FLOWERS AND BERRIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 142, 18 June 1932, Page 7 (Supplement)

FLOWERS AND BERRIES

NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS. An erroneous opinion exists that the native trees and plants of New Zealand are lacking in beautiful flowers ami bright-coloured berries. This is not so as there arc many native trees which have unique and lovely flowers and conspicuous berries. Of special interest among the col cured illustrations are Clematis indivisa, the large-flowered white clema tis; Alectryon excelsum, the titoki, in flower and with showy berries; the nikau palm, with a large bunch of red berries; the tawa and tarairie, with large fruits; the gorgeous Metrosidcros tomentosa (pohutukawa); Metrosidcros diffusa, with a profusion of scarlet blossoms, and also a beautiful yellowflowered species; several varieties o.i pittosporums, in flower and with ber ries; pimelia, our native daphne; cor ynocarpus (the karaka); several cop rosmas with flowers and laden with berries; anthropodium (the rock lily); elaeocarpus (hinau); hoheria (lace bark); Parsonia heterophylla, a lovely climber; cyathodes (mingimingi); Fuchsia exchorticata; vitex (the / riri), with flowers and red berries; the yellow kowhai; an elegant bunch of supple-jack berries; dysoxylum (the kohekohe), with conspicuous large fruits; and many other illustrations, including alpine plants, orchids, hebes and several other native species. Tree Fems. This is the best month to plant tree ferns, either those t\ken direct from the bush or plants that have been grown and established in a nursery. The latter are much the best. In selecting plants from the bush procure those that are growing in open posi tions near the edges of the bush- The smaller the plants the better they succeed. Stems about 12in. high and under always produce the best specimens. Those with tall stems seldom do well when transplanted. Planted at this season they soon establish and throw out fresh fronds. They root near the surface and soon form a mat of roots. These must not be interfered with in working the soil near the stem. Tree ferns should never be planted singly on lawns or other places in front of the house, where they are exposed to the weather. They are quite out of place and in time become unsightly. Sheltered spots, gullies and suitable rocks can generally be found in which tree ferns can be planted and established, rendering these places most interesting and attractive. They succeed best and arc most at home when planted in groups in moist situations. Tree ferns are among the most noble and elegant of Nature’s plants, and are familiar to us all, as they are natives of our country and a leading feature of our landscape. Popular Varieties. The following are well-known native species:—Uyathea inedullaris (the black tree fern, or mamaku), is the most noble and beautiful. The fronds are of the largest size and form a beautiful spreading head. It is a very rapid grower, but not suitable where very heavy frosts occur. Cyathea dealbata (silver pongo) has beautiful silk fronds, silvery underneath. It is very hardy but requires shade to obtain the best results. Dicksonia squarrosa is oi quite different appearance. The fronds are rigid and dark green; the stems are slender. This variety is quite hardy. Dicksonia fibrosa is one of the hardiest and will stand snow. Heinitelia Smithii is another very handsome and distinct species with soft fronds, partial to most places. Tree ferns impart a tropical appearance and present a peculiarly beauti ful contrast to the surrounding objects, especially when grouped with suitable native trees to provide shelter, shade and variety. Dwarf-growing Fems. Dwarf-growing ferns are always green and interesting plants for grow ing in shady moist places that are suitable for other plants. When once established they require but little attention. The Nephrolepis Bostoniensis is very hardy and thrives in the open For covering a moist clay bank, where little else will succeed, this fern grows to perfection, soon covering the. whole face with its beautiful soft green fronds. Other suitable kinds include the different varieties of aspeniuins, pteris, blechnums, doodiu, loma rias, adiantums, lastraeas, pellaea, marattia, davallias, polypodiums polystichiums and others.