While 80-90% of plants form mycorrhizas, the proportion of mycorrhizal plants in a particular habitat may be markedly different from the percentage range just given. Depending on the plant composition of an area the proportion of mycorrhizal plants may be virtually 100% or less than 50%. Given what was just said about the Proteaceae, just think of an area of Australian bushland dominated by Grevillea and Hakea with just a few eucalypts and a scattering of other plants.

So, whenever you’re looking at a gum tree, a tea-tree, a she-oak or a wattle, think about the fungal partners in the soil.

Article cited information from: www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/mycorrhiza.html and aciar.gov.au/files/mn156-prelims_1.pdf

Mycorrhiza - a relationship between fungi and plantsAn important type of mutualistic relationship is the mycorrhizal association between fungi and plants. The word mycorrhiza is derived from the Classical Greek words for ‘mushroom’ and ‘root’. In a mycorrhizal association the fungal hyphae of an underground mycelium are in contact with plant roots, but without the fungus parasitizing the plant. In fact the association is commonly (but by no means always) mutually benefi cial. Through photosynthesis a chlorophyll-containing plant makes simple carbohydrates (using carbon dioxide, water and sunlight). About 90% of plant species form mycorrhizas and in many of these associations between 10% and 30% of the food produced by the plant moves through to the fungi. The associated fungal mycelia (the vegetative part of a fungus) are adept at extracting minerals, especially nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil and these pass through to the plants. Mycorrhizal fungi can also protect plants against pathogenic fungi and micro-organisms. All in all, mycorrhizal fungi are very important for plant health.

You will fi nd mycorrhizal associations from well-watered forests to the arid areas. The eucalypts are mycorrhizal, as are other genera in the same family (the Myrtaceae) – for example, Kunzea, Leptospermum and Melaleuca . The roots of Melaleuca quinquenervia trees growing on stream banks, or in fresh or brackish waters in swamps and seepage areas, were found to possess mycorrhizas. Outside the Myrtaceae the genera Acacia, Casuarina and Nothofagusare further examples of common mycorrhizal genera.

Though a great many Australian plants form mycorrhizas, there are some noteworthy exceptions. For example, many genera in the Proteaceae (which includes the widespread genera Banksia, Grevillea and Hakea) do not form mycorrhizas. Even in artifi cial conditions, when attempts are made to force mycorrhizas these genera seem to actively resist mycorrhizal formation.

is

fungi and micro-organisms. All in all, mycorrhizal fungi are very

SPR

ING

201

4

Melaleuca quinquenervia can

form mycorrhizas

Photo: Doug Beckers Source: www.flickr.com/photos/37103729@N02/7846750540

RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL PAGE 3PAGE 2

with Maxon the go

Hi everyone! Its full steam ahead now that Spring is upon us! We’ve been busy with the UNSW and UTS volunteer expos, the Spring Wildflower Walk and planning for Bushcare’s Major Day out.

We also started our new Bushcare group at Prince Henry, Little Bay. The site is bordered by Anzac Parade, Gubbuteh Road, Jenner Street and Millard Lane. It’s a unique site as it contains the threatened ecological community – Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS). Main weeds that threaten the site are Lantana

and Bitou bush - thankfully we have an enthusiastic group of volunteers who are keen to preserve this patch of bushland.

In October and November you’ll catch a glimpse of the new Bushcare outdoor banner. The banner is a great way to promote the wonderful work you are all doing as well as generating new enquiries!

MaxRandwick City Council Bushcare Officer

PAGE 2 PAGE 3

JOBS IN THE GARDEN• Trim Banksias, Callistemon and other

natives that have fi nished fl owering to keep compact and improve shape.

• Watch out for pests such as scale, aphids and mealy bug that become more active as the weather warms.

• Feed native plants with a controlled-release native fertiliser as plants start to put on growth.

PUNK CITRUSNew in the nursery is the spiky but delicious Finger Lime (Microcitrus australasica),a rainforest tree from northern NSW and southern Queensland.The cells of the fi nger-like fruit pop in the mouth, releasing the tangy juice.The Finger Lime can grow to 6m. It tolerates semi-shade and a range of soils but prefers a high level of organic matter. Water regularly and fertilise regularly but lightly. Great in a pot.

from the Nursery

Birds such as this Superb Fairy Wren seek out grasses.

Lizards like a place to sunbake.

NEWSThe nursery recently hosted a special plant giveaway as part of the council’s National Tree Day celebrations.

The council’s Tree Management Co-ordinator, Bryan Bourke, said that more than 100 people turned up on what was a perfect day to receive their giveaway pack of native tubestock, gloves and a trowel.

‘It was fantastic to see so many families with young children attending and seeing the kids get involved in the whole process of plant selection,’ Bryan said.

The event also introduced some residents to the nursery for the fi rst time and gave existing customers a chance to see the nursery’s newly upgraded potting shed.

Growing a wildlife gardenOne of the great joys of gardening is seeing the enjoyment others get from your garden – not just other people but all sorts of other creatures.

With a bit of thought you can attract butterfl ies and other insects, birds and even small mammals, providing a valuable refuge for local wildlife.

Birdsong isn’t the only benefi t of having a thriving wildlife garden; birds and other animals will keep damaging insect pests under control.

Like people, animals need the basics: food and shelter.

To make a start, think about out what native animals you would like to attract and then learn what you can about their requirements. Wrens, for example, seek out grasses such as Poa for food and nesting material. Butterfl ies like brightly coloured, shallow-throated fl owers.

Try to grow a range of plants, including groundcovers, grasses, shrubs and several taller trees for nesting sites and lookouts. Choose plants that produce fl owers, fruit and seed at different times of the year, especially in winter, when food is scarce. Grow local plants to attract local wildlife

Large birds can be aggressive and chase smaller birds away. They prefer wide open spaces so minimise large areas of grass, mulch and paving. Smaller birds look for dense and/or prickly shrubs like hakeas and spiky grevilleas that provide shelter and a refuge from predators.

Blue-tongues and other reptiles like a sunny spot where they can sunbake, with dense vegetation or a pile of wood, bricks or rocks nearby where they can hide.

While it can be tempting to change your garden overnight, you might risk loosing the wildlife you already have. So before you prune a shrub or tidy a pile of leaves, think about whose home it might be.

Minimise chemical use and keep cats and other pets indoors at night.

References: Snape, Diana,The Australian Garden: Designing with Australian Plants, Bloomings Books Pty Ltd, Melbourne, 2003; Stewart, Angus, Creating an Australian Garden, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest NSW, 2010.

Useful reading includes Birdscaping Your Garden by George Adams, the website www.floraforfauna.com.au and the ‘Backyard Buddy’ pamphlets, which are available at the nursery.

Welcome to From the Nursery, a new page of news, tips and information from Randwick Community Nursery.

Giveaway: National Tree Day

at the nursery.

Bushcare’s Major Day OutBushcare’s Major Day Out is a day specifi cally designed to give of us the opportunity to fi nd out what is being done and what can be done in our own neighbourhood. It’s a fun day where anyone, young and old can work alongside and learn from experts and experienced volunteers. This year it’s being held at Bumborah Point.

Just as Clean Up Australia Day has made us a litter conscious nation, Bushcare’s Major Day Out aims to make us conscious of the need to protect our bush while learning about the role we can all play in its continued care.

When: Sunday 21 September 10am – 1pmWhere: Bumborah Point, enter via Bicentennial Park, Yarra Bay

La Perouse Aboriginal marketsThe La Perouse Aboriginal markets are held on Bare Island, La Perouse on the fi rst Sunday of the month. This market features authentic Aboriginal products and along with mini-workshops and entertainment - making it one of the most interactive days you can have in Sydney in terms of talking and learning from Aboriginal people.

Enjoy didgeridoo and smoking ceremonies, along with an acoustic sound stage and beautiful bush tucker foods. The La Perouse Aboriginal market day is a mini-festival for all the family, showcasing Aboriginal culture through entertainment, art and crafts.

When: Sunday 7 September 2014, 9.30am to 4.30pm Sunday 5 October 2014, 9.30am to 4.30pm Sunday 2 November 2014, 9.30am to 4.30pmWhere: Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Bare Island, La Perouse.

Eco-living fairThe Randwick City Council Eco-living Fair is a free annual event that provides the perfect opportunity for the community to come together to learn about the benefi ts of living a sustainable lifestyle.

Held in the unique setting of the Randwick Community Centre, surrounded by the Randwick Environment Park, the Eco-living Fair has something for the whole family to enjoy with advice and information on offer from local community groups and green industry experts, delicious healthy food, free entertainment and kids activities and a variety of market stalls selling quality wares.

Many local partner organisations attend to provide information and conduct formal and informal talks and workshops based on the environmental issues that affect our community in their homes, at school and in the workplace.

When: Sunday 14 September 2014, 10am - 3.30pmWhere: Randwick Community Centre located at 27 Munda Street, Randwick.

what's on

Eco-living fair

Randwick.

La Perouse Aboriginal Markets

Eco-Living Fair

RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL PAGE 5PAGE 4

NATIONAL TREE DAYMalabar Public

Friday 25 July 2014 Malabar Public school was involved in National tree day.

A lot of preparation was involved to get the site ready for the day. Weeds such as Ehrharta, Phoenix palm and Ochna were removed, old tyres stabilising the slope were replaced with eco-logs and the area was also heavily mulched.

There were approx. 65 students from years 5 and 6.who participated on the day planting over 30 plants donated by council. Well done Malabar public!

ATTACKING TURKEY RHUBARB AT BUNDOCK PARK BUSHCARE!In August Bundock Park Bushcare welcomed some new volunteers – 4 UNSW students and a local resident. Armed with their trowels they removed some very large Turkey rhubarb tubers! The day was very successful as the group also removed a large amount of Madeira vine from the site. Thanks for your hard work people!

UTS AND UNSW EXPOAt the end of July Randwick was asked to set up a Bushcare stall at the UTS and UNSW volunteer expos. It was the fi rst time that we attend the UTS event and the second time for UNSW. Both events were very successful with a total of 110 students signing up to the Bushcare email list. Last year we had over 10 students attend working bees as a result of the expo– this year we hope to make it double!

Tawny FrogmouthBy Lyn Cobb Bushcare Volunteer, Coogee

On Sunday 27 July this lovely bird thought he was hiding from several onlookers by being very well camoufl aged and very quiet. However little did s/he know that many cameras were not far away snapping lots of photos!

This was one of the birds spotted by an early morning bird watching group in Centennial Park. I heard about this group via the Randwick Bushcare volunteers. Despite the chilly early morning start, this was a great outing with a range of other early morning well feathered friends in the trees, the ponds and on the ground.

Photo courtesy Lyn Cobb

Australian Natives, to prune or not to prunePruning is one of the most important jobs you can do in your garden. Pruning helps control pests and diseases, allows plants to be shaped and also encourages healthy, vigorous new growth.

When it comes to pruning Australian native plants, we sometimes think they’re a bit sensitive because they don’t have a long history of human intervention that many exotic plants do. But the reality is, in the wild, native plants are pruned constantly by animals and weather. By pruning them properly in the garden, they will respond really well.

TIP PRUNING

This is the easiest and it stimulates new growth. Tip pruning is simply taking the tip out of the new growth. Species of Thryptomene, Grevillea, Correa, Eriostemon and Westringia all respond very well to tip pruning and will become much bushier. By nipping the tops of the shoots off with secateurs or fingers, the plant’s energy goes into producing side shoots.

Most Australian native plants flower from winter into early spring and are dormant over summer. By tip pruning just after they’ve finished flowering the plants will maximise their growth and become dense and bushy just before the summer heat hits them.

Sometimes it’s important to tip prune a plant when it becomes top-heavy or it can fall over and break. If you notice one of your plants becoming top-heavy Jane recommends nipping off ten to twenty centimetres of tip growth.

One Australian native plant that confuses many people about its pruning time is the Native Hibiscus, Alyogyne huegelii. It’s a marvellous plant that comes from central Australia. It performs very well in cool temperate parts but it flowers and flowers and it can be difficult to know when to prune it. Jane says to “wait until late spring or early summer - that’s the crucial time because then you’re going to get rid of all the sappy growth that happened in spring, which are susceptible to wind damage anyway. Prune off about two thirds over the entire plant.”

When pruning a hedge or any other plant that you want to keep at a consistent sort of size, it’s important to do it regularly. Every season prune twice, or even three times, because the growth will be vigorous. The more you prune the more

Westringia fruticosa responds

well to tip pruning

compact and dense it will get. Every two or three years look inside the bush and prune out one or two of the thicker stems and new growth will emerge from down in the middle of the plant.

Native grasses have become an important component of our garden landscapes and they can also be pruned. When they turn a bit brown simply give them a really good haircut, right down at the base and in spring they’ll come up looking lush and beautiful.

Another way that pruning can benefit the wellbeing of plants is to actually cut any pests and diseases out. For example, large numbers of larvae of the Webbing Caterpillar create a large cocoon within the branches of plants such as Leptospermum (Tea Tree) or Melaleuca and can decimate the leaves. The best way to rid the plant of them is to prune them out.

Jane says, “Pruning is one of the simplest ways to ensure that your garden is healthy and well maintained, and native plants, like any other plant, will respond really well to a good prune. So don’t be intimidated. Grab your secateurs and go out and have a bit of fun.”

(courtesy Gardening Australia, ABC Saturday 6.30pm)

RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL PAGE 7PAGE 6 PAGE 6

bushcare

bushcare

GROUP LOCATION WORKING BEE TIME SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Bundock Park Car park on Donnellan Circuit, Clovelly

9am – 1pm 13 11 8

Fred Hollows Reserve

Alison Rd entrance (July), Bligh Pl entrance (June & August), Randwick

9am – 1pm 10 8 12

Gordon’s Bay Meet at the main gate of The UNSW Cliffbrook Campus Grounds, 45 Beach St, Coogee

9am – 1pm 14 12 9

Grant Reserve BBQ area across from Wylies Baths, Neptune Street, Coogee

9.30am – 11.30pm 9 & 23 14 & 28 11 & 25

Ladies’ Pool McIvers Rock Baths, Grant Reserve, Coogee

9 – 11am Sundays & 10am – 12pm Thursdays

7 & 25 5 & 23 2 & 27

Lake Malabar End of Manwaring Avenue, Maroubra 12pm – 3pm 17 22 19

Long Bay Foreshore

Corner of Howe Street and Bay Parade, Malabar

9am – 1pm 6 4 1

Maroubra Dunes South Maroubra SLSC car park 9am – 1pm 4 2 6

Randwick Environment Park

Corner of Dooligah Avenue and Burragulung Street, Randwick

9am – 12 noon 3 & 20 1 & 18 5 & 15

Little Bay Landcare

Between 119 and 121 Bilga Cresent, Malabar.Contact Kerry Gordon on (02) 9311 7647 for more information.

8am – 12 noon 13 11 8

Magic Point (Malabar Headland)

Contact Jonathan Milford on (02) 9398 3619 for the meeting place.

9am – 1pm 11, 18 & 25 9, 16, 23, 30 13, 20 & 27

Malabar Headland West

Contact Don Kerr on (02) 9311 2665 for the meeting place.

9am – 1pm 7, 14, 21, 28 5, 12, 19, 26 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Prince Henry Contact Max Massa 9399 0708 or Bushcare@randwick.nsw.gov.au

9am – 1pm 27 25 No working bee

parkcare

GROUP LOCATION WORKING BEE TIME SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Alison Rd Corner of Alison Road and Beach Street, Coogee

8 – 9.30am 2 7 4

Clyde Street Clyde Street Reserve, Randwick 1 – 3pm 20 18 15

Grant Reserve Vehicular entry to Coogee Surf Life Saving Club

8 – 10am 16 21 18

Old Tramline Dudley St – Carrington Rd, Randwick (West) & Carrington Rd –Coogee PS (East)

10 – 11:30am (West) & 12:30-2pm (East)

11 9 13

Good vibrations: plants respond to sound of caterpillars chewingPlants are smarter than you think. Not only do they grow towards sunlight and respond to rock music, but they can also learn from the sound of their predators, according to new research.

Two University of Missouri scientists recorded the miniscule vibrations made by caterpillars feasting on thale cress leaves. Using special technology, they replayed the sound to the plants, and discovered those which were “primed” with the recording were better able to fi ght back against a caterpillar attack than those which remained in silence.

The treated plants produced higher levels of key chemical defences, the study found.

Sydney University biologist Robyn Overall said she was not surprised by the results.

“Plants are very clever. People always seem surprised by that,” she said.

“Unlike animals, they have a lot of mechanisms where they’re fi nely tuned to respond to their environment.”

Plants exposed to the recorded vibrations produced more glucosinolates (mustard oils) and anthocyanins, which give colour to fl owers and red wine, and provide health benefi ts in dark chocolate.

In a second experiment, researchers exposed the plants to similar environmental vibrations made by light winds and the mating song of a common treehopper. But neither of those elicited the same chemical defence as the sound of a caterpillar’s chomping.

“Plants thus respond to herbivore-generated vibrations in a selective and ecologically meaningful way,” concluded the study, which was published in the peer-reviewed ecology journal Oecologia.

Professor Overall said the research demonstrated an artifi cial version of the learning process which plants naturally undertake – more experienced plants resist attack better than less experienced plants. But she said the study could have implications for the agricultural industry, perhaps reducing the need for artifi cial pesticides to keep bugs away from crops.

Plants have complex defence mechanisms, both chemical and electrical. Some can even emit “volatile compounds” – small molecules released into the air to repel insects or attract natural predators of those insects.

They can also communicate with each other. The study noted that under the right conditions, “vibrations generated by a chewing caterpillar could alert nearby plants to the presence of a herbivore”.

For Professor Overall, it is a testament to the work she has performed her entire career.

“Plants fi ght back!” she said.

(Article taken from Sydney Morning Herald, July 11, 2014, by Michael Koziol)

“Plants thus respond to herbivore-generated vibrations in a selective and ecologically meaningful way,”

Bushland Management Unit192 Storey StreetMaroubra NSW 2035

Supervisor-Bushland 9399 0686Biodiversity Offi cer 9399 0683Bushland Offi cer 9399 0687Bushcare Offi cer 9399 0708

Randwick City Council Community Nursery2B Barker StKingsford NSW 2031Phone: 9399 0933

Opening hours:Monday to Friday 9:00am -3:00pm

RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL30 Frances StreetRandwick NSW 2031Phone 9399 0708Email bushcare@randwick.nsw.gov.au

The area cleared of lantana

There is also the 3D which reveals a whole new dimension in the lives of plants, from the most bizarre to the most beautiful. In this sensational series, shot over the course of a year, David Attenborough explores their fascinating world. Using 3D time-lapse and pioneering techniques in 3D macro photography, he traces them from their beginnings on land to their vital place in nature today, exposing new revelations along the way. He moves from our time scale to theirs, revealing the true nature of plants as creatures that are every bit as dynamic and aggressive as animals.

David discovers a microscopic world that’s invisible to the naked eye, where insects feed and breed, where fl owers fl uoresce and where plants communicate with each other and with animals using scent and sound. He meets the

extraordinary animals and fungi that have unbreakable ties with the plant world, from hawk moths and bats to tiny poison dart frogs, a giant tortoise and a fungus that can control the mind. And he does all this in one unique place, a microcosm of the whole plant world where, some 90% of all known plant species are represented:

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. This spectacular adventure through the Kingdom of Plants is so immersive and compelling it has the capacity to amaze even the least green-fi ngered.

What’s happening at Randwick Environmental Park (REP)For the last 12months the Bushcare group has been working in the South western section near the main oval at REP. The work has involved installing 361 plants to provide an important buffer for the remnant bushland and increase habitat for the park.

The aim is to link this planted area with the remnant stand of ESBS. We are now moving toward this ESBS area weeding African lovegrass, Turkey rhubarb and Lantana.

The planted area is really starting to take shape providing habitat for various fauna. The area is regularly visited by Blue wrens, willy wagtails and blue tongues – frogs have also made this area their home!

DVD REVIEW

KINGDOM OF PLANTS WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGHNew documentary series, presented by David Attenborough, which aims to provide an insight into the life of plants.

Area planted with local indigenous fl ora