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Growing Native Plants |
Grevillea
iaspicula (Wee Jasper Grevillea) was only named in 1986, though it was first
collected in 1966. This species is a member of the family Proteaceae. It is
only found naturally at six sites around the Lake Burrinjuck and Wee Jasper
areas. In total there are only about 100 mature plants left in the wild, making
it one of Australia’s rarest plants. It is listed as endangered under the
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth).
The species is endangered due to the heavy grazing of sheep and goats. Most
of the remaining plants are in found in rocky areas that have been inaccessible
to grazing.
At
some of the Grevillea iaspicula sites, G. rosmarinifolia is also
found. Hybridisation between the two related species does occur, affecting the
genetic purity of the rarer of the two species. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service and other stakeholders are involved in a recovery program. They are
replanting clones of the current populations in several sites to increase its
spread and also are using clones to replant at bushfire affected sites. Fencing
and weed control work has also been undertaken, blackberries being a significant
threat. G. iaspicula is also important in for birds, the flowers providing
invaluable nectar.
The shrub has an average height of 1.2-1.5 metres, however plants can grow up to 4m high. The leaves are attractive, glabrous and sometimes pungent; the upper surface is noticeably wrinkled. The inflorescence is usually terminal, pendulous, about 2-3 cm long, each with up to ten flowers. The flowers are cream to green, with a pink to red style. It flowers in May to November and the flowers last for several weeks. It fruits in November to December and the seed are released in December to January.
Grevillea
iaspicula naturally occurs on limestone and can be grown in stony, heavy
well draining soils. This species is frost and lime tolerant and likes growing
in dry, shady to sunny areas. As with all grevilleas, G. iaspicula has
proteoid roots and therefore need low phosphorus fertilizers. It is a good idea
to prune the plant from a young age to keep it bushy. It is also advisable to
prune back after flowering.
Cuttings are the best way to propagate, though it is also possible to grow from seed. Cuttings are best taken in late winter with semi-hardwood material. It is best if they are 8-10 cm long, with the bottom third of the leaves removed. The best hormone to use is IBA at strength of 2000-4000 ppm. The roots take about eight weeks to develop. The Wee Jasper Grevillea is a stunning addition to a garden with the right soils and is likely to attract native nectar feeding birds.
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Derivation of the name:Grevillea – Named after Charles Francis Greville (1749–1809), co-founder of London Horticultural Society, a patron of botany. iaspicula – derives from ‘iaspis’, which is Latin for Jasper and ‘ul’ which is Latin for small.
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Text by Janis Drake (2004 Student Botanical Intern)
ASGAP (2004) Grevillea iaspicula http://farrer.riv.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/g-ias.html Accessed: Feb 2004.
Butler, G., Richardson, M. & Ganter, W. (1991) Recovery Plan for Grevillea iaspicula (Wee Jasper Grevillea); ANBG; Australia.
Olde, P. & Marriot, N. (1994) The Grevillea Book Volumes 1 & 2; Kangaroo Press; Australia.
McGillivray, D.J. (assisted by R.O. Makinson) (1993) Grevillea (PROTEACEAE): A taxonomic revision; Melbourne University Press; Australia.
