Lophostemon grandiflorus (Myrtaceae) is endemic to Australia, an attractive but often overlooked tree (photo above) that occurs naturally right across the Top End, extending in the east to Central Queensland. It was originally named Tristania grandiflora, then transferred to the genus Lophostemon in the 1980s. Lophostemon grandiflorus typically grows in well drained native woodland areas …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 02/2025: Lophostemon grandiflorus“
Cananga odorata (Annonaceae) occurs naturally in Queensland between Torres Strait and the Tully River. It is also native to parts of SE Asia and Near Oceania. Cananga odorata typically grows in lowland rain forest and, under good condtiions, it develops into a substantial tree (photo below). Although Townsville is south of Cananga odorata’s natural range, …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 10/2024: Cananga odorata“
This tree caught Pete’s attention during our NPQ May outing but it was mistakenly identified. Later, with Russell’s expert help, it was identified as Corymbia trachyphloia (Myrtaceae). The trunk of Corymbia trachyphloia has rough bark, tessellated, soft, grey, brown and yellow-grey (first photo below), shedding higher up to leave the upper branches smooth, pale grey …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 05/2023 updated: Corymbia trachyphloia “
During our September outing to White Mountains National Park, a tall single-stemmed shrub caught our attention. It was an intriguing ‘new’ discovery for most of us, identified by the experts in our group as Astrotricha pterocarpa. We were fortunate that on this occasion we found Astrotricha pterocarpa (Araliaceae) in “full bloom” (photo above) although we …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 09/2024: Astrotricha pterocarpa“
On our Magnetic Island outing last month we noticed an attractive native tree in fruit (photo above) but we failed to identify it. Later the photo was scrutinised by one of our very knowledgeable members who is currently working far from home. He sent back the answer: the tree is Harpullia hillii, commonly called blunt-leaved …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 08/2024: Harpullia hillii“
Lithomyrtus obtusa, also known as Beach Myrtella, is a very attractive small shrub, native to Queensland. It draws extra attention during the winter months when it is covered in flowers ranging from pale pink to bright magenta (photo below). Lithomyrtus obtusa (Myrtaceae) occurs naturally along undeveloped parts of the Queensland coast, typically in heathland, open …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 07/2024: Lithomyrtus obtusa“