Cinnamon Bells; a Strange Little Aussie Orchid

Cinnamon Bells; a Strange Little Aussie Orchid

I have a very strange orchid in my Blackeath garden. Its botanical name is Gastrodia procera. This  leafless, Australian native has been dubbed the Potato Orchid, as the tubers the plants grow from were  roasted and eaten by Aborigines (particularly the Wurundjeri  people of central Victoria).  They are

Read more

BANKSIA SERRATA; WEIRD AND WONDERFUL!

BANKSIA SERRATA; WEIRD AND WONDERFUL!

Specimens  of  of the Australian native Banksia serrata  were  collected by Sir Joseph Banks in  1770 and later named for him. They are funny, gnarled trees that look ancient long before their time (rather like weather beaten Australian gardeners). Serrata refers to the  tough, saw edged  leaves; Their knobbled

Read more

MOUNTAIN DEVIL!

MOUNTAIN DEVIL!

A favourite shrub in my woodland  garden is the spikey  Australian native shrub  Lambertia Formosa.  It was once known  as  the honey flower, but today is more usually called Mountain Devil. It is related to the proteas. The shrubs grow to about 2 metres. They are great

Read more