IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28701, 26 September 1958, Page 3

IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Items Of Interest This Week Cuningham Glasshouse.— Many interesting and colourful plants from the tropical regions of the world are on display. At the northern end of the gallery a display of Begonia feastii is in full flower and is very attractive. Along the western side is an attractive display of Crotons, and at the southern end of the gallery is Sansevieria trifasciata, the bowstring hemp, and Homalanthus - populifolius, the Queensland poplar. In the hanging baskets, at the southern end Columnea x banksii is particularly outstanding. Downstairs may be seen many beautiful and interesting foliage plants. Townend Glasshouse. Along the bench on the northern side Calceolarias are coming into flower, and on the southern side are Primula obconica and Begonia semperflorens “Gustav Lund.” In the centre of the house may be seen stocks, schizanthus just coming into flower, and a collection of house plants. Rock Garden.— Growing in this interesting section of the gardens is a comprehensive collection of rock garden and alpine plants. Some of the plants at present flowering are saxifraga, erythronium, rhododendron, tulips and erythronium. SPECIAL TREE Magnolia x Lennei.— Growing in the vicinity of the playground and the Cashel street gates are several specimens of this beautiful tree. Magnolia x lennei is of garden origin, and is thought to be derived from a cross between M. conspicua x obovata. It is said to have originated accidentally in Lombardy, where an Erfurt nurseryman named Topf noticed it in 1850 and introduced it into Germany. It was named in honour of Mr Lenne, a royal gardener in Berlin.