June 2020 Sutherland Group Newsletter

2020: Recognising 250 years of Joseph Banks and 50 years of Joseph Banks Reserve

About Sutherland Group

We meet at 8 pm every third Wednesday from February to November at Gymea Community Centre, 39 Gymea Bay Rd, Gymea. Visitors welcome.

We support awareness and conservation of Australian native plants.

See our website & Facebook http://austplants.com.au/Sutherland

www.facebook.com/APS.Sutherland

President Leonie Hogue 75A Wattle St Jannali 2226

leoniehogue@gmail.com Ph 0416 286 083 Secretary Rhonda Daniels

rhdaniels@bigpond.com

Ph: 9521 8381 Treasurer Anne Webb 9 Connels Rd Cronulla 2230 Ph 9523 6067 Publicity Officer & Speaker Convenor Ralph Cartwright ralphc@spin.net.au Ph 9548 1074 0416 030 872 Newsletter Editor Peter Shelton pshelton.2232@gmail.com Ph 0411 286 969 Next Deadline: Wednesday 1 July, 2020

Coming up..

Wed, 17 June Sutherland Group meeting: Greg Keighery appears from Perth with a reprise of his keynote speech at ANPSA conference in Albany, 2019. We are Zooming for this meeting – see page 8

Thurs, 2 July JB Reserve working bees are back on. Sun, 5 July Rules for Covid-19 are in place more here

Wed, 15 July Sutherland Group meeting: Importance of insects in remnant bushland

Look out for.. Philotheca scabra

Philotheca scabra (rough leaved wax flower) at Joseph Banks Reserve (photo: P. Shelton)

Formerly named in Eriostemon, this is one of a group known as waxflowers. This species is found in the Sydney region in dry sclerophyll forest. Being of the Rutaceae family, the leave have quite a strong scent when crushed. The five-petalled flowers appear in profusion at and can be white to pink or just

It is a small shrub, up to about 1 m, somewhat smaller and more delicate looking that the more widely cultivated P. myoporoides. In fact it is not cultivated much at all. Are any members growing it? It can hybridise with other Philothecas.

This photo is taken at Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve in the lower natural section.

Inside this issue For your diary ................................................................... 2 At the May Meeting .......................................................... 2 For the June Zoom Meeting ............................................ 8 News and more ................................................................ 9

APS Sutherland – June 2020 2

For your diary Contact John Arney ph 9525 0449, johnarney@ozemail.com.au

Our diary is not very full at the moment as we wait on developments from Covid19 Lockdown.

Wed, 17 June Sutherland Group meeting: World Class Western Australia - Blooming Biodiversity with guest speaker, Greg Keighery. This is a reprise of his keynote speech at the 2019 ANPSA conference in Albany. If you attended, and you have some gaps in your photo plant ids, you could send in 1 or 2 for comments. Are you ready for video conferencing? Be prepared, follow this link Plus, read more in For the June Zoom Meeting below.

From 7.15 pm for 7:30 pm start, on Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82258727723

Thu, 2 July Joseph Banks Reserve working bees

Sun, 5 July Covid 19 restrictions will be observed, but there Is plenty of room work in.

Wed, 15 July Sutherland Group meeting: Importance of insects in remnant bushland with Associate Professor Dieter Hochuli From 7.15 pm for 7:30 pm start, Zoom meeting.

Sat, 10 October Silky Oaks:We have been invited to join the Menai Wildflower Group for a day at Peter and Margaret Olde’s, Silky Oaks Garden at Oakdale. Members from the East Hills Group will also attend. Updates later.

Jan 2021 Walking at Charlotte Pass: We are due for our biennial week-long excursion to the Snowy Mountains in Jan / Feb 2021. However, at the present time, no decision has been made on the opening dates for the Pygmy Possum Lodge. They hope to be in by July for the present winter season. The Lodge committee have prepared a Covid19 occupation plan for the lodge: kitchen 5 persons at any time, keep your cutlery, plates and mugs in your allocated cupboard. Lounges have been moved out of the dining area and tables and chairs re-arranged for compliant social distancing. Extra disinfectants / equipment will be available for more rigorous cleaning. Although it is still a way off for us, we will have to move quickly to get the preferred dates. Please let me know your preferences for a 7 night stay starting Sunday 17, 24, or 31 Jan. (or other date if you have a suggestion) Contact John Arney on 0418 607 685.

12-17 September ANPSA Biennial Conference 2021: Australian flora - past present future 2021 In 2021, the conference is being hosted by the Australian Plants Society NSW at the

Kiama Pavilion in the beautiful village of Kiama on the pristine south coast. To register an expression of interest, click the 'Register your interest' button and we will keep you informed of events as they are confirmed.

At the May Meeting Demystifying native plant names – an introduction by Rhonda Daniels Rhonda Daniels summarises her presentation at the May Zoom meeting. The full story is available here.

The basics of botanical names

Botanical names can seem initially confronting but it all makes sense when you understand the origins of the names. Botanical names help ensure a unique name for each species for clear communication for research and study, avoid the confusion of common names which can vary for the same plant, and convey relationships between plants.

The binomial system was first formalised by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. It has two parts: a genus name and a species name. Names are written in Latin, with many derived from Latin and Greek words.

The how of botanical names

Because binomial names for plants have been created since 1753, there have been many different plant namers over time with different experiences. Names usually refer to characteristics of plants or some connection to the plant. Names are mostly logical, but they are sometimes creative or obscure. This can happen because new plants are discovered, but suitable names are already taken. Not every plant with long leaves can be called longifolia.

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There are many sources for genus names, with many named after people or a feature of the plant. For instance, the Banksia genus was named by the son of Carl Linnaeus in 1782 after Sir Joseph Banks who collected banksias in Australia in 1770.

The origin of species names

Many species names relate to a feature or characteristics of the plant such as the flower, leaf, fruit, seed, bark, size, shape, colour, texture, habit or habitat. The feature may be distinctive or not so, and the feature and name may not be unique to only one species. There can be more than one way to describe a similar feature such as a yellow flower, a large fruit or small leaves.

Species names have common components. The species name can be a one-word descriptor like minor, referring to small leaves or flowers (think Actinotus minor), or a longer word which is a combination of a prefix and a suffix. Learn to recognise and mix ‘n match common prefixes and suffixes. Many Latin and Greek origin words have an English equivalent still used today.

Single word descriptors

Descriptors can refer to size or shape or to other features. Maculata means spotted or blotched. Think of the word immaculate which means without spots. Eremophila maculata refers to the spotted flower, whereas Corymbia maculata refers to the mottled bark. Undulatum means wavy (think of undulating hills), used for the wavy leaf edges of Pittosporum undulatum.

Combining prefixes and suffixes – look out for these common ones

Prefix = beginning of word Suffix = ending of word

Number • uni-, mono- = one • bi- or di- = two • tri- = three • quad-, tetra- = four Size and position • micro-, parvi-, min- = small • macro-, grand- = large • sub- = below, slightly • de- = down, away • re- = back • long- = long • angust- = narrow • brachy- = short Characteristics • a-, an-, ana-, ab- = no, without • con-, com-, sym- = with, together • hetero- = different • al- = similar, like • xero- = dry • xylo- = woody

Parts of the plant • -flora, -anth, -stemon, -styla = flower • -folia, -phylla = leaf • -nerv = veins • -carpa, -sperma, -spora, -gyne = fruit, seed • -cephalus = head • -rhiz = root • -dend = tree • -oxylon = wood • -pogon = beard, hairs • com, trich, pil = hair Descriptions • -oides = like • -aceus = like • -ens, -ensis = place • -fera = bearing • -ula = diminutive Colour • Black: mela-, niger, nigrans • White: leuc-, niv-, alb- • Silver and grey: argent-, glauc- • Yellow/gold: chrys-, xantho-, flav-, lut-, aur- • Red: ruf-, rub-, ros-, eryth-, fer-, ferr-, flamm-,

haem- • Purple: purpur-, viol-, indig- • Green: vir-, ver-, verd- • Blue: cyan, caerul-

Species names about foliage

Many names refer to foliage, based on either the Latin folia/folius or the Greek phylla/phyllus for leaf.

Names about foliage About foliage that looks like something else

• Acacia aphylla = without phyllodes • Banksia serrata = serrated leaves • Callicoma serratifolia = serrated leaves • Lomandra longifolia = long leaf • Epacris microphylla = small leaf

• Banksia ericifolia = leaves like Ericas (heaths) • Acacia podalyrifolia = like South African

Podalyria genus • Acacia ulicifolia = like Ulex (gorse) • Acacia myrtifolia = like Myrtle • Grevillea buxifolia = like Buxus

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Names about leaf tip, texture or leaf margins • Banksia spinulosa = leaves have/are little spines • Banksia integrifolia = entire or integral leaves • Banksia marginata = downcurled leaf margins

• Isopogon anemonifolius = leaves shaped like anemone

-oides ending = like • Eriostemon myoporoides = like Myoporum

Names about other characteristics

Scent (-odora) • Cymbidium suave = sweet • Backhousia citriodora = lemon-scented Showiness and beauty • Dendrobium speciosum = showy • Telopea speciosissima = very showy Growing habit or size • Billardieria scandens, Hibbertia scandens =

climbing (think ascend, descendant) Bark • Eucalyptus squamosa = scaly bark (think skin

cancer)

Texture • Angophora hispida = hairy leaves, buds, fruit • Grevillea lanigera = woolly (think lanolin) • Acacia pubescens = finely hairy, downy leaves

(think pubescent) • Patersonia sericea = silky flowers, Grevillea

sericea = silky hairs under leaves Edible (or not) • Austromyrtus dulcis = sweet fruit (think dulcet

tones) • Smilax glyciphylla = sweet leaves (think glycerin

or glycaemic) • Leptomeria acida = sour fruit

Names about places Names about people eg collectors, botanists

Actual place names (-ensis ending) • Acacia chinchillensis = from Chinchilla, Qld • Banksia vincentia = from Vincentia, NSW • Banksia croajingolensis = from Croajingolong,

Vic (from Krauatungalung words = belonging to the east)

Type of place or habitat • Casuarina littoralis = coastal, edge • Lomandra fluviatilis = river • Indigofera australis = southern

• Grevillea banksii – one of the 80 species named after Sir Joseph Banks.

• Wollemia nobilis – named more recently after NPWS ranger David Noble.

• Eucalyptus bosistoana – named after Joseph Bosisto, a pioneer of the Eucalyptus oil industry.

• Olearia flocktoniae – one of the few species named after a woman, botanical artist Margaret Flockton, which explains the -iae ending (-ii for a male name).

Conclusion: it all makes sense (more or less)

• Look at the plant – what are its noticeable characteristics?

• Look at the origin of the botanical names. Reference books often explain the origins of names.

• Think of links to English words to remember Latin and Greek words.

• Use name origins to help identify and remember species. Rhonda Daniels A recording is available on the APS NSW YouTube channel here And the full write-up is available here

On the plant table see a replay on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPz0ZUG_A_8

The plant table is a great way to see what grows well in Sutherland Shire and what flowers when. While Zoom meetings have replaced face to face meetings, please email some photos instead as plant specimens. You can email by reply to the newsletter or to Dan Clarke at: dmclarkebotanical@icloud.com

Plant steward Phil Keane’s nursery, Ausplants R Us, is in Sutherland – visits by appointment.

Ph: 9521 1960 or 0435 410 857 ausplantsrus@gmail.com

On our Zoom plant Table, Dan Clarke will present a collection of photos sent in by members.

I hope the photo index in this month’s copy works. We had so many photos submitted it was hard to keep them all in. Keep them coming. Also, Marie O’Connor’s item on page 11.

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Rhododendron lochiae (Native Rhododendron) (Family: Ericaceae) A shrub naturally found growing in cliff crevices and on other trees in Northern QLD. Can be grown successfully in a moist, shaded, well drained position in temperate climates. Attractive red-pinkish flowers in spring and summer. Sent in by Gwen Harden.

R. lochiae (Native Rhododendron)

(Ph: Gwen Harden)

Melaleuca thymifolia (Thyme Honey-myrtle) (Family: Myrtaceae) A shrub to usually about 1 m tall with bright purple inflorescences. Found naturally in moist environments in NSW but takes well to gardens. Can be temperamental, but if you pick the right spot, it will grow well. Give some moisture. Sent in by Merilyn House (c5) and Heather Clark.

Melaleuca thymifolia ‘White lace’

(Thyme-leaved Honey Myrtle) (Ph: Heather Clark)

Pimelea linifolia (Rice Flower) (Family: Thymelaeaceae) Locally common shrub to Sydney up to about 1.5 m tall, usually on sand or sandstone, it has

decussate leaves and clustered heads of showy white flowers. Give good drainage with a sandy soil and some sunlight. Very pretty once established. The cultivar named ‘White Jewel’ which is a lower and more compact form. Sent in by Joan Zande and Karen Thorn (c1).

Grevillea synapheae (Catkin Grevillea) (Family: Proteaceae) A shrub from Western Australia reaching 4 metres x 4 metres. It is named for the creamy inflorescences that have a catkin-like structure. Has very rigid dissected foliage which is somewhat prickly. Very attractive shrub. Grow in a sunny position with very good drainage. Sent in by Tony Porritt.

Grevillea x semperflorens (Family: Proteaceae) A hybrid grevillea growing to 2 m high and is said to be a hybrid between G. thelemanniana and G. juniperina. Has showy spider-like yellow-cream inflorescences and very narrow linear leaves, very similar to G. juniperina. Reputed to be hardy and flowers very well – almost all the time. Give is some pruning and some soil enrichment but allow good drainage. Likely good for small birds. Sent in by Heather Clark.

Grevillea ‘Honey Gem’ (Family: Proteaceae) A shrub to about 5 m tall, it has thin dissected foliage and orange spike-inflorescences. Reputed to be the best bird attracting Grevillea. Sent in by Simon Bastin.

Persoonia linearis (Narrow-leaved Geebung) (Family: Proteaceae) Another common persoonia found up and down the NSW Coast on sandy soils, it has narrow leaves to about 6 cm long and 8 mm wide. Flowers are yellow and produced individually but arranged in groups up and down the stems which then turn into green drupes ripening to purple. Has the same crepe-paper brown-red bark as P. levis. It can be difficult to grow in cultivation but more and more results are coming forth with Persoonia propagation. Will likely need a sandy soil to do well with fast drainage. Will grow to potentially 5 m tall. Sent in by Merilyn House.

Persoonia linearis (Narrow-leaved Geebung)

(Photo: Merilyn House)

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Hakea laurina (Pincushion Hakea) (Family: Proteaceae) Very popular native shrub from WA with wattle-looking leaves, growing to 5 x 5 m. Globular clusters of red flowers with cream styles. Give a well-drained soil in full sun for best results. Prune early on and periodically to promote flowering. It will be a talking point in your garden! Sent in by Tony Porritt.

Hakea laurina (Pin-cushion Hakea)

(Ph: Tony Porritt)

Banksia marginata (Silver Banksia) (Family: Proteaceae) Large shrub to 4 m tall. Prolific yellow flowers and narrow toothed leaves. Relatively easy to grow though slow growing. Give a well-drained soil with some sun. Prune to encourage prolific flowering. One of the most attractive banksias! Sent in by Joan Zande at the May 2020 Zoom meeting.

Banksia spinulosa (Hairpin Banksia) (Family: Proteaceae) Medium shrub to 3 m tall. Prolific orange flowers with dark red carpels and linear toothed leaves. Common in Sydney sandstone areas in woodlands and forests. Relatively easy to grow though needs time to establish. The flowers are stunning! Give good drainage and aeration on a slope for best results. Sent in by Joan Zande (b5) and Des and Marie Connor (b4) and Simon Bastin (b1).

Banksia ‘Birdsong’ (Family: Proteaceae) A hybrid between B. ericifolia and B. spinulosa, it grows to about 3 m tall by 5 m wide. Has large orange inflorescences and fine narrow foliage. Is reputed to attract birds into the garden. Prune to encourage a compact shape and more flowers. Needs full sun and good drainage. Sent in by Karen Thorn (b3).

Banksia ericifolia (Heath Banksia) (Family: Proteaceae) A local shrub growing in sandstone and sandy bushland. It has small narrow leaves with prominent toothing and spectacular large inflorescences up to 30 cm long! Colours range from light orange to burnt orange to almost red. Grows to about 5 m tall and can get several metres wide. Seems to tolerate heavier soils (clay) provided there is enough drainage. Excellent bird and sugar glider attractor. Prune carefully after flowering and give some low-phosphorus fertiliser to promote flowering. Sent in by Des and Marie Connor.

Hakea ‘Burrendong Beauty’ (Family: Proteaceae) A plant that had a very interesting discovery back in the 1980s, it is thought to be a natural hybrid between H. myrtoides and H. petiolaris. It is a medium-sized shrub growing to about 1.5 m high by 2.3 m wide. The leaves are stiff and about 40 mm in length. The attraction is the pink clusters of flowers in the leaf axils. Plant in a sunny position in well-drained soil. Sent in by Jill McLelland (c4) and Jenny Whiting.

Bossiaea heterophylla (Family: Fabaceae subfam. Faboideae) A common slender shrub in sandstone bushland locally, it grows to about 1.5 m tall and has blue-green narrow leaves up to 2 cm long. The pea flowers are stunning – bright yellow with red markings and up to 2 cm across. It flowers in Autumn and can flower heavily, so you will notice them driving through the Royal NP in about March / April. It is cultivated and sold. However, our member Joan Zande has them coming up naturally in her garden, obviously still hanging in there from the original bushland on her property. Grows only on sandstone so if planting, provide a well-drained location on sandstone. Sent in by Joan Zande (c2,c3).

Eremophila decipiens (Slender Emu Bush) (Family: Scrophulariaceae) An Emu Bush, native to WA and SA, it typically grows to about 2 x 2 m. Has linear green leaves and red, orange or yellow flowers to about 3 cm long. Can flower profusely creating a very nice plant. Give good sunlight and drainage. Can be pruned to create a dense shape and promote flowering. Sent in by Tony Porritt.

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Chrysocephalum apiculatum (Billy Buttons) (Family: Asteraceae) Attractive scrambling groundcover with blue-grey foliage and golden terminal inflorescences. Native to NSW and widespread. Excellent border plant and used for mass planting. Prune regularly but lightly. Sent in by Des and Marie Connor.

Thryptomene denticulata (Family: Myrtaceae) A shrub growing to about 1.5 m tall from WA. Very similar to T. saxicola but it has flowers a deeper shade of pink – purple. Has very small leaves which are densely clustered. Useful plant for rockeries and raised beds. Thrives in sandy soils with good drainage. Full sun to part shade. Sent in by Des and Marie Connor.

Ficus coronata (Sandpaper Fig) (Family: Moraceae) Native to NSW mainly in rainforest areas. It is potentially a small tree but usually a shrub. Rough (scabrous) upper leaf surfaces and hairy undersurfaces, with hairy figs. Grow in a good fertile soil with adequate drainage. May be useful in attracting birds. Sent in by Des and Marie Connor (a7).

Nymphoides germinata (Entire Marshwort) (Family: Menyanthaceae) Small tufted perennial growing in perennial lakes or pools usually less than 1 metre deep. Has round roughly heart-shaped leaves and produces yellow flowers about 2 cm wide with striking lacinate (appearing shredded or cut) margins. Very pretty in a pond or water feature. Not sure how easy it is to grow but worth trying in shallow water, although it is stated that it can survive in 2.5 metres. Sent in by Des and Marie Connor.

Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’ (Family: Proteaceae) A cross between G. venusta and G. glossadenia, it has lush lanceolate foliage and stunning inflorescences of orange, yellow and pink. Grows to about 3 m tall and 2.5 m wide. Sent in by Clare McColl (a5).

Bulbine bulbosa (Native Leek/Golden Lily) (Family: Asphodelaceae) Found all over NSW in paddocks, woodlands and forests, usually on alluvium or shale soils. Usually found in moist spots. It is a perennial herb growing to 75 cm high with bright yellow start-shaped flowers produced in a clustered raceme. Can make a lovely show when hundreds of plants are flowering together. Can be grown in pots or gardens. Give some reliable moisture and an enriched soil. May not do too well on sand. Bulbs can dug up and transplanted. Plant in large numbers in an open sunny area for great effect! Sent in by Jill McLelland (a6).

Diplolaena grandiflora (Wild Rose/Tamala Rose) (Family: Rutaceae) A shrub native to WA, it occurs on limestone outcrops and ridges between Geraldton and North-West Cape. Grows to 3 m tall and about 1.5 m wide. Has showy orange-red flowers from Autumn to Spring which are quite unique. The leaves are typically dark green above and grey underneath. Needs good drainage and a sunny to shade position. Give a light prune after flowering. May be temperamental but worth a try. Sent in by Jill McLelland.

Hypocalemma angustifolium (Pink-flowered Myrtle) (Family: Myrtaceae) Another attractive native to Western Australia with narrow linear leaves and showy pink-myrtle flowers. Likes a sheltered position with reliable water. Sent in by Jill McLelland.

Correa ‘Dusky Bells’ (Family: Rutaceae) Thought to be a hybrid between C. reflexa and C. pulchella, it has been in cultivation for decades. It will grow to 1 m high by 4 m wide. The entire plant is covered with star-shaped (stellate) hairs. Has elliptic, glandular leaves and pendulous pinky-red flowers. It prefers shady situations but is drought tolerant. Reputed to be bird attracting. Plant on a moist enriched soil. Responds well to regular pruning. Very attractive. Sent in by Jill McLelland (a4).

Adiantum aethiopicum (Maidenhair Fern) (Family: Pteridaceae) Common native fern often found in, moist sheltered habitats such as wet sclerophyll forests and woodlands, as well as shady creek lines, up and down the coast and tablelands of NSW. Has been commonly grown as an indoor plant. Can be grown in a sheltered situation with good drainage. Can form a dense cover if happy. Give an enriched but free draining soil. Provide some shade. Sent in by Jill McLelland.

Hibbertia scandens (Large Guinea Flower) (Family: Dilleniaceae) A common Sydney species growing on sand dunes and moist coastal areas, it has good-sized leaves to about 6 cm long and 2 cm wide with a glossy appearance. The individual flowers are very attractive with 5 yellow petals and a central cluster of stamens, which can be up to 8 cm across. Often used in landscapes, it is reliably hardy. Keep the water up to it in dry times. Prune to shape and give it some room as it can smother other species. Sent in by Karen Thorn (a2).

Melaleuca fulgens (Scarlet Honeymyrtle) (Family: Myrtaceae) It is a compact to straggly shrub with slender branches. It is a western Australian that has taken to NSW coastal areas. Stunning purple to red-

APS Sutherland – June 2020 8

orange inflorescences that attract honeyeaters. Sent in by Jenny Whiting (a3).

Woollsia pungens (Family Ericaceae subfam. Epacridoideae) One of the ‘epacrids’ which is locally common in our sandstone bushland and one of the few things flowering in Autumn, though will also flower in winter and spring. It has slightly spiky clustered foliage that is interesting to touch and clusters of 5-petaled white to dark pink flowers which can be sweetly-scented. Is not as easy to grow as Epacris longiflora but is worth a try. Propagate from cuttings and give a free draining soil. Grows to potentially 2 metres high. Try it in a container first! Sent in by Jenny Whiting (a1).

Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass) (Family: Poaceae) Widespread tussock grass with a variety of forms and growing on a range of soils, it grows to 1 m tall and has a spreading vase shape. Base of green or blue leaves and tall arching inflorescences with bronze spikelets. Give a well-drained soil and some room to spread in plenty of sun. Cut back periodically to about 10 cm tall and it will reshoot. Adds texture and contrast to any garden and adds to habitat matrices. Sent in by Ralph Cartwright.

Banksia oblongifolia (Fern-leaved Banksia)

(Ph: Simon Bastin)

Dan Clarke Plant Table Masterlist

More information can be found at these websites: www.anspa.org.au www.anbg.gov.au

plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au www.wikipedia.org www.austplants.com.au/plant-database

Don’t forget: Dan Clarke has all the monthly plant table information compiled in his Plant Table Master list document available from our web site.

c1 c2 c3 c4 c5

For the June zoom Meeting After the success of our previous meetings we are Zooming again.

Please join us. It is free and easy for members to join our Zoom meeting. You can sit at home and enjoy our speaker and native plants.

This is how it will work.

• From 7.15 pm onwards on Wednesday 17 June, click on the Zoom link below. You can use a computer, iPad or mobile phone.

Australian Plants Society Sutherland Group Zoom Meeting When Wednesday 17 June, 2020 7:15 pm – 8:30pm Eastern Australia Time – Sydney Who johnstaceaitken@gmail.com- organiser Australian Plants Society NSW is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join the Zoom Meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82258727723

Meeting ID: 822 5872 7723

For Sydney you can join on this number for audio only: 02 8015 6011 To find your local number elsewhere: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdLUOkF8vN

• Zoom host John Aitken will accept everyone as you join and you will be able to hear and see everyone before the meeting starts.

APS Sutherland – June 2020 9

• If you click on the link after 7.30 pm, you can still join the meeting.

• If you already used Zoom, you can just click on the link to join the meeting.

• If this is your first time for Zoom, when you click on the link, you will be asked to download and launch the Zoom software, so allow more time. We highly recommend you download Zoom at least a day before the meeting and practise with a friend or family member. It is free for you to use.

For a more detailed guide see our previous newsletters articles on this. Our newsletter archive is here.

Our meeting format

• At 7.30 pm, John will mute everyone to block background noise. Meeting chair Ralphs Cartwright will welcome everyone and recap good Zoom practice.

• Our emcee for the night will introduce our speaker Greg Keighery talking on World Class Western Australia - Blooming Biodiversity. Greg is one of the best known and respected botanists in Australia. He is based in Western Australia and this is a reprise of his keynote speech at the ANPSA conference in Albany.

• Our feature speaker will speak for about 30 minutes, sharing their screen at the same time so you can see their presentation.

• The emcee will then introduce Dan Clarke for our plant table segment. Please send a photo of a plant from your garden to Dan the day before at dmclarkebotanical@icloud.com. Dan will talk and share the photos by sharing his screen.

• We will finish with 10 minutes of Q&A where you can ask questions by typing a question using Chat or raising your hand.

During the meeting

• John Aitken as Zoom host will mute everyone except the chair and the speaker, so we cannot hear any background noise from your place.

• If you have any trouble during the meeting, phone or email our tech troubleshooters John Aitken (johnstaceaitken@gmail.com) or Ralph Cartwright (0416 030 872).

• If you need to, you can move away from your computer and return to the meeting at any time.

Past Zoom meetings recorded These APS NSW Zoom meetings are available as youtube recordings:

Dan Clarke at the virtual plant table, identifying plant photos from Sutherland Group members at meetings in April here and May here

Demystifying plant names by Rhonda Daniels, at the Sutherland Group meeting on 20 May here

Dr Peter Weston on Gondwana connections, at the Sutherland Group meeting on 15 April here

Dr Brett Summerell on the Banks and Solander collection, at the APS NSW AGM on 16 May here

Dr Brett Summerell on recovery from bushfire, at the AGM on 16 May here

Brian Roach on the pick of the crop of native plants for Sydney gardens, at the Menai Group meeting on 13 May here

Even more Zoom options

If you are enjoying zoom meetings here is another option you may be interested in: the AWC conversation

webinars. For specific AWC information see these step-by-step instructions

Rhonda Daniels

News and MoreJoseph Banks Native Plants Reserve - Celebrating 50 years

In 2020, we are celebrating 50 years of Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve at Kareela. Sutherland Group is even older, having formed in 1963. This month – the 1970s and 1980s.

A management committee including APS members had been formed to oversee development and maintenance in conjunction with Sutherland Shire Council. In 1977, although initially the committee hoped to do most of the work on a voluntary basis, it became obvious that this was not practicable, and the Council assumed major responsibility, with the committee being allotted a section to care for. It has continued to do so through monthly working bees of keenly active Sutherland Group members. Unfortunately, a sign at the reserve entrance which explained this history was removed in the 2014 masterplan works and not replaced.

APS Sutherland – June 2020 10

In 1985, a timber walkway was constructed along the cliff line in the eastern part of the reserve below the Sunny garden. It has since been demolished.

Our Sutherland Group history notes “In September 1986, the public was invited to two open days, with free guided walks being offered, and plants, books and refreshments sold. A total of $1,100 was taken over the two days. Next year this activity was held in autumn and spring. They have been good publicity for the Group, as well as providing a handy, if variable, source of revenue.”

If you have any photos from the early days particularly from the 1970s and 1980s, please send to me for our 50th anniversary Powerpoint presentation: rhdaniels@bigpond.com.

Our first COVID-19 safe working bees were held in June, with great attendance. Everyone was happy to be back pulling out weeds which were easy to see and grab due to their size. On Sunday, there were many visitors enjoying the reserve. The cooler weather and some rain helped keep everything growing and showing that you can always rely on grevilleas to flower any time.

If you have any photos from the early days particularly from the 1970s and 1980s, please send to me for our 50th anniversary Powerpoint presentation: rhdaniels@bigpond.com. Hard copies will be returned.

Rhonda Daniels Look at Tripadvisor reviews of JB Reserve -- maybe add one yourself?

Pot recycling Sutherland Council nursery at 345 The Boulevarde, Gymea is now collecting plastic pots for recycling. Drop your clean, empty black pots off when buying some full ones.

Membership If you are not receiving the monthly APS NSW enewsletter from enewsletter editor Rhonda Daniels, please email enewsletter@austplants.com.au so we can sort out whether we have your correct email address in our records. The April 2020 issue was emailed to members on 31 March.

Congratulations to Ian Cox, APS NSW life member Ian Cox from APS Parramattta Hills group who was awarded life membership at the AGM in May has a Sutherland connection. His mother grew up in a cottage in Sutherland cemetery and Ian and family later lived at Sutherland. Ian also reminded me that Bonnet Bay is a good suburb for APS NSW presidents, being the home of Jim Boswell who was president in 1994 and our current president John Aitken.

Welcome to new member Lisa Godden Lisa joined in on our May Zoom meeting. She writes:

My partner Tom and I moved to Grays Point a year ago. We moved here to be close to the RNP because we love the bush. We are now custodians of a block that’s about half bushland and half garden. Coming from a townhouse with a tiny courtyard this is a steep learning curve! We are out in the park every couple of days and seeing so

many gorgeous plants regularly got me more interested in them than I’d ever expected. I wanted to learn more about them and stumbled on the APS Sutherland group online which seemed like a great place to start. We are about to re-do our front garden and are planning to plant mostly local natives, hoping they won’t get eaten by the deer. I’m looking forward to meeting the group in person in the not too distant future.

Rhonda Daniels

Dendrobium vs Thelychiton? Dan Clarke explains The image used in the June enewsletter prompted a question to Dan Clarke and this answer about lumping or splitting when it comes to names.

Botanists insist that classifications of plant groups, with groups being families or genera, should comprise species or taxa all descended from the one common ancestor. That is, they share the same evolutionary history by way of speciation from a common ancestor. This is the same way all

APS Sutherland – June 2020 11

humans can be shown to have descended and evolved.

Today, this evidence hinges on DNA evidence but also includes anatomical and morphological features. Studies have found that Dendrobium as previously classified is polyphyletic and therefore contains species more closely related to other classified genera.

When this is found, either multiple genera can be lumped into one genus to create a larger monophyletic group OR Dendrobium can be split up into more genera to create smaller monophyletic groups. It is likely that Dendrobium will be split up, based on evidence that all these new genera such as Thelychiton are shown to be monophyletic.

Rhonda Daniels

A [covid19 restricted] walk in the park I just want to tell you about a wonderful but gruelling circular walk 8 walking friends and had along the Robertson Knoll, Uloola Intersection back to Wattle Forest. It is a 7.5 km National Park track from Audley.

We were of course adhering to the social distancing regulations. And, we do not catch public transport but drive our own cars.

All our entire U3A activities have been suspended until 1 September at the earliest but the 'Group of 8' U3A locals started walking as non-U3A two weeks ago when the 10 persons rule was introduced. We walked that day 3/4 of the way along Lady Carrington Drive (a Lyre bird strolled across the road right in front of us - wow!) before we turned back to Audley.

I do not know what was the hardest section - walking up to Robertson Knoll or the final section down to Wattle Forest. Concentrating on walking up to the Knoll we hardly noticed the plant life except the Banksias, Eucalyptus haemastoma and huge Angophora costata but near the top we all stopped to look up (with our mouths closed) at the screeching sounds - not White but about 200 Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. I have never seen so many Black Cockatoos ever and I joined APS over 35 years ago.

And, on we went with flowers here and there even though the profusion of Spring is nowhere near. I was nominated as the Leader as I had walked this track many years ago. Some of the flowers we saw from memory ("Joan, this is a walking group not a native plant group" I was told - I could not help myself) are:

Acacia ulicifolia and A. suaveolens; Actinotus minor; Banksias ericifolia, B. spinulosa, B. marginate; Callistemon; Epracis longiflora and E.

microphylla; Grevillea sericea, G. buxifolia and G. oleoides (G. speciosa north of the harbour!?), Hakea sericea; Lambertia formosa; Leptospermum; Pea flower (Bossia heterophylla?) Persoonia linearis? Pimelia; Platysace; Styphelia tubiflora; Woollsia pungens; I saw something like an orchid beginning maybe a Prasophyllum? And everybody’s favourite bush food, the sour tasting Leptomeria acida from which I might have eaten a couple if it was not a National Park. And lastly just before Wattle Forest, but not in flower, the Turpentines.

I recommend this walk to anyone of 'stamina' who wants to get out and blow off some lockdown cobwebs.

Joan Collins

A walk in my garden

Des built this garden about 15 years ago. There was originally a Grevillea Elegance that we had already planted years before that has been removed.

The area Was enlarged about 5 years ago and the Banksia and Acacia baileyana (prostrate form) were planted around this time.

The grafted Eucalyptus Camaldulensis ‘Blue Veil’ (Weeping red river gum) is a plant I bought from Phil to experiment with elsewhere.

On replanting the new section I moved the E. ‘Blue Veil’ and have enjoyed watching it grow. It has had small white flowers the last two Summers. Recently we pruned it to remove the longer stems encourage it to bush up.

It’s supported by a pole Des had previously installed for a bird bath. This was removed when we found the access was not older-person-friendly.

The Acacia howittii ‘Honey Bun’ (Sticky Wattle) has been in for 10+ years. It looks spectacular and I cloud prune it when necessary. I found that

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watering the foliage and not pruning the plant, white scale attacked it. The same situation effected the A. baileyana.

Another is the prostrate Banksia integrifolia, ‘Roller Coaster’ between the Xanthorrhea and the A. howittii. This was planted about 4 years ago. I keep it pruned for you only have to see Leonie’s beauty to know in this situation pruning is essential as it can get quite large. I enjoy the shape of the leaves we look at from the veranda.

There is a native orchid in a pot that is slowly growing.

The magnificent Xanthorrea we bought from Phil when we built the garden. It has 4 pups coming from the base that are covered by the foliage. When the water droplets are on the foliage it looks spectacular.

I so enjoy our garden, enjoy experimenting with plants, tip pruning and shaping them is fun. I have made mistakes, killed plants and put some in the wrong position for the area.

By asking questions, giving things a try and listening to others as well as visiting gardens you can achieve wonderful success with your own garden.

I will also take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and friendship as Des and I have travelled along the amazing fun journey of growing an Australian Native Garden.

Marie O’Connor (text and photos) Plus photos a7, b2, b4 in On the Plant Table

Free video streaming through SSC Are you aware of this free service through SSC Libraries - Kanopy? You just need your library card to access it. During Covid19 restrictions the limits for free access have been effectively removed.

There is an interesting documentary available now called The Pollinators which is worth watching. It covers the rather incredible migratory beekeepers and their truckloads of bees in America.

Congratulations to Peter Olde OAM See this article in The Leader about Peter Olde, a former Sutherland Group president and current leader of the Grevillea Study Group.

Peter Olde (photo: M. Olde)

Collected by Banks and Solander in 1770 The above heading links to a species list. There you will also find a link to digitised collection of the botanical art created on the Endeavour’s journey.

Pimelea linifolia (Slender Rice-flower) is endemic to south eastern Australia.

This photo is from the May virtual plant table. You can read more about this plant as a garden specimen on page 6.

(Photo: J. Zande)

If undeliverable, return to: Australian Plants Society, Sutherland Group 169 Peninsular Road Grays Point NSW 2232 Print Post Approved PP2453h58/00027