Plant of the month 09/2023: Dischidia major

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 …

Plant of the month 08/2023: Hakea benthamii

On our August outing to Mt Zero we chose Hakea benthamii as our P o M after finding many specimens, all flowering beautifully and spreading their lovely scent. Hakea benthamii (Proteaceae) grows as a small-medium shrub (photo above) sometimes up to 4m high. Although its range extends from SE Queensland to near Cooktown, it is …

Plant of the month 07/2023: Cynometra iripa

Greg brought a specimen of Cynometra iripa to our July meeting, possibly the first-ever mangrove species in our group’s long-running ‘show and tell’ tradition – thank you Greg! And the Cynometra iripa Greg has grown at home (photo below) might be the first ever cultivated in a Townsville garden? Cynometra iripa (Fabaceae), commonly called Wrinkle-pod …

Plant of the month 06/2023: Pittosporum tinifolium

On our June outing at Cleveland Creek, we noticed clusters of tiny creamy-white flowers (photo above) on a small tree that presented an ID challenge for most of us. Thanks to John for providing the answer: Pittosporum tinifolium. Pittosporum tinifolium (Pittosporaceae) is one of several trees commonly called Rusty Pittosporum. This attractive species was previously …

Plant of the month 04/2023: Hibbertia advena

Guest post by Dr Betsy Jackes with photos courtesy of Rigel Jensen/Australian Wildlife Conservancy This rare Hibbertia from Taravale has just been named Hibbertia advena by Tim Hammer, Helmut Toelken and Kevin Thiele. The Latin ‘advena’ means outside, foreigner or stranger. This is a reference to the fact this Hibbertia is clearly related to species …