Spring is on the way

It was a fine morning at the scrub and although it has now been dry for quite a while, the place is looking good, being more sheltered in the gully. The Wonga vine was the most obvious flower but others are on their way and it will be worth a visit in the next few weeks. Asparagus vine continues to germinate and is starting to climb once again, so we will need to be vigilant and not allow it to regain the canopy.
Our efforts in controlling it have made such a difference to the place with some nice views through, and into it, now with the interesting variety of plants. Bamboo grass is doing well on the ground level and you will find interesting seedlings growing in it as well. Birds and butterflies are also busy.

Christian College Helps in Franke Scrub

Like much of the district, Franke Scrub showed signs of soil movement after last week’s heavy rains.
Steve Plant has been working in the scrub with 26 students from The Christian College at Highfields, a school which has long been involved in practical work for the environment.
They have removed some of the green panic grass which has invaded the edges of the stream, and planted grasses, rushes and lilies, with the intention that they will compete with invading weedy grasses, and help to stabilise the soil.
Species chosen:

Stout Bamboo Grass Austrostipa ramossissima, a sturdy local native grass which can reach shoulder height.

Long-leafed Matrush, Lomandra longifolia, a very commonly grown native whose flowers can have a strong perfume.
flowers of L. longifolia

Many-flowered Matrush, Lomandra multiflora, a smaller plant which isn’t used in gardens much, although it would be very suitable for it.


Short-stemmed Flax Lily, Dianella pedunculata, a lily whose flowers and berries are often hidden down amongst the foliage. It has been used extensively in Rockhampton’s Kershaw Botanic Gardens, for edging shady paths.

Signs of Spring

This Parsonsia vine is a new one for our Franke Scrub plant list.


Sandalwood Santalum lanceolatum galls not fruits. As well as being a handsome shapely small tree, it has a tasty bush tucker fruit. It is a semi-parasitic plant, probably depending on the roots of the grasses (Austrostipa spp.) which grow under it for its good health.