| TEXT: Hibbertia procumbens (Dilleniaceae) Spreading
Guinea Flower in the company of Poa gunnii (Gramineae) It is not uncommon
to find both together in the lower margin of the true alpine zone. Hibbertia
procumbens is found in both Victoria and Tasmania. It may be found from
sea level to the sub alpine zone, in the latter area it is frequent in
bolster heaths. Cultivation is generally easy providing there are few periods
of high soil moisture. The species is remarkably drought tolerant and thrives
in soils poor in nutrients. Propagation is from seed which should have
a period of stratification if from an alpine provenance, and semi-ripe
cuttings which strike readily in a coconut fibre media under mist. Poa
gunnii is also found in both Victoria and Tasmania. The specimen photographed
had been extensively grazed by wombats and kangaroos and was not at its
best. When at its best it is a fine species for alpine bed or general garden
use. In general appearance Poa gunnii aesthetically resembles Festuca amethystina
and F. glauca, it is a tufted perennial to 30 cm, blue grey/ green leaves
and with varying degrees of purpling of the culms and glumes. Cultivation
is not difficult in a sunny well drained area of the garden, low soil fertility
is probably advisable. Propagation is from seed or by division in autumn.
Both Hibbertia procumbens and Poa gunnii are hardy in zones 7-8 and possibly
a little lower. |
