New Foliage and Cut Flower Species

Project StaffFrom January 2000 to December 2001, Ms Kaylene Bransgrove of the Department of Primary Industries(DPI), Mareeba, was the project officer and principal investigator.From January 2001 to early June 2002, no project officer was assigned to the project. In the absence ofthe project officer, Yuruga Nursery (the commercial partner of the project and members of the projectmanagement team) assumed a greater role of liaison with site holders and provided guidance regardingproduction issues in this time.From June 2002 to November 2002, Ms Joanna Arthy (DPI, Mareeba) was the project officer andprincipal investigator of the project. Ms Joanna Arthy is the continuing point of contact for this project.vi

List of TablesTable One: Contact details of exporters and wholesalers included in the pictorial survey conducted inNovember 1999.Table Two: Scientific name, family classification and potential use of the twenty-two species selectedfor inclusion in field trials.Table Three: Scientific name, family classification and potential use of the species not selected forinclusion in field trials.Table Four: Species planted at the Upper Barron, Malanda and Mareeba (Paddy’s Green) sites.Table Five: Planting schedule for plant species and trial sites.Table Six: Species and treatment numbers included in two separate base vase life experiments carriedout in May 2000 and June 2000.Table Seven: Species, treatment numbers and dry storage temperature treatments for the first andsecond dry storage experiments carried out in September 2000 and October 2000 respectively.Table Eight: The treatment numbers and outline of each treatment for the Eucalyptus phoenicea postharvesttrial.Table Nine: Specialty of each domestic market assessor.Table Ten: Participating exporters/wholesalers and species assessed in July/August 2002.Table Eleven: Species and propagation method. The primary method used to propagate the speciesplanted in the trial plots is indicated by an asterisk (*).Table Twelve: Average vase life (in days) of rainforest foliage in Experiments 1 and 2 and forStenocarpus sp. Tully R (‘Forest Gem’), Sarcotoechia serrata and Syzygium leuhmanii.Table Thirteen: Average vase life (days) at 20 days post harvest -dry storage Experiment 1Table Fourteen: Average vase life (days) for various plant species.Table Fifteen: Average vase life after dry storage at various temperatures and after no dry storage(control).Table Sixteen: Effect of sucrose concentration on the vase life of Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers. Datarepresents all samples, including buds that did and did not open during the experiment.Table Seventeen: The effect of dry storage and pulsing on the vase life of Eucalyptus phoeniceaflowers. Data represents all samples, including buds that did and did not open during the experiment.Table Eighteen: Results of market assessment by domestic market agent assessors.Table Nineteen: Results of market assessment questionnaire received from three export companiesbased in New South Wales and Victoria. Ratings represent the preference for the products, where: 1 =this product would be in high demand and therefore has excellent market potential; and 5 = there wouldbe no demand for this product and therefore has no market potential.Table Twenty: Results of market assessment questionnaire received from Lynch Flowers Sydney(domestic agent). Ratings represent the preference for the products, where: 1 = this product would be inhigh demand and therefore has excellent market potential; and 5 = there would be no demand for thisproduct and therefore has no market potential.viii

Executive SummaryThis aim of this project was to evaluate the commercial potential of a range of north Queensland cutflower and foliages for the export market. To do this, early market feedback was used to make an initialselection of twenty-two species from twenty-eight species. Vase life experiments investigating basicvase life and the effect of dry storage and storage temperature on vase life, field trials to ascertainproduction characteristics, and further market assessments during the project were used to select speciesfor further development and commercialisation.Vase life experiments showed that nearly all species evaluated had a vase life of over two weeks. Manyhad a vase life of longer than three weeks and the vase life of a few was longer than four weeks. Allmature Proteaceae foliage specimens had a vase life of over three weeks. Dry storage experimentsindicated that 10ºC is the most appropriate temperature for dry storage, although storage at anytemperature did not affect the post-storage vase life of Stenocarpus sp. Tully River (Forest Gem), aspecies with particular market potential. Vase life was recorded as the number of days from harvest untila visible change in the appearance of the specimen occurred. As this was the first time many of thesespecies had been evaluated, the pattern of specimen death was previously unknown. This change wasusually wilting, leaf abscission or a change in pigment colour of the foliage.Field trials were conducted in three climatic areas of the Atherton Tablelands. They showed that climaticand soil considerations will need to be taken into account, should growers from other regions adopt anyof these species. Irrespective of market potential, some species (e.g. Leptospermum wooroonooran andCallitris macleayana) will be unsuitable for most regions due to their requirement for high elevation.Other species, such as Eucalyptus phoenicea and Xanthostemon youngii, would also be unsuitable inmany areas because they require a sandy soil and warm climate.Field trials also indicated that the species evaluated tend to form a good branching structure as the basisof later secondary growth, and produce lateral growth and stem production quite readily in response topruning. Apical dominance is still evident in some of the species, and pruning techniques or shootselection may be required to enhance stem production.Insect damage will potentially be of greater concern than disease for foliage production from the selectedspecies, although relatively few insect problems were noted. Disease incidence was limited to a numberof fungal infections of pruning wound sites that led to dieback and death of the infected plants.While field trials showed that the species were generally quite vigorous and responded well to pruningfor stem production, detailed information regarding yields, time of pruning, species specific pruning,fertilisation and irrigation requirements needs to be produced.Market feedback on foliage harvested from the field trials indicated that a number of species did havepotential as new products in the market, and also indicated that the domestic and export markets havedifferent requirements. Feedback varied between agents and between assessors of agent. The range ofcomments was extremely useful, however, for discerning the potential of the species studied.Using the feedback from domestic and export agents, field trial and vase life results, ten species werechosen for further development and potential commercialisation. The species include Athertoniadiversifolia, Banksia plagiocarpa, Eucalyptus phoenicea, Evodiella muelleri, Grevillea baileyana,Lomatia fraxinifolia, Neorites kevediana, Sarcotoechia serrata, Stenocarpus sp. Tully River (bothvarieties ‘Forest Gem’ and ‘Forest Lace’) and Xanthostemon chrysanthus. This development willinitially be in the north Queensland region, but the species could be adopted in other areas in the future.ix

1. Introduction1.1 General IntroductionNew flower and foliage products are in continual demand by the flower industry. Over the last 10 years,non-traditional products have become increasing popular. To date, however, it has been largely southernand western Australian species that have been developed.The unique rainforests of tropical north Queensland support more than 1000 species of plants, and over400 of these species are endemic to the area. In this area, small pockets of ancient Gondwananrainforest, which previously covered the whole Australian continent, can still be found. The Proteaceaefamily has a significant number of ancient genera that are only found in this area. Many Proteaceae andother rainforest species have attractive and distinctive foliages, with interesting leaf colours and forms.The selection criteria for new foliage species are interesting colours, leaf shapes and forms, a long vaselife, and being economically viable to produce. While a large proportion of northern Queenslandrainforest species have attractive foliage, and a small number are known to the Australian domesticmarket, most are not known and have not been evaluated as potential cut foliage species.A specific licence is required to collect native plants from the wild, whether collection is for thepurposes of propagation or the sale of the plant/plant part. In addition, collection of many of the speciesrequires prospecting missions to remote areas of north Queensland. Having had appropriate licences fornumerous years, collection of rare and interesting rainforest species has been the specialty of the staffand owners of Yuruga Nursery. Staff of the nursery has worked with DPI Forestry in Queensland and,from their own and co-operative collections, have assembled the largest and most comprehensive rangeof native north Queensland plants. Nursery staff members are also the leaders in propagation andproduction of these plant species, and have regarded many species as potential cut foliage and flowerspecies for many years.The existing cut flower and foliage industry in north Queensland contributed over $3.6 million to theregional economy in the 1998/1999 financial year 1 . The industry is comprised of growers of traditional,tropical and native flowers and foliage, and has affiliations with the Native Food Association of FarNorth Queensland Inc and the Flower Growers Association of Tropical North Queensland (FGATNQ).The growers in the region supply 51% of their total production direct to florists, 40% to hotels and thecorporate market and 7% to the general public. The main products supplied include traditional flowersand foliage (72%), tropical flowers (22%), tropical foliage (4%) and native flowers (2%) 1 . Thesepercentages highlight a significant opportunity for the further expansion of native flower and foliageproduction in the region and to investigate the southern domestic and export markets.Considerable interest in expanding the flower and foliage industry exists in north Queensland. This maybe tied to the demise of the tobacco and tea-tree industries in the area over the preceding five plus years,recent deregulation of the dairy industry (affecting the Atherton Tableland most directly) and a downturnin the sugar industry in 2002 (affecting the Atherton Tableland, the Mareeba-Dimbulah district andthe coastal fringe). With a clear need for new rural industries in this area, and a constant need for newproducts by the flower and foliage industry, evaluation of a range of the endemic rainforest specieswould seem timely.1 Noller, J. (2000). Capability Profile of the Far North Queensland Flower Industry 2000: A Survey of the Industry.Report commissioned by the Cut Flower Industry of Far North Queensland and the Cairns Region EconomicDevelopment Corporation.1

Producing endemic species immediately eliminates production obstacles such as climate suitability andpest and disease problems associated with weak plants. The climatic conditions of north Queenslandallow production of flowers and foliage for longer time periods than for southern regions. Followingthis, not only can northern growers extend the season of some products, they can also produce hardened,market-ready material in the September/October period when foliage from southern regions is stillflushing and is too soft to harvest and market. This represents a significant window of economicopportunity for growers and market agents alike. The experience of staff members of Yuruga Nurseryindicates that most of these species will grow in production systems. The vigour and health, lateralbranching and stem production and exact climate suitability, however, would need to be determined forany selected species.After identifying a species with attractive foliage that may be of market interest, the vase life and theability to survive dry storage and maintain vase life post-storage are fundamental to thecommercialisation of any species. Neither of these criteria has been investigated in most rainforestspecies. Other tropical foliages, however, are known to have a vase life of several weeks to severalmonths.Vase life is influenced by numerous pre- and post-harvest factors, including time of harvest, maturity offoliage at harvest, hydration (pre- and post- harvest), temperature and humidity. For any commercialisedspecies, the effect of these factors on vase life needs to be determined. Vase life is frequently measuredas the number of days from harvest (or storage) before the specimen undergoes a prescribed change inappearance (e.g. wilting, discolouration) or dies.To evaluate a range of northern Queensland species for their commercial potential as cut flower orfoliage products, this project has consisted of five major research activities. These are market commentand identification of species, agronomics, post-harvest, market evaluation and extension.A total of twenty-two species were selected from an original number of twenty-eight for inclusion in theproject. The initial selection of species was based on comments from a number of exporters andwholesalers across Australia, the knowledge and experience of staff at Yuruga nursery and the marketingexpertise of the DPI project leader. Of the twenty-one species, sixteen are being considered for foliageproduction and the remaining five, for flower production. The species represent several families ofplants, including Proteaceae, Sapindaceae, Cupressaceae, Myrtaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rutaceae andXanthorrhoeaceae.Using continued market feedback, production and vase life information, the project has identifiedspecies with potential and has also been able to identify those species that do not warrant furtherresearch. As a result, species have already been selected for inclusion in a follow-on project, which aimsto further commercialise the selected species and develop the north Queensland native flower and foliageindustry.1.2 Objectives1. To identify species with market potential based on the results of a photographic survey of 28species distributed to exporters and wholesalers around Australia.2. To establish field trials in three geographically and climatically different sites across theAtherton Tablelands.3. To monitor and observe the plants in these trials for growth, susceptibility to insect attack andsuitability to each site.4. To strategically prune and fertilise the plants to encourage branching and vigorous growth froma young age.2

Exporter/ WholesalerMr Chris FindlaterIronbark Wildflowers Pty LtdP.O. Box 291CLUNES NSW 2480Exporter/ WholesalerMr Craig MussonWestralian Flora Exports4/6 Elmsfield RoadMIDVALE WA 6056Peter LynchDirectorLynch FlowersPO Box 371SYDNEY MARKETS NSW 2129Ron TongTong Sing Pty Ltd173 Spence StreetBungalowCAIRNS QLD 4870Barbara OatsAustralis Flowers Pty Ltd4/9 Pilbara StreetWELSHPOOL WA 6106Mrs Jenni BrasThe Tulip Garden Nursery Pty Ltd140 Monbulk-Seville RoadSILVAN VIC 3795Peter Bice & Wil SpierenburgAustralian Flora CorporationPO Box 355PALMWOODS QLD 4555Of the fifteen exporters contacted, nine responded with their comments and preferences. In January2000, the information was collated and the project management team considered the potential of eachspecies and decided which of the 28 species would be investigated further in the project. In conjunctionwith comments from the participating exporters, the team used leaf colour, shape and known potentialstem length and productivity information to select species for further investigation. The 22 speciesselected and rejected for the field trials are listed in Tables Two and Three, respectively. Opisthiolepsisheterophylla was included at this stage of the selection process and was to be included in field trials;however, the number of plants needed for field trials was not available from the nursery and thereforethe species was excluded from field trials.Table Two: Scientific name, family classification and potential use of the twenty-two species selected forinclusion in field trials.SpeciesNumberGenus and Species Family CutFlower/FoliageProduct1 Athertonia diversifolia Proteaceae Foliage2 Banksia plagiocarpa Proteaceae Flower3 Buckinghamia celsissima Proteaceae Foliage4 Callitris macleayana Cupressaceae Foliage5 Carnarvonia araliifolia var.montanaProteaceae Foliage6 Dissiliaria surculosa Euphorbiaceae Foliage7 Eucalyptus phoenicea Myrtaceae Flower8 Evodiella muelleri Rutaceae Flower9 Grevillea baileyana Proteaceae Foliage10 Lomandra hystrix Xanthorrhoeaceae Foliage11 Lomatia fraxinifolia Proteaceae Foliage12 Leptospermum wooroonooran Myrtaceae Foliage5

SpeciesNumberGenus and Species Family CutFlower/FoliageProduct13 Neorites kevediana Proteaceae Foliage14 Opisthiolepsis heterophylla Proteaceae Foliage15 Placospermum coriaceum Proteaceae Foliage16 Sarcotoechia serrata Sapindaceae Foliage17 Stenocarpus sp. Tully River Proteaceae Foliage18 Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ Proteaceae Foliage19 Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ Proteaceae Foliage20 Syzygium leuhmanii Myrtaceae Foliage21 Xanthostemon chrysanthus Myrtaceae Flower22 Xanthostemon youngii Myrtaceae FlowerTable Three: Scientific name, family classification and potential use of the species not selected for inclusionin field trials.SpeciesNumberGenus and Species Family CutFlower/FoliageProduct1 Darlingia darlingiana Proteaceae Foliage2 Buckinghamia ferruginiflora Proteaceae Foliage3 Grevillea hiliana Proteaceae Foliage4 Alloxylon flammeum Proteaceae Flower5 Austromyrtus floribunda Myrtaceae Foliage6 Leptospernum ‘Cardwell’ Myrtaceae Foliage/Flower7 Austromyrtus sp. Mt Lewis Myrtaceae Foliage8 Syzygium papyraceum Myrtaceae Flower9 Tapeinochilos ananassae Costaceae Flower10 Alloxylon wickhamii Proteaceae Flower2.2 PropagationYuruga Nursery conducted the propagation trials for all species evaluated in this project. Standard seedand cutting propagation protocols were used. The Results section of this report outlines observations thatwere made by Yuruga staff while carrying out the propagation trials.2.3 Establishment of Field Trials2.3.1 Identification of Trial Site Co-operatorsIn early 2000, the project officer advertised for expressions of interest for the foliage and flowerdemonstration sites in the ‘Tablelands Advertiser’, a very widely distributed local paper. Interestedparties were asked to complete a questionnaire asking for details of their horticultural experience and oftheir property, including size of the available trial site and irrigation water supply details (AppendixTwo). All expressions of interest were received by the 10 th May 2000. The project officer selected threesites representative of the varied climatic conditions on the Atherton Tablelands based on informationsupplied in the application forms, phone conversations with the prospective site holders and site visits.After selection of the three sites, the project officer visited the sites with Peter and Ann Radke and GarySankowsky from Yuruga Nursery to ensure the selections were appropriate and to meet the applicants inperson.6

The original selection of sites included: Malanda (cool/wet climate), Mareeba (warm/dry climate) andKuranda (warm/wet climate). The applicants at Kuranda withdrew their application for involvementclose to planting time and a site at Upper Barron (cold/very wet climate) was selected instead. The cooperatorsat the Upper Barron site have since proven to be excellent collaborators for the project. Projectcontracts were drawn up and signed off to formalise the agreements between the Department of PrimaryIndustries (DPI), Queensland and the grower co-operators.The grower co-operators chosen are listed below.Maureen and Trevor Pearce Chris and Vagn Terp Neil and Debbie Sweedman‘Telpara Hills’ ‘Toften Nursery’ Randazzo RdKennedy Highway Lot 4 Paddy’s Green viaUpper Barron via Ball Rd Mareeba QLD 4880Atherton QLD 4883 Malanda QLD 4885Telephone (07) 4096 6926The following area map shows the site locations. On the map, the Upper Barron is south-east ofHerberton on the dark red road indicator in the narrow portion of the green (rainforest) section. Paddy’sGreen is just north-west of Mareeba on the road pictured just north of Mareeba.(Map source: http://www.cairnsholiday.com/AreaMap/AreaMap1.htm )A brief description of each site is provided below.Upper Barron – western aspect, slight slope, red volcanic soil, area 2646 m 2 , strong prevailing winds,annual rainfall approx. 2000 mm, altitude approx. 1000 m.Malanda – north-east aspect, slope, clay (Mt Quincan), does not experience strong winds (protected bylarge trees surrounding the site), area 2080 m 2 , annual rainfall over 1400 mm, altitude 730 m.Mareeba – no slope, very sandy soil, altitude 400 m, area 1256 m 2 , annual rainfall 925 mm.2.3.2 Trial Design, Layout and Site-Specific Species Selection7

Each site presented different challenges that impacted on the design and layout of the trials, with thesites differing in size, aspect, slope and soil type. The trials were designed to achieve the followingaims: to make the most of the resources available; to eliminate as much bias as possible; and to ensurethat results obtained from the trials could be analysed and presented scientifically. Expert knowledgeregarding the growing requirements of the species was used to exclude species from climates in whichthey were known not to grow. For example, Xanthostemon youngii occurs on sand dunes in Cape York.Therefore, X. youngii was only planted at the Mareeba (very sandy soil) site to give the plants the bestchance of survival. The following table outlines the species planted at each trial site in detail.Table Four: Species planted at the Upper Barron, Malanda and Mareeba (Paddy’s Green) sites.Malanda and Upper Barron SiteAthertonia diversifoliaBanksia plagiocarpaBuckinghamia celsissimaCallitris macleayanaCarnarvonia araliifolia var. montanaDissiliaria surculosaEvodiella muelleriGrevillea baileyanaLomandra hystrixLomatia fraxinifoliaLeptospermum wooroonooranNeorites kevedianaPlacospermum coriaceumSarcotoechia serrataStenocarpus sp. Tully RiverStenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’Syzygium leuhmaniiXanthostemon chrysanthusMareeba Site (Paddy’s Green)Dissiliaria surculosaEvodiella muelleriEucalyptus phoeniceaGrevillea baileyanaLomandra hystrixStenocarpus sp. Tully RiverStenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’Syzygium leuhmaniiXanthostemon chrysanthusXanthostemon youngiiUpper Barron SiteThe trial design was a randomised block design with four replications of each species. Each replicationwas made up of three individual plants of each species (excluding Lomandra hystrix) and the blocks ranperpendicular to the direction of the 9 rows. Row spacing was 4 metres, plant spacing was 2.5 metresand guard rows were planted to protect the outermost rows from environmental biases. Guard plants(one on each end) were placed at the end of each of the rows. A total of 12 plants of each of the 19species were required, which created a total of 228 plants. The Lomandra hystrix plants were planted ina single row away from the replicated trial, as the growth habit of these plants made them unsuitable tobe placed adjacent to other species.Malanda SiteThe trial design was a randomised block design with three replications of each species. Each replicationwas made up of three individual plants of each species (excluding Lomandra hystrix) and the blocks ranperpendicular to the direction of the 18 rows. There were 4 metres between rows and 2.5 metresbetween plants and guard rows were planted to protect the outermost rows from environmental biases.Guard plants (one on each end) were placed at the end of each of the rows. A total of 9 plants of each ofthe 18 species were required which created a total of 162 plants. One Lomandra hystrix plant wasplanted at the northern end of each row after each guard plant.Mareeba Site (Paddy’s Green)8

All species other than Lomandra hystrix and Eucalyptus phoenicea were arranged in a randomised blockdesign, with three replications of each species (except for Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’, which had 5replications). Each replication was made up of three individual plants of each species and the blocks ranperpendicular to the direction of the 4 rows. Row spacing was 3 metres, plant spacing was 1.75 metresand guard rows and guard plants were planted to protect outermost rows and individual plants. The totalnumber of plants required for this section of the site was 72 (8 species x 3 replications x 3 plants perreplication) plus 15 Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’. The Lomandra hystrix and Eucalyptus phoenicea wereplanted in a separate section, as the Eucalyptus phoenicea would have provided too much shading for theother species in the trial. Five rows were planted and individual plants of each species were plantedalternately. In total, there were 30 Lomandra hystrix and 30 Eucalyptus phoenicea plants.2.3.3 Site PreparationThe following is an outline of the steps taken to prepare each trial site for planting:1. The number and location of rows and replications (based on trial design) at each trial site wereclearly marked out.2. Herbicide (Round Up) was applied to kill weeds growing on the marked out rows.3. Machinery for ground preparation was sourced.4. Initially the rows were deep ripped, followed by several passes with either discs or a rotary hoe.The aim was to prepare a reasonably fine and well-tilled soil in time for planting5. Following soil preparation, the beds were mulched with either pinebark or peanut shell mulch.6. Once the mulch was applied, the sites were left undisturbed until planting.7. The irrigation equipment was installed by trial site holders. The recommended system ofirrigation was an above ground sprinkler system that is capable of watering a 2.5m 2 area aroundthe base of each plant. Irrigation of the foliage was not recommended.8. Planting commenced in September 2000 and continued until March 2001 as the plants becameavailable from Yuruga Nursery.9

2.3.4 Planting scheduleTable Five outlines the planting schedule for all three trial sites. The schedule was determined by availabilityof the plants from Yuruga Nursery.Table Five: Planting schedule for plant species and trial sites.September 2000 October 2000 March 2001Athertonia diversifolia Dissiliaria surculosa Banksia plagiocarpaLomandra hystrixLomatia fraxinifoliaPlacospermum coriaceum(Malanda only)Stenocarpus sp TullyRiverStenocarpus Forest GemSyzygium leuhmanii(Mareeba only)Xanthostemon chrysanthusSyzygium leuhmanii(Malanda and UpperBarron)Eucalyptus phoeniceaCallitris macleayanaCarnarvonia araliifoliavar. montanaEvodiella muelleriGrevillea baileyanaNeorites kevedianaPlacospermum coriaceum(Upper Barron only)Sarcotoechia serrataXanthostemon youngiiStenocarpus Forest LaceBuckinghamia celsissimaLeptospermumwooroonooran2.4 Field Trial Management2.4.1 Monitoring and ObservationsThe following measurements were taken bi-monthly at all three sites from October 2000 to December2001: plant stem diameter; plant height; number of branches; insect damage rating (where 0 = nodamage and 5 = 95-100% of the plant damaged); and plant health rating (where 0 = dying or dead and 5= very healthy, vigorous growth). For the first 2-3 months post-planting, the trial sites were visitedweekly to make plant establishment observations, begin pruning and manipulation of the plants and toensure trial site holders were aware of trial protocols and objectives. Trial site co-operators wereincluded in site visits and pruning activities. After the first 2-3 months, visits were extended tofortnightly. These visits incorporated plant measurements, fertilisation and continued grower cooperatorinvolvement.From January 2002 to early June 2002, in the absence of a project officer, all trial management includingfertilisation and irrigation was the responsibility of the trial site holder. Yuruga Nursery had agreed toliase with the site holders in this period. From June 2002 and the commencement of the new projectofficer, the observations and monitoring activities described below were conducted:10

1. Fortnightly visits to all three trial sites to observe plant growth and general health, sample,identify and record any pests and diseases present, and discuss any industry or project issueswith trial site holders.2. On the first visit on the 19 th June 2002, the following records were taken: viable numbers ofplants of each species; species and number of plants of each species displaying nutritionalproblems in the leaves; presence or absence of flowering in cut flower species; any obviouspests and diseases; and general comments on plant health.3. The principal investigator borrowed the diaries kept by each trial site holder to gain anunderstanding of the management practices that had been carried out after January 2002. Thisgave valuable insight into the causes of some obvious nutritional problems.2.4.2 IrrigationAt each site, an above-ground micro-irrigation sprinkler system was installed. The height of each microsprinklerwas approximately 30 centimetres to ensure that only the base of the plant was wet duringirrigation. As each site holder was responsible for installing the irrigation system at their site, theindividual sprinkler head types and their capability to throw water varied. At the Malanda site, largerotating heads that produce large droplets and cover over 2.5m 2 were installed, at the Mareeba site,sprinkler heads that produced a mist and covered approximately 2.0m 2 were installed, and at the UpperBarron site, sprinklers that produced a similar mist were installed.2.4.3 PruningThe aim of the pruning activities was to encourage branching at an early stage of growth. Pruning wasconducted to ensure the maximum number of stems or leaves were produced in the future. Pruning wasconducted after the plants were well established and showing vigour, and this occurred two to threemonths after planting. All plants, with the exception of Placospernum coriaceum, were pruned back to aheight of approximately 30 to 40cm from an original single or double stem. Staff from Yuruga Nurseryindicated that pruning Placospernum coriaceum in this manner was not appropriate, as the species wasnot likely to survive such harsh pruning. Tip pruning was carried out periodically during 2001 toencourage further branching and terminal flowers on selected species.During January 2002 to June 2002 (period of no project officer) very little pruning took place at the trialsites. The absence of pruning allowed the plants to grow without impediment during this time and thisenabled the new project leader to harvest much of the new foliage for market assessment purposes. Atthe completion of market assessments, the plants at all three sites were heavily pruned to achieve thefollowing: removal of old or dead parts of the plant; removal of stem-penetrating pests and diseases thathad built up over the first half of the year; removal of centre stems to allow sunlight to penetrate into thecentre of the plants and to reduce competition of leaves and stems for sunlight and nutrients (the result islarger and longer leaves and stems desirable in the market place); and removal of any unnecessary tips toavoid overcrowding.2.4.4 Fertilisation‘Triabon’ (16% N, 3.5% P, 10% K, 2.4% Mg, 9% S, 0.02% B, 0.04% Cu, 0.1% Fe, 0.1% Mn, 0.015%Mo, and 0.007% Zn) was used at a rate of 27g per plant to fertilise the trials once every 3 months,commencing in April 2001 and ending in December 2001.‘Triabon’ is a slow-release granular fertiliser. It is suitable for native plants because it has a very lowconcentration of phosphorous and is able to supply nutrients gradually over a period of 3 months.During January 2002 and June 2002, it was discovered that ‘Triabon’ probably does not supply nutrientsfor any significant length of time in tropical conditions and therefore was considered unsuitable for thepurposes of the trials. Therefore in June 2002 the new project officer discontinued the use of ‘Triabon’.11

CK77S (13.3% N, 2.2% P, 13.5% K, and 19.6% S) replaced ‘Triabon’ and has been applied three timesat the Upper Barron site and once at the other two sites in the June 2002 to October 2002 period.Another potential alternative to ‘Triabon’ was also investigated. Nitrophoska ® Blue Special (12.0% N,5.2% P, 14.1% K, 6.0% S, 4.3% Ca, 1.2% Mg, 0.01% Zn, 0.02% B, and 0.05% Fe) was applied to theplants in the guard rows at all three sites at the same time the first application of CK77S was applied.Nitrophoska Blue is the preferred fertiliser, as it supplies both macro- and micro-nutrients; however,applying the fertiliser to the trial plants without prior knowledge of its use on Australian natives wasdeemed to be a high risk activity and the product was assessed on the guard plants at each site only.From the results, the project management team felt comfortable that the fertiliser would not harm theplants if used responsibly; therefore, Nitrophoska Blue was used as the second fertiliser application atthe Malanda and Mareeba sites at a rate of 280kg/ha (Malanda) and 400kg/ha (Mareeba). UnfortunatelyNitrophoska Blue is more difficult to dissolve than CK77S and the sprinklers at the Upper Barron sitewould not have effectively dissolved the Nitrophoska Blue granules, which explains why CK77S wasapplied twice at the Upper Barron site.An application of urea (46% N) was carried out in mid-October 2002 at Malanda and Mareeba, to allowtime for the plants to respond before the industry field day on the 29 th October 2002. The rates of ureaapplication were 120kg/ha and 170kg/ha for Malanda and Mareeba respectively. The trial site holders atUpper Barron had already fertilised with CK77S before the project officer arrived to apply urea.Therefore the Upper Barron site has been fertilised three times with CK77S.2.4.5 Trial MaintenanceThe newly planted trials were mulched in October 2000 with the following materials: Upper Barron,10to 15cm thick application of peanut shell mulch; Malanda, 5cm thick application of peanut shell mulch;and Mareeba, 10cm thick application of pine bark mulch. The single 10-centimetre application at UpperBarron was found to effectively control weeds for the duration of the trials. Mulch was re-applied atMalanda and Mareeba sites. At Malanda, peanut shell mulch was re-applied after continued weedcontrol did not occur, and at Mareeba, baggas (by-product of sugar cane refining) was applied when thepine bark mulch decomposed and did not provide weed control (May 2002).It was the responsibility of trial site holders to carry out general trial maintenance activities, whichincluded mowing, weeding and application of herbicide. All trial sites were maintained satisfactorily inregards to general trial maintenance, therefore the growth of plants has not been adversely affected byany failures to carry out these duties.2.5 Post Harvest Evaluation2.5.1 Base Vase LifeTwo vase life experiments were carried out in May and June 2000 to ascertain the base vase life of thespecies (Table Six). Base vase life evaluations of Stenocarpus sp. Tully River (medium form ‘ForestGem’), Syzygium leuhmanii and Sarcotoechia serrata were also conducted according to the protocoldetailed below.Experiment One – May 2000The plant material was collected from either Yuruga Nursery or private gardens, as field trials were notestablished at this stage. The plant material was harvested using sharp secateurs to cut the longest stemor leaf length possible from the plant. The cut stems were placed immediately into water and transportedto the laboratory for processing in an air-conditioned vehicle. On arrival at the laboratory in Mareeba,the cut foliage was placed immediately into the cold room at 20ºC. The experimental design was alatinised alpha design, which consisted of ten treatments (Table Six) and ten replications of eachtreatment.12

Glasses containing 200ml of 10ppm dichloroisocyanurate (DICA) solution were used for the experimentto simulate a vase and vase water. The glasses were labelled and weighed at three separate times duringthe preparation, as follows: glass only; glass + vase water; and glass + vase water + cut stem. Singlestems or leaves were placed in each glass and care was taken to ensure the replications were as uniformas possible. When all 100 vases were prepared they were arranged in the cold room (20ºC) according tothe latinised alpha design recommended for the experiment. Measurements of plant material freshweight and vase water only weights were taken every second day starting on the second day afterharvesting of the material. At the time of these measurements, observations were made concerning thephysical form and quality of the leaf and stem tissue, and every fourth day, the vase solution waschanged. This schedule of measurements and observations continued until an observable change in thequality of the cut stems or leaves occurred. The results were statistically analysed and the base vase lifeof each species and significant differences between the vase life values of the nine species weredetermined.13

Experiment Two – June 2000Experiment Two was conducted according to the protocol described above. This experiment, however,was arranged in a completely randomised design and consisted of seven species instead of nine (TableSix).Table Six: Species and treatment numbers included in two separate base vase life experiments carried outin May 2000 and June 2000.TreatmentNumberMay 2000 June 2000SpeciesTreatmentNumberSpecies1 Athertonia diversifolia 1 Athertonia diversifolia2 Opisthiolepsis heterophylla 2Carnarvonia araliifolia var.montana3 Lomatia fraxinifolia 3 Neorites kevediana4 Lomandra hystrix 4Grevillea baileyana –mature leaves5Grevillea baileyana –juvenile leaves5 Opisthiolepsis heterophylla6 Placospermum coriaceum 6 Placospermum coriaceum7 Neorites kevediana 7 Lomatia fraxinifolia8Grevillea baileyana –mature leave9 Callitris macleayana10Carnarvonia araliifolia var.montana2.5.2 Dry Storage and Transport SimulationDry storage experiments were carried out to determine the ability of the species evaluated in this projectto maintain acceptable form and vase life after transport to market. The aim of the experiments has beento simulate refrigerated road transport from the Atherton Tablelands to the Sydney or Melbourne flowermarket, which is thought to take approximately three to four days. Although expensive from northQueensland, airfreight would also allow transport of foliage and flowers from Cairns to overseas marketsin this time period. Three separate dry storage experiments were conducted between September andDecember 2000.14

Table Seven outlines the treatments included in Experiments One and Two.Table Seven: Species, treatment numbers and dry storage temperature treatments for the first and seconddry storage experiments carried out in September 2000 and October 2000 respectively.SpeciesExperiment OneSeptember 2000Grevillea baileyana– juvenile leavesGrevillea baileyana– mature leavesSyzygium leuhmaniiSarcotoechia serrataLomatia fraxinifoliaSpeciesExperiment TwoOctober 2000Athertonia diversifoliaNeorites kevedianaOpisthiolepsisheterophyllaDissiliaria surculosaLomandra hystrixTreatmentNumberDry storage temperaturetreatment1.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage)1.2 3 days at 3ºC1.3 3 days at 10ºC1.4 3 days at 20ºC2.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage)2.2 3 days at 3ºC2.3 3 days at 10ºC2.4 3 days at 20ºC3.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage)3.2 3 days at 3ºC3.3 3 days at 10ºC3.4 3 days at 20ºC4.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage)4.2 3 days at 3ºC4.3 3 days at 10ºC4.4 3 days at 20ºC5.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage)5.2 3 days at 3ºC5.3 3 days at 10ºC5.4 3 days at 20ºCExperiment One – September 2000The foliage material was harvested for this experiment using sharp secateurs and placed immediatelyinto water and transported in an air-conditioned car to the cold room (20°C) in Mareeba. The foliageswere processed and care was taken to ensure all replications of each species were as uniform as possible.Species were kept in dry storage for a period of 3 days at 3, 10 and 20ºC. After storage, the foliage wasplaced into glasses containing vase water (200g of 10ppm DICA solution) and placed alongside thecontrol glasses. The control glasses were placed in the cold room (20ºC) when the other treatments wereplaced into dry storage. Each treatment consisted of 5 replications with the exception of theSarcotoechia serrata control treatment (Number 4.1), which consisted of 4 replications. The experimentwas conducted for a period of 20 days beginning on the day the material was harvested (Day 0). The cutfoliage was harvested and prepared using the same procedure as was used in the base vase lifeexperiments. When all treatments were prepared, the dry storage treatments were placed into boxes,sealed and stored in the appropriate temperatures, and then control treatments were prepared andarranged randomly in the cold room.At Day 3 post-harvest, the dry storage treatments were removed from the boxes and an assessment wasmade on the appearance of the different foliages. The treatments were then transferred to glasses withvase water and placed in the cold room at 20ºC with the control treatments. Beginning at Day 4, foliagefresh weight, vase weight and water only weights were measured and recorded every weekday.Comments on the appearance of the foliage were recorded at the same time weight measurements wereconducted. Vase solution was only changed at Day 10 and as the vase life of each species ended, deathof material was recorded and weight measurements ceased. The average vase life from the day of15

harvest was determined for each species and this data was analysed to ascertain whether any significantdifferences occurred between treatments.Experiment Two – October 2000This experiment was conducted according to the protocol described above, but was conducted over 25days instead of 20. The five species evaluated in this experiment are listed in Table Seven.Experiment Three - March 2001 (Eucalyptus phoenicea: base vase life, dry storage and pulsing)Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers were collected from a single tree planted in the garden of GarySankowsky (IT Manager, Yuruga Nursery). The aim of the trial was to determine whether dry storage,dry storage temperature, pre- or post- storage pulsing or continuous application of sucrose influences thevase life of E. phoenicea flowers (Table Eight). The base vase life of the flowers was also evaluated(control treatment). Dry storage of the flowers was assessed at 10 and 20ºC. At each dry storagetemperature, treatments received no pulse, pre-storage pulse or post-storage pulse. Separate to the drystorage and pulsing treatments were 4 treatments of continuous sucrose application that received no drystorage. The treatment numbers and descriptions are outlined in Table Eight.Table Eight: The treatment numbers and outline of each treatment for the Eucalyptus phoenicea postharvesttrial.TreatmentTreatment DescriptionNumber1 Control (no dry storage and no pulsing)2 Control (no dry storage with pulsing)3 Dry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (no pulsing)4 Dry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (no pulsing)5 Dry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (pre-storage pulse, 24 hours at 20ºC)6 Dry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (pre-storage pulse, 24 hours at 20ºC)7 Dry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (post-storage pulse)8 Dry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (post-storage pulse)9 0.5% continuous sucrose10 1.0% continuous sucrose11 2.5% continuous sucrose12 5.0% continuous sucroseThe Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers used in the experiment were harvested, transported to the laboratoryand held at 20ºC for processing into treatments. Each treatment consisted of seven replicates with theexception of treatment one which had only six replicates. Due to a lack of E. phoenicea material, theseven replicates of each treatment were comprised of E. phoenicea buds of varying maturities. The samerange of maturities was included in each treatment.Treatments 3, 4, 7 and 8 were processed first and placed into the appropriate dry storage temperature.Following this, treatments 1, 2, 5 and 6 were processed. Treatment 1 was placed directly into 200mL of10 ppm DICA without any pulsing or dry storage. Treatments 2, 5 and 6 were placed in a 200 mLsolution of 10% sucrose and 10ppm DICA and arranged randomly in the cool room. The continuoussucrose treatments (9, 10, 11,and 12) were then prepared and place in a 200 mL solution of 0.5%, 1.0%,2.5% or 5.0% sucrose and 10ppm DICA and arranged randomly in the cold room.On day one post-harvest, the flowers in treatments 5 and 6 were removed from the pulsing solution andplaced into the appropriate temperature in dry storage for 72 hours. On day three post-harvest, treatments3, 4, 7 and 8 were removed from dry storage and the appearance of the flowers was recorded andphotographed for each treatment. The flowers of treatments 7 and 8 were placed into vases containing16

200 ml of 10% sucrose and 10 ppm DICA for a period of 24 hours at 20ºC. The flowers of treatments 3and 4 were placed into 200ml of 10ppm DICA only (no pulse) and they were then placed in the coldroom with the continuous sucrose treatments. On day four post-harvest, treatments 7 and 8 wereremoved from the pulsing solution and placed into 10ppm DICA solution in glasses in the cold room. Atthis point, all treatments were arranged in random order according to the trial design in the cold room.At the appropriate times during the process described above, vase water, vase only and plant freshweights were recorded.Starting on day five post-harvest, daily measurements of plant fresh weight and vase water weights wererecorded. At the same time, physical form and quality of the plant material was recorded. At seven-dayintervals from harvest day (day zero), the vase solution was changed and the pre- and post- solutionchange weights were recorded. As the vase life of each replicate and treatment ended, plant death wasrecorded. The average vase life of Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers was determined for each treatment andthese values were statistically analysed to determine if any there were any significant differences in vaselife between treatments. Continuous sucrose treatments (numbers 9 to 12) were not compared with drystorage and pulsing treatments. Analysis of the experiment was conducted using an ANOVA (Genstat,5 th Edition) on treatments 1 to 8 (control and dry storage treatments) and on treatments 1 and 9 to 12(control and continuous sucrose).2.6 Market Assessments of Cut FoliageMarket assessments were carried out on two occasions during the project. In both cases, the foliage wasair freighted from Cairns to the respective assessors. Cut foliage was assessed in November 2001 and inJuly and August of 2002. As mentioned earlier in this report, the large amount of foliage produced fromthe trials from January to June 2002 was fully utilised to allow for an increased number of marketassessments.2.6.1 November 2001 - Airfreight ex. CairnsThe following species were sent to Collina Export (Brian Harris) in Melbourne and Lynch FlowersSydney Wholesale (Greg Lamont) in Sydney:1. Athertonia diversifolia2. Callitris macleayana3. Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana4. Dissiliaria surculosa5. Grevillea baileyana – juvenile leaves6. Leptospermum wooroonooran7. Lomatia fraxinifolia8. Neorites kevediana9. Placospermum coriaceum10. Sarcotoechia serrata11. Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’12. Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’No flowers or mature leaves of Grevillea baileyana, Syzygium leuhmanii and Buckinghamia celsissimawere available for assessment at this time.The procedures followed to harvest, pack and freight the boxes are outlined below:1. Foliage was harvested before 9am using sharp secateurs and placed immediately into water.2. Foliage was transported to the cold room in Mareeba in an air-conditioned car and stored in thecold room until ready to be processed.17

3. The foliage was processed and stems/leaves were bundled together to form bunches of 5 or 10,labelled and allowed to stand in water to await boxing.4. The flower carton was lined with a plastic liner and a layer of moistened newspaper was placedon the base and sides of the carton.5. Individual bunches of foliage were wrapped in moistened newspaper and placed in the carton.The contents of the carton were lightly moistened occasionally during packaging.6. The insides of the plastic liner were sprayed with water and the excess liner was folded over thetop of the packed foliage, to create a humid environment in preparation for transport.7. The box was sealed, and Australian Air Express was advised of the consignment.At Collina Export, initial assessments were made and all foliages were allowed to stand in water atambient air temperature for 10 days. After 10 days, the surviving foliage was reassessed and taken totwo leading Melbourne floral designers. At Lynch Flowers Sydney, five expert assessors madeassessment of the foliage. Assessment was completed within one to two days of the arrival of the foliageat the agent’s warehouse. A description of each assessor’s specialty is presented in Table Nine.Table Nine: Specialty of each domestic market assessor.Assessor Specialty1 Mass marketing specialist2 Florist predominantly working on corporate arrangements3 Florist involved in arrangement production and corporate work4 Florist in mass marketing bouquet and arrangement production5 Florist with expertise in all aspects of bouquet and corporate work2.6.2 July/August 2002 - Airfreight ex. CairnsCut foliage was harvested on three separate occasions from the project field trial sites in July and August2002. On each occasion, cut foliage was sent to two export or wholesale companies based in Melbourneor Sydney. Altogether, six companies were contacted and agreed to participate in the market assessmentsurvey. Table Ten outlines the details of each shipment. A questionnaire (Appendix Two) was includedfor each species in each shipment for the nominated personnel to complete. The questionnaire asked theassessors to rate the foliage on a scale of one to five, where:1 = this product would be in high demand and therefore has excellent market potential; and,5 = there would be no demand for this product and therefore has no market potential.The assessors were also asked the following: whether they had seen the product before; which existingproducts the foliage would have to compete with; whether the perceived demand would be in thedomestic or export market; and whether the product had any outstanding features. Each assessor wasalso asked to list the five most important factors they considered to be essential for the success of cutfoliage products in the export market.18

Table Ten: Participating exporters/wholesalers and species assessed in July/August 2002.BruceCameronAustwindsInternationalPty Ltd(26/07/02)CallitrismacleyanaCarnarvoniaaraliifolia varmontanaLeptospermumwooroonooranLomandrahystrixLomatiafraxinifoliaNeoriteskevedianaPlacospermumcoriaceumStenocarpus‘Forest Gem’Stenocarpus‘Forest Lace’PatrickO’KeefeFloratradeInternationalPty Ltd(26/07/02)CallitrismacleyanaCarnarvoniaaraliifolia varmontanaLeptospermumwooroonooranLomandrahystrixLomatiafraxinifoliaNeoriteskevedianaStenocarpus‘Forest Gem’Stenocarpus‘Forest Lace’Contact Name, Company and Shipment DateBrian Harris Greg LamontCollina Lynch FlowersExport (30/07/02)(30/07/02)Stenocarpus‘Forest Gem’Stenocarpus‘Forest Lace’AthertoniadiversifoliaBuckinghamiacelsissimaCallitrismacleayanaCarnarvoniaaraliifolia varmontanGrevilleabaileyana –mature leavesLeptospermumwooroonooranLomandrahystrixLomatiafraxinifoliaNeoriteskevedianaPlacospermumcoriaceumSarcotoechiaserrataStenocarpus‘Forest Gem’Stenocarpus‘Forest Lace’Andrew LandyThe AustralianFlowerCompany(20/08/02)AthertoniadiversifoliaBanksiaplagiocarpaBuckinghamiacelsissimaCallitrismacleayanaCarnarvoniaaraliifolia varmontanDissiliariasurculosaGrevilleabaileyana –mature leavesGrevilleabaileyana -stemsLeptospermumwooroonooranLomandrahystrixLomatiafraxinifoliaNeoriteskevedianaPlacospermumcoriaceumStenocarpussp Tully RiverStenocarpus‘Forest Gem’Stenocarpus‘Forest Lace’AdrianParsonsWAFEX(20/08/02)AthertoniadiversifoliaBanksiaplagiocarpaBuckinghamiacelsissimaCallitrismacleayanaCarnarvoniaaraliifolia varmontanDissiliariasurculosaGrevilleabaileyana –mature leavesGrevilleabaileyana -stemsLeptospermumwooroonooranLomandrahystrixLomatiafraxinifoliaNeoriteskevedianaPlacospermumcoriaceumStenocarpussp.Tully RiverStenocarpus‘Forest Gem’Stenocarpus‘Forest Lace’Flowering species were not included in these market trials, as the flowering species cultivated in thefield trials, at Yuruga Nursery or in any accessible private gardens in the Mareeba/Atherton area werenot in flower at this time. Exporters were contacted to gauge their interest in participating in the marketassessments. Sample foliage and the questionnaire followed. Lynch Flowers Sydney (Greg Lamont)and Collina Export (Brian Harris) were particularly interested in participating after their involvement inthe 2001 market assessments. From his experience in 2001, Brian Harris was only interested inreceiving Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ and ‘Forest Lace’. His intention was to send bunches of both19

Stenocarpus forms for assessment in overseas markets. The other people involved in these marketassessments were aware of the project either through previous communications with the project leader orthrough the RIRDC Wildflower Committee.2.6.3 Personal VisitsIn August 2000, the project officer visited Collina Export, Flora Trade International and AustwindsInternational Pty Ltd in Melbourne. These agents had expressed a willingness to participate in themarket assessment of foliage products, and the visit was to re-introduce the project and gauge thecontinued interest in participation.2.7 Plant ProfilesInformation was collected throughout the life of the project, in order to develop profiles of the plantspecies being assessed. Observations were noted and information was complied with respect to plantvigour, growth rates, pests and diseases, base vase life, ability to survive dry storage and preferredgrowing conditions.2.8 Extension2.8.1 Written materials, meetings, field days and telephone enquiriesExtension activities have been carried out throughout the project and have comprised of media releasesand newspaper/magazine articles, dissemination of information at FGATNQ meetings, newsletters,regular phone enquiries, regular and impromptu trial site visits and field days. A description andschedule of extension activities carried out throughout the life of the project is given below.1. February 2000 – articles in ‘The Atherton Tablelander’ and ‘The Tablelands Advertiser’ tointroduce the project and the field trials.2. May 2000 – article in ‘Australian Horticulture’ resulting from QDPI media release.3. July 2000 – article in ‘Australasian Flowers’ entitled ‘Trials of promising rainforest foliagebegin’ by Siận Thomas.4. Bi-monthly participation in FGATNQ meetings starting in February 2000 and continuing untilDecember 2001 – project information disseminated and questions answered.5. April 2001 – visits to project trial sites by all three co-operators and the project leader to observedifferences in plant growth related to climatic conditions at the sites.6. Numerous impromptu visits to trial sites by project leader and interested industry personnel.7. June 2001 – Project summary newsletter (January 2000 to June 2001) distributed to financialcontributors to the project (Michael Robinson, Kathryn Saunders and Athol Durre).8. October 2001 – Project summary newsletter (January 2000 to October 2001) distributed to allFGATNQ members (approximately 27 individuals), interested industry personnel and membersof the public.9. October 2001 – article in ‘The Cairns Post’ entitled “New hope for market takes root” byDuncan Paterson.10. November 2001 – Visit to Malanda site for interested industry personnel.20

11. June 2002 – article in ‘Australian Horticulture’ titled ‘Far north plants under trial’ by Julie Lake.12. October 2002 – Native Foliage and Flower Field Day – whole of industry field day at projectcompletion.13. Various newspaper articles relating to the Native Foliage and Flower Field Day.14. Regular telephone enquiries were taken by the project leader throughout the life of the project.2.8.2 Flower Growers Association of Tropical North Queensland (FGATNQ)The previous project leader made a commitment early in the project to contribute to the FGATNQ andwas the elected secretary from January 2000 to December 2001. This commitment represented asignificant contribution by Ms Kaylene Bransgrove to the local cut flower and foliage industry. Thebenefits of this local industry involvement to the RIRDC project cannot be measured or recorded;however, there is little doubt that the project has benefited from the exposure to FGATNQ members overa two-year period. Ms Bransgrove organised farm visits and facilitated interaction between members.The benefits to the local industry were reciprocated to the project leader in the form of enhancedknowledge and experience relating to commercial cut flower and foliage production systems and regularopportunities for networking.2.8.3 Native Foliage and Flower Field Day, October 2002On the 29 th October 2002, a native flower and foliage field day was held in conjunction with YurugaNursery. The aim of the field day was to visit all three trial sites established as part of the project. Priorto the field day, classified advertisements were placed in ‘The Tablelands Advertiser’, ‘The AthertonTablelander’ and ‘The Cairns Post’ papers (Appendix Three). In addition to this, the principalinvestigator prepared a media release, which was distributed by Andrea Corby, the QDPI media officerfor north Queensland (Appendix Four). In both the media release and the advertisements, peopleintending to participate in the field day were asked to register for catering and printing purposes. By the25 th October, 50 people had registered their interest in attending the day, which was very encouraging.The field day was organised in close consultation with Peter and Ann Radke from Yuruga Nursery. Theprincipal investigator compiled a field day booklet for field day participants giving essential informationon each of the species included in the field trials. The field day started at Trevor and Maureen Pearce’sproperty at Upper Barron, where participants were given background information about the project in aseminar session prior to inspecting the plants. Seating, catering and registration forms were preparedand the seminar went very well. After the introductory session, the participants moved out into the trialsite to inspect the plants. Trevor and Maureen Pearce had the plot looking sensational and theimpression given to participants was that of absolute professionalism. Richard Hudson (ABC Radio,Cairns) interviewed Joanna Arthy during this time.After inspecting the plants the group moved back to the shed for a questions session. During this sessionthe project management team introduced the concept of forming a group or association of interestedgrowers with commercial intentions to grow the species included in the project. The benefits of formingan association were conveyed to the group and the need to form a group was obvious. To the delight ofthe project management team, over 20 people registered their interest in growing the plantscommercially and also their desire to be involved in the formation of an association. Lunch was servedat the Upper Barron site before the group moved on to Chris Monks and Vagn Terp’s site at Malanda.At this site Vagn spoke to the group about how the trial had been managed and people spent timewalking through the plot. The project management team and trial site holders were available to answerquestions the whole time. Some participants left the group at this point, as they did not see the value inseeing the Mareeba site given that the climatic conditions are so different to the conditions on their ownproperties. By 4 p.m., most of the group had reached the Mareeba site belonging to Neil and Debbie21

Sweedman. Only a couple of participants visited the Mareeba site, as they had properties aroundCooktown and so the Upper Tablelands sites were of no relevance. The Mareeba site was spectacularalso and was very well presented by the site holders, as was the Malanda site. The two speciesEucalyptus phoenicia and Xanthostemon youngii were the main attractions at this site. The projectmanagement team was also delighted that most of the participants chose to visit the Mareeba site despitethe fact they had been to the two previous sites.The overall feeling of the day was of absolute success and professionalism. Peter and Ann Radke andJoanna Arthy were thrilled with the way the day was received by all. A follow-up meeting with Peterand Ann Radke, Sue Fairley (Rural Partnerships Unit, QDPI, Kairi) and Joanna Arthy was planned forTuesday 5 th November. All trial site holders were also invited to this meeting and the group planned theactions to be taken as follow-up from the field day. In the absence of the current project leader, SueFairley has offered to take over the role of facilitator for the formation of an association. This work willbe taken over by the current project leader and principal investigator from the 2 nd of January 2003.Andrea Corby compiled a second media release after the field day (Appendix Five).22

3. Results and Discussion3.1 Pictorial Survey and Selection of SpeciesThe comments that were provided from assessors as a result of the pictorial survey allowed the projectteam to initially select appropriate species for further assessment and to exclude others. The pictorialsurvey therefore proved a useful tool for the project. The project team acknowledge the limitations ofthe survey, regarding the difficulty for an exporter to gauge the true potential of an unknown product.Considering only very limited quantities of these foliages were available at the commencement of theproject, it was impossible to provide each agent with foliage or flowers to assess. A greater level ofresponse and a more extensive range of comments from agents would have added even further to thevalue of the pictorial survey.3.2 PropagationYuruga Nursery has provided this propagation report. Staff of Yuruga Nursery conducted allpropagation trials for this project.None of the species trialed in this project proved particularly difficult to propagate by standardconventional nursery techniques using seeds or cuttings, and as a result it was not necessary to conductspecialized propagation trials, or to trial propagation by tissue culture.A summary of the propagation methods used is presented in Table Eleven.Table Eleven: Species and propagation method. The primary method used to propagate the species plantedin the trial plots is indicated by an asterisk (*).Species Seed CuttingsAthertonia diversifolia !* !Banksia plagiocarpa !* !Buckinghamia celsissima !* !Callitris macleayana !* !Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana !* !Dissiliaria surculosa !*Eucalyptus phoenicea !*Evodiella muelleri !* !Grevillea baileyana !* !Lomandra hystrix !*Lomatia fraxinifolia !* !Leptospermum wooroonooran !*Neorites kevediana ! !*Placospermum coriaceum !* !Sarcotoechia serrata !* !Stenocarpus sp Tully River !* !Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’ !*Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ !*Syzygium luehmannii !* !Xanthostemon chrysanthus !* !Xanthostemon youngii ! !*The following list outlines some general propagation guidelines and observations that were relevant tothe propagation for the purposes of the project:23

ensure the entire root system received water throughout the entire establishment phase, and an adequateproportion of the root system thereafter. The management team also consider it important that irrigationshould not touch potentially saleable foliage in order to avoid the possibility of unnecessary marking ofthe foliage. The irrigation type used in these trials also satisfies this requirement.3.4.3 PruningPruning across the three sites illustrated that the species respond well to pruning and produce multipleshoots and lateral growth. This is an important characteristic since most of the species included in thetrial are rainforest species, where the effects of apical dominance are usually relatively strong. Whilerainforest plants are known to naturally branch more frequently and be smaller in height if grown out ofrainforest conditions, the management team doubted that the natural increase in branching wouldmaximise stem production from the plants. Therefore, it was considered imperative to determine theability of the trial species to produce lateral growth and stems.For all species, selective pruning from the time the plants were established allowed the formation of agood, branching structure as a base for the remainder of the growth and stem production. A number ofthe species branched readily, but produced the shoots very close to the stem (e.g. Athertonia diversifoliaand Lomatia fraxinifolia). These shoots may require selection and thinning.Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ also branched readily, but the uppermost lateral buds were particularlyvigorous after pruning and production of branching and stems from the lower lateral buds was increasedif the upper buds were removed. Lomatia fraxinifolia also exhibited this phenomenon.During the trials it became clear that Placospernum coriaceum can survive hard pruning if the plant iswell established and is old enough to be producing secondary stem growth. Hard pruning significantlyslowed the growth of a small proportion of the Athertonia diversifolia replicates. It may be that thisspecies also prefers to be more established before pruning occurs.Individual comments regarding responses to pruning are included in the Plant Profiles section of thisreport.3.5 Postharvest Evaluation3.5.1 Basic Vase LifeExperiment 1, 2 and Stenocarpus sp. Tully R (‘Forest Gem’), Sarcotoechia serrata and Syzygiumleuhmanii.The average vase life of all mature foliage specimens except Sarcotoechia serrata was longer than twoweeks (Table Twelve). The vase life of the majority of species was longer than three weeks and for fivespecies, longer than four weeks. All mature Proteaceae foliages showed a vase life of over 3 weeks. Inevery species re-evaluated in Experiment 2, the vase life of mature foliage was longer than for lessmature foliage. This factor will influence the production time for saleable stems, and so the point afterwhich specimen maturity does not influence vase life is a characteristic that should be determined foreach species.The results suggest that the trial species may have potential as new cut foliage species, with respect tothe length of the vase life. However, the ability of these species to survive dry storage and maintain anacceptable vase life post-storage is also fundamental to market success. This factor was also investigatedand the results are discussed later in this report.25

Table Twelve: Average vase life (in days) of rainforest foliage in Experiments 1 and 2 and for Stenocarpussp. Tully R (‘Forest Gem’), Sarcotoechia serrata and Syzygium leuhmanii.SpeciesFamilyExperiment1Experiment2‘Experiment’3 & 4AthertoniadiversifoliaProteaceae 29.60 bc 23.40 fgOpisthiolepsisheterophyllaProteaceae 16.70 a 28.70 ghLomatiafraxinifoliaProteaceae 28.70 bc 33.80 hLomandrahystrixXanthorrhoeaceae 30.70 bcGrevilleabaileyana – Proteaceae 23.60 abjuvenile leavesPlacospermumcoriaceumProteaceae 24.81 abNeoriteskevedianaProteaceae 36.00 c 31.2 hCallitrismacleayanaCupressaceae 51.5 dCarnarvoniamontanaProteaceae 18.20 a 8.40 eDissiliariasurculosaEuphorbiaceae18.90 fGrevilleabaileyana – Proteaceae33.60 hmature leavesStenocarpus sp.Tully River(medium leafProteaceae 27*form)SyzygiumleuhmaniiMyrtaceae15.0 iSarcotoechiaserrataSapindaceae 11.75 iValues within column followed by same letter not significantly different at p≤ 0.05*Experiment 3 was terminated at 27 days post-harvest.3.5.2 Dry Storage and Transport SimulationExperiment OneIn dry storage Experiment One, dry storage affected the vase life for the majority of the species andtreatments, compared to the controls where no dry storage was used. Grevillea baileyana, Sarcotoechiaserrata and Lomatia fraxinifolia dry storage vase life was longest at 10°C (Table Thirteen). Syzygiumleuhmanii had a similar vase life after dry storage at 3 or 10°C but had reduced vase life after 20°C drystorage.26

Table Thirteen: Average vase life (days) at 20 days post harvest – dry storage Experiment 1SpeciesGrevillea baileyana– juvenile leavesGrevillea baileyana– mature leavesSyzygium leuhmaniiSarcotoechia serrataLomatia fraxinifoliaTreatmentNumberDry storage (3 days)temperature treatment1.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 20.01.2 3ºC 3.41.3 10ºC 14.6Average vase life(days)1.4 20ºC 10.22.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 18.22.2 3ºC 4.02.3 10ºC 10.42.4 20ºC 4.03.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 15.03.2 3ºC 8.43.3 10ºC 8.23.4 20ºC 3.04.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 11.754.2 3ºC 3.04.3 10ºC 11.64.4 20ºC 3.05.1 Control - 20ºC (no dry storage) 20.05.2 3ºC 3.05.3 10ºC 20.05.4 20ºC 3.0Experiment TwoVase life of the species investigated in the second dry storage experiment was not significantly affectedby any interaction between species and treatment (Tables Fourteen and Fifteen). It is likely that the lackof significant interaction was due to a lack of effect of storage and temperature on the vase life of one ofthe species, Lomandra hystrix, which affected the overall analysis results. Vase life was significantlyaffected by species at p

Table Fourteen: Average vase life (days) for various plant species.Species No. Species Average vase life (days)1 Athertonia diversifolia 14.08 abc2 Neorites kevediana 13.26 abc3 Opisthiolepsis heterophylla 17.89 ac4 Dissiliaria 6.33 b5 Lomandra hystrix 18.96 cValues followed by same letter not significantly different at p≤ 0.05Table Fifteen: Average vase life after dry storage at various temperatures and after no dry storage(control).Treatment Temperature Vase life1 Control – no dry storage 20.39 a2 3°C 11.91 b3 10°C 13.72 b4 20°C 10.39 bValues followed by same letter not significantly different at p≤ 0.10Experiment ThreeDue to the range of ages of Eucalyptus phoenicea material provided, not all buds opened during theexperiment. Continuous sucrose at 2.5% and 5.0% significantly lengthened the vase life of E. phoeniceaflowers (all replicates), in comparison with no sucrose, 0.5% or 1.0% sucrose (p

Table Seventeen: The effect of dry storage and pulsing on the vase life of Eucalyptus phoenicea flowers. Datarepresents all samples, including buds that did and did not open during the experiment.DescriptionTreatmentNumberAverage DaysVase LifeDry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (no pulsing) 4 10 aControl (no dry storage and no pulsing) 1 10.64 abDry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (pre-storage pulse11.0 ab6– 24hours at 20ºC)Dry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (post-storage11.17 ab7pulse)Dry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (no pulsing) 3 11.17 abDry storage (72 hours) at 20ºC (post storage11.67 ab8pulse)Control (no dry storage with pulsing) 2 12.50 bcDry storage (72 hours) at 10ºC (pre-storage pulse14.17 c5for 24 hours at 20ºC)Values followed by same letter not significantly different at p≤ 0.05The results indicated that dry storage and transport at 10°C would be appropriate for many of thespecies, that a couple of species are tolerant of storage in the 3 to10°C range and others in the 10 to 20°Crange, and that one species was not tolerant of dry storage at any temperature. Many other tropicalflower and foliage species respond best to storage in the 8 to 13°C range, so it was not surprising that10°C was the treatment that, overall, had the least effect on vase life post-storage. The ability of thespecies to maintain vase life after storage at particular temperatures will impact on their viability as newcut flower species, particularly in areas where transport services may not be available at the optimaltemperature. If a variety of species were to be transported to market, it would seem that transport atapproximately 10°C would be the temperature that would maintain the longest post-storage vase life forthe greatest number of species.The ability of a species with known market potential to maintain vase life equivalent to the controltreatment after storage at any temperature would be a clear advantage. The preliminary observationsmade with regard to the dry storage of Stenocarpus sp. Tully River ‘Forest Gem’, demand furtherinvestigation.While the stems were hydrated before storage and the contents of the boxes misted in the preparation ofthe dry storage experiments, the boxes were not full and the moisture and relative humidity in the storageboxes were probably less than is found in commercial practice. These dry storage trials were, therefore,quite rigorous and the vase life values may be minimal figures. This may be particularly relevant for thespecies that displayed a lowered vase life after storage.3.6 Market Assessments3.6.1 November 2001 - Airfreight ex. CairnsAssessment by export market agent (Collina Export)All species survived overnight airfreight and arrived at the destination in excellent condition.Initial feedback indicated the Stenocarpus varieties (‘Forest Gem’ and ‘Forest Lace’) were of thegreatest interest to the export market. The form of both varieties was considered interesting and ‘ForestGem’ was thought to have potential on its own merit and as a replacement product for Persooniaspecies.29

Initial comments also indicated that Lomatia fraxinifolia, Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana andSarcotoechia serrata were also of interest. The agent was familiar with Athertonia diversifolia, Neoriteskevediana, Opisthiolepsis heterophylla and Grevillea baileyana and reported that there was a smalldemand for these products. If good quality quantities of Athertonia diversifolia were available, the agentindicated there they would foresee a moderate demand for the species. The agent was initially unsure ofthe potential of Leptospermum wooroonooran, although it arrived in excellent condition.After the products had been standing in water in the agent’s warehouse in ambient conditions forapproximately 10 days, they were re-evaluated for their potential. Dissiliaria surculosa, Leptospermumwooroonooran, Sarcotoechia serrata and Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana did not survive thisperiod.The remaining foliage was shown to two Melbourne floral designers. Again, both Stenocarpus formswere the foliages that attracted the greatest attention. The first designer showed no interest in theremainder of the foliages and the second showed marginal interest in Placospermum coriaceum,Athertonia diversifolia and Grevillea baileyana. Neither designer showed interest in Callitrismacleayana.Assessment by domestic market agent (Lynch Flowers, Sydney)Results indicated that Stenocarpus varieties, Lomatia fraxinifolia, Neorites kevediana, Athertoniadiversifolia, Grevillea baileyana (juvenile form) and Leptospermum wooroonooran were well received.Little interest in Dissiliaria surculosa, Placospermum coriaceum, Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana,Callitris macleayana and Sarcotoechia serrata was demonstrated. The full comments by the fiveassessors at Lynch Flowers are presented below in Table Eighteen.Table Eighteen: Results of market assessment by domestic market agent assessors.Species Assessor 1 Assessor 2 Assessor 3 Assessor 4 Assessor 5Stenocarpus sp.Tully medium‘Forest Gem’Stenocarpus sp.Tully Fine ‘ForestLace’DissiliariasurculosaGood for bouquets Not liked Not likedGood for bouquets Ordinary Not likedToo short forbouquetWould have tocompete with emugrassfrom WACould be good forbouquets but mustnot have a soft tipand must beuniformGood for bouquetsGood for bouquetsNot liked Not liked Not liked Not likedLomatiafraxinifoliaPlacospermumcoriaceumNeorites kevedianaNot likedToo short forbouquets, okay forarrangementsGood forarrangementsGreat forarrangements;appealing, darkshiny leavesBronze tips look abit paleToo much likeother foliageAssessor 3 ‘sfavourite choicefor arrangements;loved the dark,glossy lookNeeds more colourin the tipsGreat forarrangementsExcellent forbouquets if stemswere uniform and50cm long; greatglossy lookInteresting andgood for shortbouquets and tablearrangementsExcellent forarrangementsExcellent forarrangements allyear roundUndecidedNot likedAthertoniadiversifoliaGrevilleabaileyana –juvenileExcellent forarrangements;strongGreat for tablearrangementsVery good fortable arrangementsTerrific for boxedarrangementsVery good forarrangementsGood forarrangementsCould be good forbouquets forChristmas with itsreindeer-likeleaves; must beblemish-free (oneleaf had a largebrown dead spot)Good forarrangements; tooshort for bouquetsExcellent forarrangements allyear roundExcellent forarrangements allyear round30

Species Assessor 1 Assessor 2 Assessor 3 Assessor 4 Assessor 5CarnarvoniamontanaNot liked Okay Not liked Not liked Not likedStenocarpus sp.Tully River – fineLeptospermumwooroonooranCallitrismacleayanaSarcotoechiaserrataVery short butgreat forarrangementsToo shortToo short but iflonger will lookgood in ChristmasbouquetsNot likedLooks like aMcDonalds hedgeplantLooks like acommon hedgeToo much an 80’slookBeautiful forarrangementsNot likedLooks like diosmaNot likedGreat forarrangementsGreat colourcombination forbouquets; will thered growth droop?If 50-55cm wouldbe good forbouquetsLoved it forbouquets but mustcome in uniformlengths (50-55cmminimum)Great forarrangements andalso for bouquets ifavailable at 55cmlengthGreat forarrangements allyear round andespecially atChristmasGreat forarrangements allyear round andespecially atChristmasNot liked3.6.2 July/August 2002 - Airfreight ex. CairnsOf the five exporters and one domestic agent (Lynch Flowers Sydney), all agents except for FloratradeInternational P/L returned the questionnaire that accompanied the foliage (Appendix 2).Table Nineteen summarises the results of the questionnaire.Table Nineteen: Results of market assessment questionnaire received from three export companies based inNew South Wales and Victoria. Ratings represent the preference for the products, where: 1 = this productwould be in high demand and therefore has excellent market potential; and 5 = there would be no demandfor this product and therefore has no market potential.SpeciesAthertoniadiversifoliaBanksiaplagiocarpaBuckinghamiacelsissimaCallitrismacleayanaCarnarvoniaaraliifolia varmontanaDissiliariasurculosaGrevilleabaileyanaAverageRating from 3exporters(number ofresponses)3 (2)3 (1)Perceivedcompetitors forfoliage productXanadu, Camelia,Umbrella FernBanksiahadheriana, someproteas, CoccinesPerceivedDemand(Domestic orExport)-Domestic andExportOutstandingFeaturesListedLarge, oak-shapedleaf4.5 (2) - Domestic -4.3 (3) CypressExport andDomestic3.8 (3) - Export--Stem colour andbranch structure4 (1) Beech Domestic -2.5 (2) Leather fernLomandra hystrix 2.75 (2) Steel grassDomestic andExportDomestic andExportDark, glossy leavesthat contrast wellwith gold underside-31

SpeciesLomatiafraxinifoliaLeptospermumwooroonooranNeoriteskevedianaPlacospermumcoriaceumStenocarpus spTully RiverStenocarpus‘Forest Gem’Stenocarpus‘Forest Lace’AverageRating from 3exporters(number ofresponses)Perceivedcompetitors forfoliage product2.6 (3) Byfeld fern, Ruscus3.5 (3) -3.2 (3) -4 (3)Leather fern,Dracena3 (2) Ruscus3.6 (3)2.5 (3)PersoonialongifoliaGrevillea ivanhoe,CyprusPerceivedDemand(Domestic orExport)Domestic,Domestic andExportExport andDomesticDomestic andExportOutstandingFeaturesListedAttractive, shinyleavesStrong, small-leafedfoliage; nice redfoliage; glossy;good overall colourand appearance- -Export andDomesticExport andDomesticExport-Good, cleanlookingfoliage-Fine and delicate;long thin stems;highly pinnateleaves; shinyOn request, the exporters listed the most important factors considered to be essential for the success ofcut foliage products in the export markets. The following factors were highlighted as important: vaselife(minimum of 21 days); uniqueness; price; packaging; versatility; marketing (i.e. showing how afoliage can be used); quality; and consistent availability.Table Twenty outlines the comments from Lynch Flowers and relates only to the potential marketdemand of the foliages in the domestic market. Various clients of the company, including corporateflorists who cater for weddings, functions and hotels and large supermarkets, assessed the foliages sentto Lynch Flowers.Table Twenty: Results of market assessment questionnaire received from Lynch Flowers Sydney (domesticagent). Ratings represent the preference for the products, where: 1 = this product would be in high demandand therefore has excellent market potential; and 5 = there would be no demand for this product andtherefore has no market potential.SpeciesRatingHas theproduct beenseen before?Athertonia diversifolia 1 YesOutstanding featuresLarge, lobed leaves makes itmore cost effective to useBuckinghamiacelsissima2 Yes -Callitris macleayana 1 No -1 – floristsCarnarvonia5 – supermarketaraliifolia var montanadivisionNoGlossy lookGrevillea baileyana 1 No -Lomatia fraxinifolia 1 NoDark, glossy foliage;versatileLeptospermumwooroonooran5 Yes -Neorites kevediana 1 Yes -Placospermumcoriaceum2 No -32

Has theSpeciesRating product beenOutstanding featuresseen before?Sarcotoechia serrata 5 No -StenocarpusSymmetrical leaf1 Yes‘Forest Gem’arrangementStenocarpus‘Forest Lace’1 Yes Appealing, fine foliage3.7 Plant Profiles3.7.1 Flowering SpeciesBanksia plagiocarpaNatural Distribution – Hinchinbrook Island and the Kirrama Range behind CardwellPrimary Propagation Method – From seed of cultivated plants at Yuruga NurseryPBR Status – NoneComments – This species has grown very well at the Upper Barron and Malanda trial sites, however thespecies could be considered for cultivation in a range of climates. The plants respond very well to tippruning and probably require selective thinning of shoots. Plants for commercial production shouldalways be terminal flowering in order to achieve the desired stem length of 60 to100cms. To ensureplants are terminal flowering, cuttings from mature, terminal flowering plants can be taken and used forpropagation. The juvenile foliage is susceptible to seasonal pests, such as swarming leaf beetles(Rhyparida discopunctulata). Market assessments have been encouraging and some exporters arealready dealing with this product.Eucalyptus phoeniceaNatural Distribution – In Queensland, restricted to the Hopevale to Laura region; more common in theNorthern Territory and is always found growing on sandstone or sandPrimary Propagation Method – From seed collected from trees outside CooktownPBR Status – NoneComments – In the field trials, this species was only planted at the Mareeba site, which has very sandysoil. The species prefers a hot, dry climate on sandy soil. The plants at this site grew vigorously andresponded well to tip pruning, carried out to manipulate canopy shape. The plants at the site have notflowered as yet and pruning has been ceased at this stage to encourage flowering and maturity of thefoliage. There have been no pests or diseases to report. Market assessments for this species in thisproject have been based on pictures only, as flowers have not been available.Evodiella muelleriNatural Distribution – Atherton Tablelands to Cooktown, and the McIllwraith Range on Cape YorkPeninsulaPrimary Propagation Method – Seed from wild plantsPBR Status – None33

Comments – The plant has grown very well at both the Upper Barron and Malanda trial sites, althoughat Mareeba the growth was not as vigorous due to nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Flowering hasoccurred at the Mareeba site; however, it has been very poor. The vase life of this species has not beentested and market assessments have been based on pictures only. The flowers of this species develop onthe woody stems of the plant and are hot pink in colour. There have been no pests or diseases to report.Whether the plants will withstand constant harvesting of the woody stems is unknown at this stage.34

Xanthostemon chrysanthusNatural Distribution – From Ingham to Cape York Peninsula on streams and creeks flowing to the eastPrimary Propagation Method – Vegetative cuttings from plants at Yuruga Nursery that were originallypropagated from wild seedPBR Status – NoneComments – This plant has shown vigorous and varied individual plant growth at all three sites. Thereappears to be significant genetic differences between individual plants, which affect growth rates, leafcolour and flowering. The plants respond very well to tip pruning and produce many shoots to form arounded growth habit suitable for commercial production, which also maximises the number of flowerheads possible. During cold weather, the leaves can become blotchy with pink/burgundy spots. Therehave been no pests or diseases to report. The vase life of the flowers is estimated to be approximately 10days and buds will open after being cut and placed in a vase. During vase life, the stamens desiccate,turn brown in colour and abscise.Xanthostemon youngiiNatural Distribution – Restricted to sand dunes on eastern Cape York PeninsulaPrimary Propagation Method – From cuttings off a cultivated plant at Yuruga NurseryPBR status – NoneComments – This species has been extremely slow to establish. In the short term, it does notdemonstrate characteristics suitable for commercial production, since the juvenile plants are inconsistentin growth and form and produce long branches that lie on or close to the ground. No plants haveflowered yet at the Mareeba site and there have been no pests or diseases to report. No vase life trialshave been conducted; however, Peter and Ann Radke believe the flowers will withstand transportwithout water and will also re-hydrate to original condition after transportation. The striking red, multistamenflowers presented in pictorial format were of interest to exporters and wholesalers.3.7.2 Foliage SpeciesAthertonia diversifoliaNatural Distribution – Cape Tribulation to southern Atherton Tablelands, very wet rainforest, low tohigh altitudePrimary Propagation Method – Propagated from seed sourced from wild standsPBR status – NoneComments – This species has displayed medium to high vigour at both the Upper Barron and Malandatrial sites. The plants cannot tolerate windy conditions, the leaves becoming torn and blemished.Physical damage to the leaves results in blackening of the damaged leaf tissue (this can also be seen invase life trials after handling). Stressed plants are susceptible to Macadamia twig curler (Xyloryctaluteotactella). Exporters are extremely keen on the product and there has also been direct interest fromthe Japanese market. Plants respond well to pruning and produce multiple shoots. Mature leaves havean average vase life of 23 to 29 days. The upper most tips of immature material lose turgor and collapserapidly during the vase life. This area turns black and the necrosis spreads down the leaf to the stemarea. Some mature Athertonia diversifolia material can also turn black during the vase life, while otherleaf specimens will remain green for several weeks. Saprophytic fungi quickly colonise the surface ofblackened leaves.35

Buckinghamia celsissimaNatural Distribution – Rainforests on the coastal ranges from Cooktown to Paluma RangePrimary Propagation Method – From seeds collected off a cultivated plant at Yuruga NurseryPBR status – NoneComments – This species is vigorous growing and has grown well at both Upper Barron and Malanda.There are no pests or diseases to report and the juvenile foliage is very attractive; however, it does notmaintain quality after harvesting. Market assessments of the foliage have not been positive. Despite theattractiveness of the foliage, the foliage is inconsistent in form and colour.Callitris macleayanaNatural Distribution – Rainforests of North Queensland (high altitude) and south to central New SouthWalesPrimary Propagation Method – From seed collected from plants on the Windsor TablelandPBR status – NoneComments – This species prefers the high altitude and climatic conditions at the Upper Barron trial siteand is performing poorly at the Malanda site. There have been no incidences of pests or diseases. Thespecies does not shoot readily from cut stems and market comments have not been positive, indicatingthat the foliage is too similar to other products already available. The vase life is extremely long at anaverage of 51 days. Towards the end of the vase life, some specimens drop segments of their ‘pine-like’leaves. Very little desiccation is evident after storage at any temperature.Carnarvonia araliifolia var montanaNatural Distribution – Windsor Tableland to Kirrima Range (south of Ravenshoe)Primary Propagation Method – Grown from seed collected from wild plantsPBR Status – NoneComments – This species has shown medium vigour at both Upper Barron and Malanda. The plantsproduce multiple shoots after pruning and require thinning to select strong shoots. Mature leavesdiscolour rapidly and the ability of the plant to produce suitable mature leaves for harvest isquestionable. Market assessments have revealed mixed results. Juvenile foliage is susceptible to insectattack. The average vase life of mature leaves is 18 days. Juvenile material also discolours quickly postharvest.Carnarvonia araliifolia var montana discolours to a grey brown or nearly black colour from thetips of the youngest foliage down towards the more mature foliage. If the specimen is immature, or thetips are very immature, the foliage discolours and wilts very quickly.Dissiliaria surculosaNatural Distribution – Cape Melville National Park and the Rocky River east of Coen on Cape YorkPeninsulaPrimary Propagation Method – Vegetative cuttings from plants at Yuruga NurseryPBR status – None36

Comments – This species has been extremely slow to establish at all three sites and has been slowest atthe Mareeba site. At the time of writing of this report, plants are growing very well at the Malanda siteand seem to prefer the climatic conditions at this site. Market comments have not been positive as thefoliage has no exotic or unusual features, and is also inconsistent in length and form. Juvenile foliage issusceptible to seasonal grub attack. The average vase life is estimated at 18 days. Vase life tests showedthat the foliage desiccates and the leaves abscise. After storage at any temperature, Dissiliaria surculosafoliage showed signs of desiccation.Grevillea baileyanaNatural Distribution – Widespread in North Queensland rainforests at low to mid altitudes. There aretwo forms of this species, the North Queensland form and the Cape York form, the latter havingnarrower and hardier leaves.Primary Propagation Method – Seed from cultivated plants at Yuruga NurseryPBR Status – NoneComments – Of the three trial sites included in the project, the species is growing best at the Mareebaand Malanda sites. The plants of this species are very poor at the Upper Barron site, where they displaya distorted leaf shape that becomes very evident during the winter months. At the Malanda site, theplants are thriving and produce long stems over 70 centimetres in length; however, the undersides of theleaves seem to lack the intense colour of the plants at the Mareeba site. The plants at the Mareeba siteare flourishing and produce an intense gold/bronze colour on the undersides of the leaves. The plants atthe Malanda site are expected to produce the same leaf colouring as they mature. Market comments arevery encouraging, as the golden colour is exotic and unusual. This species is susceptible to fungaldiseases after pruning, so measures should be taken to protect the cut branches from infection.The average vase life of mature leaves is estimated at 33 days. The mature foliage usually maintains thedark green and bronze/gold colouring of the leaves throughout the vase life. Occasionally, chlorosis ofthe veins on the upper side of the leaves was observed. Usually the overall form of the stem was held forthe duration of vase life, although on occasion the upper leaves curled and bent downwards.Juvenile foliage retained good condition and the original green colouring for several weeks beforedegrading. During degradation, the tips of each lobe usually became necrotic and progressed down eachlobe. The necrotic areas reached a length of approximately 2 centimetres. Accompanying the necrotictips was a loss of green pigmentation, with inter-veinal areas becoming a dark grey-brown colour. Thiswas usually seen in the stem and all lobes of the leaf.Leptospermum wooroonooranNatural Distribution – The main coast range behind Mossman and on Bellenden Ker, on the mostextreme, exposed areas; very high altitude and very high rainfallPrimary Propagation Method – Vegetative cuttings from cultivated plants at Yuruga NurseryPBR Status – NoneComments – This species has performed exceptionally well at the Upper Barron site; however, theattractive red and green foliage is only produced during the winter months when the plants are exposedto the constant moisture and windy conditions at the site. As the seasons change and the moisture levelsfall, the foliage becomes quite drab and unattractive. The plants at the Malanda site never produced theattractive juvenile red foliage seen at the Upper Barron site. Market assessments of the winter foliagehave indicated that the red juvenile foliage would be in demand at Christmas time. Unfortunately, the37

plants do not shoot readily from cut branches and are also a host to a nest-building caterpillar that bindsthe foliage together and defoliates the plants. The vase life of this species has not been tested due tounavailability of material at the required time. Feedback from Collina Export indicates that the young,red growth of this species wilts during vase life.Lomandra hystrixNatural Distribution – Widespread in coastal QueenslandPrimary Propagation Method – Propagated from seed collected from the wildPBR status – NoneComments – This species has grown very well at the Upper Barron and Malanda sites and the plantshave readily produced long, thin strands of foliage in large quantity. Market assessments have producedmixed results for this species, some wholesalers having commented on the exotic form of the foliage.The leaf ends tend to breakdown and fray, making it difficult to find intact leaves in the field. Therehave been no incidences of pests or diseases to report with this species. The foliage is very tough andstrong and has an average vase life of 30 days. During vase life, the appearance of this speciesundergoes little change. Tip necrosis (frequently already present from the paddock) extends down theleaf towards the leaf base and the upper leaf becomes chlorotic. After storage at any temperature, theleaves are usually curled. Provided they are allowed to stand in water, the leaves of this species willhydrate and resume a flattened shape.Lomatia fraxinifoliaNatural Distribution – Widespread in north Queensland rainforests at mid to high altitudePrimary Propagation Method – Propagated from seed collected from the wildPBR Status – NoneComments – The plants of this species have grown extremely vigorously at both the Upper Barron andMalanda sites, and are producing large numbers of attractive, glossy, dark-green leaves. The plantsrespond very well to pruning, producing multiple shoots that require thinning to select the strongestshoots. This is one of the species showing the greatest potential. Market assessments have been verypositive, provided the leaf length is 60 centimetres or more. There have been no incidences of pests ordiseases to report with this species. The average vase life of the leaves is estimated at 28 to 33 days.Harvested leaves survive in dry storage and remain un-blemished for long periods (more than 12 days),provided they are misted regularly. During vase life, little change in the physical appearance was noted.Necrotic spots form on the back of leaves, which may be associated with spots of mechanical damageprior to or at harvest. Chlorosis on the upper side of the leaves became apparent during vase life. Afterstorage, some blackening of the veins was noted in a couple of the replicates.Neorites kevedianaNatural Distribution – In rainforests, north of the Clohesy River to CooktownPrimary Propagation Method – From vegetative cuttings from cultivated plants at Yuruga NurseryPBR Status – NoneComments – This species has grown very well at both the Upper Barron and Malanda sites andproduces attractive, glossy, dark-green foliage. The plants are not as vigorous as the Lomatiafraxinifolia plants; however, they also produce multiple stems after pruning and require thinning toselect strong stems. The market comments on this species have been encouraging and again emphasise38

the importance of leaf length. As with Grevillea baileyana, this species appears to be susceptible tofungal disease after pruning, especially if rain follows pruning. Therefore, measures must be taken toprotect pruned surfaces from fungal spores, for example the application of a copper and paint mix.Three plants of this species were lost at the Upper Barron site following pruning that took place inAugust 2002. The vase life is estimated at 36 days.Placospermum coriaceumNatural Distribution – In rainforests between Cooktown and KurandaPrimary Propagation Method – Propagated from seed collected from wild plantsPBR Status – NoneComments – This species has performed very well at the Malanda site. Young plants do not tolerateheavy pruning, with pruning only proving moderately successful for the production of multiple stems.When the plants are young, tip pruning only is recommended. Once plants are established, they appearto be able to tolerate heavy pruning, which results in shoots along the length of the stem. Marketcomments received have not been positive, despite the attractive blush that can be seen on the semimaturefoliage. Market assessments have also revealed that the short leaf length is not suitable and thatthere would be very little use for this type of product. The leaves of individual plants can vary in formand be single or multi-lobed. There have been no incidences of pests or diseases to report and theestimated vase life of mature foliage is 24 days. The very young tips of this species wilt quickly. Littlechange in appearance is noted in mature specimens and towards the end of vase life, inter-veinalchlorosis and occasionally stem necrosis tends to develop.Sarcotoechia serrataNatural Distribution – Gadgarra to Ravenshoe, always found growing under the canopy of much largertreesPrimary Propagation Method – grown from seed collected from the wildPBR status – NoneComments – This species has been slow growing at both the Malanda and Upper Barron sites. Theplants are healthier and bigger at the Malanda site and are not suited at all to the climatic conditionsexperienced at the Upper Barron site. Unfortunately, there has been very little material to send away formarket assessments and no indication of potential demand is available for this species. Plants respondwell to tip pruning and produce multiple stems. There have been no pests or diseases recorded for thisspecies. The foliage does not cope well with dry storage at 3°C or 20°C and has an average vase life of11 days (with or without storage at 10°C). There is potential to carry out post-harvest treatments on thisspecies to enhance the vase life. At 3°C or 20°C, Sarcotoechia serrata was completely desiccated poststorage,and leaves became a dark grey-green colour and abscised. Toward the end of vase life, leavesalso desiccated and abscised.Stenocarpus sp. Tully RiverNatural Distribution – Hinchinbrook Island and the headwaters of the Tully RiverPrimary Propagation Method – Grown from seedPBR Status – None39

Comments – Unfortunately, the growth of this species has been unexpectedly poor at all three field trialsites, and there appears to be no climatic/soil type preference for this species. Plants at all three siteshave responded well to recent fertiliser applications and are producing brilliant new foliage. Marketassessments have been positive; however, it is doubtful as to whether the species establishes quicklyenough to be a viable commercial species. Stressed plants are susceptible to stem borer attack and thenew foliage is very susceptible to beetle attack. Leaves also sunburn easily if over-exposed to intensesunlight and this effect is exacerbated on stressed or weak plants. This species is one of the parent plantsof Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’ and the Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’.Stenocarpus ‘Forest Gem’Natural Distribution – This plant does not occur naturally; it has been bred by Yuruga Nursery and as aresult is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights.Primary Propagation Method – From cuttings onlyPBR Status – Granted to Yuruga NurseryComments – These plants can only be propagated by Yuruga Nursery as stipulated under the PlantBreeder’s Rights guidelines. This plant appears to be able to grow in a wide range of climates and soiltypes, and has grown very well at all three trial sites. The plants established very well and showexcellent vigour. Once harvested, the stems cope easily with dry storage and have lengthy vase lives(more than 27 days). Exporters have commented on the suitability of the variety for export markets andbelieve the demand is significant. Very long stem lengths of 70 centimetres or more are possible, whichmakes the variety very desirable for floristry. The plants are a host to swarming leaf beetles, seasonalpests that feed on the soft, juvenile foliage. Scale insects also attack this plant and produce an unsightlywhite exudate, which tarnishes the foliage. Weak plants are also susceptible to stem borer attack. Theplants respond very well to pruning by producing multiple shoots close to the cut surface. No affects ofvase life or storage were noted for this species; all replicates remained identical to the control.Stenocarpus ‘Forest Lace’Natural Distribution - This plant does not occur naturally; it has been bred by Yuruga Nursery and as aresult is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights.Primary Propagation Method – From cuttings onlyPBR Status – Granted to Yuruga NurseryComments – These plants can only be propagated by Yuruga Nursery as stipulated under the PlantBreeder’s Rights guidelines. This plant appears to be able to grow in a wide range of climates andsoil types and has grown very well at all three trial sites. The plants produce multiple very longstems over 70 centimetres in length, with very attractive foliage. The characteristics of thefoliage and the hardiness of the harvested stems make this variety one of the most desirable.The exporters were more keen about this variety than any other in the field trials. The plants area host to scale insects that produce an unsightly white exudate, and weak plants are susceptibleto stem borer. Vase life information has not been recorded for this variety of Stenocarpus,although from experience with the product, mature foliage is expected to hold and survive drystoragewith few detrimental effects.Syzygium leuhmaniiNatural Distribution – From the Great Dividing Range and east, from Cape York through to South ofSydney40

Primary Propagation Method – SeedPBR Status – NoneComments – This plant has grown across the entire range of field sites in the trial, though establishmentand growth has been slow at each site. Due to the slow growth, little pruning has been conducted. Ifestablished and growing vigorously, good branching and shoot production can be expected. Younggrowth is an attractive, red colour and contrasts well with the dark green mature foliage. The younggrowth moves from red to pink to green as it matures. The red and pink growth does not maintainquality post-harvest, and particular post-harvest techniques would be required to attain a reasonable vaselife for the species. After dry storage, the young growth is wilted and somewhat shrivelled and does notrecover turgor. Very slow establishment and lack of vase life after storage has made Syzygiumleuhmanii one of the less promising species.41

4. Implications and RecommendationsAs a result of this project, ten cut foliage species will be available to the Australian domestic and exportmarkets, expanding both the range of products and the length of the season in which Australian foliageproducts are available. This will impact positively on the regional economy of north Queensland andgive exporters an increased range of Australian product to offer in overseas markets.Vase life investigations have suggested that while most of the species do have a long vase life, drystorage does generally compromise post-storage vase life. The investigations have also shown that 10°Cis the best average storage temperature to maximise post-storage vase life. Foliage producers willtherefore need to maintain rigorous post-harvest care practices and may need to investigate alternatestorage and transport arrangements.Prospective producers, particularly those from other regions, will need to investigate the suitability of thespecies to their sites and climates. While the project team would expect acceptable growth of thesespecies in any region with a comparable climate to north Queensland, site differences always occur andneed to be taken into account.The successful selection of new species from the original range of rainforest flora evaluated in thisproject indicates that many more northern Queensland species may be suitable with respect to marketappeal, post-harvest life and cultivation.Further development is required for the small number of species recommended as having high marketpotential. Significant interest exists in these species and in expanding the flower and foliage industry innorth Queensland, but to aid the successful adoption of these species, more detailed informationregarding their production and market success is required.This project has successfully selected species based on demonstrated market potential, productionpotential, and dry storage and vase life characteristics. In-depth evaluation of characteristics includingyield per plant, frequency of harvest, season of harvest, average stem lengths, timing of pruning,irrigation and fertilisation requirements, post-harvest trials for maximising dry storage and vase life, andeconomic market returns should be undertaken for each selected species.RIRDC has agreed to fund a two-year project from November 2002 to 2004 to address theseparameters, to aid the commercialisation of the species and further promote the industry in northQueensland.42

Appendix OnePictorial SurveyOrange Flowered BloodwoodEucalyptus phoeniciaBright orange flowers.Stem length: 30-40 cm.Red PendaXanthostemon youngiiFluffy, bright orange-red flower, 10cm across.Stem length: 20-50 cm.Paperbark SatinashSyzygium papyraceumCluster of fluffy, pastel mauve flowers, 5-8 cmacross.Glossy, fluorescent purple fruit, 3cm indiameter.Stem length: 20-50 cm.43

Little EvodiaEvodiella muelleriPastel pink to bright lolly pink flowers in 5-8cm clusters along stem. Variation betweencultivars.Stem length: 20-40 cm.Blush Silky OakOpisthiolepis heterophyllaBright green upper side, shiny gold underside.Total length: 15-40 cm.Hill’s Silky OakGrevillea hilianaGreen upper side, silver sheen on underside.Total length: 20-60 cm.44

White OakGrevillea baileyanaImmature leaf is deeply lobed.Mature leaf has green upper side, shiny gold underside.Total length: 30-60 cm.Brown Silky OakDarlingia darlingianaMatt green leaf.Total length: 15-30 cm.Tully River OakStenocarpus sp. Tully RiverCultivar 1: Darkish green leaves, tipped with copper. Can beused as individual sections or a whole stem.Cultivar 2: Bright green leaves, with fine leaflets.Total length: 15-50 cm.Red Silky OakCarnarvonia araliifolia var montanaSharply serrated leaflets, with rustybrown new growth.Total length: 15-30 cm.45

Back-Scratcher GingerTapeinochilos ananassaeGlossy, bright red flower, 10-15 cm indiameter.Stem length: 15-30 cm.Cardwell BanksiaBanksia plagiocarpaMauve-grey flowers, 15 cm inlength, on long stems.Stem length: 30-40 cm.Cardwell Tea Tree (flowers)Leptospernum sp. ‘Cardwell’1 cm white flowers, massed alongstem.Total length: 20-50 cm.Pink Silky OakAlloxylon wickhamiiWhorl of pinkish-red flowers, 15 cm across,within cluster of leaves.Stem length: 20-50 cm.47

DissiliariaDissiliaria surculosaSmall, finely serrated leaflets,varying from green to bronze.Total length: 20-50 cm.Mountain CypressCallitris macleayanaBright green, pine-likeleaves.Total length: 20-50 cmTree WaratahAlloxylon flalleumSemi-glossy, grey-greenleaves.Total length: 15-30cmIvory Curl TreeBuckinghamia celsissimaGreen leaves with pink tips.Leaf length up to 30cm.Total length: 20-60cm.Small Leaf Lilly-PillySyzygium luehmaniiGlossy leaf. Immature leavesrange from pastel pink tobright lolly-pink.Mature leaves are green.Total length: 20-60 cm48

Cape IronwoodAustromyrtus floribundaSmall, glossy, pink-tingedleaves.Total length: 20-60 cmMat RushLomandra longifolia/hystrixRigid glossy leaves.Can be rolled and sculptured.Total length: 20-100 cmMt Lewis Ironwood/Red IronwoodAustromyrtus sp. ‘Mt Lewis’Glossy green to red leaves.Total length: 20-50 cm.Cardwell Tea Tree (foliage)Leptospernum ‘Cardwell’Fine, pale green leaf.Total length: 20-50 cm.49

Appendix TwoNorth Queensland Foliage Species QuestionnaireSPECIES –1. Was the product in good/saleable condition on arrival? Yes/No2. Have you seen this product before? Yes/No3. How would you rate the market potential/demand for this product on a scale of 1-5where:1=this product would be in high demand and therefore has excellent market potential5=there would be no demand for this product and therefore has no market potentialRATING 1 2 3 4 54. Do you have any suggestions on ways in which this product can be improved to enhanceits market potential?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. Which existing products would provide the most competition for this product?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. In your opinion, would the demand for this product (if there is any perceived demand)lie in the domestic market, export market orboth?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________7. Does this product have any outstanding features? If yes, what are they?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________50

Appendix ThreeField Day AdvertisementNative Foliage and Flower Field DayTuesday 29 th OctoberVisit field trials sites at Upper Barron, Malanda and Paddy’s Green associated with a project funded by RIRDC andYuruga Nursery Pty Ltd. Observe the growth and characteristics of 21 native north QLD plants being consideredfor commercial cut foliage and flowers.For catering purposes, a program and directions please register with Joanna Arthy, Department of PrimaryIndustries (DPI), Mareeba on (07) 4048 4600.51

Appendix FourMedia Release Number 1North Queensland Native Foliage and Flower Field DayA field day to highlight new foliage and cut flower species native to northQueensland will be held on the Atherton Tablelands on the 29th October.Department of Primary Industries horticulturist Joanna Arthy, Mareeba said theaim of the field day is to give interested parties the opportunity to visit three trialsites on the Atherton Tablelands where selected species are being grown, beforethe project is completed in November.Field day participants will tour three trial sites as the 21 species involved haveperformed differently at each site due to differing climatic conditions. “As welltwo of the species are only present at the Mareeba site (Paddys Green) as theyprefer sandy soil. Of the 21 species in the trials, five are being considered for cutflowers and the remainder for cut foliage. During the field day there will bediscussion on any pest and disease problems that have been significant during thecourse of the trials.” Ms Arthy said.Ms Arthy said the DPI’s amenity horticulture sub-program, as part of the researchproject, aims to identify and evaluate the commercial potential for new cut foliageand flower species native to north Queensland.Ms Arthy said the project is a Rural Industries Research and DevelopmentCorporation (RIRDC) funded project with in kind and financial contributionsfrom the commercial project partner, Yuruga Nursery Pty Ltd. The owners andmanagers of Yuruga, Peter and Ann Radke and their staff are experts inpropagation of native Australian plants.52

“Yuruga Nursery is accredited under the Nursery Industry Accreditation SchemeAustralia (NIASA) and is well known nationally and internationally for theircollection and knowledge of native plants. They are strategically placed to beable to easily source propagation material of north Queensland species and havesupplied all the plants used in the field trials.”“Plants at all three sites have been in the ground for 18 months to two years andfield day participants will be able to observe and gain an understanding of plantsbeing considered for commercial production of cut foliage or flowers.” Ms Arthysaid.She said market assessments conducted as part of the project had indicated bothwholesaler and exporter demand for the products. Some products appear to besuitable for the domestic market only, whereas others have significant potentialfor export if the products remain at very high quality.Ms Arthy said the field day provided a unique opportunity to see plants beingconsidered for commercial production before the project is completed followingwhich many of the plants may be re-located or removed. She said it is hoped afollow on project concentrating on the commercialisation of several selectedspecies will receive RIRDC funding and will begin in December 2002.For catering purposes, a program and directions to the first trial site, participantsare asked to register with Joanna Arthy, DPI Mareeba on 40484600 no later thanthe 25 th October.Mark Dawson Media Officer Ph 07 5430 4951 mob 0407 756 859Department of Primary Industries Media UnitPO Box 5165 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre 4560 Ph 07 5430 4911, fax 07 5430 4994DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)53

Appendix FiveMedia Release Number 221 May 2003Native flowers and foliage set to stealhearts as Tablelands industry develops“SAY it with flowers” is the marketing slogan – but soon, would-be romeos and otherflora fans may be able to replace traditional blooms with a bunch of exotic and lushstems from the heart of Wet Tropics rainforests.The Department of Primary Industries, in conjunction with Far North Queensland nurseryYuruga Native Plants and a handful of innovative landholders, has been running trials toidentify native flowers and foliage that could be suitable for commercial production. The trialshave been funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.All of the species planted in the first stage of the trial are native to north Queensland. Someare trees and shrubs that can be found along creek banks, rivers and streams, while others havebeen developed by Yuruga Native Plants as hybrids of native rainforest species.Of the species trialled, 11 will now be researched in-depth for their suitability to be grown on acommercial scale if a proposed follow on project attracts funding from RIRDC. Most of thesespecies have already had a favourable response from markets and they will definitely catch theeye of the consumer.“When people think native Australian flowers, they think banksias, wattles and kangaroo paw,but there is a whole range of flowers and foliage that have the potential to be developed into acommercial industry,” DPI horticulturalist Joanna Arthy said.“Some of the species we are looking at include trees with beautiful lacy foliage that wouldmarry well with traditional flower arrangements and others that have multi-coloured foliage thatranges from a dark glossy green to fiery red.”54

Ann Radke, from Yuruga Native Plants, also believes that some of the species trialled aredefinitely exhibiting the “wow” factor.“Personally I think that this industry has great potential and as demonstrated at field days heldat the trial sites, a lot of these plants really do have the wow factor that wholesalers are lookingfor,” Ann said.“But the big thing now is to start looking at how viable the species are for commercialproduction, not only their performance in the ground but to look at things like vase life andtransportability.”“The other really important thing to consider is that the industry needs to be able to carry thecapacity that exporters and wholesalers are looking for, which means growers will need quite alarge-scale operation, rather than something like a hobby farm.”At a recent field day conducted by Joanna Arthy DPI Mareeba, and Yuruga Native Plants, thethree Atherton Tableland trial sites were toured by over 35 potential growers.The native flower and foliage industry is part of the rapidly-growing primary industry known asAmenity Horticulture. Amenity Horticulture, which also includes turf and nursery production, isthe third largest primary industry in Queensland, generating more than a billion dollarsannually.Further information:Ann Radke Yuruga Nursery Ph 40 933 826Andrea Corby Media Officer Ph 47222 648Department of Primary Industries Media UnitGPO Box 46 Brisbane Q 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)55