FFF164 - ROCK ISOTOME

Isotoma axillaris, commonly known as Rock Isotome, is a small herbaceous perennial in the family Lobeliaceae. It grows to 50 cm high and has divided leaves. The blue to mauve to pink star-shaped flowers appear between September and May in the species native range. It occurs in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, often on rocky outcrops. The species was first formally described by botanist John Lindley in 1826 in Edward's Botanical Register.

The acrid milky sap of Isotoma axillaris is a common characteristic in this family. It can cause severe irritation to skin and temporary blindness if inadvertent contact is made with eyes, and has been reported to be poisonous to stock. These warnings about the sap should not deter gardeners from planting these species as long as appropriate precautions are taken, as they give lasting flower displays in return for very little work. Also, the sap seems to be equally distasteful to potential herbivores. The plantings in the Australian National Botanic Gardens show no evidence of herbivory by either marsupials or insects.

Isotoma axillaris can be easily propagated from seed. Seed can be scattered directly in late winter, when there is no more danger of frost, or planted into pots and then transplanting in spring. Plants will require regular watering until established, and then only need watering about once a week, perhaps more in the heat. Propagation from firm cuttings is also possible, but it is recommended that gloves be worn to avoid reactions to the sap.

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FFF164

1.	MICHELIA	11.	Aletta - Nowathome	21.	WoollyMuses	31.	Heidrun
2.	HYDRANGEA	12.	NatureFootstep Photo	22.	willothewizp	32.	Enerhagen
3.	FLORAL YEAR	13.	Valerie, Australia	23.	Peek-A-Boo Purple	33.	PaintArtworkOnOldRoofTins
4.	OLEANDER	14.	Minoru	24.	Dawn	34.	Ulla Laiho
5.	Tom The Backroads Traveller	15.	Sara Chapman, Seattle USA	25.	booknerdkim - to kill a mockingnerd	35.	islandrambles
6.	Mary,MI	16.	Frauke * Germany	26.	Rose Garden Malevik	36.	RANUNCULUS
7.	Gunilla	17.	ROSES FOR CHARLIE HEBDO	27.	Eva	37.	Magic Palm
8.	BirgittaB	18.	Moni	28.	photographing New Zealand	38.	Christa, Virginia
9.	Mascha	19.	Zauberpalme	29.	ann nz
10.	Jesh StG	20.	Irina Dimitric	30.	ann nz

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