Grevillea alpina
Encyclopedia
The Australian flowering shrub Grevillea alpina has several common names, including mountain grevillea, alpine grevillea, and cat's claws. It is not limited to alpine environments
, and in fact is less common at high elevation than low. The species is variable in appearance, with five general forms described: small-flowered, Grampians, Northern Victorian, Goldfields, and Southern Hills forms. It is found in dry forests and woodlands across Victoria
and into southern New South Wales
.
Some forms of the plant are low to the ground, and some become a spreading shrub. The flowers come in many colours, from white to green to shades of red and pink, or a pattern of several colours. The curled flowers are 1 to 3 centimeters in length. It is attractive to nectar-feeding insects and birds.
may be red, orange or pink or more rarely yellow or cream. There is often a transition of colour along the length of the perianth leading to commonly seen red-yellow or red-cream combinations. The main months of flowering are from August to December in the species native range.
The flowers are followed by hairy, leathery, ovoid fruits (follicles) that are between 8.5 and 12 mm long. These split open, releasing winged seeds.
in Three expeditions into the interior of Australia. This description was based on plant material collected from Mount William in the Grampians
during Thomas Mitchell's expedition in 1836.
In the Flora of Australia
(1999), the species was positioned within the genus Grevillea by means of a hierarchical tree as follows:
Grevillea (genus)
through Albury
and as far north as Canberra
where it is found on Black Mountain
. Its westernmost extent is found in the Grampians
in Victoria. It occurs in woodland, heathland and mallee
.
In 1995 Olde and Marriott identified five informal forms:
Naturally occurring hybrids have been recorded with G. lavandulacea
.G. dryophylla
and G. obtecta
. In New Zealand, hybrids with Grevillea rosmarinifolia
have become naturalised.
s are believed to be the major pollinator
s. Honey bees have been observed feeding on the nectar, but are able to do so without touching the pollen presenter.
. Though widely grown, it has a reputation for being short lived. This problem, which is accentuated in humid climates with summer rainfall, has been addressed by grafting on various rootstocks. G. alpina grows best in dry environments and does not tolerate excess moisture well. Regular pruning from a young age will encourage denser growth and reduce woodiness.
Plants are readily propagated from pre-treated seed, though seed sourced from gardens often leads to hybrid progeny. The species hybridises readily with Grevillea rosmarinifolia
, Grevillea juniperina
and Grevillea lavandulacea
. The use of cuttings is the preferred method of propagation for assuring that particular forms and cultivars are true to type.
In 2003, it was reported that the fungal disease Phytophthora palmivora
had been detected in plant nurseries in Sicily
, leading to root rot and death of potted Grevillea cultivars. Of these plants of Grevillea alpina were the most severely affected.
s and selected forms have been introduced to horticulture including:
Numerous naturally occurring forms have been named after the locality from which they originate including Albury
, Axedale, Bendigo, Black Mountain
, Castemaine
, Chiltern
, Grampians
, Greta West, Kinglake, Lerderderg Gorge
, Morrl Morrl, Mt Dandenong, Mt Ida, Mt Pleasant, Mt Slide, Mt Zero, Murphys Hill, One Tree Hill, Porcupine Ridge, Pyalong, Reef Hills, Rushworth
, Seymour
, South Mandurang, St Arnaud, Strathbogies, Tallarook, Tamminack Gap, Tawonga Gap, Tooborac, Warby Range
, Whorouly
and Wombat State Forest
.
Alpine climate
Alpine climate is the average weather for a region above the tree line. This climate is also referred to as mountain climate or highland climate....
, and in fact is less common at high elevation than low. The species is variable in appearance, with five general forms described: small-flowered, Grampians, Northern Victorian, Goldfields, and Southern Hills forms. It is found in dry forests and woodlands across Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
and into southern New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
.
Some forms of the plant are low to the ground, and some become a spreading shrub. The flowers come in many colours, from white to green to shades of red and pink, or a pattern of several colours. The curled flowers are 1 to 3 centimeters in length. It is attractive to nectar-feeding insects and birds.
Description
There is considerable variation in the form, leaves and flowers of the species. Plants are between 0.3 and 2 metres in height. The leaves may be linear, oblong or elliptic and are generally between 0.5 to 2 cm long and 1.5 to 4 mm wide. Both surfaces of leaves may or may not have hairs. The leaf edges may be curved backwards or revolute. Flower colour is one of the most variable characteristics. The main colour of the perianthPerianth
The term perianth has two similar but separate meanings in botany:* In flowering plants, the perianth are the outer, sterile whorls of a flower...
may be red, orange or pink or more rarely yellow or cream. There is often a transition of colour along the length of the perianth leading to commonly seen red-yellow or red-cream combinations. The main months of flowering are from August to December in the species native range.
The flowers are followed by hairy, leathery, ovoid fruits (follicles) that are between 8.5 and 12 mm long. These split open, releasing winged seeds.
Taxonomy
The species was first formally described in 1838 by English botanist John LindleyJohn Lindley
John Lindley FRS was an English botanist, gardener and orchidologist.-Early years:Born in Catton, near Norwich, England, John Lindley was one of four children of George and Mary Lindley. George Lindley was a nurseryman and pomologist and ran a commercial nursery garden...
in Three expeditions into the interior of Australia. This description was based on plant material collected from Mount William in the Grampians
Grampians National Park
The Grampians National Park is a national park in Victoria, Australia, 235 kilometres west of Melbourne. The Park was listed on the Australian National Heritage List on 15 December 2006 for its outstanding natural beauty and being one of the richest indigenous rock art sites in south-eastern...
during Thomas Mitchell's expedition in 1836.
In the Flora of Australia
Flora of Australia (series)
The Flora of Australia is a 59 volume series describing the vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens present in Australia and its external territories...
(1999), the species was positioned within the genus Grevillea by means of a hierarchical tree as follows:
Grevillea (genus)
- Floribunda Group
- Floribunda Subgroup
- Grevillea floribunda
- Grevillea polybracteaGrevillea polybracteaGrevillea polybractea, commonly known as Crimson Grevillea, is a shrub species in the family Proteaceae. It is native to the states of New South Wales and Victoria in Australia....
- Grevillea chrysophaeaGrevillea chrysophaeaGrevillea chrysophaea, commonly known as Golden Grevillea, is a shrub which is endemic to Victoria in Australia.-Description:This species is a spreading, or occasionally prostrate, shrub and ranges between 0.3 and 2.5 metres in height. Its leaves are entire, oblong-elliptic to linear, and are 1.5...
- Grevillea celataGrevillea celataGrevillea celata is a shrub which is endemic to Victoria, Australia. It is closely related to Grevillea alpina and Grevillea chrysophaea....
- Grevillea alpina
- Grevillea mucronulataGrevillea mucronulataGrevillea mucronulata, also known as Green Spider Flower, is a shrub which is endemic to New South Wales in Australia.-Description:...
- Grevillea kedumbensis
- Grevillea granulifera
- Grevillea guthrieanaGrevillea guthrieanaGrevillea guthrieana is a rare shrub growing in areas of high rainfall in north eastern New South Wales, Australia....
- Grevillea obtusiflora
- Floribunda Subgroup
Distribution
Grevillea alpina is widespread in Victoria extending from Melbourne northwards into New South WalesNew South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
through Albury
Albury, New South Wales
Albury is a major regional city in New South Wales, Australia, located on the Hume Highway on the northern side of the Murray River. It is located wholly within the boundaries of the City of Albury Local Government Area...
and as far north as Canberra
Canberra
Canberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of over 345,000, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory , south-west of Sydney, and north-east of Melbourne...
where it is found on Black Mountain
Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory)
Black Mountain is situated close to the central business district of Australia's capital city Canberra. Like all major hills in Canberra it is protected from development by the Canberra Nature Park. It is covered in native bushland and is a haven to native wildlife.With its peak at 811.987m AHD,...
. Its westernmost extent is found in the Grampians
The Grampians
The Grampians are a set of hills in the Nelson region of New Zealand. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, they are covered in a myriad of tracks ranging from leisurely strolls to relatively taxing steep inclines.-Areas of interest:...
in Victoria. It occurs in woodland, heathland and mallee
Mallee Woodlands and Shrublands
Mallee Woodlands and Shrublands is a Major Vegetation Group which occurs in semi-arid areas of southern Australia. The vegetation is dominated by mallee eucalypts which are rarely over 6 metres high...
.
In 1995 Olde and Marriott identified five informal forms:
- The Grampians form, the type form with bright orange and yellow flowers
- The Southern Hills form, found in locations surrounding Melbourne including Lerderderg GorgeLerderderg GorgeThe Lerderderg Gorge is in Victoria, Australia. The Lerderderg River which emerges from the Great Dividing Range has cut a deep gorge as it winds toward the southern plains.-Location:37°37'35"S x 144°25'44"E to 37°23'42"S x 144°19'06"E...
, KinglakeKinglake, VictoriaKinglake is a town in Victoria, Australia situated in the Shire of Murrindindi local government area. At the 2006 Census, Kinglake had a population of 1482...
, Mount Slide, Mount EvelynMount Evelyn, VictoriaMount Evelyn is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 37 km north-east from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the Shire of Yarra Ranges. At the 2006 Census, Mount Evelyn had a population of 9100.-History:...
the Dandenong RangesDandenong RangesThe Dandenong Ranges are a set of low mountain ranges, rising to 633 metres at Mount Dandenong, approximately 35 km east of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia...
and Cardinia. - The Goldfields form, occurring in CastlemaineCastlemaine, VictoriaCastlemaine is a city in Victoria, Australia, in the Goldfields region of Victoria about 120 kilometres northwest by road from Melbourne, and about 40 kilometres from the major provincial centre of Bendigo. It is the administrative and economic centre of the Shire of Mount Alexander. The...
, Bendigo and Whroo Forest. - The Northern Victorian form, seen in places including the Strathbogie Ranges and the Warby Ranges.
- The small-flowered form found in Tooborac, Beechworth, ChilternChiltern, VictoriaChiltern is a town in Victoria, Australia, located in the north east of the state between Wangaratta and Wodonga, in the Shire of Indigo. At the 2006 census, Chiltern had a population of 1063. The town is close to the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park...
, Albury and Canberra.
Naturally occurring hybrids have been recorded with G. lavandulacea
Grevillea lavandulacea
Grevillea lavandulacea, commonly known as Lavender Grevillea, is a low-growing shrub which is endemic to south-eastern South Australia and western and central Victoria...
.G. dryophylla
Grevillea dryophylla
Grevillea dryophylla, also known as Goldfields Grevillea, is a spreading shrub which is endemic to Victoria, Australia. It grows to between 0.3 and 1.5 metres in height...
and G. obtecta
Grevillea obtecta
Grevillea obtecta is a spreading shrub which is endemic to Victoria, Australia. It is known by the common names Fryerstown Grevillea, Elphinstone Grevillea, or Taradale Grevillea...
. In New Zealand, hybrids with Grevillea rosmarinifolia
Grevillea rosmarinifolia
Grevillea rosmarinifolia is a plant of the family Proteaceae.-Description:Grevillea rosmarinifolia usually occurs as a small to medium, shrub to 0.3–2 meters high....
have become naturalised.
Ecology
HoneyeaterHoneyeater
The honeyeaters are a large and diverse family of small to medium sized birds most common in Australia and New Guinea, but also found in New Zealand, the Pacific islands as far east as Samoa and Tonga, and the islands to the north and west of New Guinea known as Wallacea...
s are believed to be the major pollinator
Pollinator
A pollinator is the biotic agent that moves pollen from the male anthers of a flower to the female stigma of a flower to accomplish fertilization or syngamy of the female gamete in the ovule of the flower by the male gamete from the pollen grain...
s. Honey bees have been observed feeding on the nectar, but are able to do so without touching the pollen presenter.
Cultivation
The species was first introduced to cultivation in England in 1856 and by 1858 was in cultivation at the Royal Botanic Gardens, MelbourneRoyal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne are internationally renowned botanical gardens located near the centre of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on the south bank of the Yarra River. They are 38 hectares of landscaped gardens consisting of a mix of native and non-native vegetation including over...
. Though widely grown, it has a reputation for being short lived. This problem, which is accentuated in humid climates with summer rainfall, has been addressed by grafting on various rootstocks. G. alpina grows best in dry environments and does not tolerate excess moisture well. Regular pruning from a young age will encourage denser growth and reduce woodiness.
Plants are readily propagated from pre-treated seed, though seed sourced from gardens often leads to hybrid progeny. The species hybridises readily with Grevillea rosmarinifolia
Grevillea rosmarinifolia
Grevillea rosmarinifolia is a plant of the family Proteaceae.-Description:Grevillea rosmarinifolia usually occurs as a small to medium, shrub to 0.3–2 meters high....
, Grevillea juniperina
Grevillea juniperina
Grevillea juniperina, commonly known as Juniper Grevillea, is a shrub which is endemic to eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland in Australia....
and Grevillea lavandulacea
Grevillea lavandulacea
Grevillea lavandulacea, commonly known as Lavender Grevillea, is a low-growing shrub which is endemic to south-eastern South Australia and western and central Victoria...
. The use of cuttings is the preferred method of propagation for assuring that particular forms and cultivars are true to type.
In 2003, it was reported that the fungal disease Phytophthora palmivora
Phytophthora palmivora
Phytophthora palmivora causes bud-rot of palms, fruit-rot or kole-roga of coconut and arecanut. These are among the most serious diseases caused by fungi and moulds in South India. It occurs almost every year in Malnad, Mysore, North & South Kanara, Malabar and other areas. Similar diseases of...
had been detected in plant nurseries in Sicily
Sicily
Sicily is a region of Italy, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Autonoma Siciliana Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature,...
, leading to root rot and death of potted Grevillea cultivars. Of these plants of Grevillea alpina were the most severely affected.
Cultivars
A large number of hybrid cultivarCultivar
A cultivar'Cultivar has two meanings as explained under Formal definition. When used in reference to a taxon, the word does not apply to an individual plant but to all those plants sharing the unique characteristics that define the cultivar. is a plant or group of plants selected for desirable...
s and selected forms have been introduced to horticulture including:
- 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' - G. rosmarinifolia x G. alpina (Grampians form)
- 'Coral' - selected seedling of G. alpina (Cardinia form)
- 'Edna Walling Softly Softly' - G. alpina x G. lanigera 'Blush'
- 'Fireworks' - G. 'Pink Pixie' x G. alpina
- 'Goldrush' - G. alpina x G. rosmarinifolia
- 'Grampians Gold' - form of G. alpina
- 'Hills Jubilee' - (G.baueri x G. alpina Warby Range form) x G. rosmarinifolia 'Lutea'
- 'Jubilee' - G. rosmarinifolia x G. alpina
- 'Judith' - selection of G. alpina (Cardinia form)
- 'Magic Lantern' - selected seedling of G. alpina (Cardinia form)
- 'Marion' - selected seedling of G. alpina (Cardinia form)
- 'McDonald Park' - G. rosmarinifolia x G. alpina
- 'Olympic Flame' - a selected seedling of G. alpina (Cardinia form)
- 'Poorinda Annette' - G. juniperina x small flowered form of G. alpina
- 'Poorinda Beauty' - form of G. juniperina x G. alpina
- 'Poorinda Belinda' -G. juniperina x (yellow flower form of G. obtusiflora x G. alpina)
- 'Poorinda Elegance' - hybrid of New South Wales form of G. juniperina and G. alpina x G. 'obtusiflora
- 'Poorinda Golden Lyre' -G. alpina x G. victoriae
- 'Poorinda Jeanie' - G. alpina x G. juniperina
- 'Poorinda Rachel' - G. alpina x G. juniperina
- 'Poorinda Splendour' -New South Wales form of G. juniperina x G. alpina
- 'Poorinda Tranquillity' - G, lavandulacea x Grevillea alpina
- 'Tucker Time Entrée - G. rosmarinifolia x G. alpina
Numerous naturally occurring forms have been named after the locality from which they originate including Albury
Albury
-Places:*Albury, New South Wales, Australia** Electoral district of Albury is an electoral district in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, based around the area.*Albury, Hertfordshire, England*Albury, Oxfordshire, England*Albury, Surrey, England...
, Axedale, Bendigo, Black Mountain
Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory)
Black Mountain is situated close to the central business district of Australia's capital city Canberra. Like all major hills in Canberra it is protected from development by the Canberra Nature Park. It is covered in native bushland and is a haven to native wildlife.With its peak at 811.987m AHD,...
, Castemaine
Castlemaine, Victoria
Castlemaine is a city in Victoria, Australia, in the Goldfields region of Victoria about 120 kilometres northwest by road from Melbourne, and about 40 kilometres from the major provincial centre of Bendigo. It is the administrative and economic centre of the Shire of Mount Alexander. The...
, Chiltern
Chiltern, Victoria
Chiltern is a town in Victoria, Australia, located in the north east of the state between Wangaratta and Wodonga, in the Shire of Indigo. At the 2006 census, Chiltern had a population of 1063. The town is close to the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park...
, Grampians
Grampians National Park
The Grampians National Park is a national park in Victoria, Australia, 235 kilometres west of Melbourne. The Park was listed on the Australian National Heritage List on 15 December 2006 for its outstanding natural beauty and being one of the richest indigenous rock art sites in south-eastern...
, Greta West, Kinglake, Lerderderg Gorge
Lerderderg Gorge
The Lerderderg Gorge is in Victoria, Australia. The Lerderderg River which emerges from the Great Dividing Range has cut a deep gorge as it winds toward the southern plains.-Location:37°37'35"S x 144°25'44"E to 37°23'42"S x 144°19'06"E...
, Morrl Morrl, Mt Dandenong, Mt Ida, Mt Pleasant, Mt Slide, Mt Zero, Murphys Hill, One Tree Hill, Porcupine Ridge, Pyalong, Reef Hills, Rushworth
Rushworth
Rushworth is a surname of English origin and may refer to:* Harold Rushworth , New Zealand politician; MP for Bay of Islands 1929–38* John Rushworth , English historian* Robert A...
, Seymour
Seymour, Victoria
Seymour is a township in the Shire of Mitchell in the state of Victoria, Australia and is located north of Melbourne. At the 2006 census, Seymour had a population of 6,063...
, South Mandurang, St Arnaud, Strathbogies, Tallarook, Tamminack Gap, Tawonga Gap, Tooborac, Warby Range
Warby Range State Park
Warby Range State Park is a Victorian state park just north of Glenrowan. It is 14.6 square kilometres in area, and named after Ben Warby, a pastoralist who settled in the area in 1844. There is one camping ground, "Whenams".-History:...
, Whorouly
Whorouly
Whorouly is a town in north east Victoria, Australia. The town is located in the valley of the Ovens River and in the Rural City of Wangaratta local government area, north east of the state capital, Melbourne and south east of the regional centre of Wangaratta...
and Wombat State Forest
Wombat State Forest
The Wombat State Forest is located west of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, between Woodend and Daylesford, at the Great Dividing Range. The forest is approximately in size and sits upon Ordovician or Tertiary sediments...
.