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Everyone knows that vegetables are good for you. To gain full nutritional benefits from vegetables it is important that they are eaten when they are as fresh as possible. Vitamin content is highest in raw vegetables or those that are cooked so as to preserve their...
According to legend, a gallant Spanish knight returning from the Crusades in the 11th Century, brought a gift of great value for his beloved. But to her dismay, instead of receiving a costly treasure, she was given an orange. After overcoming her shock, the lady ate...
Wattles, also called acacias, are wonderful native plants. More than 850 species of wattle grow in Australia, ranging from ground covers and charming shrubs to giant trees that provide fine timber and screening. With this number of species and many cultivars there...
Flies are often thought of as insects that are a nuisance and carry diseases. Some flies also play an important role in the pollination of certain plants. Densey Clyne looked at the confidence tricks which some plants play on unsuspecting flies. Carrion flower...
With its large white flowers during autumn and early winter, gordonia is a tree that stands out. Gordonias will grow almost anywhere in Australia except in frost areas in mountainous zones. Common name: Gordonia or fried egg plant. Botanic name:Gordonia axillaris ....
The Sturt’s Desert pea is a well-known Australian native flower that is the state floral emblem for South Australia. Although much admired these plants are notoriously hard to grow outside their natural desert environment as they are prone to fungal diseases and...
The rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum) is the most dangerous plant in Australia. It is classified as a noxious weed in New South Wales and South Australia and those growing the plant in these states can be fined up to $2000. If you live in other states and have a...
Deciduous magnolias produce their spectacular winter and early spring blooms on naked branches. Although expensive plants to buy they are longlived, slow growing trees which bring a stunning display to your garden each year. Colours range from port wine through...
Bamboos are wonderful plants and there are over a thousand different species and dozens of garden varieties. In eastern Asia they are used for almost everything from building homes, to making furniture and their shoots are even used in cooking. There are two distinct...
Swainsonas are amongst some of the most interesting of the pea flowered plants that are native to Australia. Peter Valder looks at a rare species from central Queensland. Plant details Common name: Swainsona Botanic name: Swainsona sejuncta Climate: Swainsonas will...