FFF627 - STOKESIA

Stokesia is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae, containing the single species Stokesia laevis. Common names include Stokes' aster and stokesia. The species is native to the southeastern United States.

The flowers appear in the summer and are purple, blue, or white in nature.The plant is cultivated as a garden flower. Several cultivars are available, including the cornflower blue 'Klaus Jelitto', 'Colorwheel', which is white, turning purple over time, and 'Blue Danube', which has a blue flower head with a white centre. More unusual cultivars include the pink-flowered 'Rosea' and yellow-flowered 'Mary Gregory'.

Like a few other plants (such as some species of Vernonia), it contains vernolic acid, a vegetable oil with commercial applications. The genus is named after Jonathan Stokes (1755–1831), English botanist and physician.

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FFF626 - LIMONIUM

Limonium peregrinum, perennial pink statice (or sea lavender), is a relatively rare, hardy perennial with brilliant pink papery flowers on erect stems, which bloom for months above a rounded mound of evergreen leathery green leaves. Ideal for dry and exposed gardens where water is scarce.

Plant in well drained soil, fertilising is not necessary, and it will tolerate sandy soils. Allow soil to dry between thorough watering. It is tolerant of seaside conditions.

Limonium peregrinum is the largest and most showy of the sea lavenders. The flower petals are magenta with the calyx (outer envelope of the flower) dull pink and paper-like when dry. They remain present for a long time and are highly decorative.

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FFF625 - CATTLEYA ORCHID HYBRID

Cattleya is a genus of orchids from Costa Rica, and south to Argentina. The genus is abbreviated C in trade journals. They are epiphytic or terrestrial orchids with cylindrical rhizome from which the fleshy noodle-like roots grow. Pseudobulbs can be conical, spindle-shaped or cylindrical; with upright growth; one or two leaves growing from the top of them.

The leaves can be oblong, lanceolate or elliptical, somewhat fleshy, with smooth margin. The inflorescence is a terminal raceme with few or several flowers. Flowers have sepals and petals free from each other; the lip or labellum (lowermost petal), usually has a different coloration and shape from the rest of the flower and covers in part the flower column forming a tube. There are four polliniums (bag-like organs that contain pollen). The fruit is a capsule with many small seeds'.

Many hybrids have been developed, with some spectacular colours and flower shapes, but all conforming with the idea of "orchid" in most people's minds.

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FFF624 - PINCUSHION PROTEA

Leucospermum is a genus of evergreen upright, sometimes creeping shrubs that is assigned to the Proteaceae, with currently forty-eight known species. Almost all species are easily recognised as Leucospermum because of the long protruding styles with a thickened pollen-presenter, which jointly give the flower head the appearance of a pincushion, its common name. Pincushions can be found in South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Currently, the genus is subdivided in nine sections based on morphological commonalities and differences, each section having several species. The classification becomes more complex when garden hybrids are considered.

Leucospermum pluridens 'Gold Fever' is shown here and is a large upright evergreen shrub of up to 3 m high. It has leathery, oblong to wedge-shaped leaves about 7½ cm long and 2½ cm wide, deeply incised near the tip with seven to ten teeth. It has initially yellow, later carmine coloured flower heads. The 2 cm long bracts have slender, recurved tips. From the centre of the perianth emerge long styles that jointly give the impression of a pincushion. It is called Robinson pincushion in English and Robinson-kreupelhout in Afrikaans. Flowers can be found between September and December. It naturally occurs in the south of South Africa.

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FFF623 - OLEANDER

Nerium oleander, most commonly known as oleander, is a shrub or small tree in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, cultivated worldwide in temperate and subtropical areas as an ornamental and landscaping plant. It is the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium. It is so widely cultivated that no precise region of origin has been identified, though it is usually associated with the Mediterranean Basin.

Nerium grows to 2–6 m tall. It is most commonly grown in its natural shrub form, but can be trained into a small tree with a single trunk. It is tolerant to both drought and inundation, but not to prolonged frost. White, pink or red five-lobed flowers grow in clusters year-round, peaking during the summer. The fruit is a long narrow pair of follicles, which splits open at maturity to release numerous downy seeds.

Several compounds in nerium exhibit toxicity, and it has historically been considered a poisonous plant. However, its bitterness renders it unpalatable to humans and most animals, so poisoning cases are rare and the general risk for human mortality is low. Ingestion of larger amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, excess salivation, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea and irregular heart rhythm. Prolonged contact with sap may cause skin irritation, eye inflammation and dermatitis.

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FFF622 - SPOTTED ALOE

Aloe greatheadii is in the sub-grouping of aloes called 'spotted aloes' and currently includes a number of synonymous species previously recognized in their own right such as Aloe daveyana, Aloe verdoorniae, Aloe mutans, Aloe graciliflora and Aloe barbertoniae. Opinions differ on the specific status of many aloes, so this should not be taken as a definitive determination.

There are two variants listed in the Plants of Southern Africa checklist, A. daveyana and A. greatheadii, but whether even this is a legitimate separation is open to question. The Guide to the Aloes of South Africa gives Zimbabwe as the main center of distribution for var. greatheadii, ranging also into Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique and Congo, and entering South Africa in the Northern Province, whereas var. daveyana is limited to South Africa but inhabits a greater range there. 

Common names include spotted aloe in English, and transvaalaalwyn, kleinaalwyn or grasaalwyn in Afrikaans. The PlantzAfrica website says that it is "a drab and uninteresting plant, but when it flowers in winter, it is spectacular." This is a stemless species with shiny green leaves marked by oblong white spots arranged in rows and leaf margins with sharp brownish teeth. The flowering stems are typically branched and the inflorescences contains flowers that range from pale pink to bright red, blooming June to July. Its leaf sap can be used to treat burns, sores or wounds.

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FFF621 - KIWI FRUIT FLOWER

Kiwifruit (often shortened to kiwi in North American, British and continental European English) or Chinese gooseberry is the edible berry of several species of woody vines in the genus Actinidia. The most common cultivar group of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward') is oval, about the size of a large hen's egg: 5–8 centimetres in length and 4.5–5.5 cm in diameter. It has a thin, fuzzy, fibrous, tart but edible light brown skin and light green or golden flesh with rows of tiny, black, edible seeds. The fruit has a soft texture with a sweet and unique flavour.

Kiwifruit is native to central and eastern China. The first recorded description of the kiwifruit dates to the 12th century during the Song dynasty. In the early 20th century, cultivation of kiwifruit spread from China to New Zealand, where the first commercial plantings occurred. The fruit became popular with British and American servicemen stationed in New Zealand during World War II, and later became commonly exported, first to Great Britain and then to California in the 1960s.

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FFF620 - LOBELIA

Lobelia erinus (Edging Lobelia, Garden Lobelia or Trailing Lobelia) is a species of Lobelia native to southern Africa, from Malawi and Namibia south to South Africa.

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FFF619 - RED ORCHID CACTUS

Disocactus is a genus of epiphytic cacti in the tribe Hylocereeae found in Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is a different genus. Species of Disocactus grow in tropical regions either on trees as epiphytes or on rocks as lithophytes.

They have two distinct growth habits. Species such as D. phyllanthoides have stems which are round at the base but then become flattened and leaflike. Many of the cultivated plants known as epiphyllum hybrids or just epiphyllums are derived from crosses between species of Disocactus (rather than Epiphyllum) and other genera in the Hylocereeae.

The one illustrated here is blooming in our garden at the moment and is probably a Disocactus × jenkinsonii is a hybrid between Disocactus phyllanthoides and Disocactus speciosus. It is perhaps the most commonly grown orchid cactus and seems to survive and flower under most conditions. It has a very complex taxonomic history and has been mistaken for Disocactus ackermannii for a long time.

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FFF618 - CONEFLOWER

Isopogon cuneatus, commonly known as coneflower, is a species of plant in the family Proteaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a shrub with oblong to egg-shaped leaves with the narrower end towards the base, and flattened-spherical heads of glabrous pale to purplish pink flowers.

Isopogon cuneatus typically grows to a height of 1.5–2.5 m and has hairy pale to reddish brown branchlets. The leaves are oblong to egg-shaped with the narrower end towards the base, 40–100 mm long and 10–30 mm wide. The flowers are arranged in conspicuous, flattened-spherical, sessile heads on the ends of branchlets, 40–55 mm long in diameter with broadly egg-shaped involucral bracts at the base. The flowers are about 25 mm long, pale to purplish pink and glabrous. Flowering occurs from July to October and the fruit is a hairy oval nut, fused with others in a hemispherical cone up to 35 mm in diameter.

Coneflower grows in heath, shrubland and low woodland on stony hills and swampy flats between Albany, the Stirling Range and Cheyne Bay in the Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest and Warren biogeographic regions. Garden hybrids have been developed and the cut flower trade is investing in this unusual and beautiful flower.

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FFF617 - AZTEC LILY

Sprekelia is a genus of at least three bulbous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. They are native to Central America. Like Hippeastrum, these plants were known as Amaryllis. Sprekelia plants are sometimes called "Aztec lilies", although they are not true lilies. This genus is named after Johann Heinrich von Spreckelsen (1691–1764), who supplied the plants to Lorenz Heister.

Sprekelia formosissima shown here is the only species grown in Australia. It is a bulbous perennial that has clumps of strap-shaped, mid-green leaves. Each stem, about 30 cm tall, bears a solitary scarlet to deep crimson flower in late spring or early summer; established clumps may bloom again later in the summer. It grows best in partial sun and abundant moisture. Because the bulbs are tender and bloom best when crowded, container culture is probably best. Repot every 2 to 3 years. Roots resent disturbance.

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FFF616 - GERALDTON WAX FLOWER

Chamelaucium, also known as waxflower, is a genus of shrubs endemic to south western Western Australia. They belong to the myrtle family Myrtaceae and have flowers similar to those of the tea-trees (Leptospermum). The most well-known species is the Geraldton Wax, Chamelaucium uncinatum, which is cultivated widely for its large attractive flowers.

Chamelaucium ‘Petticoat Pink’, is a hybrid popular with Melbourne gardeners and is also planted in parks. Petticoat Pink is a medium sized shrub with large mid-pink flowers in profusion during spring. The flowers are offset by narrow, dark green leaves. Geraldton Wax is grown commercially for the cut flower trade. Grown in gardens as a decorative shrub or informal hedge and is also useful for erosion control. Requires well drained soil and a sunny position but withstands part shade. Tolerates extended periods of dryness and most frosts. Prune lightly after flowering. 2-3m high x 2-3m wide.

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FFF615 - GRAPEFRUIT FLOWERS

The grapefruit (Citrus × aurantium f. aurantium, Syn: Citrus × paradisi) is a subtropical citrus tree known for its relatively large, sour to semi-sweet, somewhat bitter fruit. The interior flesh is segmented and varies in colour from pale yellow to dark pink/red.

Grapefruit is a citrus hybrid that originated in Barbados in the 18th century. It is an accidental cross between the sweet orange (C. × sinensis) and the pomelo or shaddock (C. maxima), both of which were introduced from Asia in the 17th century. It has also been called the forbidden fruit. In the past it was referred to as the pomelo, but that term is now mostly used as the common name for Citrus maxima.

In 2021, world production of grapefruits (combined with pomelos) was 9.6 million tonnes, with China contributing 54% of the total.

The evergreen grapefruit trees usually grow to around 5–6 m tall, although they may reach 13–15 m. The leaves are long (up to 15 cm), thin, glossy, and dark green. They produce 5 cm white four-petaled flowers. The fruit is yellow-orange skinned and generally an oblate spheroid in shape; it ranges in diameter from 10 to 15 cm. Its flesh is segmented and acidic, varying in colour depending on the cultivars, which include white, pink, and red pulps of varying sweetness (generally, the redder varieties are the sweetest).

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FFF614 - FLORIST DELIGHTS

Spring in Melbourne everywhere, but very much in evidence in the florist shops: A feast for the senses of sight and smell.

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FFF613 - SERRURIA

Serruria florida is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae, endemic to South Africa. It is known by the common names of blushing bride or pride of Franschhoek. This species grows to between 0.8 and 1.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in width. The leaves are fine and dissected and the flowers are white to pink and appear from July to October in its native range.

It occurs in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve in the Cape Province. A well-drained position in full sun is preferred by this species, which tolerates dryness. Propagation is from cuttings or seed, although the latter can prove difficult. The species is cultivated for the cut flower trade and it is also grown as an ornamental plant.

The hybrid shown here is the Serruria florida x rosea.

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FFF612 - SAXIFRAGE

Saxifraga poluangelica (red form) is a small exotic rockery perennial with foliage that is rigid and hairy, which forms a dense carpet. It blooms from the end of Winter through to Summer, with numerous red flowers that sit on straight stems about 3cm-15cm above foliage. The mature plant attains a height of up to 15cm and a width of up to 30cm. Plant in full sun to semi-shade, doing well in most soil types as long as they drain well.

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FFF611 - FLORIST SHOP

It's always good to visit a florist's shop, but especially so in Spring!

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FFF610 - IT'S SOUTHERN SPRING

Spring is blooming early this year: Dutch iris, little field carnations, freesias, stocks, daffodils, and jonquils.

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FFF609 - MONSTERA

Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron is a species of flowering plant native to tropical forests of southern Mexico, south to Panama. It has been introduced to many tropical areas, and has become a mildly invasive species in Hawaii, Seychelles, Ascension Island and the Society Islands. It is very widely grown in temperate zones as a houseplant.

The common name "Swiss cheese plant" is also used for the related species from the same genus, Monstera adansonii. The common name "split-leaf philodendron" is also used for the species Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, although neither species are in the genus Philodendron.

The specific epithet deliciosa means "delicious", referring to the edible fruit. The genus Monstera is named from the Latin word for "monstrous" or "abnormal", and refers to the unusual leaves with natural holes that members of the genus have. Its popular name as a houseplant of "Swiss cheese plant", or just "cheese plant", is commonly stated to refer to the "eyes" or holes which develop in its leaves similar to the holes in some Swiss-type cheeses such as Emmental cheese.

The fruit of Monstera deliciosa is up to 25 cm long and 3–5 cm diameter, and it looks like a green ear of maize covered with hexagonal scales. As the fruit ripens, these scales or platelets fall off the fruit, releasing a strong and sweet scent. The smell has been compared to a combination of pineapples and bananas. The fruit is edible and safe for humans.

This flower was picked from a plant growing in our garden. Although this plant flowers, our climate is not hot enough for the fruit to ripen. It does make for an unusual cut flower, though!

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FFF608 - MAGNOLIA 'BLACK TULIP'

Magnolia 'Black Tulip' (Magnolia x soulangeana a hybrid developed in New Zealand and is a cross between Magnolia 'Vulcan' and Magnolia 'Iolanthe'. It makes an excellent feature tree in any garden with its magnificent deep burgundy to near black blooms up to 15cm across. Flowers appear on bare stems in early Spring and are followed by beautiful green foliage.

They are frost-hardy deciduous small trees, and they show off their large goblet-shaped, fragrant blooms on bare branches in late Winter to early Spring, followed by large green leaves that will eventually become shades of gold in Autumn.

It is hard to find a more spectacular sight than a Magnolia in full bloom; these beautiful trees perform best in cooler climates and grow into a better shape (and flower for longer periods of time) with protection from strong winds. Snails love the delicate flowers so keep an eye out for these troublesome pests at flowering time.

The 'Black Tulip' is a great option for smaller gardens or as a specimen tree. It reaches a mature height of 8-10 meters and width of 6-8 meters, making it the perfect size for a range of garden spaces. The tree is also great for adding interest to any landscape, with its striking flowers and unique colour. It is deciduous, and the dark green leaves and smooth, grey bark add to its beauty. It's low maintenance and adaptable to various soil types, preferring well-draining, acidic soils.

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FFF607 - CHAMOMILE

Chamomile (or camomile) is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae that are often used to make herbal infusions to serve various medicinal purposes. Popular uses of chamomile preparations include treating hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, and haemorrhoids. Chamomile tea is also used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, chickenpox and psoriasis.

The word ‘chamomile’ derives, via French and Latin, from Greek χαμαίμηλον (khamaimēlon), i.e. ‘earth apple’, from χαμαί (khamai) ‘on the ground’ and μῆλον (mēlon) ‘apple’. The more common British spelling ‘camomile’, is the older one in English, while the spelling ‘chamomile’ corresponds to the Latin and Greek source.

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FFF606 - CHICORY

Common chicory, Cichorium intybus, is a somewhat woody, perennial herbaceous plant usually with bright blue flowers, rarely white or pink. Various varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, chicons (blanched buds), or for roots (var. sativum), which are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and additive. It is also grown as a forage crop for livestock.

It lives as a wild plant on roadsides in its native Europe, and in North America and Australia, where it has become naturalised. "Chicory" is also the common name in the United States for curly endive (Cichorium endivia); these two closely related species are often confused.

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FFF605 - COASTAL BANKSIA

Banksia integrifolia, commonly known as the coast banksia, is a species of tree that grows along the east coast of Australia. One of the most widely distributed Banksia species, it occurs between Victoria and Central Queensland in a broad range of habitats, from coastal dunes to mountains. It is highly variable in form, but is most often encountered as a tree up to 25 metres in height.

Its leaves have dark green upper surfaces and white undersides, a contrast that can be striking on windy days. It is one of the four original Banksia species collected by Sir Joseph Banks in 1770, and one of four species published in 1782 as part of Carolus Linnaeus the Younger's original description of the genus. It has had a complicated taxonomic history, with numerous species and varieties ascribed to it, only to be rejected or promoted to separate species. Modern taxonomy recognises three subspecies: B. integrifolia subsp. integrifolia, B. integrifolia subsp. compar and B. integrifolia subsp. monticola.

A hardy and versatile garden plant, B. integrifolia is widely planted in Australian gardens. It is a popular choice for parks and streetscapes, and has been used for bush revegetation and stabilisation of dunes. Its hardiness has prompted research into its suitability for use as a rootstock in the cut flower trade, but has also caused concerns about its potential to become a weed outside its natural habitat.

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FFF604 - BANKSIA

Banksia is a genus of around 170 species in the plant family Proteaceae. These Australian wildflowers and popular garden plants are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes and fruiting "cones" and heads. Banksias range in size from prostrate woody shrubs to trees up to 30 metres tall. They are found in a wide variety of landscapes; sclerophyll forest, (occasionally) rainforest, shrubland, and some more arid landscapes, though not in Australia's deserts.

Heavy producers of nectar, banksias are a vital part of the food chain in the Australian bush. They are an important food source for all sorts of nectarivorous animals, including birds, bats, rats, possums, stingless bees and a host of invertebrates. Furthermore, they are of economic importance to Australia's nursery and cut flower industries. However these plants are threatened by a number of processes including land clearing, frequent burning and disease, and a number of species are rare and endangered.

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FFF603 - RED BOTTLEBRUSH

Callistemon is a genus of shrubs in the family Myrtaceae, first described as a genus in 1814. The entire genus is endemic to Australia but widely cultivated in many other regions and naturalised in scattered locations. Their status as a separate taxon is in doubt, some authorities accepting that the difference between callistemons and melaleucas is not sufficient for them to be grouped in a separate genus.

Callistemon species have commonly been referred to as bottlebrushes because of their cylindrical, brush like flowers resembling a traditional bottle brush. They are mostly found in the more temperate regions of Australia, especially along the east coast and typically favour moist conditions so when planted in gardens thrive on regular watering. However, two species are found in Tasmania and several others in the south-west of Western Australia. At least some species are drought-resistant and some are used in ornamental landscaping elsewhere in the world.

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FFF602 - A SOUTHERN BOUQUET

The flora of South Africa and Australia is quite distinctive with quite a few rich botanical families that provide a diverse and amazing bouquet of flowers. The Proteaceae (banksias, grevilleas, waratahs) and Myrtaceae (eucalypts, bottlebrushes, titrees, lillipillis) especially are well represented.

Australia and New Zealand once formed part of a huge southern land mass now referred to as Gondwanaland, whereas northern hemisphere continents were once aggregated into Laurasia. Gondwanaland and Laurasia began to disaggregate about 160 million years ago. Prior to this time, the southern hemisphere land masses and India were connected into Gondwanaland, while North America, Europe and much of Asia formed Laurasia.

South Africa, Madagascar, India, South America, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Australia and various other fragments broke away and drifted northwards, leaving Antarctica behind. Australia and South America were the last major land masses to separate from Antarctica, Australia beginning slowly about 90 to 100 million years ago and establishing a deep ocean passage some 30 to 40 million years ago.

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FFF601 - AGERATUM

Ageratum, is a genus of 40 to 60 tropical and warm temperate flowering annuals and perennials from the family Asteraceae, tribe Eupatorieae. Most species are native to Central America and Mexico but four are native to the United States. They form tussocks or small hills. They grow to a height of 75 cm. The opposite leaves are cordate or oval, hairy or tomentose. The margins are slightly toothed or serrate. The leaves form compact clusters. The fluffy flowers are lavender-blue, pink, lilac, or white; and spread in small compound umbels. They give small, dry fruits.

Ageratums are grown for their flowers, especially A. houstonianum. Most common ageratums, "Hawaii" for example, are a short 25 cm when fully grown. Tall ageratum are also available in seed catalogues. The blue-coloured varieties are most popular and common, but colours also include violet, pink and white. Their size and colour makes ageratums good candidates for rock gardens, bedding, and containers. They grow well in sun or partial shade, from early summer to first frost. They are quite easy to grow, producing a profusion of fluffy flowers all season long.

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FFF600 - CLOVE FLOWERS

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands (Moluccas) in Indonesia, and are commonly used as a spice, flavouring, or fragrance in consumer products, such as toothpaste, soaps, or cosmetics. Cloves are available throughout the year owing to different harvest seasons across various countries.

The clove tree is an evergreen that grows up to 8–12 metres tall, with large leaves and crimson flowers grouped in terminal clusters. The flower buds initially have a pale hue, gradually turn green, then transition to a bright red when ready for harvest. Cloves are harvested at 1.5–2 centimetres long, and consist of a long calyx that terminates in four spreading sepals, and four unopened petals that form a small central ball.

Clove stalks are slender stems of the inflorescence axis that show opposite decussate branching. Externally, they are brownish, rough, and irregularly wrinkled longitudinally with short fracture and dry, woody texture.

Mother cloves (anthophylli) are the ripe fruits of cloves that are ovoid, brown berries, unilocular and one-seeded. Blown cloves are expanded flowers from which both corollae and stamens have been detached. Exhausted cloves have most or all the oil removed by distillation. They yield no oil and are darker in colour.

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