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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...
Really good gardeners have one thing in common. They all love having that one plant that you can’t have. The Pride of China (Koelreuteria bipinnata) is a classic example of it and certainly a tree to be proud of. This deciduous tree from China and Taiwan is...
Sydney International Airport is one of the most difficult areas in Australia for plants to grow because the plants have to survive the aviation gas and fuel emissions, pollution from the nearby cars and salt air from Botany Bay. There is much to learn from the area,...
There are a number of Australian native orchids which are flowering in the later months of winter and early spring. In the bushland surrounding his home Don Burke came across some Trim Greenhood orchids (Pterostylis concinna) which are tiny green orchids that can go...