Australian National Botanic Gardens
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A weekly news sheet prepared by a Gardens' volunteer.
Numbers in square brackets [] refer to garden bed Sections.
Plants in flower are in bold type.
14 May 2004
Asterotrichion discolor
- click for larger image
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Walk below the arching branches well covered with knobbly fruits and dark red female flowers of a sheoak, Allocasuarina thalassoscopica [Section 172] while, on the other side of the path, Hakea Burrendong Beauty [Section 221] displays its pink globular flowers along the lateral limbs of the semi-prostrate shrub. Edging Banks Walk Banksia Birthday Candles [Sections 172, 174, 210] is dense, dwarf and spreading with any amount of upturned golden cylindrical flower spikes. (Banksias are flowering throughout the Gardens, all with their own shade and size). Styphelia tubiflora [Section 174] is a wiry upright plant with red tubular flowers with protruding stamens. Scaevola New Blue [Section 210] hugs the earth, and path too, brilliant with its deep blue fan-flowers. The perfume pervading the environment about the road crossing the Rainforest Gully is that of Asterotrichion discolor [Section 66]. This tall shrub overhanging the road has small white flowers amid the hairy leaves, male and female flowers on separate plants. Banksia spinulosa var. collina [Section 128] is yet a small shrub with gold flower spikes.
Callistemon 'Rose
Opal' - click for larger image
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Callistemon Rose Opal [Section 124] is a tall rather narrow shrub with willowy foliage glowing with red bottlebrushes. Scaevola albida [Section 124] is a dense ground cover dotted with pale blue flowers while opposite, below the white limbs of the large Eucalyptus mannifera Thryptomene saxicola Pink Lace [Section 10] has a canopy of tiny pink flowers covering its low lateral branches. A hedge of Correa pulchella Pink Mist [Section 119] dangles its pink tubular flowers from the upright branches of these neat shrubs. Correa alba var. alba [Section 120] is quite dense with an abundance of white star flowers blending with the silver edged leaves. Turn towards the Brittle Gum Lawn where Grevillea Robyn Gordon [Section 109] with low branches bears deeply divided leaves and reddish terminal flowers. Banksia ericifolia var. macrantha [Section 109], behind the seat, has long orange flower spikes. Banksia spinulosa var. spinulosa [Section 109], at the corner, is dense and rounded, sparkling with yellow flower spikes, now with Eastern Spinebills enjoying the nectar. Across the lawn where Blue Wrens are dancing, Banksia Giant Candles [Section 108] is a medium open shrub heavy with elongated golden flower spikes. Across the road and edging the Rainforest, Acronychia littoralis [Sections 114,104], is of medium size, glistening with shining green foliage and clusters of small lemon flowers. Walking up-hill, Goodenia grandiflora [Section 104] is a dwarf erect plant with yellow flowers which brighten the area.
In the triangle garden Alyogyne huegelii Westcoast Gem [Section 17] with many purple hibiscus-flowers crowning the dense shrub is surrounded by the yellow straw daisies of Bracteantha sp. [Section 17], and around the corner Chamelaucium Cascade Brook [Section 17] abounds with dainty pink wax-like flowers. Across the road a grouping of Crowea Festival [Section 123] sparkles with pink star flowers.
Taking the next narrow path, compare Banksia oblongifolia [Section 37] with green flower spikes with the tall ageing tree, Banksia ericifolia [Section 37] with gold flower spikes and Banksia media [Section 37] with mustard coloured flowered spikes.
Such flowers, enjoyed by birds and people alike Barbara Daly.