blandfordiaseptember 2017 draft i€¦ · thanks to pam and jim lawler who are also busy with their...
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BlandfordiaNorth Shore Group(ACN 002 680 408)
Image J Williamson
September 2017
has happened! Once again we had a perfect day weather wise (at least until 5pm when the people returning the unsoldplants to the shadehouse got drenched in a heavy downpour). The attendance numbers seemed less than in 2016 butthe tone of the day was still a very happy and most enjoyable one. We certainly achieved the goal of promoting nativeplants. For those of you who have never been to the Festival it is a very positive family friendly event- my 3 year oldgranddaughter had a ball. I can recommend it! Mark the last Sunday in August 2018 in your diary now: 26th August 2018.
Many thanks to everyone who helped in any capacity.
Special thanks to Margaret Hamilton and Sue Bowen and the propagation team, Rae and Noel Rosten for their hard workpropagating the orchids and to Jutta Petherick for her creative dried flower arrangements and to Jutta, Jeannie Davidson,Herta Watts and Simone Disney for the fresh flower arrangements. The propagation team and Noel work all year to havesuch a wonderful collection of plants ready for sale for the Festival. Thanks to Pam and Jim Lawler who are also busy withtheir photography and card making skills throughout the year. Thanks to all the other people who assisted in so manyways: selling plants, boxing plants, taking the money (Helen Ray does an outstanding job year round too), leading walks( Wendy Grimm & Bob Failes) and installing the lighting and general roustabout, Barry Lees. A special thanks to ournewer members who helped: Stephen Brown, Judy Jeffery, Maxime Jollye, Jeannie & Simone. We hope that you enjoyedyourselves. Finally, thanks to Les Currie and all the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden and Ku-ring-gai Council staff whoassisted us so willingly. Jan Williamson (APS NSG Coordinator for Festival)
Helen Ray & Bruce Dowling (left image) and Margaret Hamilton& Ruth Hyde (right image) Images by Jan Williamson (More images on page 4)
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Snails and slugs and inbetweeners- Malacological research atAustralian Museum Frank KoehlerMalacology= Malacology is the branch of invertebrate zoology that deals with the study ofthe Mollusca, the second-largest phylum of animals in terms of described species after thearthropods. Molluscs include snails and slugs, clams, octopus and squid, and numerousother kinds, most of which have shells. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malacology
Frank started his talk by addressing the 3 most commonly asked questions:▪ Why snails?▪ Where do they come from?● How do I kill them?
Most of the snails and slugs in our gardens are introduced species; butoccasionally a native species may also be found. The common garden snail isCornu aspersum. Native species rarely feed on plants- they eat fungi, algae and other soil organisms.
Frank has been studying Australian land snails for the past 9 years. Frank’s interests extend to the biggerpicture: what can we learn from snails and slugs about the Australian fauna in general and how does thatreflect on us and our environment? If native snails and /or slugs are present, it is a good indicator that theenvironment is in good condition. Slugs are snails which have lost their shell. Semi slugs are animals that have areduced shell; one could say that they are in the transition phase of losing their shell. Frank commented that
“semisnail” would therefore be a more accurate description of the process.
There are approximately 50,000 members of the Class Gastropoda, with about 50% of these being aquaticanimals. To date about 2000 species of Australian land snails have been identified. Forty to fifty families arerepresented with about 50% of species in the family Camaenidae. Snails and slugs are often endemic to verysmall geographical areas e.g. as little as 20km x 20km in the extreme.
Between 2008- 2010 Frank was involved in surveys of the biota on 22, previously unsurveyed, islands in theKimberley region. Many new species were identified. Other surveys in which Frank participated included a2012 survey in East Timor and a 2016 survey on Lord Howe island. Again, many new species were identified ineach location.
Camaenidae family members are highly variable and rich in diversity with the animals colonising highly specificecological niches: ground, trees, burrows, rocky outcrops etc.
Theories of the origin of native snails and slugs have varied, but from recent work which has been able to agespecimens more accurately. Some Australian snails originated on Gondwana before it decayed into thecontinents that we know today, such as Australia, Antarctica, Africa and South America. Other species arrivedin Australia from Southeast Asia during the Miocene (about 15 Million years ago) well after the break-up ofGondwana. In some groups, the Australian species are older than the Indonesian ones. This informationsuggests that in this case the Indonesian archipelago has been colonised by snails originating from Australia.
DNA data, molecular phylogenetics and morphology are now used to study specimens: living, preserved andfossil specimens are used. Since 2010 the number of Australian land snails which have been identified hasincreased from 471 to 741 in just one family, the Camaenidae. The greatest diversity and numbers ofspecimens are found along the eastern coast of Australia, where climatic conditions are more favourable fortheir survival.
In the past morphological characteristics of shells were thought to be an accurate identification method, butnewer techniques have proven that this is not always the case. Similar habitats and lifestyles can result in thesame characteristics of the shells e.g. living in rock crevices favours flattened shells. Therefore, a similar shellmay just indicate a similar life style, but not close relationship of two species. Land snails are hermaphroditesand identifying the diverse genital anatomy is another useful tool for classification. Just as humans are highlypleiomorphic so are land snails, so individuals of the same species may have slightly different appearances, forinstance in their coloration or shell shape. A thickened, slightly rolled, lip of the shell indicates that the snail ismature and shell growth has stopped. Continued on page 3
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The land snails that live in the Arid Zones contend with extreme heat and drought. To survive they burrowdeep into the ground and only emerge after rain. Others live in a dormant state sealed firmly to rocks until itrains.
The main threats to these creatures are the common ones for so many species:● LOSS of HABITAT (Once it is gone, recolonization is highly unlikely due to their specific requirements andlack of ability to move and exist in other areas.)● Land management practices. Grass fire cycles in northern Australia are now hotter and more frequent, plusrevegetation after the fire is often by introduced, and often, invasive grass species.● Introduced species: Other snails, rats, introduced ants (fire ants)
Frank suggested that people might be interested in looking up images of leopard slugs mating. I followed thissuggestion and, as usual, David Attenborough and the BBC produced footage of interest and beauty.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG9qpZ89qzc
Thank you, Frank, for a most interesting talk. I’m sure that we will all regard snails and slugs with more interestand awe in the future, perhaps even the pesky ones. Written by, and image by, Jan Williamson
IMPORTANT APS NSW Information
Members should have received an email on 11th August 2017 from Australian Plants Society <[email protected]>with the subject heading Important login info
Once the email is opened a document titled ACCESSING THE NEW WEBSITE appears
Follow the instructions and the links as outlined.
If any questions, please contact:
• Merle Thompson, Membership Officer, [email protected] or
● Heather Miles, Hon Secretary, [email protected] 0408 696 356 or
● APS NSG Membership Officer. Narelle Barden [email protected]
New website address is http://austplants.com.au/
Propagation opportunities abound.As well as assisting at the APS NSG propagation area at KWG on alternate Wednesdays, we have recently received thisrequest for assistance at Lane Cove NP native nursery.Maybe you or someone you know would be interested in either / both of these opportunities.
From Daniel Sloane: I have recently been working with Matt Springall, Senior Field Officer (volunteer activities), at LaneCove National Park. Matt is currently seeking volunteers interested in assisting at the Lane Cove NP native nursery.Opportunities include learning how to propagate and care for native plants, collect seed, and nursery operations. I havebeen to the nursery myself and have seen a wonderful operation with room to grow. Matt's goal is to expand the nurseryoperations to produce all the plants required for restoration activities (including bushcare groups, National Tree Day, etc.).We are seeking volunteers to assist with perhaps ongoing nursery management. If anyone might have a couple of hours perweek, this would be exceedingly valuable.
Kind regards, Daniel Sloane PhD Candidate Environmental Sciences Macquarie University
Contact APS NSG Margaret Hamilton on 9488 5234 or Matthew Springall [email protected]
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ANPSA 2018 Conference HOBART Grass Roots to Mountain Tops Monday 15th to Friday 19th January 2018http://www.apstas.org.au/conference.htmlHighlights are Pre and post Conference tours on King Island, BrunyIsland, alpine and rainforest areas of the Tasmanian mainland and Hobart & Environs including National Parks and World Heritageareas.An excellent program of speakers, A J Swaby Address, Conference dinner,Reception at Government House, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens 200th year, excursions to local plant communities and member’sgardens, Study Group focus and of course, socialising with old and new friends.
Key Dates: 20 August closes for King Island Tour; 30 September early-bird registration closes; 15 December standard registrationcloses. REGISTRATION is open. Follow the links on the ANPSA websiteHome page http://anpsa.org.au to the Biennial Conference website.
Noel Rosten, Bill Jones & Rae Rosten (left image) and Jim and Pam Lawler (right image) Jan W
Floral arrangements Images by Herta Watts
Plant sales Image by Ron Watts
Lyn Kirby, our librarian, has beenbusy sourcing 14 newpublications for the APS NSGlibrary.More details will be in latereditions of Blandfordia. Byattending the general meetingsyou can have a look at theexcellent selection of bookswhich are available for membersto borrow.
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Notices and RemindersAPS NSW EVENTS
APS NSW Quarterly Meeting SATURDAY 18th November 10am to 3pm will be hosted at KWG by APS NSG.
FJC Rogers Seminar: 20th and 21st October 2018, The Wimmera Growers of Australian Plants are combining with APS GrampiansGroup to hold the 12th Seminar on “Goodeniaceae”. If you are interested contact Royce Raleigh [email protected]
Illawarra Grevillea Park Open Days Sept 2ⁿd & 3rd and 9 & 10th $5 entry feewww.grevilleapark.org John Elton 0424 830 925 [email protected]
BRIAN ROACH Plant Sale & Open Garden SATURDAY/SUNDAY 16th & 17th September 9.30am to 3.30pm47 Eucalyptus Dr., Westleigh 2120 Free entry 0418115630 – [email protected] Dwarf Christmas Bush https://www.johannaschristmas.com.au/
Australian Plant Society Newcastle Group Huge Spring Plant Sale Saturday 9th September 10am to 3pmHunter Wetlands Centre Education Car Park
*********GROUP ACTIVITIES*********The Group Activity is held on the weekend immediately after the general meeting. It may be either Saturday or Sunday.
SUNDAY 10th September Arrive at Noel and Rae Rosten's home, 69a Berowra Waters Road, Berowra at 10.30 am.NB. Park in Arcadia Crescent on the left as there is no parking in front of the house.Wander around the garden then have an early lunch on the pool deck. Bring your own lunch. We will supply tea andcoffee. Leave about 12-30 pm to drive to Jonathan Steeds’ Wholesale Nursery Sustainable Natives972 Wisemans Ferry Road, Somersby. http://sustainablenatives.com.au/We will supply maps to get to Jonathan's place as it is a bit confusing.If there is any interest afterwards, we could visit Strickland State Forest and possibly see Grevillea oldeiIn case of wet weather Contact numbers 9456 2111 Mobile: 0425 214 093.***************************************************************************************************Group Trip away to Nelson Bay (2 hours north of Hornsby) Tuesday 19th to Thursday 21st September.The Port Stephens region is an area that has great natural beauty with clear blue water and attractive surrounding bushreserves. Sue has prepared an interesting and comprehensive programme.Please contact Sue Fredrickson on 0401 362 921 or [email protected] if interested and she will send you moreinformation and accommodation suggestions. The immediate issue is for you to lock in the accommodation.
BOONGALA NATIVE GARDENS & RAINFOREST OPEN DAYS Adults $2.00, Children FreeRainforest tour - Adults $3.00, Children Free Entry fees to Royal Flying Doctor ServiceOpen: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10am to 4pm from the 1st to the 25th of September, 2017 Groups byappointment - 9654 9072 76 Pitt Town Rd, Kenthurst www.boongalagardens.com
VAN KLAPHAKE Workshop 21st & 22ⁿd October.A workshop on Rainforest & Wet Sclerophyll Trees and Shrubs will be run by Van Klaphake on Sat 21st October at KWGand Sunday 22ⁿd October at Thornleigh. Cost is $135 per person. Payment is required ASAP.Cost includes morning tea (Sat), manual, plant specimens and field excursion. Please bring your own lunch and any otherrefreshments required.Payment: Online to BSB: 062 308 - Account Number: 28048470Account name: Australian Plants Society North Shore Group Reference: Your first name and surnameor cheque made out to Australian Plants Society North Shore Group, posted toBarry Lees at 28 Mansfield Road, Galston 2159, with a note giving your name.For further enquiries, phone Barry Lees on 9653 3691 or email [email protected]
Aussie Backyard Bird Count talk Monday 16th October 6.30-8.00 pm Location: GordonThe Aussie Backyard Bird Count is on again...Join Birdlife Australia presenter Judy Christie to find out how to get involved and get tips onidentification and possible habitats for the bird species you might see locally.Bookings online http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/Things_to_do/Events_activities/Whats_on/Aussie_backyard_bird_count or call 9424 0893
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Plant Propagation at KWG onWednesdays from 1pm to 4pm on13th & 27th September 2017Contact:Margaret Hamilton on 9488 5234.
Ku-ring-gai Council Bushcare atKWG on Wednesdays (fortnightly)at 8.50 am 6th & 20th SeptemberContact: Sue Bowen on 0478 957 951
Members and friends are alwayswelcome at these activities.
Monday Walks and Talks at theKu-ring-gai Wildflower GardenSt Ives.Meet at 9.45am for a 10.00am talk,then a walk finishing around12:30pm. Cost $2 for APS NSGmembers and $5 for non members.Contact: Wendy 9144 5600September Programme 4th Orchids11th Other Families18th Longer Walk western Mueller Track(bring lunch & water) return about 3pm
October Programme9th Waratahs and other Proteaceae16th Callistemon, Kunzea andMelaleuca23rd Longer Walk east Mueller Track(bring lunch & water) return about3pm30th Bird Walk (9:00 am start)
Newsletter submissions: Deadline for submissions is the third Friday of the month. For the October 2017 edition this will be 15th September 2017.
BlandfordiaThe Newsletter of the Australian Plants Society North Shore Group PO Box 141 ROSEVILLE NSW 2069
Committee Contacts
President: Barry Lees 9653 3691Secretary: Sue Bowen 0478 957 951
Address for general correspondence:Australian Plants Society, North Shore Group, PO Box 141 ROSEVILLE 2069
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.blandfordia.org.auMembership Applications and Renewals with payments (including a cheque, ifapplicable) should be mailed direct toPO Box 141 ROSEVILLE NSW 2069Membership Applications & Renewals can also be completed by downloadingthe form from our website & recording your details online & emailing [email protected] orby post to PO Box 141, ROSEVILLE 2069.For your convenience, an EFT payment option is now available.
Newsletter Editor: Jan Williamson9875 2262 [email protected]
Committee Notes August 2017 The committee discussed thefollowing● Wildflower Festival● Inclusion of APS NSG information
on new APS NSW website● Membership & donation
arrangements● APSNSG Quarterly gathering in
November to be coordinated byAPS NSG
● Complementary membership vsdistribution of Blandfordia to life& supportive individuals
● Change of October speaker
Next Meeting of our North Shore Group
Friday 8th September 2017 (7.30 pm for 8 pm)Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, Hornsby
Topic: Show-and-tell plantsfrom your gardenCoordinator: Barry Lees
Spring is a magic time for gardeners,with the scents of flowers and the humof bees in the air! It is a good time toshare your passion with othergardeners.
Please bring to the meeting a cuttingfrom your favourite plant, and tell uswhy you like it. If your favourite plantis not in flower, bring a cutting alonganyway and tell us about it.Attach a label with your name and the plant name so that others can askyou more about it later. A photo of the plant may also be of interest.
If you don’t know the details bring your plant along anyway and someonewill be able to identify it for you.
We will go home with lots of new ideas on what we might plant in our owngardens.
October meeting 13th October. David Bolton from HSC will speak onUrban impacts on bushland.
The previously advertised speaker has moved from Sydney and is no longer availableto attend the meeting.