The South Australian Naturalisi. 23 



could learn nothing further. I put her back on the piece of 

 wood, where she ate up every bit of her repulsive meal. The 

 only other occupant of the cage was a male locust. Whether he 

 was in any way responsible, I cannot say. She ate him tv/o 

 days later. I have mentioned this merely because some abler 

 observer might be able to explain. 



(To be continued.) 



SOME SUMMER PLANTS. 



By Ernest H. Ising. . 



There are a number of native plants which flower during 

 the hottest weather; that is, between November and February, 

 inclusive. They form, of course, only a very small proportion 

 of our native vegetation, but on account of producing their 

 flowers during the midsummer heat, w^hich is usually the driest 

 time of the year, they are of special interest. 



1. Hyacinth Orchid {Dipodium punctatum, R.Br.). This is 

 the latest flowering orchid that we have ; its first flowers open at 

 the end of December, and it is several weeks before its flowering 

 period is over. I have known plants to be in flower as late as 

 March at Mount Lofty. The leaves of this orchid are reduced 

 to small stem scales, and the flower stems stands from one to two 

 feet high. It looks very much like a hyacinth, and its pink 

 flowers dotted with red make it attractive in the summer, when 

 so few other flowers are out. The stem is thick and fleshy, and 

 is either dark-red or green. The roots are also very thick (quite 

 half an inch in diameter) and fleshy; they number from eight 

 to ten, ranging from 6 in. to 10 in. long. These three factors — 

 viz., reduced leaf surface, thick stem, and fleshy roots — enable 

 the plant to live and mature its flowers and fruits during the 

 hottest and driest season of the year. This orchid needs much 

 moisture during its growing period, and the three factors men- 

 tioned above are the means of conserving the moisture to a 

 wonderful degree. At Mount Lofty this plant is generallj' found 

 growing in dry situations. 



2. Tall Lobelia {Lohelia gihhosa, Labill.). This is a hand- 

 some plant with deep ultramarine blue flowers, and blooms from 

 early December to the end of February. It is one of the most 

 remarkable plants that I know. The roots and the base of the 

 stem are dead before the first flowers open, and yet it is at least 

 seven weeks before the last flower fades. During this period no 

 moisture is or can be absorbed by the roots, as they are quite dry, 

 brittle, and dead. In fact, the plant takes in all its necessary 

 nourishment while it is still quite young, and stores it in the stem. 



