Australian Native Shrubs for Dry and Alkaline Areas
I will write these lists and gradually add to them and add further information. Around our own yard we have these medium to tall shrubs growing. They tend to be in windbreaks. It is always better to have multiple heights in plants in windbreaks, tall trees, medium trees and tall shrubs, and a few smallershrubs to create layers. There are less wind tunnels if this is done.
- Acacia iteaphylla (Flinders Range Wattle)
- Acacia aneura (Mulga)
- Hakea laurina (Pincushion Hakea)
- Hakea multilineata
- Melaleuca lanceolata
- Melaleuca uncinata
- Callitris priessii sub species canescens (Native Pine)
- Grevillea pinaster in its tall forms. The Honeyeaters love this as well as the Hakeas.
- Melaleuca nesophylla
- Melaleuca huegelii (Chenille Honey Myrtle)
- Melaleuca armillaris
- Grevillea olivacea
I am visualising what I remember growing around the town and in other towns with similar conditions. These lists will go on forever as I remember species.
Fantastic list – please keep going. I need all the information about dry and alkaline soils I can get. You have obviously researched carefully because I have had considerable success with several of the natives you mention – eg. Hakea laurina, Melaleuca armillaris and Grevillea olivacea. Others not mentioned that seem to be doing well include Grevillea pressii and G. Winparra Gem and related cultivars. Also Dryandra formosa, Correa alba and Alogyne hueglii are all thriving on my limestone soils at Kangaroo Island.
When I saw what I had written, I realised that I had intended doing several lists based on the height of the plants. This has been a memory jogger!
I am studying Certificate level 4 in Horticulture Parks and Gardens and have established a drought proof garden in the house next door which I used to rent from my cousins, who have since sold the place.There needs to be a comprehensive list of Australian plants easily located on the internet- very handy
There is an excellent guide to vegetation of South Australian southern agricultural districts, that associates plants within their communities. Very helpful if you are wanting to restore a site or a home garden!
Its Mangrove to Mallee, by Todd Berkinshaw. Available with Trees for Life and Adelaide Botanic gardens amongst others.
Where would you find an example in seed or plant of the more not so readily avaliable varietys mentioned here,i live in the Adelaide hills area. Much Thanks
The plants on that list are usually readily available. The Australian Plants Society plant sale will have them at the next sale 28th and 29th April 2012. Also see State Flora at Belair or Murray Bridge. You will find examples of some the species growing at the nurseries. Seed is available from Blackwood Seeds or Nindethana Seed Co. See their websites.