Label Name: Calandrinia balonensis ‘Mystique’
ACRA 1340 (registered Nov 2010)
Family: Portulaceae
Origin: Arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. Applicant: The University of Queensland (Dr Dion Harrison) The Centre for Native Floriculture, plant breeding and selection programme.
Characteristics: A compact, small herbaceous shrub, 150mm(H) x 400mm (W), The flowers are vibrant pink-purple (mauve) and are 40mm in diameter.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Zoe Knapp
Managing plant pests and weeds is an important component of curating any botanic garden. Like many botanic gardens, the Australian National Botanic Gardens applies an Integrated Pest Management approach to minimise herbicide and pesticide use on site.
In recent years, increased rainfall and milder climate conditions, combined with pandemic restrictions and reduced on-site staffing, have increased our need for creative solutions to pest and weed management.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Patrick Regnault
When we think about revegetation it is common to think solely about the plantings. We need to take into account the bigger picture which includes the soil and its microbial composition.
Revegetation is usually interpreted as the process of reintroducing suitable plants in an area where the previous ecosystem has been too damaged to naturally regenerate.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Clive Larkman
There are multiple genera of plants that have real naming issues that confuse the general public and irritate those working in industry or academia. A big one is the misnomers with Geranium and Pelargonium. Both of these are legitimate Latin genus names and both are used as common names.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Paul Carmen ACRA register
Label Name: Citrus australasica ‘Alstonville’
Family: Rutaceae
ACRA Registration: 1125
Origin: The cultivar originated at Alstonville on the far north coast of NSW and was selected in 1989. Application received on 16 May 2005, applicant: Judy Viola.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Matt Coulter
As the state’s floral emblem, Swainsona formosa,the Sturt’s Desert Pea is an important species for the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia to showcase in our collections.
Swainsona formosa, the Sturt’s Desert Pea, was one of the first plants of Australia to be collected by European explorers.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Fitzsimmons
It’s always a good idea to build good relationships with your suppliers, especially when considering trees and structural shrubs in landscape designs because you could find your supplier offering a broader range of options than you were aware of.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Clive Larkman
Last month I raised the subject of growing plants for our pets as the pet food industry is worth in excess of $2 billion per annum and there is no reason the nursery industry cannot be part of that.… Continue reading
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The 400 fruiter “Skybury 35” - New Skybury Papaya that is sweeter and more flavoursome. This line may yield ≥ 400 fruits in the crop cycle
By Dr Josekutty
Red papaya is a delicious fruit, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, with low calories and low-medium glycaemic index, making it an excellent Super Food.
Papaya (Carica papaya) is a little-known Super Food. Australian Papaya: 2020 Nutrition Review has detailed the great nutritional potential of papaya.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Stuart Elder
In my first days as Curator at Rockhampton Botanic Garden last September, I was struck with a very welcoming and familiar sight dressed in bright pink shirts, the Friends of the Botanic Gardens!
Having worked for many years in various roles for The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, I was very familiar with the various programs that were run under the Foundation and Friends Inc.… Continue reading
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