colours

The star-like flowers of the boronias have long enchanted bushwalkers in various parts of Australia from the east to the west coast. Add to this the delicate floral perfumes and cut flower qualities of species such as the brown boronia (B. megastigma) and you have a group of plants worthy of the attention of gardeners. It should be said, however, that boronias do not rank among the easiest of plants in the garden but it is fair to say that with the right attention to horticultural detail you can enjoy delightful displays of this outstanding group of Australian plants. If you treat boronias as short-lived perennial shrubs in your garden then you can enjoy them while they last without being overly disappointed if they do not become a more permanent part of the landscape. Boronias belong to the citrus family (Rutaceae) which is characterized by the presence of all kinds of interesting essential oils in the foliage and flowers. By holding a leaf up to a light source you will usually see translucent dots that represent the oil glands that are spread across each leaf. Crushing the foliage usually unleashes a scent that can vary from delightful to distressing, depending on which member of the family you are examining. Boronias are typical in this regard and foliage fragrances vary from the pleasing lemon-like Boronia citriodora to an odor, not unlike that left by a tom cat marking its territory as in B. pinnata. A number of the boronias also have wonderfully perfumed flowers such as brown boronia and native rose (Boronia serrulata). The Melbourne suburb Boronia was named for its historical connection with the highly perfumed brown boronia. Even though this species occurs naturally in Western Australia it was widely grown for its outstanding qualities as a cut flower by local councilor Albert Chandler who happened to also be a nurseryman and cut flower grower. Source: www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/boronias-for-beginners-2/

Flat-weed, Common Cat’s-ear, Hairy Cat’s-ear, False Dandelion, Long-rooted Cat’s-ear, Hawkweed Native to Europe. Naturalised throughout Australia and New Zealand. Perennial herb to 80 cm tall and oblanceolate (lance-shaped with point attached to stem) leaves 2-30 cm long and 10-40 mm wide. Leaf margins are toothed to slightly lobed. Leaf surfaces are rough and covered in short stiff hairs. Flower-heads are 20-30 mm across on leafless and slightly scaly stems. The flowers are bright yellow. The fruit is a cypsela or achene (dry, indehiscent, and one-seeded), 8-17 mm long with a long beak. Source: vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/sip_...

A botanical illustration is not primarily judged on its artistic beauty, but on its scientific accuracy. It must portray a plant with enough precision and detail for it to be recognized and distinguished from other species. The beauty of the drawing or painting is secondary to its scientific accuracy but, in the hands of a talented botanical artist, the artwork goes beyond the scientific requirements. From its inception, botanical art has been a fundamental means of communication for science and its dissemination. While still a scientific tool, it has simultaneously starred in the curious phenomenon of becoming a popular artistic medium, provoking an unusual dichotomy in the world of arts and sciences. There’s something compelling about building a relationship with a plant. Botanical artists have a passion for plants. Unless the artist knows the plant in all its moods, and in all the stages of its development, there will be something lacking in the artwork. Through their work, botanical artists can fulfill many roles: explorer, discoverer, educator, scientific collaborator, and creator of beauty. The qualities of artistic appeal and technical accuracy are the defining characteristics of the best botanical art. This documentation of plant life is not only for art but also for science and environmental research. Source: magsq.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Artistic-Endeavou...