CENTENNIAL PLANTING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19659, 17 June 1938, Page 13

CENTENNIAL PLANTING

IDENTIFYING SPECIMENS TYPES ON COASTLINE WATCHING FOR SEEDS By "Totara" In the last centenary tree planting notes it was mentioned that the Herald would help in having specimens identified. Number the specimens and keep a duplicate specimen with the same number. Then numbers and names will be published in this column. Address to "Totara," c/o Herald Office. Remember, a good fresh specimen is wanted, and put in your name and address. Seed Collections and Planting

Watch out for any seeds which can be planted. Coastal schools will find pohu.tukawa and karo at present. One report has come in that ranva rama (myrtus tullata), a handsome shrub mentioned last week, now has ripe berries. This small tree lias beautiful leaves, swollen between the veins, and, where they are exposed to light, are bronze or green with a golden tinge, often splashed or spotted with red. At this time of the year they colour vividly. When this plant is growing it will respond to hard clipping, and so can bi> kept within bounds.

Many people consider that seed should be planted as it ripens and is collected. Under natural conditions they fall and lie on the ground until they germinate in the early spring. If planted now keep the bowls in a sheltered position and make sure they are able to drain freely.

Seed of tender plants like whau, clianthus, and very fine seed like pohutukawa may be kept until the warmer weather comes.

Seaside Planting:

One of the best and fastest growing trees is ihe neaio (myokorum laetum). It will thrive in sandy soils, is a fast grower, and can be grown easily frdm cuttings. When young they are very handsome, but older trees become gnarled and distorted. They make a good beginning for a shrubbery near the coast and may be cut out later if desired. Other suitable natives which will grow near the coast are the pohutukawa (metrosideros tomentosa), karamu (coprosma lucida), karo (pittosporum crassifolium), taupata (coprosma retusa) and several hekes or veronicas, especially heke speciosa.

At the Waikanac Beach, Gisborne, where a planting scheme is in progress, Tasmanian ngaio (a quicker growing variety than the native species) and haupata have been grown to provide shelter for other varieties which will be added later. On the Wainui Beach can be seen many pohutukawas which have been grown very successfully in the last two years by the Beautifying Society. A Reminder Any contributions for this column will be welcomed. Address, "Totara," co Herald Office.