Floral treasures of the vanishing forests
Sp Amplexicaulis
Globally, rare and beautiful flora are disappearing and in Australia the water crisis has made it difficult to maintain exotic gardens. Meanwhile, in the last remote forest ravines of south western China and the once lost world of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, new and wonderful Camellias are being discovered bringing new colours, fragrances and it’s to delight the human spirit. Camellias include the tea plant Camellia sinensis and belong to the horticulturally rich Theaceae family.
Camellias have been part of Australia’s horticultural heritage since Alexander Macleay acquired specimens that were planted at Elizabeth Bay House, Sydney around 1826, and William Macarthur first brought shipments that were planted in Camden Park, New South Wales in 1831. However, many rare Camellias once in Australian gardens are now disappearing and reintroduction except native seed is difficult due to strict but necessary quarantine protection.
The E. G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens, through Sutherland Shire Council, have joined with Camellias-R-Us, Glenorie, to acquire and propagate some of these horticultural treasures, for the benefit of the Australian public. In time, flowers from successfully propagated specimens will be on display at the E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens.
The Ark includes 75 endangered cultivars and or species with an emphasis on plants that can be grown at the Gardens (see table below). The project recognises the botanical as well as the horticultural value of plants of the family Theaceae, and will consult with Royal Botanic Gardens experts on selection of wild species. Wider participation by garden clubs, members of Camellias Australia and public gardens elsewhere across Australia is most welcome. Garden lovers across Australia are welcome to sponsor a camellia (see below). Rare plants will be made available free to participating public gardens including botanic gardens. Donors who subscribe to the project may purchase rare plants through Camellias-R-Us. In time, exhibits will be on display at the Gardens.
The Ark includes 75 endangered cultivars and or species with an emphasis on plants that can be grown at the Gardens (see table below). The project recognises the botanical as well as the horticultural value of plants of the family Theaceae, and will consult with Royal Botanic Gardens experts on selection of wild species. Wider participation by garden clubs, members of Camellias Australia and public gardens elsewhere across Australia is most welcome. Garden lovers across Australia are welcome to sponsor a camellia (see below). Rare plants will be made available free to participating public gardens including botanic gardens. Donors who subscribe to the project may purchase rare plants through Camellias-R-Us. In time, exhibits will be on display at the Gardens.
|
Category of Cultivar |
Cultivation Numbers |
|
Conservation of rare plants in the E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens |
1-20 |
|
Representative selection of Japanese Higo Camellia japonica of floricultural merit |
21-25 |
|
Representative selection of Camellia reticulata of floriculturaI merit |
26-30 |
|
Camellias of fragrance – including hybrids |
31-35 |
|
Rare camellia cultivars in other Australian collections. |
36-50 |
|
Camellia species suitable for cultivation in the Gardens or of conservation merit |
51-75 |
CONTACTS:
Project Coordination Enquiries including Donations:
Stephen Utick B.Sc. Dip.Hort.Sc. M.Sc.Soc.
Hon Treasurer, E.G.Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens Management Committee
Phone: Email: sutick@grapevine.com.au
Cultivar Selection Team:
Jim Powell, Vice President, Camellias Australia Phone: 02 4294 2877
Email: jimpowell5@yahoo.com.au
Camellias Australia, E.G.Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens Management Committee
Marge Mansfield
Propagation and Cultivation Facilitation Enquiries:
Bill Parker, Camellias-R-Us 34 Harrisons Lane
Glenorie NSW 2157
Phone: 02 9652 2879 Fax: 02 9652 2877 Email: sales@camelliasrus.com.au
