In Flower This Week A weekly news-sheet prepared by a Gardens volunteer Numbers in brackets [ ] refer to garden bed 'Sections'.

17 October 1997

The Mallee Shrublands [Section 211] is a mass of flower. Mallees (multi-trunked eucalypts) occur over much of dry central Australia. Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata has showy green fruits all over it. Near the entrance to the Mallee is Acacia havilandiorum [Section 211], Needle Wattle, referring to the tough foliage, with a multitude of golden flower balls along the stems. Another Dodonaea or Hop Bush is Dodonaea lobulata [Section 211] which is exhibiting green-rusty pink fruits. Westringia crassifolia [Section 211] an endangered species, has blue-mauve flowers. Acacia montana [Section 211], the Mallee Wattle, has numerous bright yellow flowerheads appearing on sticky stalks. Leptospermum coriaceum [Section 211], is a tea-tree with white flowers. Phebalium squamulosum subsp. parvifolium [Section 211] is displaying its yellow flowers. All Phebalium species occur in Australia, except one in New Zealand. Lasiopetalum behrii [Section 211] is delightful with its beige flowers hanging down. Look underneath and there is a surprise of pink petals with a black and cream centre. The foliage is furry.

Leave the Mallee and walk along beside the Rainforest Gully, Zieria arborescens [Section 213] on the left hand side is showing its tiny white petalled flowers. Further along to the right is Tasmania stipitata [Section 65], Pepper Bush, with its spiralling leaves and cream, slightly pink-tinged flowers growing out of the centre of the whorl. On entering the Rainforest to your left is Acradenia euodiiformis [Section 64] a small tree of little cream flowers which are beginning to open.

On joining the new Main Path turn right, walk across the bridge through the Gymnosperms to the Rock Garden. Take the first path to the left and there is Hibbertia saligna [Section 15C] a small shrub with buttercup-yellow flowers. The flowers are quite large for the size of the plant. To the right, Grevillea `Poorinda Royal Mantle' [Section 15D] is draping itself over the rocks exhibiting its cherry-red toothbrushes. Higher up is Homoranthus darwinioides [Section 15E] which still has its pendulous yellow and maroon flowers contrasting against a grey-green foliage. Whilst walking through the Rock Gardens, keep an eye out for the Waratahs (Telopea species), they are beginning to show their magnificent flowering heads throughout the Garden. A number of different Waratah hybrids are currently on display showing different flower colours. When you tire of such floral magnificance, wander back down the hill to the car park.

Lesley Page