture. Place in a semi shaded place like under 50% shade cloth.
8 When the cuttings have struck, open the bag to allow air circulation for a few days to a week,
9 Once hardened off remove the cuttings from the bag and allow to further hardening for a few more days,
10 Transplant into a good potting mix to grow on.
Fertilize using Seaweed, fish emulsion or organic chicken pellets soaked in water on an alternate basis. Fertilize every two months until the plants are established then annually in early September or March to maintain health, vitality and better flowering.
Three photographs of the stem and leaves of Commersonia salviifolia have been removed with a new photograph of the juvenile new stem and leaves being added.
Glycosmis trifoliata Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Glycosmis trifoliata Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Davidsonia pruiens Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Davidsonia pruiens Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Momordica charantia Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Momordica charantia Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Momordica charantia Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Momordica charantia Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Momordica charantia Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Momordica charantia Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Momordica charantia Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Momordica charantia Author’s Garden The Pinnacles NSW
Deleted two and added three new photographs of the fruit from Glycosmis trifoliata.
Added two more photos of the new growth and leaf of Davidsonia pruiens.
Momordica charantia, bitter melon is found from China through to far northern rainforest areas in Australia. I have added 8 new photos of the native form showing the much smaller rounded fruit compared to the long elongated Asian forms. Still tastes really bitter.
Antidesma erostre added several paragraphs re the nutritional value of the fruits and leaves.
The fruit being similar to Antidesma parvifolium probably contains very similar benefits. The fruit contains high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin B1, iron, minerals, fiber, potassium, phosphorus and is high in antioxidants. This small, round fruit is well known for its health benefits in China and Asia but the native shrub has not been utilized here in Australia. As it is the size of a small, black currant, it is called native currant or Queensland cherry. Leaves as well as its fruits possess numerous health benefits. It also helps in lowering cholesterol levels and thus lowers or stabilizes blood pressure. The leaves and fruits, are an excellent source of antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins, which contribute to the red-to-black color changes in the fruit. The anthocyanins are the highest of any native plant.
Antidesma erostre has high levels of phenolic content (approx. 146.73 mg g−1), anthocyanins (approx. 14.48 mg g−1), and flavonoid content, which contribute to its significant free radical scavenging ability. These are greater than that found in blueberries and comparable to blackberries.
Epidemiological studies indicate that populations consuming high levels of plant derived foods have low incidence rates of various cancers. Recent findings implicate a variety of phytochemicals, including phenolics, in these anticancer properties. Both monophenolic and polyphenolic compounds from a large variety of plant foods, spices and beverages have been shown to inhibit or attenuate the initiation, progression and spread of cancers in cells in vitro and in animals in vivo. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21520702/
The following native Australian plants also contain high levels of both monophenolic and polyphenolic compounds Antidesma parvifolium, Terminalia ferdinandiana, Tasmannia lanceolata, Scaevola spinescens, Syzygium anisatum, Backhousia citriodora, Davidsonia pruriens, Davidsonia pruriens, Davidsonia jerseyana, Davidsonia. johnsonii and Pleiogynium timoriense.
Glycosmis trifoliata, commonly known as the Pink-fruited Limeberry or Orange Berry, produces edible fruits with significant nutritional and health-promoting properties. The fruits are typically 10mm to 14mm in diameter, translucent pink to orange berries. They are sweet, juicy, honey-like flavor when fully ripe and, at times, have a resinous or peppery aftertaste.
The fruit is high in Vitamin C, and significant amounts of total sugar and soluble solids, which contributes to its tangy sweetness. It contains essential minerals, including potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium along with various organic acids, including citric acid, malic acid, and fumaric acid, which contribute to the flavor profile.
It is also high phenolic compound content, which is an antioxidant. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-cancer Potential The plant has traditionally been used for its medicinal properties, including suspected anti-inflammatory with anticancer effects. It is also rich in Bioactive Compounds, like flavonoids and terpenoids, typical of the Rutaceae (citrus) family.
Cuttsia viburnea Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Cuttsia viburnea Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Cyperus tetraphyllus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Cyperus tetraphyllus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Cyperus tetraphyllus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Denhamia celastroides Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Denhamia celastroides Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Denhamia celastroides Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Dictymia brownii Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Dictymia brownii Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Have a few new photos from a day out with John in the Coaldale area along Stockyard Creek north east of Grafton. The heat of late has made it a little awkward in getting out for a full days bush walking.
The first two photos are of green fruits of Cuttsia viburnea.
There were a number of different Cyperus including Cyperus tetraphyllus growing along the ephermeral creek.
Followed by three photos are of Denhamia celastroides the trunk and again the green fruits.
Ferns are always a favourite of mine and to find Dictymia brownii, growing in large clumps, with forked fronds was a treat.
Gmelina leichardtiana Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Hypericum gramineum Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Hypericum gramineum Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Livistona australis Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Olea paniculata Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Olea paniculata Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Pellaea paradoxa Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Pellaea paradoxa Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Pellaea paradoxa Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Pellaea paradoxa Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
This section as are the next two sections are still from our walk along Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW. Start with replacing the photo of the trunk on Gmelina leichardtiana, with, what I consider is a better likeness of the trunk and start of the flanging at the base that old trees will exhibit.
There are two additional photos of Hypericum gramineum, one of the flower and one of the fruit.
The long shot, photo shows a good environment of the gullies where Livistona australis thrive.
I have added two photos of Olea paniculata depicting the variation in the foliage.
The lower four photos are of Pellaea paradoxa an exceptionally beautiful fern when grown in full shade to very deep shade on moist retentive soils.
Pittosporum undulatum Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Pittosporum undulatum Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Pittosporum undulatum Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Ptilothrix deusta Wombat Creek Conservation Area NSW
Schizomeria ovata Fortis Creek National Park NSW
Schizomeria ovata Fortis Creek National Park NSW
Schizomeria ovata Fortis Creek National Park NSW
Schizomeria ovata Fortis Creek National Park NSW
Schizomeria ovata Fortis Creek National Park NSW
Finally found Pittosporum undulatum in fruit be it green and with a flush of new growth.
While we were out at Wombat Creek Conservation Area a few months ago we came across a beautiful large patch of Ptilothrix deusta at the top of the range.
A day’s walk in Fortis Creek National Park uncovered Schizomeria ovata in late flower with green fruits.
Senecio tenuiflorus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Senecio tenuiflorus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Senecio tenuiflorus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Senecio tenuiflorus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Senecio tenuiflorus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Sorghum leiocladum Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Sorghum leiocladum Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Sorghum leiocladum Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Sorghum leiocladum Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Vernonia cinerea Fortis Creek National Park NSW
Vernonia cinerea Fortis Creek National Park NSW
Vernonia cinerea Fortis Creek National Park NSW
Vernonia cinerea Fortis Creek National Park NSW
Vernonia cinerea Fortis Creek National Park NSW
Veronica plebeia Ramornie National Park NSW
Veronica plebeia Ramornie National Park NSW
Veronica plebeia Ramornie National Park NSW
Deep into the shaded valley at Stockyard Creek where filtered light reached the floor Senecio tenuiflorus and Sorghum leiocladum were uncovered.
Fortis Creek walk uncovered Vernonia cinerea in flower, while a day out in Ramornie National Park we found Veronica plebeia with many ripe fruits.
Lasiopetalum sp. coochin hills Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Lasiopetalum sp. coochin hills Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Lasiopetalum sp. coochin hills Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Parsonsia velutina Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Parsonsia velutina Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Parsonsia velutina Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Parsonsia velutina Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Parsonsia velutina Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Parsonsia velutina Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Sticherus flabellatus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Sticherus flabellatus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Sticherus flabellatus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
Sticherus flabellatus Stockyard Creek Coaldale NSW
The final three plants identified from Stockyard Creek photographed are Lasiopetalum sp. coochin hills, Parsonsia velutina and Sticherus flabellatus. According to Paul Sheringham, senior botanist with National Parks, believes the Lasiopetalum sp. we saw is a new species most likely from a Queensland species presently listed as Lasiopetalum species coochin hills. The original sample was photographed and forwarded to National parks by John Edwards.
Amanita farinacea Grafton NSW
White spore pattern of Amanita farinacea Grafton NSW
Aseroe rubra The Pinnacles NSW
Heodictyon sp. The Pinnacles NSW
Nectria sp. Da Chong central southern China.
Ramaria sp. Kungala NSW
Thanks to a reader Tom, who informed me of an error I made in describing Amanita muscaria. I corrected the error in the section on Higher order Fungi and added 6 photos of fungi.
Top Amanita farinacea and second is the white spore pattern of Amanita farinacea.
Below are just 4 of the thousands of unique designs nature has bestowed upon us.