Murdannia graminea (Commelinaceae) is a small tufting native plant that grows naturally in many parts of Queensland and northern Australia, typically in moist locations within in woodland habitat. Also known as native Grass Lily, Murdannia graminea was found in flower on Mount Stuart during our April outing this year. When it’s not in flower, Murdannia …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 04/2026: Murdannia graminea“
This beautiful Native Peanut Tree, Sterculia quadrifida (photo above), was in full flower when it caught our attention during a recent outing with the local Wildlife Queensland group. The species Sterculia quadrifida was historically classified in the botanical family Sterculiaceae. Now, on the basis of molecular analysis, it is part of the Malvaceae, in the …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 03/2026: Sterculia quadrifida“
The unusual flowers of Orange Annona Fitzalania heteropetala (photo above) caught the eye of our president while walking along riverside tracks in Douglas. One specimen was in full bloom with “flowers a deep, velvety purple, so dark they were almost black, glowing richly against the greenery”. Fitzalania heteropetala (Annonaceae), also known as Meiogyne heteropetala, is …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 02/2026: Fitzalania heteropetala“
Cardwellia sublimis, a giant of the Proteaceae family, was one of the ‘big things’ we encountered during our visit to the Paluma rainforest late last year. Its local name, Northern Silky Oak, harks back to colonial times when its timber with oak-like grain was highly valued for building Queenslander-style houses and furniture Cardwellia sublimis is …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 01/2026: Cardwellia sublimis“
A special shout-out to Earthwatch Australia for organising Bioblitz events this month at various saltmarsh and mangrove areas near Townsville, where participants encountered a fascinating range of lesser-known fauna and flora. Thanks to Beth for spotting an unusual plant amidst a swathe of low-growing saltmarsh species (photo above) and identifying it as Limonium solanderi. This …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 10/2025: Limonium solanderi“
Sesuvium portulacastrum (Aizoaceae) was an unexpected find during our September visit to the Bushland Beach Channel Naturalisation Project. It is the first saltmarsh species in our Plant of the Month series. Sesuvium portulacastrum is a sprawling perennial plant, green and succulent (above) during the wet season, turning reddish (below) during extended dry periods. Sesuvium portulacastrum …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 09/2025: Sesuvium portulacastrum“