AUSTRALIAN PLANTS (see also in “TREES” section) ‘The Shambles 2020.
Key for historic reference notations to Plant entries:
“Catalogue of the Plants in the Queensland Botanic Gardens”. Walter Hill, Government Printer, Brisbane 1875. 1. 1875
“Catalogue of Plants in the two Metropolitan Gardens, The Brisbane Botanic Garden and Bowen Park (The Garden of the Queensland Acclimatization Society). Frederick Manson Bailey, Colonial Botonist, Government Printer, Brisbane 1885 1A. 1885
“Designed Landscapes in Queensland, 1859-1939”, Jean Sim, QUT, 1999, APPENDIX G, referred to the following plant lists:
“The Flower garden in Queensland, containing concise and practical instructions for the Cultivation of the flower garden. And the management of Pot Plants in Australia”, Albert Hockings, Slater & Co, Brisbane, 1875 2. 1875
“Cultural Industries in Queensland: Papers on the Cultivation of Useful Plants suited to the climate of Queensland:their value as food, in the arts, and in medicine; and methods of Obtaining their products” Lewis Bernays, Government printer, Brisbane , 1883, (pp 201-207, The Shade of trees) 3. 1883
“Tree Planting for Shade and Ornament: Suggestions for teachers and others interested in the Planting of Trees” Edward Shelton, Dept of Agriculture, Government Printer, Brisbane, Bulletin 17, 1892
List: Philip McMahon, Brisbane Botanic gardens Curator 4a. 1892
Ebenezer Cowley, Overseer, State Nursery, Kamerunga4b. 1892
J S Edgar , Botanic gardens , Rockhampton 4c. 1892
William Soutter, Manager , Acclimatization society 4d. 1892
“General Catalogue of Seeds, Plants, bulbs, Tubers, trees, Climbers, etc.” Samuel Eaves, Howard, printer, Brisbane, 1897 5. 1897
“Queenslander” under ‘Horticulture’ section ‘Shrubs’, William Soutter, 18/12/1897 pp 1181 6. 1897
“General descriptive Catalogue for 1874, of Fruit trees, Shrubs, Ornamental and forest trees, Etc. etc” Charles Wyatt, Frogmore Nursery, Geelong 1874 7. 1874
“1896 Catalogue of Flower roots”. Law, Somner & Co., Melbourne, 1896 8. 1896
“Catalogue of Plants for Sale by Michael Guilfoyle” Exotic Nursery, Double bay, Sydney 1851 9. 1851
“Catalogue of Plants for Sale at the Victoria Nursery, Richmond” George Brunning, Melbourne, 1855 10. 1855
“Report on the Progress and Condition of the Botanic Garden and Government Plantations, 1873”, R.Schomburgk, W.C.Cox: Government Printer, Adelaide, 1874 11. 1874
“Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, Catalogue of Plants 1962”, Brisbane city Council, Brisbane, 1962 12. 1962
“Federation Gardens: Plant lists, Compiled from Searl & Sons General Catalogue 1901, Seeds, Plants & Bulbs for Sydney; Pearce Bros.Descriptive Catalogue and Guide 1900; Robert Little & Co’s Catalogue of Flower seeds Sydney 1900: Rumsey’s 1882 Catalogue (Roses) Sydney 1882 www.heritage.nsw.gov.au 13. 1900/1
“Talgai Homestead, Plant Ledger, commenced in 1868-1907 by Ellen and George Clark. Additions after 1907-1942 George Carr Clark, 1945-1965 Bardwell” 14. 1868
www.hortuscamden.com ,Hortus camdenensis: an illustrated catalogue of plants collected by Sir William Macarthur at Camden Park, NSW, Australia between about c.1820 & 1861 / by Colin Mills 15. Camden
“The Garden Plants of China” Peter Valder, Florilegium, Sydney 1999 16. China
Ajuga australis (Australian Bugle) Low growing ground cover plant, evergreen, shade tolerant.1A.1885 Coral Fountain, Rock garden
Alchornea ilicifolia (Native Holly) Densely bushy shrub to 3m with attractive stiff holly-like foliage & bronze new growth. Insignificant greenish flowers, capsular fruit. Slow but hardy & long lived. Sun or shade, most soils. The botanist John Smith originally described this species as Caelebogyne ilicifolia in 1839, from three specimens collected by Allan Cunningham in 1829. The Swiss botanist Johann Müller gave it its current name in 1865. The generic name Alchornea honours the English botanist Stanesby Alchorne. Rainforest margins from Qld & NSW. NW Corner
Aphanopetalum resinosum (gum vine) is a member of the family Cunoniaceae and was first described by the Austrian botanist Endlicher in 1839. It is a twining climber found in rainforest or wet forest areas of Queensland and New South Wales. Aphanopetalum resinosum is a useful foliage plant for shaded corners of the garden, with the added features of delicate flowers and attractive fruits. As a stem twiner it needs support to raise itself above ground level but if a rambling habit is preferred it will fulfil this role. NW rainforest garden
Archirhodomyrtus beckleri “fruity” (Edna Walling Rose myrtle) lovely delicate foliage like abelia, tiny white flowers, prominent mauve stamens. Requires pruning to remain at shrub size. Eastern coastal Australia South Rose garden
Artanema fimbriatum Koala Bells Perennial, erect stems with dark green leaves and purple to blue flowers in Spring/Summer. Shade tolerant, moist. Use as hanging basket, pot plant, or in a rockery. Will grow bushier when cut right back after flowering. Herb/Shrub grows to about 1 m tall. West of Fernery as understory
Austromyrtus inophloia “blushing beauty” Lovely burgundy new foliage compact shrub if pruned. Is tolerating a semi-shaded position. Eastern Australia Orchid Walk
Backhousia citriodora (Lemon Scented Myrtle, or Lemon Ironwood) Tree or shrub with lemon scented foliage. Summer flowering Plough Inn, Northern Border.
1.1875, Hill lists 16 species of Banksia including B.dentata, B.ericifolia and B.spinulosa 1A.1885 B.integrifolia
Banksia ericafolia, hybrid spinulosa “Golden candles” Spectacular flowers. Tall shrub or small tree. Bird attracting. South East Coastal region East of pool fence gardens
Banksia integrifolia locally indigenous Banksia which may be maintained as a large shrub but may become a large tree in our conditions. Commonly known as coast banksia, is a species of tree that grows along the east coast of Australia. One of the most widely distributed Banksia species, it occurs between Victoria and Central Queensland in a broad range of habitats, from coastal dunes to mountains. It is one of the four original Banksia species collected by Sir Joseph Banks in 1770, and one of four species published in 1782 as part of Carolus Linnaeus the Younger‘s original description of the genus. Specimens of Banksia were first collected by Sir Joseph Banks and Dr Daniel Solander, naturalists on the Endeavour during Lieutenant (later Captain) James Cook’s first voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Cook landed on Australian soil for the first time on 29 April 1770, at a place that he later named Botany Bayin recognition of “the great quantity of plants Mr Banks and Dr Solander found in this place”. East Coastal regions 1A.1885 Blue trellis Garden, NW corner
Bracteantha bracteata Everlasting Daisy, This plant is variable, from annual forms to low growing perennial sub-shrubs. There are many colourful annual types available as seed and as bedding plants, as well as lovely named longer lasting varieties. As well as being beautiful garden plants, the blooms are great for cut flower work, either fresh or as dried flowers which will last for years. They flower best in sunny spots and with regular soil moisture, and also like good drainage. Feed lightly through the warm months. Picking the flowers will help to prune the plant and maintain a good plant shape. To use as dried flowers, pick while in bud and hang upside down to dry. They were formerly known as Helichrysum, and are now known as Xerochrysum bracteatum. Box North verandah, Fenced Rose Garden
Bulbine bulbosa, bulbine lily, native leek, golden lily, or native onion, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae and is endemic to Australia. The distribution of B. bulbosa extends through temperate Australia from central Queensland to Tasmania and South Australia. It grows in a variety of habitats including red gum woodland and dry sclerophyll forests and is common in grasslands and rock crevices. Occasionally B. bulbosa will grow in alpine grasslands and has been recorded to 1800m on the Bogong High Plains. Often it is associated with water retentive soils or soils which are seasonally inundated, such as near swamps. B. bulbosa is a densely tufted perennial herb reaching 75cm. In the wild, plants are found growing in conspicuous colonies. The green – grey leaves are succulent and channeled growing to 40cm. The bright yellow star-like flowers are approximately 2cm wide and are borne on simple racemes of up to 50 flowers. Each flower lasts for just one day, with one to several opening at a time. The stamens bear prominent tufts of hair. Flowering occurs from September to March with some geographic variation, although cultivated plants tend to have longer flowering periods. Despite its name, B. bulbosa does not have bulbs. Instead, a subterranean stem called a corm is present, from which the aerial stems, leaves and flowers are produced and in which food reserves are stored. Short fleshy roots also protrude from the corm. NW Corner garden
Callerya megasperma, Native wisteria, is a species of vine in the family Fabaceae native to eastern Australia. It was initially described as Wistaria megasperma by Ferdinand von Mueller in 1859 from a specimen collected at Richmond River. This twining vine is native to northern coastal NSW and southern Queensland, so suits sub-tropical areas. It bears large trusses of purple pea flowers in late winter to spring, which resemble the exotic wisteria, but this vine is an evergreen. It has handsome glossy leaves, so is attractive even when not in flower. It is a good butterfly attracting plant. It can grow tall, scrambling to the top of trees in the wild, but can be controlled with regular pruning.NW rainforest corner
1.1875, Hill lists 6 species and 3 varieties of Callistemon
Callistemon citrinus ‘Candy Pink” Pink flowering bottlebrush. West of Fernery, West Boundary
Callistamon verminalis Although excessively shaded in our garden this bright red flowering bottlebrush has retained its vigour. Introduced to Britain in 1818. Watercourses in NSW & Qld. 13.1900/1,15.Camden Central Lawn and borders
Callistamon citrinus We attempt to maintain these at shrub size through pruning in order to enjoy the scented foliage. East coastal region 1A.1885 (C.lanceolatus) Pathway to Blue trellis garden
Correa alba A small shrub to about 1.5 metres in height by a similar width. Leaves are oval shaped, greyish in colour with the undersurface covered with short hairs. The white flowers occur from the leaf axils and are about 12 mm in diameter. Unlike other Correa species, the flowers are not in a bell shaped tube but are more open (the floral tube is split to give a star-like shape to the flowers). A pink form of unknown origin exists. Flowering occurs mainly in late autumn and winter but occasional flowers will be seen at other times. This is one of the hardiest of Australian native plants being successful in most reasonably drained soils in full sun or semi shade. It is very resistant to salt spray and is tolerant of at least moderate frosts. Once established it is tolerant of extended dry periods. In common with most members of the Rutaceae, propagation of C.alba from seed is difficult but cuttings usually strike readily from current season’s growth. Coastal areas from northern New South Wales to eastern South Australia and Tasmania. Persimmon Walk LOST
Correa glabra Red Rock Correa, Dense, native evergreen shrub with dark green foliage and bird attracting red flowers. Growing to approx 2m. It’s upright, spreading habit makes it a popular choice for use as a low hedge nw corner garden
Correa rubra The genus Correa is named after the Portuguese botanist Correia de Serra. Correa ‘ Dusky Bells ’ is a probable hybrid of C. reflexa and C. pulchella. It is thought that it may have been cultivated for at least 50 years. In 1986, its registration with Australian Cultivar Registration Authority (ACRA) was applied for by W. R. and G. M. Elliott, though the cultivar was received by the authority in 1980. Its synonyms are: Correa ‘Pink Bells’, Correa ‘Carmine Bells’, Correa ‘Rubra’ and Correa sp. (Pink). It is an attractive evergreen shrub which grows to 1m high and to 2-4 m in diameter. The entire plant is stellate hairy. Leaves have stellate hairs and the older leaves lose hairs. The leaves are to 4.5 cm long, and 2.5 cm wide; narrow oval (elliptic) or lance-shaped (lanceolate) to egg-shaped leaf (ovate). The beautiful bell-shaped flowers are up to 2.5cm long. The four fused petals are pale carmine pink. Persimmon Walk LOST
Crinum pedunculatum also known as the swamp lily, river lily or mangrove lily, is a bulbous perennial found in stream and tidal areas of the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales, Australia as well as New Guinea and some Pacific Islands. East border garden x 4
Curcuma australasica Coral fountain
Dampiera purpurea Small perennial suckering herb that reaches 1 to 1.5 metres high and can spread to 2 metres across. Purple flowers Nr Trachelospermum arch/Araucaria walk Eastern Australia
Darwinia citrodora “lemon scented myrtle” This plant struggles to survive in our wet summer conditions when there is shade from competing plants. South West Australia Lost in Wet Weather Stone circle garden
Dianella laevis (smooth flax lily) Clump forming Australian plant with small blue flowers followed by blue berries. Other Dianella species available Australia 1A.1885 (D.caerulea, ensifolia, laevis) Central Shrub garden, Blue trelis garden
Dianella variegatum Variegated cultivar of Dianella North Rose garden
Dianella tasmanica Variegata Variegated Dianella, Variegated Flax Lily, Tasman Flax Lily, Native evergreen perennial with arching, strappy variegated leaves. Clusters of star-shaped bright blue flowers appear in spring and throughout summer and are followed by decorative glossy blue berries. An ideal choice for poolside, containers, mass planted in borders and also dry shade. Caution, berries of this variety are toxic pot in blue trellis garden
Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata (Wedge leafed Hop Bush) Dodonaea viscosa named after a Flemish botanist of the 16 th century; Rembert Dodoens ,can be found in every state and territory of Australia. However it is highly variable The major differences of the sub-species are in distribution, form and leaf characteristics. It is best to plant the sub-species found in the local area. Wedge shaped leaves colourful seed capsules. 1A.1885 (D.triquetra) nw corner garden
Eucalyptus spp. 1A.1885 (6 species incl. E.maculata, E.tereticornis, E.tessellaris from Queensland), 13.1900/1 Northern Border-Plough Inn
Eucalyptus ptychocarpa syn. Corymbia ptychocarpa, commonly known as the swamp bloodwood or spring bloodwood, is a species of tree that is endemic to northwestern Australia. It has rough bark on the trunk and branches, broadly lance-shaped adult leaves, flower buds in groups of seven, creamy yellow, pink or red flowers, and barrel-shaped, ribbed fruit . Swamp bloodwood was first formally described in 1859 by Ferdinand von Mueller who gave it the name Eucalyptus ptychocarpa and published the description in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society, Botany. In 1995 Ken Hill and Lawrence Alexander Sidney Johnson changed the name to Corymbia ptychocarpa. Small specimen, North side of Blue Trellis
Goodenia ovatata (prostrate form) ground covering plant that features buttercup yellow flowers over an extended period in spring and summer and bright green fleshy ovate leaves with a toothed margin. Useful as a border or rockery plant that can spread over a reasonable area. Goodenia named for the 18th-19th century botanist Samuel Goodenough. Widespread in all mainland states except Western Australia, usually in open forest and woodland. NW corner Hippeastrum Garden
Goodenia ovata. Hop goodenia, is a flowering plant endemic to Australia. It grows in all states except Western Australia and the Northern Territory, near the coast as well as in drier inland areas. The plant is usually a fast-growing groundcover, ours acquired October 20 is an upright shrubby form. The genus name was published in 1793 by James Edward Smith in honour of the Bishop of Carlisle Samuel Goodenough. Goodenough was also a botanist and member of the Linnean Society. Western boundary Fernery, North of Fenced Rose Garden
Grevillea ( G.formosa N.T. x G. ‘Honey gem’) var. “Golden Lyre” This spectacular plant has golden yellow flowers on branches which arch over then reflex upward to form the shape of a lyre. Queensland garden hybrid. Embankment East of Pool
1.1875, Hill lists 29 species and 2 varieties of Grevillea including Grevillea alba. 10.1855 (Grevillea ‘scarlet’), 1A.1885 (banksii, hilliana, macrostylus, oleoides, robusta)
Grevillea banksii Very tough parent of several common hybrid Grevilleas. Tall shrub to small tree, red bird attracting flowers in spring. Grevillea banksii is a native of barren hills in the Queensland colony, where it was discovered by Brown during Flinders’ voyage, and has since then been found by various collectors. It was almost certainly introduced to cultivation by Charles Moore in 1853 after a visit to Qld where he met Bidwill from Wide Bay Queensland coastal 1A.1885,13.1900/1,15.Camden Central Shrub Garden
Grevillea “Caloundra Gem” Grevillea Caloundra Gem is a medium to tall shrub with deeply divided, mid green leaves. Stunning honey coloured flowers are produced throughout the year. This brilliant bird attracting shrub will make and excellent addition to any garden or landscape. Prune when young for a bushy, compact growth. and makes an outstanding cut flower Best grown in a sunny position in well drained soil but can tolerate heavy soils Grows to height of 3m and width of 1.5m. NW Corner
Grevillea gaudichaudii x longifolia “Fanfare” Prostrate grevillea with deeply lobed leaves with reddish new growth and burgundy toothbrush flowers in spring-summer Front Embankment Eastern end. Eastern Australia
Grevillea glossadenia x venusta ‘Orange Marmalade’ Both parents, of this colourful hybrid, are Queensland species. Vigorous medium sized spreading shrub with long entire leaves. Unusual erect clusters of orange flowers with brown styles during most of the year.“Orange Marmalade” North West Corner garden/border. Stone Circle
Grevillea ‘Golden Yu-Lo’ is a fast growing medium shrub with deeply divided dark green foliage. It has large bright yellow flowers all year round, which will bring honey eating birds and insects to add more colour to the garden. It grows to around 3 metres tall and likes a well drained soil in a sunny spot best. NW Corner LOST
Grevillea juniperina x lanigera “Raspberry Ripples” Small evergreen native shrub with soft needle-like foliage and masses of pink/white spider flowers in Autumn, Winter and early Spring.Performs best when placed in a full sunlight to partial shade location.. west of Fernery, near Propagation area
Grevillea sericea “Pink Midget” Dwarf shrub with pink spider flowers and fine, narrow foliage. A garden cultivar from G sericea (Silky Grevillea) which naturally grows on the NSW central coast area, and inland to Mudgee. Central Shrub Garden LOST
Grevillea whiteana “Moonlight North West Corner garden/border
Grevillea ‘Honey Gem’ is a grevillea hybrid (G.banksii x G.pteridifolia) originating from Queensland in Australia. It is a shrub that grows up to 6 m in height and has deeply divided dark green leaves that are approximately 29 cm long and 24 cm wide The inflorescences are yellowish orange racemes that are about 16 cm long and 8 cm wide. Grevillea “Honey Gem” is one of a number of large, free-flowering hybrids that have appeared over the last decade. Loosely termed “Queensland” hybrids because all have at least one species native to Queensland in their parentage, most of these plants are characterised by a tall habit, ferny leaves and large racemes of colourful flowers which appear over a long period. Other popular cultivars in this group include G.”Misty Pink” (pink and cream), G.”Sandra Gordon” (yellow), G.”Moonlight” (cream) and G.”Sylvia” (bright pink). Nw Corner, East of Pool LOST
Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ originated in Myall Park Botanic Garden. Caretaker Marion Firns reports on the discovery of this chance hybrid while recording the plants in the Garden. In July 2006 with Nita C. Lester It was immediately caged protected and pruned the surrounding plants just enough to give the little one room to grow. In November 2006 the first flower had appeared. The Directors decided to name the new hybrid Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’ after Dorothy Gordon an excellent watercolourist and wife of Dave Gordon. Cultivar registration and Plant Breeders Rights paperwork commenced. All specimen plants flowered true with pink styles and deep purple/black centres. The new leaves are soft bronze turning greener as they mature. , Blue Trellis garden
Grevillea hybrid, grafted “Red Ripper” NW Corner LOST
Grevillea “Yamba Sunshine” A hardy evergreen large shrub with soft yellow flowers from Autumn to Spring. Prune after flowering and again in Summer for more flowers. Full sun in a well drained position.Height 3m, Width 2m. LOST WET WEATHER
Graptophyllum ilicifolium,(Holly fuschia) this is a reliable large shrub with holly leaves and red flowers in spring. May form an interesting hedge, self seeds East coast Australia 1A.1885 Central Shrub garden
Graptophyllum spinigerum (Queensland Holly, Samford Holly) It has soft, glossy diamond-shaped opposite leaves with toothed margins. The small white tubular flowers arise from the leaf axils and appear throughout the year. They are a magnet for a wide range of beneficial insects, including the Carpenter Bee (pictured), Blue-banded Bee and stingless bees. The flowers are followed by brown capsules that ‘explode’ when ripe. There are occasional small spines in the leaf axils, but this is by no means prickly plant. This is a rainforest understory shrub that will tolerate most soils. It grows best in semi shade or shade, but will tolerate full sun. Mueller, F.J.H. von (1879) Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae 11: 17. Queensland southwards to south eastern Queensland. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 500 m. NW Corner
Hardenbergia violacea syn. H. monophylla is a species of flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae, native to Australia from Queensland to Tasmania. It is known in Australia by the common names false sarsaparilla, purple coral pea, happy wanderer, native lilac and waraburra (which comes from the Kattang language). Elsewhere it is also called vine lilac or lilac vine. scrambling or twining plant with mauve pea like flowers 1.1875 (3 species), 1A.1885 (H.monophylla), 7.1897 Front Embankment, western end . Nr Trachelospermum arch/Araucaria walk
Hardenbergia violacea rosea . As with most Hardenbergias, ‘violacea rosea’ is typically a climbing plant. The branches coil around the stems of other plants. Although it is moderately vigorous it rarely covers other plants so extensively as to cause damage. The leaves are dark, glossy green 75-100 mm in length. Soft pink pea shaped flowers occur in heavy pendant clusters in spring. Endemic to Western Australia. Prefers a light to medium soil in an open sunny position, drought and frost resistant. West boundary/Fernery
Hovea acutifolia (5) Pointed leaf Hovea Wet forests and rainforest margins from south-east Queensland to the central cost of New South Wales. Genus names after Anton Hove, a botanical collector. Criss Cross path Garden, Western Hydrangea walk under window, North West Corner Garden
Hovea longifolia (5) Round leaf Hovea This native pea develops into an upright, medium shrub. The leaves are linear to oblong, dark green above and paler beneath. In spring, bluish-purple flowers appear in clusters of two or three along the branchlets. North West Corner Garden, Araucaria walk New South Wales Queensland
Hypoestes floribunda Erect perennial, herb or shrub, 0.3-0.9 m high. Fl. pink-purple, Apr to Aug. Of the seven varieties currently recognized in Queensland, only two have been recorded as occurring in SE Qld – H. floribunda var. floribunda is generally found in more inland areas northwards from the Darling Downs, and H. floribunda var. pubescens from the Brisbane region northwards
Kennedia nigricans black coral pea is a vigorous Western Australian climbing plant with unusual black and yellow flowers and handsome dark green foliage. Use it as a feature climber on fences and other structures or as a ground cover. Give it a trim after it flowers if you feel it is needed to tidy up the plant Black Coral Pea (Kennedia nigricans) This is a vigorous Australia native climber or fast spreading ground cover with lobed dark green leaves and attractive black and yellow pea flowers. It is a very rampant plant which needs room to grow and is probably best kept away from buildings and trees, however it is useful for quick coverage of ugly fences or banks. It is a hardy plant, tolerant of drought, light frost and shade, TANK near back stairs
Lagunaria patersonii (Norfolk Island Hibiscus) Norfolk Island hibiscus is a medium to large tree which can reach about 12-20 metres in height. It has dense, greyish-green leaves which are oval shaped to about 100 mm long and covered in soft hairs when young. The pink flowers are of typical hibiscus shape and appear in the leaf axils in spring and early summer. They are generally a pink to mauve but deeper coloured forms are in cultivation. The flowers are followed by brown capsules containing a number of black seeds. The capsules contain white fibres, which are can be very irritating if they get on the skin. These give rise to other common names for the plant such as Itch Tree and Cow Itch Tree. L.patersonia, which occurs on Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands Lagunaria… After Andreas de Laguna a Spanish botanists and physician of the 16th century(d. 1560 and physician to Pope Julius III: and patersonia After Colonel William Patterson, soldier, explorer and Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales who first sent the seeds of the species to England.(Norfolk Island Hibiscus). NW Corner
Lobelia trigonocaulis Forest Lobelia is a creeping or trailing herb, found in moist forest areas in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. Blue to mauve flowers form between the months of December and May Leaves ovate or heart-shaped to orbicular (rounded), to 3cm by 2cm, with long stalks and pointed tips. Margins softly toothed. Flowers mauvy blue to bright blue, to 1.4cm long, borne in loose, terminal racemes. Flowers often appear in profusion and are very conspicuous, from Sept to Mar. Coral Fountain
Lomandra longifolia “mat rush” “Spiny Mat Rush”. Perennial, rhizomatous herb. Leaves are glossy green, shiny, firm, flat. They can grow from 40cm up to 1m long and 8-12mm wide and are usually taller than the flowering stem. Leaf bases are broad with yellow, orange or brownish margins and the tips of the leaves are prominently toothed. Grass like clumps provide seed for birds and adds structural interest. Coastal zone Blue trellis garden Near Back stairs, North West Corner Garden
Macaranga tanarius Evergreen rainforest shrub to small tree which favours edges of rainforest of marginal disturbed sites. Large heart shaped leaves. 1A.1885 Rainforest garden
1.1875, hill lists 12 species of Melaleuca, 1A.1885 M.linarifolia
Melaleuca groveana “Pink Surprise” A pink variant of Grove’s Paperbark is a shrub or small tree from 2 – 5 m tall, rarely to 10 m, with firm fibrous-papery bark. The narrow, curved leaves are alternate, 20 – 55 mm long, 3 – 8 mm wide and have a mid vein and lateral veins. west of Fernery/ western boundary
Melaleuca quinquernervia. (broad leafed paperbark)Common well known small tree with paper bark which is shed in sheets. Although endemic on watercourses ours has established in a free draining garden setting. Eastern Australia Path to Blue trellis garden
Melastoma affine (Blue tongue) Pink flowering on pool embankment. Popular and pretty native alternative to exotic tibouchinas, with flowers off and on through the year, and bushtucker berries to follow. Native Lassiandra is a rounded shrub grows to three metres high with lilac flowers to five cm across, and flowers from Spring to Autumn. It has attractive rough textured leaves, and purple stems. The purple pulp of the fruit stains the mouth which is why this bush tucker food is also called Blue Tongue. Pool embankment East
Melastoma affine ‘alba’ (Blue tongue) Pure white flowering. Two from Fairhill nursery march 2022. Bushtucker berries to follow flowering . Native Lassiandra is a rounded shrub grows to three metres high with lilac flowers to five cm across, and flowers from Spring to Autumn. It has attractive rough textured leaves, and purple stems. The purple pulp of the fruit stains the mouth which is why this bush tucker food is also called Blue Tongue. North Rose Garden
Mentha australis (river mint, native mint, native peppermint, and Australian mint) It is a mint species within the genus Mentha. It is a native of eastern Australia, occurring in every state and territory except Western Australia A low growing perennial with edible scented foliage that has various culinary uses. Can be grown in sun or shade, but needs regular watering to be at its best. It can be leggy, but responds well to pruning if well grown. It can sucker and grow through the bed, Persimmon Walk
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping wire vine) is a low evergreen shrub, forming wiry mats up to about 1 metre in diameter, native to New Zealand, and the Australian states of Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria. It has thin, red-brown stems, with glossy squarish to roundish leaves that are less than 1 cm in diameter and 2–4 mm thick. Flowers are inconspicuous, yellowish-white, 4–8 mm in diameter, and borne in groups of up to three in the axils. The fruit is black, shiny, and up to 3.5 mm long, produced in late summer. Front Path Garden
Murraya panniculata (orange jessamine) Tough and well known common evergreen garden landscaping plant. Perfumed white flowers in summer. The species appears to be a great favourite with the Chinese. Introduced to Britain as M. paniculata in 1823. China, India to Northern Australia 1.1875 (M.crenulata), 1A.1885 (M.panniculata), 9.1851 (M.exotica? India), 13.1900/1,15.Camden North East Corner gardens, East Border gardens, Front Path garden
Orthosiphon stamineus (cats whisker), Evergreen erect shrub with white or mauve flower spikes with long, fine stamens. Very decorative. 1.1875 Northe east Corner of House, Stone Circle garden, gatehouse, North Rose garden
Oxylobium robustum Golden Shaggy Pea is a hardy, fast growing bushy shrub 2-3m in height. It is spectacular when in flower, usually from late winter to spring. Oxylobium robustum grows well in filtered or full sun and responds well to pruning. It occurs naturally in moist sandy soils but is adaptable if in well drained position. Golden Shaggy Pea is even reported to be frost tolerant and somewhat drought resistant once established. Oxylobium robustum occurs naturally on the Sunshine Coast in areas of Wet Eucalyptus forests and Coastal Heath. West boundary Fernery LOST TO BE REPLACED
Pandorea jasminoides ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Bower Vine) – An evergreen vine with leaves split into 5-7 shiny oval leaflets that have a cream variegation. Funnel-shaped pure pink flowers with deeper-colored throats bloom in the summer through fall. Reaches heights of 20-30 feet tall.Pandorea jasminoides variegated. Arch central shrub garden (see also Vines)
Pandorea pandorana white and golden. West boundary x 2 west of fernery. and bottom of back stairs (golden var.) see also Vines. Pandorea pandorana ‘Snowbells’ Wonga Wonga Vine A vigorous climber with dark green leaves and snow white flowers in a rush in spring and summer. This plant can be used as a ground cover but will also climb vigorously if given something to support it. The species was first described by English botanist Henry Cranke Andrews in 1800 as Bignonia pandorana, before being given its current binomial name in 1928 by Steenis. Both the generic and specific name are derived from Greek mythological figure Pandora. The Scottish botanist Robert Brown had described it as Tecoma australis but this name was ruled invalid. A form found in dryer inland regions was previously known as P. doratoxylon. West boundary Fernery groundcover
Platylobium formosum (Handsome flat pea) is a straggly, understory shrub from about 1 to 2 metres high with wiry stems. The leaves vary from narrowly ovate to heart-shaped . There are conspicuous reticulate veins on the upper surface. The bright yellow flowers have the typical “pea” shape consisting of 4 petals; the “standard”, the “keel” and two “wings”. They occur in late spring and summer, solitary or two together in the leaf axils. They have a red centre and are relatively large – 8-15 mm long. The flowers are followed by flat seed pods about 20-40 mm long. P.formosum is not often cultivated but is grown by Australian plant enthusiasts. Open forest and heathland from Jervis Bay in New South Wales to south-east Queensland. Persimmon Walk
Pavetta australis (Butterfly bush) Very showy white flower on shrub to 4 m. Terminal buds shiny. Leaves opposite, dark green, softly succulent looking. Beehawk moths feed on the leaves. Found in drier rainforest margins and along creeks and gullies. Grows in full sun or part shade. NE.NSW to NE.Q’ld. central shrub garden
Pharleria clerodendron syn. Drymyspermum clerodendron (Scented Daphne) A small tree or large shrub that is very rare in home cultivation. Its exquisite but not overpowering fragrance alerts garden visitors to seek out the source. This glossy-leaved evergreen is endemic to Australia. Spectacular white, strongly pineapple scented, tubular flowers occur on the trunk and larger branches with the onset of rain. It is a member of the Daphne family (Thymeleaceae). A fast growing species in a moist site with bright or filtered light. Tolerates moist soils. Fruit eating birds eat the glossy fruit. The flesh of the fruit is stringy and reputed to be poisonous to humans. The plant generally looses its leaves in cold weather. North Queensland, Orchid Walk
Phyllanthus multiflorus Low growing plant with fern like foliage and interesting very small flowers along the thin stems. Grown for foliage or for hedging. Australia 1A.1885 (3 exotic spp and P.ferdinandi) Central Shrub garden
Prostanthera nivea var. induta Purple Mint Bush is a medium shrub that reaches a height of about two metres. Linear leaves are one centimetre long, grey-green and held in small clusters. Profuse flowers are mauve and one centimetre across. Blooms begin to appear in spring and are carried into summer and this variety has a longer flowering period. Pruning is appreciated and this will keep plants from becoming straggly. Can be propagated from cuttings. Prostathera nivea var. induta is restricted to the Warrumbungle Ranges and Pilliga region of New South Wales. Blue Trellis garden
Prostanthera ovalifolia oval-leaf mintbush or purple mintbush, Flowers are mauve or a deep purple blue, occurring between August and November. Its native distribution is in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Rainforest garden near path, Blue
Prostanthera sieberi “Minty” Small upright compact shrub. Full Sun to Part Shade Tubular violet profuse spring early summer with mint fragrance. Rainforest garden near path
Pultenaea myrtoides (Swamp Pea, Egg and Bacon Plant) Compact shrub grows 1 to 1.5m with colourful, showy yellow and red dense flower heads from winter to spring with. Bacon and Egg, as it is sometimes known, is popular with both native and European bees and is also known to attract birds and butterflies, in particular the Chequered Swallowtail butterfly. While Pultaneae myrtoides occurs naturally on the Sunshine Coast in sandy Wallum Woodlands, it is adaptable and will grow in full sun or shade, in well drained to swampy moist sandy soils. It is named after Richard Pulteney (1730-1801) English botanist-surgeon. Persimmon Walk
Randia fitzalani,(native gardenia, yellow mangosteen) Very slow to establish in our cool hill-top garden and probably with too much shade. Coastal north Queensland 1A.1885 Rain forest Garden west of the two old Persimmons
Stenocarpus augustifolia “Doreen” This species, from the Townsville region, forms a shrub or small tree. with fern like foliage and clusters of cream flowers Near Wishing well
In reference 4, Shelton & McMahon 1892 refer to Eugenia smithii, syn.Acmena smithii syn. Syzygium or ‘lilly pilly’, 1A.1885 (E.grandis, E.myrtifolia or scrub Cherry, E.smithii, E.ventenatii), 13.1900/1
Syzygium (“Lilly-pillys) There are areas in our own garden where unidentified foundling Syzygium spp have grown to large size. These are decribed elsewhere in our section on trees. Acmena smithii was introduced to Britain in 1790 by Sir Joseph Banks. Our confusion over a number of unnamed “Lily Pillys” along the garden borders and in the rain forest garden is compounded by the use of synonyms e.g Acmena syn. Eugenia syn. Syzygium syn Angophera in some references. 15.Camden Northern Borders, North End of Driveway, Blue trellis garden
Syzygium leuhmanii var. “weeping Gem” lovely small dissected leaves, weeping habit. Requires pruning to maintain habit and shrub size. Eastern Australia Blue trellis garden
Syzygium leuhmanii var. “Pink Cascade” Quite a spectacular form, foliage and beautiful pink flowers. Needs to be pruned to retain shrub size. Garden hybrid Northern Borders-plough Inn, South East corner-Stone circle
Syzygium australe var. “Resilience” A hedging variety apparently hybridized to be resistant to foliage damage by psyllids. White flowers followed by red edible fruit. Ours seem to be psyllid damaged in any case. Australia garden hybrid Criss-Cross garden
Waterhousia floribunda “weeping lillypilly” A beautiful large tree which needs a lot of restraint if intended for hedging or the garden. White flowers followed by greenish fruit 4.1892 (Eugenia ventenatii) Northern borders
Westringia fruticosa syn. W.rosmariniformis,(Coastal rosemary) A common landscaping plant with many commercial varieties. Accepts pruning to form a low hedge. Coastal Eastern Australia 1.1875 (W.rosmarinifolius), 7.1897 Stone Circle garden lost in wet weather
Westringea fruiticosa “ Wynyabbie Gem” North west Corner garden
Viola hederacea (native violet). Carpeting groundcover in shaded positions carrying mauve and white flowers throughout the year. Eastern Australia and Malaysia 1A.1885, 13.1900/1 Stone circle Garden, Central Shrub garden
Vitex trifolia variegata Deciduous bush or small tree with three leaflets, variagated margin and blue to purple flowers. South Eastern Australia Central Shrub garden 1A.1885