In Flower This Week

20 December, 2002

View the interesting display of non-flowering plants in the Visitor Centre foyer, titled The Living Plant Underworld. There are mosses including Grimmia pulvinata, lichens including Xanthoparmelia filarszkyana, and a Trailing Tassel Fern, Huperzia, all enjoying a watery environment.

This walk will be in the coolness of the Rainforest Gully where many flowers are just starting to bloom. Take the ramp to the left, where the tall open shrub, Grevillea banksii var. forsteri [Section 210] bears large terminal conical red flower heads. Take the steps which lead to the upper level of the Rainforest Gully. Walk below the arching branches of a Blueberry Ash, Elaeocarpus reticulatus [Section 148], with scented sprays of dainty white-fringed bell-like flowers. Over the road Dampiera purpurea [Section 213] is a dense upright suckering plant with deep purple flowers. To view the Dorrigo Waratah, Alloxylon pinnatum [Section 148], take the lower path and descend the steps where the loose red flower clusters of this small tree can be seen. Continue down the stairs to the stream to view the Stream Lily, Helmholtzia glaberrima [Section 144, 145], a large flax-like plant with pale pink plume-like flowers on stems rising above the leaves. (The red flowers of the Dorrigo Waratah can also be seen from this area.)

Ascending to the original level, Cassinia sp. C [Section 214] spreads its open angular branches with dense clusters of tiny yellow flowers. Nearby Acmena smithii [Section 214] has shiny dark green leaves and many sprays of buds just maturing to small white flowers. Cordyline congesta [Section 219] is quite striking for this upright palm-like plant has long slim sprays of small purplish flowers and large sprays of bright red fruits. Down the slopes Alyxia ruscifolia [Section 64] is another small upright shrub displaying orange fruits.

Close to the next descending path, Ficus crassipes [Section 62] is a small upright plant with large shiny leathery leaves and interesting red growing tips. Turn down at the path by the grass trees, Xanthorrhoea glauca subsp. glauca [Section 62], with dense flowing green skirts. Admire the bank of Rhododendron species and cultivars, including Rhododendron macgregoriae x lochae [Section 62] and Rhododendron lochae var. lochae [Section 62], all with similar orange-red bugle-shaped flowers…really some sight!

Crossing the stream to the far side of the Rainforest Gully and returning downhill, view the striking golden flower spikes on the lower branches of the tall Silky Oak, Grevillea robusta [Section 78]. Almost opposite, Hibiscus divaricatus [Section 104] reveals its bright yellow flowers and Hibiscus heterophyllus var. luteus [Section 104] reveals its large white flowers with burgundy throats. Cuttsia viburnea [Sections 114,125] are large shrubs edging the Rainforest covered with large clusters of honey-enriched white flowers. At the lower end of this road an orchid, Cymbidium suave [Section 125], is growing in a fallen tree trunk. The dark slender leaves almost conceal the pendulous stem of greenish-yellow small flowers, so attractive.

A joyous Christmas to all...

Barbara Daly.