Floral tributes

Press, 10 December 1982, Page 12

Floral tributes

GARDENING

by

M.Lusty

Perhaps in anticipation of Closer Economic Relations, Australia has produced a new set of stamps that many New Zealand flower-lovers will want to collect. Collectors of Australian stamps, and particularly those who specialise in issues with a floral theme, will probably feel happy with the latest additions from a country which has produced some absymal contributions to philately in recent years. The stamps referred to comprise the definitives for vending machine folders, of five different denominations depicting Eucalypts, Australia's most dominant genus of plant, and now thriving in many parts of the world. About 600 species of these trees have • been discovered and there are also very many hybrids. They are found growing under a wide variety of climatic conditions from the alpine tree line to the hot arid interior of the continent. Many assume a growth habit consistent with the environment in which they find

themselves and are often far more well known by their common name of “gum tree” than their botanical one. The trees depicted on the new stamps are nearly all of particular ornamental appeal. Eucalyptus calophylla, “Rosea” features on the 1c " stamp. This is an interesting clone, as it is a form of uncertain genealogy. It is believed that many specimens found in the eastern states of Australia may have their origin from a single hybrid growing in the Melbourne Botanical Gardens. The one grown in Australian gardens derives from both the West Australian E. calophylla “Rosea", which occurs naturally, and the eastern hybrid. It is doubtful whether this tree, which will tolerate medium frosts, is readily obtainable here. The 2c stamp depicts E. caesia which is endemic to W. Australia where it is considered to be an endangered species in the wild. It makes a fine, small ornamental tree, regarded by many as one of the most beautiful of the genus, with

delicate rose pink (sometimes silver pink) flowers tipped with gold anthers. It is occasionally offered by some local nurseries, and could safely be grown where only light-to-medium frosts are experienced. This tree is commonly known by its aboriginal name of lungurru while the specific epithet means bluish-grey, a reference to the powdery appearance of the leaves, buds, fruits and young branches. E. ficifolia, again of W. Australian origin, graces the 3c denomination, and is now a rarity in its natural habitat; it needs little introduction as it has been admired in many gardens on the hills around ‘ Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

Although commonly known as the red flowering gum, it is inclined to be variable of colour, ranging from deep crimson through scarlet, pink and orange to white. It makes a good reserve or avenue tree and is very tolerant of cutting back. There should be no difficulty in obtaining a good specimen. The 10c stamp shows the

Tasmanian floral emblem. E. globulus, the Tasmanian blue gum, which although found naturally in one or two other places reaches it optimum development in the South East of Tasmania where it may exceed 55m in height; it is renowned as one of the fastest growing trees in the world. The stem-clasping ovate juvenile foliage has a distinctive glaucous appearance and gives way to long sickleshaped dark green leaves. This is one of the few eucalypts which bears buds and fruits singly; the flowers are large creamy coloured. Specimens are normally obtainable from some nursery or other. E. forrestiana, yet another most attractive tree from W. Australia, is pictured on the 27c value. This Australian State is the home of some of the most beautiful flowering plants apart from most of the finest ornamental eucalypts. The derivation of the specific epithet is after Sir John Forrest who was a surveyor, explorer and former Premier of W.A.

hence the common name of: Forrest's Marlock. Another name in this i respect is Fuchsia gum. an allusion to the pendulous ■ flowers and their vague likeness to the garden fuchsia. It makes a small tree up to 4.5 m high with its red buds. probably as attractive as the flowers;’ it is resistant to drought and light frosts and has been used as a hedge plant as well as specimen tree. It has been infrequently available here. If there is one complaint to make about these stamps it is that a larger format would have enhanced them as can be readily appreciated by looking at the motif on the first day of issue cover.