While in the garden the other day I heard the New Holland group making an almighty row and I saw that they were aggressively driving a Little Wattlebird away from where they were feeding. There was one Pincushion Hakea in flower but the main nectar that they were defending was that of the correa pulchella. There are three species of Correa - also known as Native Fuchsia - here, all native to South Australia, and they are easily grown, undemanding and generous flowerers and a boon to insects and birds. Correas - of which there are eleven species native to Australia, are members of the Rutaceae family, a huge group that includes citrus trees and Boronia. What connects these seemingly disparate plants are pellucid glands, small oil glands in leaves, that tend to be aromatic. The oil is used commercially in many applications. What I like about them is that they look after themselves pretty much (they can be pruned for a more compact appearance). They are drought hardy, frost resistant (will handle some salinity too, I believe) and don't seem especially prone to pest or disease. The flowers are subtle but present in large numbers from March to September, with sporadic flowering at other times. They make a great understorey plant too and can be grown in pots (use native potting mix or a cheap, generic brand that is nutrient poor). The only thing they really don't like is wet feet, so you want free-draining soil and keep on the dry side in pots. It's the rich nectar they provide, though, that makes them such valued plants in the garden. Small honeyeaters - especially New Hollands and Eastern Spinebills, have bills perfectly suited to probe the bell-shaped flowers. Bees and many other insects are also attracted which, in turn, benefits insectivorous birds. So, if you want to feed the birds, plant Correa.
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Archives
February 2019
January - Grass Tree
February - Kangaroo Apple - Large-leaf Grevillea March - Silver Banksia April - Drooping Sheoak May - Correa June - Grevillea July - Buddleja August - Sundews September - Native Hibiscus October - Running Postman November - Hakea December - Sticky Hop Bush |