SPRING 2014
Mycorrhiza a relationship
between fungi
and plants
An important type of mutualistic relationship is the mycorrhizal
association between fungi and plants. The word mycorrhiza is
derived from the Classical Greek words for ‘mushroom’ and
‘root’. In a mycorrhizal association the fungal hyphae of an
underground mycelium are in contact with plant roots, but
without the fungus parasitizing the plant. In fact the association
is commonly (but by no means always) mutually beneficial.
Through photosynthesis a chlorophyll-containing plant makes
simple carbohydrates (using carbon dioxide, water and
sunlight). About 90% of plant species form mycorrhizas and
in many of these associations between 10% and 30% of the
food produced by the plant moves through to the fungi. The
associated fungal mycelia (the vegetative part of a fungus)
are adept at extracting minerals, especially nitrogen and
phosphorus from the soil and these pass through to the plants.
Mycorrhizal fungi can also protect plants against pathogenic
fungi and micro-organisms. All in all, mycorrhizal fungi are very
important for plant health.
You will find mycorrhizal associations from well-watered
forests to the arid areas. The eucalypts are mycorrhizal, as
are other genera in the same family (the Myrtaceae) – for
example, Kunzea, Leptospermum and Melaleuca . The roots
of Melaleuca quinquenervia trees growing on stream banks,
or in fresh or brackish waters in swamps and seepage areas,
were found to possess mycorrhizas. Outside the Myrtaceae the
genera Acacia, Casuarina and Nothofagusare further examples
of common mycorrhizal genera.
Though a great many Australian plants form mycorrhizas,
there are some noteworthy exceptions. For example, many
genera in the Proteaceae (which includes the widespread
genera Banksia, Grevillea and Hakea) do not form mycorrhizas.
Even in artificial conditions, when attempts are made to force
mycorrhizas these genera seem to actively resist mycorrhizal
formation.
Melaleuca quinquenervia can
form mycorrhizas
While 80-90% of plants form mycorrhizas, the proportion of
mycorrhizal plants in a particular habitat may be markedly
different from the percentage range just given. Depending on
the plant composition of an area the proportion of mycorrhizal
plants may be virtually 100% or less than 50%. Given what
was just said about the Proteaceae, just think of an area of
Australian bushland dominated by Grevillea and Hakea with
just a few eucalypts and a scattering of other plants.
So, whenever you’re looking at a gum tree, a tea-tree, a sheoak or a wattle, think about the fungal partners in the soil.
Article cited information from:
www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/mycorrhiza.html and
aciar.gov.au/files/mn156-prelims_1.pdf
Photo: Doug Beckers
Source: www.flickr.com/photos/37103729@N02/7846750540
on the go
from the Nursery
with Max
Hi everyone!
Its full steam ahead now that Spring is upon us!
We’ve been busy with the UNSW and UTS volunteer
expos, the Spring Wildflower Walk and planning for
Bushcare’s Major Day out.
We also started our new Bushcare group at Prince Henry, Little
Bay. The site is bordered by Anzac Parade, Gubbuteh Road,
Jenner Street and Millard Lane. It’s a unique site as it contains the
threatened ecological community – Eastern Suburbs Banksia
Scrub (ESBS). Main weeds that threaten the site are Lantana
and Bitou bush - thankfully we have an enthusiastic group of
volunteers who are keen to preserve this patch of bushland.
Welcome to From the Nursery, a new page
of news, tips and information from Randwick
Community Nursery.
In October and November you’ll catch a glimpse of the new
Bushcare outdoor banner. The banner is a great way to promote
the wonderful work you are all doing as well as generating new
enquiries!
Birds such as thi
s Superb Fairy
Wren seek out
grasses.
Max
Giveaway: National Tree Day
Randwick City Council Bushcare Officer
what's on
NEWS
ake.
Lizards like a place to sunb
Growing a wildlife garden
Bushcare’s Major Day Out
One of the great joys of gardening is seeing the enjoyment others get from
your garden – not just other people but all sorts of other creatures.
Bushcare’s Major Day Out is a day specifically designed to
give of us the opportunity to find out what is being done and
what can be done in our own neighbourhood. It’s a fun day
where anyone, young and old can work alongside and learn
from experts and experienced volunteers. This year it’s being
held at Bumborah Point.
With a bit of thought you can attract butterflies and other insects, birds and
even small mammals, providing a valuable refuge for local wildlife.
Just as Clean Up Australia Day has made us a litter conscious
nation, Bushcare’s Major Day Out aims to make us conscious
of the need to protect our bush while learning about the role
we can all play in its continued care.
When: Sunday 21 September 10am – 1pm
Where: Bumborah Point, enter via Bicentennial Park, Yarra Bay
La Perouse Aboriginal markets
The La Perouse Aboriginal markets are held on Bare Island, La
Perouse on the first Sunday of the month. This market features
authentic Aboriginal products and along with mini-workshops
and entertainment - making it one of the most interactive days
you can have in Sydney in terms of talking and learning from
Aboriginal people.
Eco-living fair
Eco-Living Fair
The Randwick City Council Eco-living Fair is a free annual event
that provides the perfect opportunity for the community to come
together to learn about the benefits of living a sustainable lifestyle.
Held in the unique setting of the Randwick Community Centre,
surrounded by the Randwick Environment Park, the Eco-living
Fair has something for the whole family to enjoy with advice and
information on offer from local community groups and green
industry experts, delicious healthy food, free entertainment and
kids activities and a variety of market stalls selling quality wares.
Many local partner organisations attend to provide information
and conduct formal and informal talks and workshops based
on the environmental issues that affect our community in their
homes, at school and in the workplace.
When: Sunday 14 September 2014, 10am - 3.30pm
Where: Randwick Community Centre located at 27 Munda Street,
Randwick.
Enjoy didgeridoo and smoking ceremonies, along with an
acoustic sound stage and beautiful bush tucker foods. The
La Perouse Aboriginal market day is a mini-festival for all the
family, showcasing Aboriginal culture through entertainment,
art and crafts.
When: Sunday 7 September 2014, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Sunday 5 October 2014, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Sunday 2 November 2014, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Where: Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Bare Island, La Perouse.
PAGE 2
Birdsong isn’t the only benefit of having a thriving wildlife garden; birds and
other animals will keep damaging insect pests under control.
Like people, animals need the basics: food and shelter.
To make a start, think about out what native animals you would like to attract
and then learn what you can about their requirements. Wrens, for example,
seek out grasses such as Poa for food and nesting material. Butterflies like
brightly coloured, shallow-throated flowers.
Try to grow a range of plants, including groundcovers, grasses, shrubs
and several taller trees for nesting sites and lookouts. Choose plants that
produce flowers, fruit and seed at different times of the year, especially in
winter, when food is scarce. Grow local plants to attract local wildlife
Large birds can be aggressive and chase smaller birds away. They prefer
wide open spaces so minimise large areas of grass, mulch and paving.
Smaller birds look for dense and/or prickly shrubs like hakeas and spiky
grevilleas that provide shelter and a refuge from predators.
The nursery recently hosted a special
plant giveaway as part of the council’s
National Tree Day celebrations.
The council’s Tree Management Co-ordinator,
Bryan Bourke, said that more than 100 people
turned up on what was a perfect day to receive
their giveaway pack of native tubestock, gloves
and a trowel.
‘It was fantastic to see so many families with young
children attending and seeing the kids get involved
in the whole process of plant selection,’ Bryan said.
The event also introduced some residents to
the nursery for the first time and gave existing
customers a chance to see the nursery’s newly
upgraded potting shed.
JOBS IN THE GARDEN
• Trim Banksias, Callistemon and other
natives that have finished flowering to
keep compact and improve shape.
• Watch out for pests such as scale,
aphids and mealy bug that become
more active as the weather warms.
Blue-tongues and other reptiles like a sunny spot where they can sunbake,
with dense vegetation or a pile of wood, bricks or rocks nearby where they
can hide.
• Feed native plants with a controlledrelease native fertiliser as plants start
to put on growth.
While it can be tempting to change your garden overnight, you might risk
loosing the wildlife you already have. So before you prune a shrub or tidy a
pile of leaves, think about whose home it might be.
PUNK CITRUS
Minimise chemical use and keep cats and other pets indoors at night.
References: Snape, Diana,The Australian Garden: Designing with Australian Plants, Bloomings
Books Pty Ltd, Melbourne, 2003; Stewart, Angus, Creating an Australian Garden, Allen & Unwin,
Crows Nest NSW, 2010.
kets
La Perouse Aboriginal Mar
at the nursery.
Useful reading includes Birdscaping Your Garden by George Adams,
the website www.floraforfauna.com.au and the ‘Backyard Buddy’
pamphlets, which are available at the nursery.
New in the nursery is the spiky but delicious Finger
Lime (Microcitrus australasica),a rainforest tree from
northern NSW and southern Queensland.The cells
of the finger-like fruit pop in the mouth, releasing
the tangy juice.The Finger Lime can grow to 6m. It
tolerates semi-shade and a range of soils but prefers
a high level of organic matter. Water regularly and
fertilise regularly but lightly. Great in a pot.
RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL
PAGE 3
Cobb
Photo courtesy Lyn
NATIONAL TREE DAY
Malabar Public
Friday 25 July 2014 Malabar Public
school was involved in National tree day.
A lot of preparation was involved to get the site ready
for the day. Weeds such as Ehrharta, Phoenix palm and
Ochna were removed, old tyres stabilising the slope were
replaced with eco-logs and the area was also heavily
mulched.
Tawny Frogmouth
There were approx. 65 students from years 5 and 6.who
participated on the day planting over 30 plants donated
by council. Well done Malabar public!
On Sunday 27 July this lovely bird thought he was hiding from
several onlookers by being very well camouflaged and very
quiet. However little did s/he know that many cameras were
not far away snapping lots of photos!
TIP PRUNING
This was one of the birds spotted by an early morning bird
watching group in Centennial Park. I heard about this group
via the Randwick Bushcare volunteers. Despite the chilly early
morning start, this was a great outing with a range of other
early morning well feathered friends in the trees, the ponds
and on the ground.
This is the easiest and it stimulates new growth. Tip pruning
is simply taking the tip out of the new growth. Species of
Thryptomene, Grevillea, Correa, Eriostemon and Westringia
all respond very well to tip pruning and will become much
bushier. By nipping the tops of the shoots off with secateurs or
fingers, the plant’s energy goes into producing side shoots.
ATTACKING TURKEY RHUBARB
AT BUNDOCK PARK BUSHCARE!
In August Bundock Park Bushcare welcomed some new
volunteers – 4 UNSW students and a local resident. Armed
with their trowels they removed some very large Turkey
rhubarb tubers! The day was very successful as the group
also removed a large amount of Madeira vine from the site.
Thanks for your hard work people!
At the end of July Randwick was asked to set up a Bushcare stall
at the UTS and UNSW volunteer expos. It was the first time that we
attend the UTS event and the second time for UNSW. Both events
were very successful with a total of 110 students signing up to
the Bushcare email list. Last year we had over 10 students attend
working bees as a result of the expo– this year we hope to make
it double!
PAGE 4
Pruning is one of the most important jobs
you can do in your garden. Pruning helps
control pests and diseases, allows plants to
be shaped and also encourages healthy,
vigorous new growth.
When it comes to pruning Australian native plants, we
sometimes think they’re a bit sensitive because they don’t
have a long history of human intervention that many exotic
plants do. But the reality is, in the wild, native plants are pruned
constantly by animals and weather. By pruning them properly
in the garden, they will respond really well.
By Lyn Cobb Bushcare Volunteer, Coogee
UTS AND UNSW EXPO
Australian
Natives, to prune
or not to prune
Most Australian native plants flower from winter into early
spring and are dormant over summer. By tip pruning just
after they’ve finished flowering the plants will maximise their
growth and become dense and bushy just before the summer
heat hits them.
Sometimes it’s important to tip prune a plant when it becomes
top-heavy or it can fall over and break. If you notice one of
your plants becoming top-heavy Jane recommends nipping off
ten to twenty centimetres of tip growth.
One Australian native plant that confuses many people about
its pruning time is the Native Hibiscus, Alyogyne huegelii. It’s
a marvellous plant that comes from central Australia. It
performs very well in cool temperate parts but it flowers and
flowers and it can be difficult to know when to prune it. Jane
says to “wait until late spring or early summer - that’s the
crucial time because then you’re going to get rid of all the
sappy growth that happened in spring, which are susceptible
to wind damage anyway. Prune off about two thirds over the
entire plant.”
When pruning a hedge or any other plant that you want to
keep at a consistent sort of size, it’s important to do it regularly.
Every season prune twice, or even three times, because
the growth will be vigorous. The more you prune the more
Westringia fruticosa responds
well to tip pruning
compact and dense it will get. Every two or three years look
inside the bush and prune out one or two of the thicker stems
and new growth will emerge from down in the middle of the
plant.
Native grasses have become an important component of our
garden landscapes and they can also be pruned. When they
turn a bit brown simply give them a really good haircut, right
down at the base and in spring they’ll come up looking lush and
beautiful.
Another way that pruning can benefit the wellbeing of
plants is to actually cut any pests and diseases out. For
example, large numbers of larvae of the Webbing Caterpillar
create a large cocoon within the branches of plants such
as Leptospermum (Tea Tree) or Melaleuca and can decimate
the leaves. The best way to rid the plant of them is to prune
them out.
Jane says, “Pruning is one of the simplest ways to ensure that
your garden is healthy and well maintained, and native plants,
like any other plant, will respond really well to a good prune. So
don’t be intimidated. Grab your secateurs and go out and have
a bit of fun.”
(courtesy Gardening Australia, ABC Saturday 6.30pm)
RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL
PAGE 5
bushcare
bushcare
GROUP
LOCATION
WORKING
BEE TIME
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
Good vibrations:
plants respond to
sound of caterpillars
chewing
Bundock Park
Car park on Donnellan Circuit,
Clovelly
9am – 1pm
13
11
8
Fred Hollows
Reserve
Alison Rd entrance (July), Bligh Pl
entrance (June & August), Randwick
9am – 1pm
10
8
12
Gordon’s Bay
Meet at the main gate of The UNSW
Cliffbrook Campus Grounds, 45
Beach St, Coogee
9am – 1pm
14
12
9
Grant Reserve
BBQ area across from Wylies Baths,
Neptune Street, Coogee
9.30am – 11.30pm
9 & 23
14 & 28
11 & 25
Ladies’ Pool
McIvers Rock Baths, Grant Reserve,
Coogee
9 – 11am Sundays
& 10am – 12pm
Thursdays
7 & 25
5 & 23
2 & 27
Lake Malabar
End of Manwaring Avenue, Maroubra
12pm – 3pm
17
22
19
Long Bay
Foreshore
Corner of Howe Street and Bay
Parade, Malabar
9am – 1pm
6
4
1
Maroubra Dunes
South Maroubra SLSC car park
9am – 1pm
4
2
6
Randwick
Environment Park
Corner of Dooligah Avenue and
Burragulung Street, Randwick
9am – 12 noon
3 & 20
1 & 18
5 & 15
Little Bay
Landcare
Between 119 and 121 Bilga Cresent,
Malabar.
Contact Kerry Gordon on
(02) 9311 7647 for more information.
8am – 12 noon
13
11
8
Magic Point
(Malabar
Headland)
Contact Jonathan Milford on
(02) 9398 3619 for the meeting place.
9am – 1pm
Malabar
Headland West
Contact Don Kerr on (02) 9311 2665
for the meeting place.
9am – 1pm
7, 14, 21, 28
5, 12, 19, 26
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
“Plants are very clever. People always seem surprised by
that,” she said.
Prince Henry
Contact Max Massa 9399 0708 or
[email protected]
9am – 1pm
27
25
No working
bee
“Unlike animals, they have a lot of mechanisms where
they’re finely tuned to respond to their environment.”
11, 18 & 25
9, 16, 23, 30
Plants are smarter than you think. Not
only do they grow towards sunlight
and respond to rock music, but they
can also learn from the sound of their
predators, according to new research.
Two University of Missouri scientists recorded the miniscule
vibrations made by caterpillars feasting on thale cress
leaves. Using special technology, they replayed the sound
to the plants, and discovered those which were “primed”
with the recording were better able to fight back against a
caterpillar attack than those which remained in silence.
13, 20 & 27
Sydney University biologist Robyn Overall said she was not
surprised by the results.
Plants exposed to the recorded vibrations produced more
glucosinolates (mustard oils) and anthocyanins, which give
colour to flowers and red wine, and provide health benefits
in dark chocolate.
parkcare
GROUP
LOCATION
WORKING
BEE TIME
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
Alison Rd
Corner of Alison Road and Beach
Street, Coogee
8 – 9.30am
2
7
4
Clyde Street
Clyde Street Reserve, Randwick
1 – 3pm
20
18
15
Grant Reserve
Vehicular entry to Coogee Surf Life
Saving Club
8 – 10am
16
21
18
Dudley St – Carrington Rd, Randwick
(West) & Carrington Rd –Coogee PS
(East)
10 – 11:30am
(West) & 12:302pm (East)
Old Tramline
PAGE 6
The treated plants produced higher levels of key chemical
defences, the study found.
11
9
13
In a second experiment, researchers exposed the plants to
similar environmental vibrations made by light winds and
the mating song of a common treehopper. But neither of
those elicited the same chemical defence as the sound of a
caterpillar’s chomping.
“Plants thus respond to herbivore-generated vibrations in a
selective and ecologically meaningful way,” concluded the
study, which was published in the peer-reviewed ecology
journal Oecologia.
“Plants thus respond to
herbivore-generated
vibrations in a selective and
ecologically meaningful way,”
Professor Overall said the research demonstrated an
artificial version of the learning process which plants
naturally undertake – more experienced plants resist
attack better than less experienced plants. But she said the
study could have implications for the agricultural industry,
perhaps reducing the need for artificial pesticides to keep
bugs away from crops.
Plants have complex defence mechanisms, both chemical
and electrical. Some can even emit “volatile compounds”
– small molecules released into the air to repel insects or
attract natural predators of those insects.
They can also communicate with each other. The study
noted that under the right conditions, “vibrations generated
by a chewing caterpillar could alert nearby plants to the
presence of a herbivore”.
For Professor Overall, it is a testament to the work she has
performed her entire career.
“Plants fight back!” she said.
(Article taken from Sydney Morning Herald, July 11, 2014, by Michael Koziol)
PAGE 6
RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL
PAGE 7
DVD REVIEW
KINGDOM OF
PLANTS WITH DAVID
ATTENBOROUGH
New documentary series, presented
by David Attenborough, which aims to
provide an insight into the life of plants.
There is also the 3D which reveals a whole new dimension in
the lives of plants, from the most bizarre to the most beautiful.
In this sensational series, shot over the course of a year, David
Attenborough explores their fascinating world. Using 3D timelapse and pioneering techniques in 3D macro photography,
he traces them from their beginnings on land to their vital
place in nature today, exposing new revelations along the way.
He moves from our time scale to theirs, revealing the true
nature of plants as creatures that are every bit as dynamic and
aggressive as animals.
David discovers a microscopic world that’s invisible to the
naked eye, where insects feed and breed, where flowers
fluoresce and where plants communicate with each other
and with animals using scent and sound. He meets the
extraordinary animals and fungi that have unbreakable ties
with the plant world, from hawk moths and bats to tiny poison
dart frogs, a giant tortoise and a fungus that can control the
mind. And he does all this in one unique place, a microcosm
of the whole plant world where, some 90% of all known plant
species are represented:
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. This spectacular adventure
through the Kingdom of Plants is so immersive and compelling
it has the capacity to amaze even the least green-fingered.
What’s happening at Randwick Environmental Park (REP)
For the last 12months the Bushcare group has been working in
the South western section near the main oval at REP. The work
has involved installing 361 plants to provide an important buffer
for the remnant bushland and increase habitat for the park.
The aim is to link this planted area with the remnant stand
of ESBS. We are now moving toward this ESBS area weeding
African lovegrass, Turkey rhubarb and Lantana.
The planted area is really starting to take shape providing
habitat for various fauna. The area is regularly visited by Blue
wrens, willy wagtails and blue tongues – frogs have also made
this area their home!
RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL
30 Frances Street
Randwick NSW 2031
Phone 9399 0708
Email
[email protected]
The area cleared of lantana
Bushland Management Unit
192 Storey Street
Maroubra NSW 2035
Supervisor-Bushland 9399 0686
Biodiversity Officer 9399 0683
Bushland Officer 9399 0687
Bushcare Officer 9399 0708
genous flora
Area planted with local indi
Randwick City Council
Community Nursery
2B Barker St
Kingsford NSW 2031
Phone: 9399 0933
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday
9:00am -3:00pm