Native Flora Species Suitable For The Attraction Of Bees – Bellinger Shire

The following list is a compilation of suitable native species aimed at producing nectar for bee honey production. It contains ground covers, herbs, shrubs and trees. We have to remember that any plants chosen must suit the site, for example, not putting whopping big trees in a small yard. I have tried to incorporate as many local and endemic species, but have looked further afield in order to compile this list. I have taken into consideration the fact that some native species, for example Acacia baileyana (Cootamundra Wattle) and Albizia lophantha (Tree in a Hurry) are weeds in some areas of Australia. I have also given tips on how to grow some of them if you want to propagate some yourself.

Section 1. Condensed List.

This is a condensed ‘quick list’ that can be accessed easily for height and form requirements.

Some Groupings for Site Suitability.

Section 2. Expanded List.

This is a more expanded list which is listed in the families. Heights are given to assist in plant placement and site suitability.

Banksia ericifoliaHeath Leaved Banksia 6m Banksia spinulosa var. spinulosaHairpin Banksia 3m Banksia spinulosa var. collinaHairpin Banksia 3m Banksia integrifoliaCoastal Banksia 8m Lomatia silaifoliaCrinkle Bush 2m

Propagation

This is a rough guide to general propagation techniques used for the above species. Generally speaking, a generic seed raising mix should be well drained but retain some moisture. Too sandy and fine seeds can fall through. A good mix is 70% River Sand, 25% Coir Peat, 5% Fine Perlite. Other alternatives may include potting mix that been sieved with a 1cm sieve to remove the larger particles. A fine mist spray, especially for fine seed, is regarded as the most effective method of watering, as it doesn’t disturb the media. A sunny position is mostly what is required, though there are some species that require part shade. Knowing or researching what species live where is usually best for this info. For example, some rainforest species may fall into this category of part shade for propagation. The general rule is to cover the seed with mix roughly twice the diameter of the seed. It needs to be able to reach the light to make food, too deep and it may not emerge, to shallow, and it may not take root effectively or even wash or blow away. Some species do propagate well on the surface, so the latter isn’t always a major problem. Seed, if stored, should be sieved, separated or cleaned from the detritus and stored in a cool dark area. Drying in plastic bags is often good for seeds to separate from the fruit, for example, Eucalyptus. Some seeds can be dehiscent, exploding or flicking from the fruit, others may need to be physically removed from a fleshy fruit.

Fine Seed

Fine seed, such as Eucalyptus, can have a little more Coir Peat in the mix to prevent them falling through the cracks made by gritty river sand. Spreading the seed on top carefully, using a salt shaker, fingers, tea spoon etc, requires some skill, as you are dealing with seed that is like dust. I strongly suggest doing this in a sheltered area so the wind wont blow away your seed as you work! You need to spread it evenly and not have any major clumps. Trial and error is a great way of learning, trust me, I learnt the hard way! Definitely need fine mist spray for this or you could lose the bulk of your seed from droplets. Most fine seed has a storage life of up to 7 years

Fine Seed Genus include:

Eucalyptus, Leptospermum, Baeckia (Sanantha), Lophostemon, Callistemon, Melaleuca, Corymbia, Tristaniopsis, Xerochrysum. These are the dusty fine seeds and most can be stored for years. Some bigger fine seeds usually includes the family Lamiaceae (Mint family). These are Plectranthus, Westringia, Prostanthera.

Flat Seed

Flat seed is usually dispersed on the wind, so sowing in a sheltered spot is advisable. They can be spread over the top of your growing media and then carefully cover with a thin amount of media. Most species do not store for long periods, species dependant of course.
Flat Seed Genus include:

Grevillea, Banksia, Hakea, Lomatia, Telopea, Pandorea, Toona.

Larger Seed

A bit of a broad definition, but Lilly Pilly is a great example. There is so many different species that have larger seeds, and some store for a long time (especially hard seed) and some not at all. They are planted in the standard way, placing on the mix and covered. As they are tactile, you can even simply poke them in. Researching which species store is advisable.
Larger Seed Genus include:

Melia, Syzygium, Persoonia, Macadamia, Archirhodomyrtus, Acmena

Nutty Seeds

Wattle and Pea Flowers produce small nutty seeds that often require heat treatment prior to sowing. Hot water treatment is simple, place your seed in a coffee cup, pour in your hot water (often just off boiling) and allow to cool. These seeds that require this treatment often have inhibitors or hard coats that are stimulated by fire.
Some Nutty Seeds genus include:

Acacia, Fabaceae (Family) which includes Hardenbergia, Kennedia, Pultenea etc…

Other

Some species are not reliable by seed so digging up, division or cuttings are most reliable. Hibbertia and Persoonia fall into this category. The seed treatments for these species is quite complex and involves many different techniques, such as natural weathering. Some people transplant these species if they have come up in an area that is impractical for them to grow in, and therefore transplanting is better than it dying or being removed.