Thanks to John for pointing out this Heliodendron basalticum (photo above) on our recent outing beyond Hervey Range. It was another “new” species for many of us! Heliodendron basalticum (Fabaceae) synonym Archidendropsis basaltica is an endemic Queensland species with leathery bi-pinnate leaves, sometimes deciduous in dry seasons. This small tree grows naturally across a wide …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 03/2023: Heliodendron basalticum“
Sannantha papillosa (previously called Babingtonia papillosa) was a Show and Tell item at our February meeting – thanks to Charles! We didn’t have time to discuss this interesting species then, so we’ll give it Plant of the Month attention instead. Sannantha papillosa (Myrtaceae) is listed as Vulnerable under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act because the …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 02/2023: Sannantha papillosa“
Photos by Russell Cumming, text by Julia Hazel Thanks to Nanette for identifying this interesting sedge during a recent walk around the top of Mount Stuart. Scleria sphacelata (Cyperaceae) is a dioecious species, unlike most other Scleria species, so it bears distinct male and female flowers on separate plants. Flowers of a female Scleria sphacelata …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 01/2023: Scleria sphacelata “
On our October visit to the riverside “Bush Garden” in Mundingburra, we spotted pink hibiscus-like flowers high up in the foliage. Greg identified the tree as Lagunaria queenslandica (Malvaceae). It’s a species endemic to Queensland that occurs naturally in open forest and riparian vegetation along seasonal streams. When it grows in open areas, Lagunaria queenslandica …
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An abundance of botanical delights on our September to Mt Zero made it hard to choose a single species for P o M! The editor’s dilemma was resolved, thanks to Ishara nominating the beautiful ground orchid, Thelymitra queenslandica. The northern sun orchid, Thelymitra queenslandica, Orchidaceae, is endemic to Queensland, with a limited distribution from the …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 09/2022: Thelymitra queenslandica“
Thanks to Cameron for nominating Graptophyllum excelsum as our P o M for August. Recently Cam photographed these plants in full flower among rocky outcrops on Magnetic Island above Nelly bay, and he noticed the gorgeous scarlet flowers were attracting many butterflies and sunbirds. Graptophyllum excelsum (Acanthaceae) is a Queensland endemic, listed as Near Threatened …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 08/2022: Graptophyllum excelsum“