Family Rutaceae, Genus Hibbertia & the Family Ericaceae
NSW Coral Heath
Family Rutaceae includes the Boronia, Correa, Leionema, Phebalium and Zieria, and also includes citrus fruit.
A principal factor in identifying Guinea Flowers is the number and position of their stamens and carpels. For example the Blue Mountains Guinea Flower has about 16 yellow stamens and two green carpels.
The Family Epacridaceae (Southern Heaths) have recently been absorbed into the Family Ericaceae (Northern Heaths). Northern Heaths includes Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
The Pacific Black Duck is one of several water birds that inhabit the water courses of the Park. Other water birds include -
◊ the Australian Wood Duck
◊ Black Swan
◊ Eurasian Coot
◊ White-faced Heron.
Images of these birds are shown on our Birds web page.
The principal watercourse in the Park is the Lane Cove River. It flows into the Parramatta River at Greenwich Point. The Parramatta River "becomes" Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour).
Tributaries of the Lane Cove River in the Park include Terrys Creek and Devlins Creek.
Our Collection
Family Rutaceae
Boronias - as with other members of the family, the fragrance comes from the oil in the leaves.
A small inconspicuous little plant. Its 8 stamens help identify it as a Boronia - otherwise it looks like the Zierias below.
Its trifoliate leaves are up to 10mm long and its flowers, which seemed to be in bud for ages, are less than 5mm across.
Zierias - distinguished from Boronias by their 4 stamens - Boronias have 8.
Identified by its "round" leaves, and having 10 ± 2 stamens that surround 3 carpels. It is a small shrub whose flowers are about 8mm wide, and leaves about 6mm in length.
This is the best known Guinea Flower. It is a climber and is recognised by its large flower - up to 10cm wide. It has more than 30 stamens and 3-7 carpels.
Flowering from late winter, this climber's 30mm wide flowers have over 30 stamen that surround 3 carpels. It is distinguished from the Golden Guinea Flower by its slightly "teethed" leaves - and thus its botanical name.
This guinea Flower is identified by its recurved leaves, being hairless, and having around 20 ± 5 stamens that surround 3 carpels. It is a medium sized shrub and flowers in spring.
Restricted to the Sydney basin and Blue Mountains, this Guinea Flower is identified by its dark green shiny broad pointed leaves, and its approx. 16 stamens - which are to one side of 2 carpels. The flower is about 20mm wide. Its very hairy tan sepals also identifies it.
Flowering from late summer to early Autumn with usually white flowers, but occasionally light pink, characterise this stunning plant.
Here's another image.
The slight pink tinge provides its name.
It flowers in late winter, its fuzzy tiny flowers are less than 5mm wide. It is differentiated from others in the genus by its leaves and its flowers not having the translucency of L. juniperinus.
Here's another image.
The tiny "fluffy" flowers are about 4mm wide. Although mainly flowering in spring, it has some flowers throughout the year.
Its
leaves help identify it.
Here's another image.