Heritiera littoralis (Malvaceae, previously classified as Sterculiaceae) was selected as Plant of the Month during our March outing, against some strong competition from the fascinating mix of species at the Palmetum. Although this species typically grows in low to moderate salinity conditions at the landward edge of mangrove forests, two specimens are thriving beside the …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 3/2021: Heritiera littoralis“
Fagraea fagraeacea (Gentianaceae), with beautiful perfumed flowers, was a highlight of the recent NPQ outing to Paluma. This was an unexpected new species for many of us but fortunately John had spotted it a few years ago, and then spent several days working out its ID. Very convenient now, to have a quick answer about …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 2/2021: Fagraea fagraeacea“
Good rains at the end of December sparked a tiny flowering bonanza amongst the smallest of our local native plants. Due to their size, many remain inconspicuous, even when flowering. Tricoryne anceps (Hemerocallidoideae) is a delightful exception. Without flowers, Tricoryne anceps is easily overlooked as just another low-growing grass-like plant. Currently (Jan 2021) it is …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 01/2021: Tricoryne anceps“
Thanks to Greg for nominating Corymbia tessellaris as our December Plant of the Month – something BIG for a change! More thanks to Greg for letting us use his fine photos. Corymbia tessellaris occurs naturally in open woodlands of Eastern Queensland, extending into northern New South Wales. Under favourable conditions it can reach more than …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 12/2020: Corymbia tessellaris“
This month we highlight an uncommon plant that occurs naturally only on steep peaks SW of Townsville. It was first recognised scientifically in 1997 [1] and its conservation status is rated ‘Vulnerable’ due to very restricted distribution. In the wild, Dubouzetia saxatilis grows as a small shrub extending almost horizontally from steep cliffs. It is …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 11/2020: Dubouzetia saxatilis“
Thank you to Cameron for nominating this large shady tree as our Plant of the Month. Its abundant flowers caught his attention at Bushland Beach early in October. Melaleuca dealbata has extra visual appeal when it puts on a flush of new growth, often around the same time as flowering. The outer layer of new …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 10/2020: Melaleuca dealbata“