Gardeners’ queries

Press, 17 August 1979, Page 9

Gardeners’ queries

I enclose a portion of a small plant which I have had growing in my garden for a number of years. It has a small yellow flower and a very filmy, almost fern-like appearance. Small pieces which I have pulled off It and put in water have survived for a week or more. The origin and name of this plant are not known so perhaps you could help.—" Wondering" (Chch). The name of the plant is Corydalis cheilanthifolia, a species of Fumitory, which is apparently rare in the wild. This perennial makes an attractive little plant suitable fof both shaded and sunny positions; it can be used as a rock garden plant and is propagated from seed or division of the root-stock; oi Chinese origin.

I have been trying for some time to locate some seeds of the mountain spinach (orache).

We had it growing in our garden in Christchurch and usually had sufficient seeds to keep the plant growing. However, we have since shifted and 1 have been unable to locate any seeds, nor find It listed in ahy plant catalogue. We Used to have two kinds of spinach, one was dark red, and the other light green. I feel that our children may eat it in preference to ahy other spinach as it was sweeter and more like asparagus when cooked.—R D. (Methven).

None of the seed catalogues on hand of local origin list orache and inquiries to date have proved fruitless. It is possible that some reader may be able to help in some way towards getting seeds and/or plants. The spinach to which you refer would most likely be silver beet or chard, which is available from, the bigger seed firms and specialists such as Watkins Seeds; varieties include Rainbow (multicoloured stems), Rhubarb Chard (crim-

son stems and veins) and Lueullus which has light green leaves. These varieties generally become green in colour as they are boiled and have a milder flavour than the dark green forms; birds tend to leave them more alone, also. The extremities of our section have some rather unusual looking grasses growing in small groups. As I Would like to know what I have here and whether or not it needs te be controlled, I would appreciate It If you eould Identify what it Is from the enclosed specimens.—B.Y. (Cheh). The grass has been identified as Oryzopsis miliacea, ‘‘bamboo grass.” This plant is native to the Mediterranean region, has a creeping rootstock and is apparently used as an ornamental. It does not appear to be common and is not listed as being invasive. However, seeding and cultivation could spread it more than is desirable. Glyphosate will give you control without any prqblems.