One of the propagation techniques I hit on some years ago was to collect seeds from plants of interest while bushwalking, then sow them simply by dropping them into an appropriate spot in the garden where conditions would likely favour their germination. Very handy when you have too many seed samples & not enough time.
One such sowing back in the '90s resulted in this small tree, Guioa semiglauca, a local species found in dry rainforest & other habitats, including regrowth:-
The seed was probably collected at Bulli Grevillea Park where this species is common, & thrown into the dwarf Brunsfelsia at its' base. This spot is dry, similar to the collection site; the garbage bins give an indication of size. Guioa is fairly unremarkable; the plants' placement makes a good screen for the houses behind, & was left for this reason & as a seed source for local dispersal.
Last week I was watering the front garden & noticed the tree was in flower; not just in flower but covered in tiny cream blooms. Next I noticed the sound; a low hum of insect activity emanated from the tree. The whole plant was a frenzy of bees & hoverflies:-
Both insects can be seen in this shot, the bee to the left of centre, the hoverfly at top slightly to the right. Bees are well known to most people, but what of the hoverfly?
These insects are wasp-like predators that fly like helicopters, able to hover on the spot & change direction rapidly. They appear to be nectar feeders as adults, but the larvae feast on aphid colonies. Mature adults can be spotted cruising around the garden, going from plant to plant, seeking out aphid infestations. Once located, a single egg is laid in close proximity to the aphid colony, then the adult flies off to repeat the process, ensuring each larva has its' own food supply & your garden has less pests.
So let's thank the Guioa for putting on such a good feed for our little garden predators. Its' worth has certainly increased in my estimation!
Russell.
