Plant of the month 02/2023: Sannantha papillosa

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 …

Plant of the month 01/2023: Scleria sphacelata

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 …

Plant of the month 10/2022: Lagunaria queenslandica

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 …

Plant of the month 09/2022: Thelymitra queenslandica

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 …

Plant of the month 08/2022: Graptophyllum excelsum

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 …

Plant of the month 07/2022: Thysanotus tuberosus

Editor’s pick for our new PoM is the gorgeous little fringe-lily Thysanotus tuberosus (photo above) that we spotted during our July outing to Clemant State Forest. Thysanotus tuberosus (Asparagaceae) has a wide range in eastern Australia but is not seen often. Being a small plant with slender grass-like leaves, it only stands out while in …