Success of propagating

and planting Spinifex

sericeus
With comparisons of direct seeding to
planting.

Samantha Holland


Contents. Page.
1.0 Introduction.
1.1 Study Background.
1.2 Site Background/Profile.
1 6
1 - 2
2 - 6
2.0 Aims. 6
3.0 Methods.
3.1 Direct Seeding and Propagation Methods.
3.2 Planting methods.
7 10
7 9
9 - 10
4.0 Results.
4.1 Propagation Results.
4.2 Planting Results.
10
10 11
12
5.0 Discussion. 12 - 13
6.0 Recommendations. 13
7.0 References. 14
8.0 Appendices.
8.1 Site 1 after 2013 storm (Picture).
8.2 Mixed Picture library.
8.3 Glossary.
14 18
14
15 17
18

Cover Photo: 1) sunphlo. rock and spinifex. March 17, 2012. Flickr. 14/08/2014
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougbeckers/5566642893>/
















Acknowledgements. Page 1
Thank you to Ralph Whalley for all the research support, which built the basis of this study.
Thank you to Kim, Gareth and Jeska from Frankston Indigenous Nursery and Frankston Council for
the theoretical and field support throughout this project.
Thank you to all the volunteers from Carrum Indigenous Nursery for the help; from preparing
S.sericeus seeds, to keeping an eye out for research material, to brainstorming and thank you to
Kaye Proudley for taking her time to proof read this report making it what you see today.
And finally a special thank you to Alison Kuiter of Carrum Indigenous Nursery; none of this would
have been possible without you aiding in spearheading this project and introducing me to this study.

1.0 Introduction.
Spinifex sericeus (Hairy Spinifex) of the family Poaceae is a stoloniferous/rhizomatous coastal grass
found along the eastern coasts of Australia from Queensland to Victoria.
Female and male flowers appear on separate plants. The female inflorescence develops seed after
it has been fertilized by nearby male plants. When mature the female inflorescence will separate
from the rest of the plant to disperse seeds by rolling along the beach as a diospore.
S. sericeus is one of the most under-used and under-propagated of native plants in Australia and is
one of the basic reasons this study was undertaken.

Because of its separate male and female plants and its tendency of being overlooked in
revegetation it has been superseded in many situations by different non-indigenous and non-native
plants.

This study has been put into place to:
1. Determine the effectiveness of different techniques of raising S.sericeus tube stock in
nurseries.
2. Compare planting of tube stock with conducting direct seeding in the field in the hopes of
increasing the use and knowledge of S.sericeus in dune stabilization and to reduce the use of
non-natives in general.

This is an increasingly important issue as the repercussions of using non-natives in the past for dune
stabilization and bush regeneration have become evident.

The past studies on S.sericeus in Australia have been scattered with the only works of any use done
a long while ago: with this study the hope is to bring together the knowledge of the past with the
work of the present.

1.1 Study Background.
There has been very little work done on S.sericeus in comparison to most terrestrial plants and
these works only encompassed a small portion of what could be done with the species as far as
propagation techniques go.
So far S.sericeus has been superseded by species such as Ammophila arenaria (Marram Grass) and
Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Bitou Bush) for their availability, ease of propagation and growth
rate.


1.0 Introduction. Page 2
These species of plants while economic in the short run create
long-term issues such as:
Monopolizing of the local ecology.
Manipulation of the natural flow of the beach dunes.
(Interrupting the beaches natural cleansing cycle.
Ongoing costs to contain these issues.

1.2 Site Background/Profile.




Carrum Indigenous Nursery.
Carrum Indigenous Nursery was established as part of Carrum Residents Action Group (CRAG) to
grow plants. After publishing 'Flowers of the Carrum-Carrum' CRAG realised the need for an
indigenous nursery and established their first nursery in 1996 behind the TAFE College, Bonbeach
3196. The success of the nursery was recognised with the 1997 Proud City Award, the 2000
Community Group of the Year Award and the 2001 International Year of Volunteers Award. In 2005
the nursery moved to the current site in Learmonth Reserve, Patterson Lakes 3197
5) (Carrum Indigenous Nursery Inc. n.d., Available from: http://www.carrumindigenousnursery.com.au/index.html .
[06/03/2014].)
Seaford Foreshore, 3198, Victoria, was set aside for public use in 1873 causing the dunes to become
almost completely bare by 1950/1960 from the sanctioned camping along the foreshore (damage
from camp equipment and recreational activities).
This loss spurred the decision to plant A.arenaria (Marram Grass) on the dunes to keep the beach
from washing away and at the time was the fastest and cheapest way to protect the beach, the
disadvantages being the manipulation of dune shape and the outcompeting of native plants.
6) (In conversation with Alison Kuiter, 2013 and Seaford Foreshore Reserve pdf, Frankston City council, No publication
date, 2014)


3) Doug Beckers. Chamaesyce
psammogeton. 2007. Flickr.
06/03/2014
<http://www.flickr.com/photo
s/dougbeckers/5566642893>/
4) Richard Allaway. North Gare Sand
Dunes - Marram Grass Root System.
2007. Flickr. 06/03/2013
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/geogra
phyalltheway_photos/344528369/>.
2) Donald Hobern, Hydrocotyle bonariensis, 2012. Flickr.
06/03/2014
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/dhobern/6820567777/>.

8) After storm photos,
Alison Kuiter 2005 - 2006
1.0 Introduction. Page 3
1.2 Site Background/Profile (Continued).
Since the original loss of vegetation pre-1960, the foreshore has had its fragile S.sericeus
populations decimated, when they were put to the test in 2005-06 as storms and high tides moved
through the area leaving some parts of Seaford Foreshore with up to 80% of its S.sericeus lost.
7) (In conversation with Alison Kuiter, 2013)








Sites overview map
Page 4

.
.

9) Site 1 New fence
Alison Kuiter, 2013
10) Site 1 New
fence,Alison Kuiter
1.0 Introduction. Page 5
1.2 Site Background/Profile
(Continued).
Site 1 Description.
The original fence line of Site
1 was above the projected site
leaving it an undesirable area
to revegetate with the risk of
damage from recreational use.
The new fence line was made
by Frankston Council allowing
us to revegetate with less
chance of damage from traffic.


This site is sloped, and has existing S.sericeus
patches throughout.




Site 1.




















Key
Existing
Vegetation

Areas for
planting
Beachside
(outside site
perimeters)

11) Site 2; By Alison
Kuiter 2013
1.0 Introduction. Page 6
Site 2 Description.
This area was chosen due to its location being behind the fore dune and existing fence lines while
being very different to Site 1 in that it is a relatively flat site.
Site 2 also had more existing vegetation mainly of A.arenaria (Marram Grass), S.sericeus (Hairy
Spinifex), Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksia) seedlings, Banksia spinulosa (Hairpin Banksia).
1.2 Site Background/Profile (Continued).










Site 2.













2.0 Aims.
To test any possible ways to improve the propagation of S.sericeus
Begin to revegetate the diminished populations of S.sericeus on Seaford Foreshore.
Existing
Vegetation
Planted Areas

13) (Wikimedia commons. 2006. Available
from:<http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spinifex_ser
iceus_flowerhead_female.jpg>[25/03/2014].)

3.0 Methods. Page 7
3.1 Direct Seeding and Propagation Methods.
The method of direct seeding and propagation of S.sericeus in the first stages are the same.
1. Seeds are prepared by removing them from their inflorescence. (See pictures on next page)
2. Seed heads are sorted by squeezing them to see if they contain a perceptibly viable seed.
This can be particularly hard, as some of the seed heads can have hardened parts that can
feel like a seed.
Note: Each of the seeds were checked twice for propagation and three times for direct seeding, to reduce the chance
of non-viable seeds being used in the experiment.



3. The seeds for direct seeding were stored at the nursery for use on-site later.
Propagation Type 1 Seed Trays (12/01/13 - 02/04/14)
1. The first test for propagation success was to de-shell some of the seeds for propagation. The
seeds are de-shelled by removing the outer layers of the Spinifex seed head to leave just the
seed.
2. Half of the seeds used
in propagation were soaked
overnight before planting, as
a second test on propagation
techniques (This was
introduced to us by Frankston
Indigenous Nursery who had a
good success rate with
soaking the seeds).






12) (Wikimedia commons.2010.Available from:
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Spinifex_serice
us_seed_head.jpg> [25/03/2014].)

16) Biodegradable pots in
tray. By Alison Kuiter 2013
15) Biodegradable
pots. By Alison
Kuiter 2013
3.0 Methods. Page 8
3.1Direct Seeding and Propagation Methods (Continued).
3. Seeds trays of 35cm x 29cm were used and prepared in two different ways
I. Seed trays filled and between **100 and 300 seeds were placed in rows with tweezers
to make sure they were at an appropriate depth and were planted upright.
II. Seed trays filled with potting mix to depth then ** between 100 and 300 seeds with
their tails removed were scattered over the soil. Potting mix was then used to fill the
remaining space of the trays thereby covering the seeds.
**In all propagation types, seeds were treated and prepared the same way i.e. Cleaned, sorted,
half de-shelled and half the non-de-shelled seeds were soaked.
Propagation Type 2 Forestry Tubes (12/01/13 02/04/14).
Putting two seeds in each forestry tube 54 per tray at 5cm deep. Trays were split 50/50 between
medias used:
Average Potting mix
Sand, Average
potting mix
Each seed is put into the soil with
tweezers to ensure the seeds are
not put into the tube crooked, to
prevent roots growing an angle.
Propagation Type 3
Biodegradable Pots (05/03/13 -
02/04/14).
1. One seed was placed in the
plant-based biodegradable
pots with tweezers (54 pots
per tray).
2. Mediums planted into were still split 50/50 between straight potting mix, and sand to
potting mix.
Propagation Type 4 Small Seed Trays - only a few attempted (05/03/13 - 02/04/14).
Seed trays of 14cm x 08cm cm prepared and
seeded the same way as Propagation Type 1
Seed Trays, to test if the Spinifex would
germinate better when the seeds were
clustered rather
than spaced apart.
There were 100 150
seeds in each tray.



14) Myself, Carrum Indigenous Nursery; Alison Kuiter 2013

18) Site 2, By Alison Kuiter 2013
19) Watering before planting
on Site 2 Alison Kuiter 2013
3.0 Methods. Page 9
3.1 Direct Seeding and Propagation Methods (Continued).
The seeded trays and tubes and were set out, split between the east and west hot houses,
outside, and in the shade house. This was to ensure that we could cover all possible
outcomes.
Germination of all the S.sericeus in 2013 stopped by the end of March.
3.2 Planting Methods.
Plants were scattered amongst each other in a sequence of biodegradable pot, forestry tube then a
seed completely intact (to be directly sown).
Both sites were sectioned into smaller parts to make planting, mapping and monitoring easier, it
also acted as a separation for the trays with sand and potting mix used, to the trays with only
potting mix. Planting started from the top of the site working to the bottom, in any given sector.










Before each tube stock is planted and
after each seed is sown each spot would
be watered to avoid disturbing the site
as much as possible after all the
planting is finished.
Site 1 was planted in such a way that
made it easier to test the difference,
if any, between methods of medias
used (potting mix only and Sand/
potting mix).






17) Site 1, By Alison Kuiter 2013

Sand & Potting Mix
x2 Bio Pots
x2 Forestry
Numbers Planted:
Biodegradable: 224
Forestry: 162
= 386 Plants total
3.0 Methods. Page 10
3.2 Planting methods (Continued).
Planting Map Site 1: 20
th
June 2013.
Planting Map Site 2: 04
th
of July 2013.
Site two was planted to easily test the differences between the biodegradable pots and forestry
tubes while still keeping medias as separated as possible.
**The pots were kept next to the plants in both sites to enable us to see the general layout of the
planting in the pictures taken.
Follow-ups
No follow-ups were done to see what the Spinifexs ability was to regenerate with little to no
outside influences.

4.0 Results.
4.1 Propagation.
There was no discernible difference between the potting mix and sand/potting mix medias.
1) De-shelling.
It was found that S.sericeus seeds that were de-shelled germinated and sprouted faster than
the non-de-shelled seeds but then died off before maturity with less than a 20% survival rate.
2) Soaking.
In this test there were no results that supported the theory that soaking the seeds made for
a higher rate of germination or seedling/plant survival (see recommendations: page 13).


4.0 Results. Page 11

1) Seed Trays, Forestry Tubes and Biodegradable Pots.
In general, the use of seed trays increased the speed and ratio of germination in
comparison to sowing seeds directly into either the forestry tubes or biodegradable
pots. (Having a germination rate of 60% - 90% from the seed trays in comparison to
the 50% - 70% from forestry tubes and biodegradable pots that were directly sown).
S.sericeus seeds sprouted faster when clustered together in a seed tray. (The seed
trays with seeds clustered together started sprouting between 1-3 weeks earlier than
those spaced apart).
The forestry tubes were more likely to survive in the nursery over a long period as
they were more resilient to sun exposure, under and over-watering etc., due to being
more than twice the size of the biodegradable pots.
The biodegradable pots grew a healthier root system faster than the forestry tubes.




4.0 Results. Page 12
4.2 Planting Results.
Only four days after planting there were ferocious (onshore) westerly winds for 10 days.
Both sites dried out from the heat wave that occurred between the 14
th
and 17
th
of January
2014, experiencing temperatures higher than 33 degrees.
There were no discernable difference between the medias used except when planting from
the forestry tubes; the potting mix with sand held together more readily helping to avoid
breaking the root ball.
Site 1.
During October a storm removed half of Site 1 (See appendix 8.1).
Someone cut the wires of the new fence in site 1 to allow themselves and possibly others
access to pass through that particular part of the beach dunes walking over the plant site
repeatedly.
4.2 Planting Results (continued).
Information collected on 20
th
of March 2014.






**There was a moderate amount of evidence of human and animal activity through site 2.
5.0 Discussion.
We were able in identify some ways in which to optimise the propagation of S.sericeus i.e.
S.sericeus seeds sprout faster when crowded in a seed tray.
All that can be determined is that the seeds may have been trying to out-compete each
other whilst germinating to be the first to receive sunlight, grow and disperse their seeds.
(Similar to how rainforest species will compete to reach sunlight filtering through the
canopy)
Seedlings in biodegradable pots dried out and died off faster in nursery conditions (long
term) in comparison to the forestry tubes.
Because of the size of the biodegradable pots (8cm x 4cm) in comparison to the forestry
tubes (12cm x 5cm) the biodegradable pots were not be able to regulate their conditions as
easily (moisture) as the forestry tubes (see recommendations, page 13).
Bio pots developed a root structure more conducive to planting faster than the forestry pots
did - that is to say that the roots grew thicker and stronger quicker but not necessarily any
longer.
** This may be to do with the length of the bio pots making it so the S.sericeus concentrates on
growing out and in width rather than filling the pots length.
Site 1 Results Biodegradable
Pots
Forestry
Tubes
Overall Survival
rate for site
Sighted plants/Number of plants in site 22/224 5/162 27/386
Survival Percentage 10% 3% 7%
Site 2 Results Biodegradable
Pots
Forestry
Tubes
Overall Survival
rate for site
Sighted plants/Number of plants in site 21/168 8/162 30/330
Survival Percentage 12.5% 5% 9%

5.0 Discussion. Page 13
From the Planting results we were able to confirm that:
Biodegradable pots will survive in the field through hot, dry conditions better than Forestry
tubes.
Although forestry tubes will survive longer in nursery conditions, once you remove the
forestry tube from the plant when planting, it loses that protection and barrier to hold
moisture that the biodegradable pot plants retain in the ground.
The project has piqued the interest of businesses and groups in the Mornington Peninsula/Bayside
area of Melbourne who are interested in buying S.sericeus.
This I hope will be a step in the right direction for the use of S.sericeus in revegetation sites.
6.0 Recommendations.
Soaking seeds in different ways i.e. Seasol, smoke treated water (no more than overnight (12
hours) otherwise the seeds fall apart, the theory behind using smoke treated water is that there
have been accounts of species of Australian plants of which there is no research stating that
they germinate better with smoke have benefited from the addition of smoke treated water in
their preparation for propagation and it would be of interest to try it.

If using the biodegradable pots it would be recommended to find and use larger pots around the
same size as the forestry tubes so to allow the plants to mature at the nursery for longer before
becoming root bound and dying.

The next planting to be done to include follow-ups (watering, erosion status observation etc.)
to increase the chances of survival in the field.

In the following resource I found that this nursery in New Zealand of whom has raised countless
Spinifex over the years have had great success with root trainers (see picture below).
20) (Dune Restoration Trust of New Zealand. Page 7. 2006. Available from :<
http://www.dunestrust.org.nz/uploads/7.2%20Spinifex%20Establishment.pdf> [25/03/2014].)
21) (Flickr. 2010., Available from:
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/nat
urewise/5254652591/>.
[22/03/2014].)


7.0 References. Page 14
Reference
Number
Type Content
1) Picture
Cover Photo: 1) sunphlo. rock and spinifex. March 17, 2012. Flickr. 14/08/2014
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougbeckers/5566642893>/
2) Picture
Donald Hobern, Hydrocotyle bonariensis, 2012. Flickr. 06/03/2014
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/dhobern/6820567777/>.
3) Picture
Doug Beckers. Chamaesyce psammogeton. 2007. Flickr. 06/03/2014
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougbeckers/5566642893>/
4) Picture
Richard Allaway. North Gare Sand Dunes - Marram Grass Root System. 2007. Flickr.
06/03/2013 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/geographyalltheway_photos/344528369/>.
5) Research
(Carrum Indigenous Nursery Inc. n.d., Available from:
<http://www.carrumindigenousnursery.com.au/index.html>. [06/03/2014].)
6) Research
5) (In conversation with Alison Kuiter, 2013 & Seaford Foreshore Reserve pdf, Frankston
city council, No publication date, 2014)
7) Research
6) (In conversation with Alison Kuiter, 2013)
8) Picture
7) After storm photos, Alison Kuiter 2005 - 2006
9) Picture
Site 1 New fence Alison Kuiter, 2013
10) Picture
Site 1 New fence Alison Kuiter
11) Picture
9) Site 2; By Alison Kuiter 2013
12) Picture
12) (Wikimedia commons.2010.Available from:
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Spinifex_sericeus_seed_head.jpg> [25/03/2014].)
13) Picture
13) (Wikimedia commons. 2006. Available from :<
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spinifex_sericeus_flowerhead_female.jpg>[25/03/2014].
14) Picture
10) Myself, Carrum Indigenous Nursery; Alison Kuiter 2013
15) Picture
11) Biodegradable pots. By Alison Kuiter 2013
16) Picture
12) Biodegradable pots in tray. By Alison Kuiter 2013
17) Picture
13) Site 1, By Alison Kuiter 2013
18) Picture
14) Site 2, By Alison Kuiter 2013
19) Picture
15) Watering before planting on Site 2 Alison Kuiter 2013
20) Research
16) (Dune Restoration Trust of New Zealand. Page 7. 2006. Available from:
<http://www.dunestrust.org.nz/uploads/7.2%20Spinifex%20Establishment.pdf>
[25/03/2014].)
21) Picture
17) (Flickr. 2010., Available from:
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturewise/5254652591/>. [22/03/2014].)
8.0 Appendices.
8.1 Site 1 after October 2013 storm
By Alison Kuiter

8.0 Appendices. Page 15
8.2Mixed Picture Library(All Pictures by Alison Kuiter 2013)










Page 16









Page 17
















8.0 Appendices. Page 18
8.3 Glossary
Word Definition
Diospore A spore, seed, or other structure that functions in plant dispersal; a propagule.
(https://www.google.com.au/search?q=diospore&oq=diospore&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i59j69i60.329
7j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8#q=define%3B+diaspore&safe=off)
Inflorescence A group of flowers growing from a common stem, often in a characteristic
arrangement. Also called flower cluster.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Inflorescence?s=t)
Poaceae The grasses: chiefly herbaceous but some woody plants including cereals; bamboo;
reeds; sugar cane.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Poaceae?s=t)
Rhizomatous A root like subterranean stem, commonly horizontal in position, that usually
produces roots below and sends up shoots progressively from the upper surface.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Rhizomatous?s=t)
Stoloniferous

long horizontal stem, as of the currants, that grows along the surface of the soil
and propagates by producing roots and shoots at the nodes or tip
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/stoloniferous)
Terrestrial Growing on land; not aquatic.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Terrestrial?s=t)
Viable Able to live and grow.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Viable?s=t)