Australian Cultivar Registration Authority

Description:
Photographer:

Grevillea 'Crosbie Morrison'

File Number

65

ACRA Field Book Number

403

Registration Date

15/10/1992

Application Received

31/08/1977

Family

Proteaceae

Cultivar Name

Grevillea 'Crosbie Morrison'

Origin

Grevillea 'Crosbie Morrison' was selected by Mr Leo hodge of the "Poorinda" property near Bairnsdale in Victoria. It is the only cultivar introduced by Mr Hodge that does not bear the property name as a prefix. It was named by the Beaumaris Tree Preservation Society in honour of the Victorian naturalist Crosbie Morrison. It is said to be a hybrid between G. lanigera and G. lavandulacea. Application for registration was received from Mr L Hodge, Victoria.

Characteristics

This cultivar grows from between 1 - 2m tall with a spread of anywhere between 2 -4m. It generally has arching branches. The leaves are greyish and hairy, terminating in a pungent point. They are ca. 15mm long and 2mm wide. The margins are recurved and meet on the underside. The flowers are ca. 9mm long, and the reddish style ca. 20mm long. They are red and cream in colour. The flowers are borne in small umbel-like clusters produced at the terminal of short leafy branchlets. They are found over the winter to spring months. Diagnosis: The supposed parents of this cultivar are both polymorphic, with G. lavandulacea especially so. There is confusion in determining what is known as G. 'Crosbie Morrison' from other hybrids of these two species. Confusion can even arise between the cultivar and some forms of G. lavandulacea. To add to the confusion, a number of other hybrids from the same parents seem to have been grown and sold under this cultivar name. A diagnostic table was prepared but the similarity between the cultivar and parent species as well as a similar cultivar, G. 'Poorinda Illumina' (syn. Grevillea 'Clearview Robin'), did not make a positive determination any easier. It has therefore not been included. One feature that distinguishes the cultivar from the parents is the predominantly arching branches, particularly as a younger plant.

Cultivation

Grevillea 'Crosbie Morrison' flowers well in well-drained soils in a sunny position in temperate regions. It is hardy to frosts, and withstands drought periods. The general hardiness of the parent species is reflected well in the cultivar.

Publication

Galbraith, J. (1970), Shrubs and Trees for Australian Gardens Edn. 5: 202

Colour Coding

RHS Colour Chart 1966style: Red 53Cperianth tube: Red 53Cend of tube: Near yellow Group 7D

Propagation

Cuttings from semi-firm new growth

Applicant Name

Mr L Hodge.

Uses

As part of a mass planting or mixed in a shrubbery, or as a spectacular feature plant. Attracts nectar feeding birds.

Availability

Specialist native plant nurseries

ANBG Accession Numbers

ACC65, ACRA 403, CBG9302682/068896/068895/7705429

NSL ID

-