The flowers of Abelmoschus moschatus, very familiar as our group’s logo, are currently making a bright show on hillsides around Townsville, prompting nomination as our Plant of the Month. These plants were almost invisible during our prolonged dry season but their hardy underground tubers (below) survive in a dormant state. They quickly sprout new growth …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 03/2020: Abelmoschus moschatus subsp. tuberosus“
The bright red fruit of Vitex melicopea, usually appearing during February in our region, make it easier to spot this otherwise rather elusive tree. More information is available on our species page for Vitex melicopea.
In celebration of the New Year we have a double feature this month! Brunoniella acaulis and Curculigo ensifolia are fairly inconspicuous small plants until their bright flowers emerge. Then they prompt questions: what species is that? These are often among the first plants to flower after rain. Both species are flowering now, mid-January 2020, at …
Continue reading “Plants of the month 1/2020: Brunoniella acaulis and Curculigo ensifolia“
When its fruits mature, typically during December in our area, Mallotus nesophilus provides an extremely attractive display. An inconvenient detail: Mallotus nesophilus has separate male and female trees and these cannot be differentiated until they flower. To ensure future displays of showy fruit, one would need space to plant multiple specimens. For more details see …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 12/2019: Mallotus nesophilus“
Cycas media stands out among our fire-tolerant native species, being one of the quickest to refoliate in a scorched area. These cycads can put on new leaves in spectacular fashion after a dry season bushfire, as shown in the image above, taken recently at Clevedon. The images below, taken in previous years, show the appearance …
Amidst the dry bush around Townsville at this time of year, the large golden-yellow flowers of Cochlospermum gillivraei stand out on its temporarily bare branches. This small deciduous trees grows naturally on rocky slopes like Cape Cleveland, Castle Hill and Magnetic Island. It has proved hardy and fast-growing in sunny, well-drained local gardens and revegetation …
Continue reading “Plant of the month 10/2019: Cochlospermum gillivraei“