IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29383, 9 December 1960, Page 8

IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Items Of Interest This Week In the gallery on the eastern side of the Cuningbam Glasshouse are two specimens of Medinila magnifies with their pendant pink flowers and bracts, as well as a small display of Kohleria amabile with its rosespotted flowers. On the western side is a display of Crotons Condylines and other tropical foliage, with the beora chinensis with heads of orange flowers and a climber, Bougainvillea x buttiana, with bunches of pink flowers. Gloriosa simplex, a lily-like plant. Plumeria acutifolia the Frangipani, and Bougainvillea spectabilis "Killie Campbell” are flowering at the southern end. A hanging basket of Hoya belli is also on display. Downstairs is a display of mixed tropical foliage and Coleogyne massangeana. the necklace orchid, African violets and Anthuriums. Streptocarpus form a colourful display on the southern side of the Townsend Glasshouse, while in the centre are benches of geraniums, coleus and hydrangeas. The mixed display on the northern side includes gloxianias, primulas, lilies and tuberous begonias. Hanging baskets of begonias are also colourful. In addition to the collection of cactus and succulents from various regions of the world in the Garrick Cactus and Succulent House is the desert pea. Clianthus formosus. which makes an exceptionally fine display. New Zealand ferns are on display in the fern house. Dianthus, Campanulas, pentstemons, and many other rock and alpine plants as well as water lilies in a nearby pond are in the rock garden. Across the river and near the nurses’ home, the Primula garden is very attractive, and in the herbaceous border near the archery lawn, Lynchnis chalcedonies, Papava orientate, Verbascum. Campanula and species of Salvia are flowering. A flowering specimen of Catalpa Speciosa (Western Catalpa) is growing in the border near the Cashel street gates. The leaves are up to 12 inches long and eight inches wide, and are pale green in colour. The Big-nonia-like flowers are white with yellow and purple markings and are borne in large panicles. It is a native of southern central ÜBA.., where it is found growing on the borders of streams and ponds, etc., and can grow to a height of 100 feet. The timber is very durable and is used for piles and railway sleepers.