Micromelum minutum got our attention by putting on luxuriant clusters of fragrant flowers (photo above) during the first half of April. This attractive species, commonly called Lime Berry, will often flower and fruit several times a year under good conditions. Micromelum minutum (Rutaceae) occurs naturally across much of northern Australia, growing as an understorey shrub …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 04/2024: Micromelum minutum“
On our March outing we drove from Mingela to Fanning River, en route finding numerous Bursaria incana in full flower. Close up, their dense clusters of small flowers (photo above) are sweetly scented. In the middle and far distance their snowy canopies stand out while flowering (photo below) although at other times Bursaria incana is …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 03/2024: Bursaria incana“
Now, after good rains in our region, is the best time of year to spot Euphorbia bifida with its clusters of tiny white flowers* sparkling amongst tangled grasses and other back-beach vegetation (photo below). Euphorbia bifida (Euphorbiaceae) is widely distributed near the coast in Queensland and beyond, but being small and low-growing, it is very …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 02/2024: Euphorbia bifida“
Carallia brachiata is not a rare species in our area but it can be easily overlooked amongst dense creek-bank vegetation. Fortunately it’s often ‘flagged’ by a bright yellow caterpillar poised conspicuously on a dark green leaf (photo above). These distinctive caterpillars of the Four o’clock Moth Dysphania numana rarely feed on other trees, so they …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 01/2024: Carallia brachiata“
Crateva religiosa, an unusual member of the Caper family, is little known in Townsville although a few plant enthusiasts have grown it successfully here. One of our members has a fine specimen doing very well in his garden (photo below) and it is currently in flower (photo above). . Crateva religiosa (Capparaceae) grows naturally in …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 10/2023: Crateva religiosa“
Dischidia major (Apocynaceae) is a strange-looking tropical plant, native to Queensland (Cape York) and also occuring in some Asian countries. It naturally grows as an epiphyte, twining around tree trunks and branches, as in the photos above and below. Dischidia major , sometimes called “Rattle Skulls”, has the unusual habit of bearing two distinct types …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 09/2023: Dischidia major“