Australian Succulents
Articles & News
Our main articles are listed in the menu, on the left, and below you will find other diverse and interesting news stories. Also go to 'Talks & Presentations' on the menu at left, for public presentations, videos and magazine articles.
JANUARY24th 2012 - A new Australian bred succulent of distinction will be released in 2012. Bred in Australia for sunny Australian conditions (a truly symbolic plant of Australia - green and gold, and 'Sunburn'). Endorsed by The Cactus and Succulent Society of Australia Inc.
Under construction: For more information and pictures, see left menu, article titled 'New Hybrid'.
JANUARY14th 2012 - THere are so many unique Calandrinia species across the continent, many that have yet to be described. Since 2006 numerous new species have been described in WA. Almost no work is being undertaken on species on the eastern half of the continent. The eastern species are generally smaller plants with flowers often under 1 cm, and sometimes half that, or even less, in diameter and this helps relegate these plants to an insignificant level.
Ian Menkins of Toowoomba has just reported that botanical surveys of an area about to be affected by mining have overlooked the succulent flora. While Ian nor the botanist have any intention to discredit each other or the mining company, this sort of example of how succulents don't figure in the big picture is only too common. This goes right back to the first days of colonial settlement in that the two most well recorded succulents, Pigface and Pigweed, while well - known and common, were barely valued (especially with names like this).
Most if not all secondary and tertiary education in horticulture or botany has excluded our native succulent flora in the curriculum. And likely any botanical encounter during these years would also dismiss these plants.
Irrespective of my speculation, it can still be easy to miss many succulent species, in part because of their camouflage, in part because they are so small, in part because they are often in isolated locations where the ground is often relatively bare. Sometimes a species is so isolated that it may be found in a few square metres and nowhere else! Ian Menkins is an amateur botanist with a very well - trained eye for these kinds of plants. Ian regularly works with botanists and helps with field work. Original letter from Ian below:
Hi Attila,
Thank you for the very professional reply to my email. I don't know if you realize it, but you are now the foremost expert to consult when it comes to Calandrinia species. So very few botanists bother with them, which is a shame because they are very interesting and so easily overlooked, and there are lots of unnamed species still out there.
I wanted to bring the Lake Broadwater species to the attention of an environmental consultant who is working with the coal seam gas companies in that area. He is generally very thorough, but would you believe he has so far not seen this Calandrinia, nor the Grahamia, or even Portulaca bicolor? Often these really small plants are lost to botanists.
Regards Ian
JANUARY 8TH 2012 - Erik van Zuilekom is a friend working with a company covering the new desalination plant in south eastern Victoria. Much of the buildings' roofing structure is covered with landscaping so as to blend into the natural environment. Among the numerous indigenous plants, succulents rate highly, notably Carpobrotus and Disphyma. Erik reports that the plants are doing better than expected and the pictures he sent me so far do look rather impressive. The scale of the project is probably the largest landscaping undertaking using succulents in Australia's history.
NOVEMBER 28th 2011 - Our new publications have been very well received, especially the Bottle Tree and Boab booklet. We will continue to offer a special deal over Christmas. Many people are buying the full set of four for $50 (includes postage in Australia).
NOVEMBER 8th 2011 - We currently do have an exciting new series of publications (see first four entries in BOOKSHOP). The flagship book of this website, 'Australian Native Succulents' is almost sold out. The last carton of 12 books was opened this week. There were 2000 printed and it has been very well received with minimal marketing and exposure. In mid 2012, we hope to have a field guide covering only the 'ground cover' succulent species from the central most arid regions of the continent. So in many ways the new proposed book will be very different to the original. Importantly, it will include many new species.
AUGUST 13th 2011 -
One of Australasia's most adventorous succulent plant explorer and expert, Derrick Rowe is dedicating his retirement to the botanical study, of primarily Ant plants of Australia. And more recently, also of Ant plants in neighbouring islands and countries, hence the small article titled 'Ant Plants' to be found on the side menu at left, about a most interesting plant.
AUGUST 1ST 2011 -
In the USA Cactus and Succulent Society Journal newsletter 'To The Point', vol. 83, no. 3, there is a fascinating article called 'Put A Prickly Pear in Your Tank?' about experimental farming of Opuntia species for biofuel production. Applying this idea to our Australian invasive opuntias mentioned in Ian Menkin's article,'What are the real environmental weeds?' could be worthwhile. For more information on the Opuntia Biofuel project, visit www.fluxfarm.com or www.wccnbc.org To see a short video go to www.wccnbc.org/current-projects.html
Why can't we use our Opuntias for something worthwhile?
JULY 24th 2011 - An important and controversial article just in by Ian Menkins, at left select sub- menu topic 'What are the REAL environmental weeds?'. The article references exotic cacti that have naturalised in Australia. Many of the best native succulent habitats include a few opuntias and are often used as indicators of ideal rare plant habitats. I've also been very concerned for years that the blanket spraying or disturbing of such environments is now the greatest threat to our biodiversity.
At the town of Yelarbon, Queensland there is nearby wasteland that in the last few years has been recognised as being rich in desert flora diversity and is now protected. Prior to the fence going around the area, this Opuntia would have been sprayed or ploughed into the ground along with any plants rare or otherwise around it. The dominant plant around the base on the Opuntia is Sarcozona praecox and is the only know location in Queensland. Ploughed or disturbed soils in Queensland are often quickly populated by exotic grasses. Native succulents cannot survive the hotter fires generated by introduced grasses.
APRIL 2011 - BOOKINGS NOW CLOSED for our open garden listed for this weekend April 9,10 and 11. Watch out for further dates for 2011.
MARCH 2011 - Calostemma purpureum has just finished flowering and has produced numerous 10 mm diameter bulbils (small bulb-like). We are selling these 10 for $5.00. Acacia aphylla - extremely desirable rare native blue leafless wattle (grown for us by the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens) are now available for sale. Normally $15, now $12 each, or 10 for $60 (May 2011 - CURRENT STOCK SOLD OUT). Please enquire about spring stock.
FEBRUARY 2011 - Promoting native succulent plants around Australia is relatively difficult. However nuumerous attempts internationally have been much easier and very well received by a range of botanical and horticultural journals and magazines, primarily USA and Europe. If you want a list of these publications please contact me, a few prominent recent examples include the Italian Cactus & Co. vol. xIV, no. 1; also Cactus & Co. XIV, no. 3. And the next journal of theirs to come out with an article on Australian succulent orchids. This is a highly acclaimed European Journal. All three articles are on different Australian plants and are very comprehensive with one article 24 pages long! Others are also in the draft stage. Kaktusy (Czechoslovakia) also just published an article. While these Journals mentioned so far have the heading cactus in them, they are broadbased succulent journals with wide appeal. See their websites for more details about the journals and these feature articles.
In Australia, the Cactus and Succulent Society of Australia (CSSA) Journal, Spinette, recently had a full feature article on Australian Calandrinia. You can view this article at cssaustralia.org.au
So the promotion through articles and cultivation of these worthy plants continue.....
DECEMBER 2010 - It makes you wonder after reading Bob Chinnock's plant discoveries and the article below - if they found new animals they probably also found new plants, and not just a few. So how many more are yet to be discovered, perhaps by you or me?!
DECEMBER 2010 - a great newspaper article has just been handed to me titled, 'Saltbush survey reveals bunch of new species' (THE AUSTRALIAN newspaper, November 1, 2010, The Nation, page 9) by Mark Schliebs. Scientists believe that they have discovered numerous new animal species in the arid north of South Australia; lizards, bees and moths never before seen by scientists: David Stemmer, collection manager of mammals at the SA Museum, said most of the country had never been examined by flora and fauna experts. "If you looked at any map of Australia and plotted every specimen that has been collected, there would be large areas where there would be no dots or very few dots," he said. "And you'll find a whole range of dots along the main roads and nothing off the roads."
NOVEMBER 2010 - Recently I was at the Australasian Cactus and Succulent Convention in Sydney where I had the privilege of seeing Dr. Bob Chinnock's presentation, which included some teasing images of new native succulents which are in the process of being named. One of these plants he discovered by chance when visiting his son in a mining town in WA. Bob jokingly described this discovery was alongside the town's horse race track without any habitat exploring. I am being a little bit elusive as to what the plants are and what they look like, as this is for Bob to announce. The second plant has exceptional flowers and so is already under trial for its major horticultural merit. The only thing further I can say is that the CSIRO is working closely with him on this.
OCTOBER 2010 - A new bright yellow flowering Calandrinia species is about to makes its debut in science Journals before the year is out. Until now only pinks or whites have described. This is significant.
This new yellow Calandrinia is easy to grow from seed and we are proud to be the first to have it available to the world from our own seed harvest. We have been trialling the plant for a few years now with great success. Our seed stock is good at present and likely to last until the end of the year. Ordering early with almost guarantee getting some. Please enquire. (On the side menu GENERAL SEED list there are many Calandrinia species listed, but not this new yellow species. You need to ask for this specifically).
JUNE, JULY 2010 - A CALL FOR HELP! The great floods from Lake Eyre and to the north are a rare opportunity to photograph unique flora that associate with such events. In many cases ephemeral plants notably succulents dominate. I am researching for another follow up book. As a small independent author and self publisher my costs restrict my ability to travel as widely and frequently as I need and like, to obtain all the pictures and information I need to continue. And so this is a call out to travellers who holiday, travel or work in such areas. The monumental changes in flora in even a short space of time cannot be collated by any single person and really requires contributions from many. I can acknowledge and pay for pictures which are chosen for publication. However I mostly rely on donations and good will! I know I'm asking a lot and from so many of you out there, but I also know there are as many nature lovers who are as curious and keen as I am to get out there and photograph and enjoy this special natural event.
MARCH 2010 - Besides research and field trips to Australian plant habitats, we have been developing a garden to showcase native succulents in cultivation. They are mostly in amongst exotic succulents in an eclectic mix with other interesting foliage plants that can grow well in the same conditions. During March we have managed to promote this garden through conventional media channels and have at least four magazines reporting on the subject. The best example is a 10 page feature in 'Your Garden' magazine, current autumn edition. Also 'ABC Gardening Australia' magazine has a 4 page article. Then there is the latest 'Hort Journal' also covering native succulents in pictures of our display garden. On a smaller scale we have a current book review in the latest 'ABC Organic Gardening'. Finally there will a TV program featuring the garden - March 27th ABC Gardening Australia.
Interest in cultivating our native succulents is at a record high. We have two other magazines currently drafting articles on the topic, including one in Italy! Over the last 6-12 months various international journals and magazines have sought us out for an Australian story on our succulents. (References provided on request).
FEBRUARY 2010 - We haven't updated in the last two months as we are busy planning new publications and research. Our decision on the next book title and topic will be coming soon! Considering also our flagship book titled, 'Australian Succulent Plants' is almost sold out, and is not going to be reprinted, it will remain a collector's item. This does however open the opportunity for a range of slightly similar options e.g. soft bound expanded field guide edition. What do you think?
One important consideration for any further publication on Australian native succulents is that outside funding may be a critical factor for getting the next one up and as successful as the first. Those interested, including mining companies, government bodies or private supporters, are encouraged to contact us.
Articles, News and comments are most welcome. Feedback of any kind? Would you like to be a guest writer on this subject? Submit something now and share your knowledge and experience. Contact us here
How exciting is this!
Researching early history books and the internet reveals numerous references to herbaceous or succulent plants being critical to early inland explorers and their survival in these arid areas.
More on the stamp proposal - news just in from a restaurant......
Suaeda australis, Sclerostegia arbuscuia, Halsosarcia halocnemoides, Tetragonia tetragonoides, Tetragonia implexicoma, Carpobrotus rossii.
'Maybe a letter supporting you from the RBG and the CSSA would be a good idea.
The only drawback I can envisage is it is such a niche area of plants unlike the universally popular rose!'
It seems the postage stamp suggestions on this website have aroused considerable interest.
I've received word from John Rayner a lecturer at Burnley University, who some years ago worked closely on the stamp series featuring indigenous food plants and he was most encouraging.
Especially as he is currently focusing a lot of his attention at university trialling native succulents and other waterwise native plants for roof top plantings, which he firmly believes has a big future.
We have returned from the field trip as mentioned in the previous posting (below), where a great deal has been learnt.
A great many pictures and lots of information on new and interesting plants as well as old favourites will be shared on this website in the coming months.
Our new PICTURE GALLERY of Australian Succulent Plants is ready for viewing and includes many images from the book as well as many never before seen!
In the USA Cactus and Succulent Journal newsletter 'To The Point', vol. 83, no. 3, there is a fascinating article called 'Put A Prickly Pear in Your Tank?' about experimental farming of Opuntia species for biofuel production. Applying this idea to our own invasive opuntias in Australia mentioned in Ian Menkin's article, 'What are the REAL environmental weeds?'could be worthwhile. For more information on the Opuntia Biofuel project, visit www.fluxfarm.com or www.wccnbc.org To see a short video go to www.wccnbc.org/current-projects.html
Why can't we use our Opuntias for something worthwhile!
In the USA Journal newsletter 'To The Point', vol. 83, no. 3, there is a fascinating article called 'Put A Prickly Pear in Your Tank?' about experimental farming of Opuntia species for biofuel production. Applying this idea to our own invasive opuntias mentioned in Ian Menkin's article on page ?? could be worthwhile. For more information on the Opuntia Biofuel project, visit www.fluxfarm.com or www.wccnbc.org To see a short video go to www.wccnbc.org/current-projects.html
Thank you for the very professional reply to my email. I don't know if you realize it, but you are now the foremost expert to consult when it comes to Calandrinia species. So very few botanists bother with them, which is a shame because they are very interesting and so easily overlooked, and there are lots of unnamed species still out there.
I wanted to bring the Lake Broadwater species to the attention of an environmental consultant who is working with the coal seam gas companies in that area. He is generally very thorough, but would you believe he has so far not seen this Calandrinia, nor the Grahamia, or even Portulaca bicolor? Often these really small plants are lost to botanists.
Regards Ian
Thank you for the very professional reply to my email. I don't know if you realize it, but you are now the foremost expert to consult when it comes to Calandrinia species. So very few botanists bother with them, which is a shame because they are very interesting and so easily overlooked, and there are lots of unnamed species still out there.
I wanted to bring the Lake Broadwater species to the attention of an environmental consultant who is working with the coal seam gas companies in that area. He is generally very thorough, but would you believe he has so far not seen this Calandrinia, nor the Grahamia, or even Portulaca bicolor? Often these really small plants are lost to botanists.
Regards Ian
Previous page: Events Calendar
Next page: Discaria