Foxes Lair
  • Home
  • About
    • About Foxes Lair
    • History
    • Landscape and Soils
  • Things To Do
    • Scavenger hunt
    • Picnic Spots
    • Walking Tracks
    • Visit the Arboretum
    • Geocaching and Orienteering
    • Ride Your Bicycle
  • Things To See
    • Birds
    • Wildflowers
    • Trees in the Narrogin district
    • Narrogin spiders scorpions ticks
    • Vertebrates
    • Fungi and lichens
  • Other Places to Visit
    • FAMILY bush attractions
    • WILDLIFE bush attractions
    • WILDFLOWER bush attractions
    • all reserves
  • Foxes Lair seasonal guide
  • 1Foxypress
    • Foxypress
    • Vanishing Farms
  • Contact

Narrogin Ericaceae Wildflowers and their Pollinators

21/1/2023

0 Comments

 
​Ericaceae, also called the Heath Family is common on acidic sandy and gravelly (particularly kwongan) soils. Flowers are often small, but exquisitely shaped.
Common features include.
  • Prostrate or low shrubs, usually having short tough leaves with parallel leaf veins and a sharp tip.
  • Flowers have free sepals surrounding petals, which are fused into a short or long tube ending in petal lobes that may be shorter or longer than the tube.
  • Usually white or red/orange flowers with nectar. but may or may not have an aroma.
  • Flowers often have tiny hairs or scales on upper petal surfaces on the lobes and/or inside the tube. Incidentally, these hinder non-pollinating insects such as ants from stealing nectar.
  • Fruit are berries (drupes) or small capsules, which are eaten by animals. Emus are listed as major seed dispersers.
  • Many of them flower early in the year from March onwards.
​Recently there has been an amalgamation of species based on shared genes from DNA analysis. The two largest genera, Astroloma and Leucopogon have been absorbed into Styphelia. These in turn belonged to mostly Western Australian family named Epacridaceae, which has been amalgamated into the formerly mostly eastern states plant family Ericace.
I can see the logic behind genetic grouping, and have a high regard for our Eastern States neighbours (despite them being a trifle strange).
However, it is rather sad for people like me with an flawed memory and even less patience to work my way through a tortuous key to identify plants with shared characteristics.
Picture
Andersonia caerula and Styphelia (Leucopogon) species at East Yornaning kwongan in mid August
Historically, classification was based totally on shared plant features. At genus level, flower characteristics have been shaped by evolution to attract particular pollinators.
Here are a few examples.
  • Colour. Insect vision is sensitive to ultraviolet and white light, but poor at the red end of the spectrum. Conversely, red stands out for birds and large animals, which are major pollinators)
  • Sexual deception in orchids.
  • Plants like Hibbertias and tomatoes lack nectar, but have dry loose pollen which attracts bees that use buzz pollination.
  •  Plants with nectar and very long petal tubes selectively attract moths and birds. Those with short or no tube are generalists which can be pollinated by many animals including flies.
  • Mammal specific flowers are often large, hidden, dull-coloured, and strongly scented with lots of nectar.
In older papers I noticed that the old genera often had different pollinators due to flower shape and colour. To me this is much more interesting than a huge genetic genus
​.
At risk of being labelled a dinosaur, I list local Ericaceae genera below using the old classification so I can easily distinguish plant groups  having shared characteristics in the bush. Some other amateurs may find it useful.​
PictureLysinema pentapetalum. Curry Bush
Genus Lysinema (unchanged)
Flowers of the most common species called Curry Bush have a curry powder smell, which attracts pollinating moths. Flowers have several distinctive brown bracts, which cover most of the white flower tube. Formerly classified as Lysinema ciliatum, it has been renamed Lysinema pentapetalum. The species are very similar, but rarely interbreed. Lysinema ciliatum flowers have a sweet smell, less flowers per group, lighter coloured bracts and are mainly further south. Further information.

Picture
​Genus Andersonia (unchanged)
There is only species, Andersonia caerula - Foxtails and a few priority 2 species in Narrogin district. The stunning Foxtail flower has long pink sepals designed to attract birds and delicate pale blue petal tubes with a narrow entrance, which is packed with stamens and the pistil to keep unwanted insects out. Pollinators need a firm beak or tongue to get through to the nectar. Honeyeaters are listed as major pollinators, but bees were active when I visited them at Ylliminning Nature Reserve.

Picture
Andersonia caerula
Picture
Bee probing for nectar
Picture
Andersonia bifida West Highbury

​Genus Styphelia (unchanged)

Local Styphelia tenuiflora - Common Pinheath  has a white very long petal tube, and protruding stamens and pistil, which suits the butterfly and moth pollinators.
Picture
Picture
Ex-genus Astroloma (now Styphelia)
This hardy group has sepals shorter than, and which clasp a pollen tube with short hairy-interior lobes. I was surprised to learn that all local species are pollinated by Western Spinebills and honeyeaters. On reflection, it made sense because most flowers are red-orange and have tight narrow petal-tube entrances. All species have fleshy berries, which are dispersed by birds and bobtail skinks. Emus were particularly common eaters of flowers and berries. Alas no longer in our widely dispersed reserves. As many Astrolomas are fire-sensitive, a lack of emus to disperse seed could threaten their long term survival. They are generally very tough and long-lived, and have evolved to live in dry places.
​There are five species in Foxes Lair.
Picture
G. J. Keighery 1996
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Ex-genus Leucopogon (now Styphelia)
There are many species in Narrogin district reserves, which have similar looking flowers - small whitish flowers with long petal-tube lobes, usually with an abundance of fluffy hairs on upper side of the lobes. They are exquisite close-up. The short open petal tube provides nectar access for a range of flying insects (flies wasps butterflies and moths, gnats, birds), but bees are the main pollinators.
​There are three species in Foxes Lair.
References
Keighery 1996 Phytogeography, Biology and Conservation of Western Australian Epacridaceae
​De Gruyter Eight Pollination Syndromes​

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Wedin Reserve

28/12/2022

 
This 127 hectare reserve was originally surveyed as a townsite adjoining the Wedin railway siding. Apart from an old dam for steam locomotives and a few small gravel pits the reserve is in pristine condition and supports a wonderful variety of wildflowers. in late August to mid September depending on the season one can see a wonderfully diverse display of spider orchids on open wandoo woodland on either side of Wedin North Road where it meets Line Road.

The reserve is a good stopping point for people doing a day trip from Narrogin to Harrismith Nature Reserve.
Picture
The reserve is 52 km east of Narrogin. Drive on Yilliminning Road, turn right on to Line Road (gravel) past the old Toolibin townsite and park next to the old dam at the  Wedin North Road Intersection. 
Picture
Map 1 Wedin Reserve location
​Most of the reserve is on either side of Wedin North Road. There is a small section adjoining Wedin Road on the south side of the railway line, which adjoins a large area of salmon gum -  wandoo bush on private property. Ruins in the bush are  remains of the abandoned Jensen farmhouse (visiting not permitted).
The reserve has very smooth landscape, which is typical of the area. From a ridge at the highest point at the north-west corner, the land slopes smoothly down to open forest flats adjoining Line Road. Vegetation changes due to slight and usually unnoticeable changes in slope or soil type form a mosaic with many different types of wildflowers. Blue lines show old drains to the dam. They can be handy in finding your bearings in the bush.
Picture
Map 2 Reserve boundary and contours
Picture
Map 3 Vegetation and significant areas
Numbers shown in Map 3 show spots of interest.

Spot 1 is mainly an open Wandoo sand over clay flat, which is the best orchid country. Look for ​Caladenia hirta subsp rosea / Pink Candy Orchid Caladenia polychroma / Josephs Spider type orchids, Caladenia falcata / Fringed mantis orchid. Caladenia flava / cowslip orchid, greenhood orchids, sun orchids and a leek orchid.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Spot 2 on the western corner has a beautiful mosaic of sand over gravel kwongan shrubland interspersed with patches of lovely spindly Eucalyptus albida. To visit this spot you can park in an old gravel pit on the eastern side.  
Picture
Picture
Picture
If you follow the second drain from the west, you will come to spot 3 where  the slope changes  from the valley to the ridge. This is scenic country, which is dotted with flowering shrubs in spring. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Spot 4 is a fire access track at the top of the reserve with a wide range of kwongan shrubs which change and alternate with mallee scrub as you drive along the track. I found purple enamel orchids near the eastern end.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Spot 5 is  Red Morrell - mallee open forest with few understorey shrubs growing on dolerite clay loam soil, which adjoins ironstone gravel with scattered gravel pits.
To view a google Photos album of Wedin wildflowers click this link

Tutanning Nature Reserve

29/10/2022

 
​Tutanning Nature Reserve is a 2381 area of remnant vegetation on a broad ridge 25km east of Pingelly. This relatively infrequently visited reserve offers a remarkable and diverse display of flora and fauna for visitors, and short stay camp style accommodation or camping for limited numbers at the Percy Marshall Field Study Centre.

It is a great place to
  • Enjoy the  peacefulness and solitude of a secluded area with basic facilities.
  • See a wide range of plants, animals and birds.
  • Walk the Tutanning walk trail and internal roads
  • Go spotlighting for animals on foot or by 4WD vehicle.
  • Drive or ride your mountain bike on internal roads. 4WD vehicles with good clearance are strongly recommended when driving in the reserve. Internal roads are narrow and often rough, with some very sandy and rocky sections.
Cars and wagons can drive in but the entry may be too narrow for large caravans and large RV campervans.
​As this is a class A nature reserve, pets are not permitted.
See this website for more information on accommodation and activities at Tutanning
Picture
Relief map of Tutanning Boyagin Dryandra district
Picture
Picture
Percy Marshall Field Study Centre
The reserve is elongated with a very uneven boundary because it is the rocky remnant of a divide between  the Avon and Hotham River catchments called the Dutarning Range. Farmers have cleared most surrounding arable land leaving an undulating rocky and gravelly upland. A relatively recent addition is the Annexe, which was purchased and connected to the main block by a narrow corridor. Apart from an impressive grove of Red Morrell trees, the landscape is similar to the main block. There are some winter wet areas so use a 4WD if going there.
This blog describes the southern part of the main block, which is easily accessable from the house and is fairly representative of the reserve.
PictureMajor soil categories
Granite basement rock varying in quartz (sand) content, has been intruded by lines (dykes) of dolerite and then cracked by continental movement to create (mainly) southwest-​northeast and northwest-southeast patterns. You can see this from river flow directions. About 100 million years ago a lateritic gravel surface formed. In succeeding dry and wet weather cycles the laterite eroded and reformed many times to create an upland with ironstone and gravel ridges and breakaways, kwongan gravelly sand upland bowls and mixed soils on slopes and valleys.
Soil and landscape variability underpins the amazing 750 species of native plants, and the many birds and animals in the reserve. Diversity is greatest in the upland kwongan heathlands, which have mixed shrub communities.
Vegetation is a good indicator of soil type, although Rock Sheoak trees (Allocasuarina heugelii) are gradually invading other plant communities

Powderbark Eucalyptus accedens
Mostly on lateritic soils. ironstone ridges and gravelly upland slopes
Kwongan shrubland
Gravelly rises, yellow and white sandy upland slopes and hollows
Brown Mallet Eucalyptus astringens
Steep bare slopes below breakaway edges
​Wandoo Eucalyptus wandoo
​Sand or gravel over clay in open woodlands and flats. Intermixed with powderbark on lateritic upper slopes and with rock sheoak near granitic soils.
Rock Sheoak Allocasuarina huegeliana
Sandy and shallow rocky soils intermixed with wandoo where sand is shallower, and kwongan gravel spots. Invading other sandy and gravelly soils.
​York Gum Eucalyptus loxophleba
Red-brown loamy soils 
Picture
Wandoo (foreground) and Brown Mallet
Picture
Kwongan scrub
Picture
Powderbark
Picture
Rock Sheoak
Picture
York Gum
Click this link for a  Google Photos album containing images of wildflowers and landscapes.

The map below shows internal roads and the walk trail. The roads are fire access tracks, which are annually maintained, and many no longer have signposts. My 2-wheel drive ute can negotiate most of them, but some sections marked in red are only suitable for 4WDs. Many are narrow, rutted and stony and it is difficult to turn around if a problem is encountered. If you are unsure, it is a good idea to walk or ride your bike ahead to avoid getting stuck. I get good WIFI reception with my Telstra phone , but the nearest reliable assistance is in Pingelly.
Picture
Internal roads and walk trail. Red indicates known vehicle hazards
Tutanning is excellent hiking country, and internal roads make good (occasionally bumpy and sandy) mountain bike trails for the moderately fit. The map below shows three interesting circuits. 
Picture
A 3km Class 3 walk trail (yellow), which crosses Bandicoot Road takes up to 2 hours to complete. You may encounter minor natural hazards such as short, steep sections, steps, shallow water crossings and unstable or slippery surfaces. A good level of fitness is recommended.
As the southern section, which is mainly lateritic breakaway and gravel country  is more difficult and has less wildflowers, many prefer to only walk the northern section and return via Bandicoot Road (2.2km).
Tutanning Trail North Brochure
​A longer but easier (green 3.5km level 2) walk along Bandicoot, Possum and Echidna Roads features many shrub wildflowers on white and yellow sand, and gravel kwongan shrubland. Vehicle sand hazard.
Possum Echidna Kwongan Trail Brochure
The south-eastern corner of the reserve is interesting country, which features relict jarrah trees, impressive breakaways,  granite outcrops and attractive views of neighbouring farmland. A 6km level 2 circuit via Jarrah Road and the southern boundary (blue) is a good walk to see this country. The length of the walk can be reduced by cutting south down Numbat Road or a poorly marked track at the jarrahs. Bandicoot Road up to Jarrah Road is car friendly, but do not drive down Jarrah Road.
Picture
Granite outcrop
Picture
Jarrah
Picture
Honey myrtle eastern boundary

Narrogin district Asteraceae (Daisy family) Wildflowers

19/10/2022

0 Comments

 
​Greetings fellow foxies,

Every year, tourists flock north to see mass everlasting displays in the Northern Wheatbelt and pastoral areas.
Narrogin district has many of these wildflowers, which belong to the Asteraceae (daisy) family, also known as Compositae.  Patches of colourful spring everlastings occur in most years, particularly in wandoo-sheoak woodland, and in wet areas.
Picture
Waitzia sp.Harrismith reserve
Picture
Water buttons Wolwolling Pool
Picture
Lawrencella rosea East Yornaning reserve
​​Asteraceae includes spring flowering annuals, which flower in groups and perennials which often occur as scattered plants.
Flowers in this family share the following characteristics:
​
Deceptive flowers occur as a group on a single stem, which looks like a single large flower.
​Think of a sunflower head, which comprises a cup-shaped calyx of scale-like leaves (bracts) enclosing numerous tiny flowers. Flower petals are fused into a tube (corolla) with tiny triangular ends. These are called disk flowers. Often the outer row of flowers has a single large petal-like lobe, which extends out so the flowering head resembles a single flower. These are called rim flowers.
​

Each tiny flower has numerous hairs surrounding the corolla. which enable the dry seeds to blow away easily. 
Picture
Olearia rudis Rough Daisy Bush
Picture
Flowering head interior
Picture
Feathery seeds
I have created three categories to illustrate the variation in design of the flowering head.
​
1. Rim flower species in the Narrogin district. There are also several weed species, which are not shown.
Picture
Olearia ciliata Fringed Daisy Bush
Picture
Argentipallium nivea
Picture
Unknown
Picture
Olearia paucidentata Autumn Scrub Daisy
Picture
Brachyscome pusilla
Picture
Panaetia lessonii
Picture
Podolepsis gracilis
Picture
Trichocline spathulata Native Gerbera
Picture
Senecio pinnatifolius
The following two groups lack rim flowers in the flowering head.
2. Disk flowers only forming a button-shaped head. 
Picture
Podotheca gnaphaloides
Picture
Siloxerus multiflorus
Picture
Craspedia glauca
Picture
Unknown top view
Picture
Craspedia glauca interior
Picture
Unknown bottom view
3. Head with disk flowers surrounded by papery bracts
Picture
Helichrysum leucopsideum
Picture
Rhodanthe citrina
Picture
Rhodanthe manglesii
Picture
Waitzia acuminata
Picture
Disk flowers inside papery bracts
Picture
Pterochaeta paniculata
PicturePollen is presented to insects by a female flower part of the flower
Stamens are not visible in Antheraceae flowers, because they use secondary pollen presentation.
​

​Stamens remain in the base of each flower with the pollen bearing anthers facing the style in the centre. As the plant develops, the style pushes up and collects pollen, which sticks on hairs below the end (stigma). Pollen remains viable on the style for up to a week, after which it dies. Stigma lobes at the end of the style then open out to expose the active female surface to be fertilised by pollen from other flowers

Individual flowers produce a drop of nectar at their base. They don't all mature at once, but start on the outside and mature inwards often in a spiral fashion. This induces insects to repeatedly visit the flowering head and visit each flower as it changes from pollen presentation to the pollen receiving phase.

0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Doug Sawkins is a friend of Foxes Lair 

    Categories

    All
    Animals Other
    Birds
    Disorders Plant Animal
    Fungi Lichens
    History
    Insects Bugs Other Arthropods
    Landscapes Soils
    Other Reserves And Places
    Reptiles
    Spiders Other Arachnids
    Tree
    Walks Other Facilities
    Wasp
    Wildflowers Orchids
    Wildflowers Other Summer Autumn
    Wildflowers Other Winter Spring
    Wildflowers Parasitic

    Archives

    December 2022
    October 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    September 2014
    August 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    May 2012
    March 2012
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    April 2011

© 2015 All Rights Reserved. Doug Sawkins, Australia.