Wednesday, November 6, 2013

In Flower: Milkmaids

Burchardia umbellata

This little member of the Lily family flowers from Sep - Dec, dying back during the hotter summer months before resprouting from underground tubers.


Weed: Arum Lily

Native to Southern Africa, it is a perennial herb that grows to about 1.5m high with stout stalks and large fleshy, arrowhead shaped leaves. The flower contains a yellow spike enclosed by a white funnel-like spathe with a stiff point. Flowers from winter to summer.

Photo credit: Arum lily, Zantedeschia aethiopica, Araceae / Andreas Kay / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Reproduction is by both rhizome and by seed. The seeds are held in succulent berries and are mainly dispersed by birds, but also running water and foxes can play a role. This weed can also be introduced into new areas of bushland by dumping of garden waste. It is now a widespread weed of damp areas and bushland. Control of the Arum Lily is by hand removal of the whole plant including the tuberous rhizomes. Small daughter rhizomes can dislodge as the larger rhizomes are removed, if not recovered the daughter rhizomes will produce new plants. In large areas of infestation the top growth of the Lily can be continually slashed to exhaust the rhizome. This needs to be done as the leaves emerge and may take years, the success relies on preventing the plant photosynthesising and replenishing the rhizome. Application of herbicide is effective between June and September and follow up will be required for a number of years. In wet areas, herbicide should be applied before water levels rise or once it has fallen.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

We missed bird week!

But here is one you might have been swooped by lately if you're unlucky, find out why:

The Australian Magpie is one of Australia's most widespread and recognisable bird species, they are black and white but the plumage pattern varies. The nape, upper tail and shoulder are white in males and grey in females. Groups of up to 24 birds live year round in territories that are actively defended by all group members. The group depends on this territory for food, roosting and nesting requirements. Magpies walk along the ground searching for insects and larvae.


Photo credit: Portrait of a Magpie / raider of gin / CC BY 2.0

Although quite tame, during breeding season (late August to early October) some individuals become aggressive towards intruders, including humans who venture too close to nesting sites. The nest is constructed in the outer branches of a tree, up to 15m above the ground and made up of sticks and twigs, with the inside bowl lined with grass and hair. The Magpie has a complex musical, warbling call which is one of the most familiar Australian bird sounds. The pitch may vary up to over 4 octaves and mimic over 35 other species, including native birds, horses and dogs. Magpies living in close proximity to humans have even been known to mimic human speech. Pairs of magpies take up loud musical carolling to advertise and defend their territory.

Thanks to Rhonda for the info!

Sunday, November 3, 2013

First Post!

Hello and welcome to the Friends of Upper Sweetwater blog.

This space will be used for members to keep up to date, learn more about the flora and fauna of our reserve and for important record keeping of work done and species encountered (both good and bad).

It will hopefully also provide an insight of what we do to anyone interested, and maybe even entice some of you down to have a look for yourselves or help out at a working bee!

The group meets on the first Sunday of each month from 10am at the Lawson Ave entrance, and usually finishes by midday.

(Note: This month we will be having our working bee on Sunday 10th November)

If you have any questions or would like to let us know you're coming please email Rhonda at uppersweetwater@gmail.com