Pandorea linearis (Bignoniaceae) is an uncommon Queensland endemic, known to occur naturally only between Paluma Range and Stannary Hills near Herberton. Finding Pandorea linearis flowering and fruiting in the Mt Zero area was a highlight of our recent outing. Vigorous twining stems of Pandorea linearis had spiraled their way up burnt tree trunks (photo above) …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 06/2024: Pandorea linearis“
For our May outing to the lower slopes of Bluewater Range, the first objective was to find Xylomelum scottianum. The species is commonly called Woody Pear although it is quite unlike edible pears that originate from Europe and Asia (Pyrus species). Xylomelum scottianum (Proteaceae) is endemic to northern Queensland, occurring from Townsville to the tip …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 05/2024: Xylomelum scottianum“
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“