A very ignored naturalised plant of grassy waysides. This rather diminutive sedge (scarcely 10cm high) has very unique spikelets arranged in a neat head. Up close, the seed can be observed through the glumes (the bracts enclosing the seed), which … Continue reading →
A sedge in wet places in savanna. I found this plant in the savannas near Irvinebank and thought it looked like the non-native Cyperus aromaticus but the head was a little larger, with more conspicuous spikelets. A quick check brought … Continue reading →
Resembling the common Pyrrosia which grow on wayside trees, this fern is one of the most unmistakable for the long extended point (mucro), which is inrolled and clutching all the spores in the narrow channel that results. It is typically … Continue reading →
A particularly attractive non-native grass from Africa, the Red Natal grass graces the canefields and waysides of FNQ throughout the year, additing colour and texture to what may be appreciated as a non-native ‘meadow’. The hairy florets, which are variously … Continue reading →
At a cursory glance, this fern resembles the hare-fooot fern (Davallia denticulata), particularly in the glossy green appearance and the sharply toothed pinnules. The spore arrangement however is very suggestive of those of the Wood Fern family. In Davallia, the … Continue reading →
Everyone should know this common and large terrestrial fern of rainforest. The ornamental value of this fern doesn’t seem to have been exploited much. The fronds have a distinctive look and although there are other species of Tectaria in FNQ, … Continue reading →
Lemna at the bottom for size comparison. Previously called Spirodela punctata but recent morphological, biochemical and molecular data shows this species to be taxonomically distinct from other duckweeds (Les and Crawford 1999). Landoltia punctata is more closely related to Lemna … Continue reading →
An attractive ornamental plant which has been naturalised in Queensland. This plant is native to Vietnam and China. The flowers are small and inconspicuous but have the same basic look as a nettle.
A common climbing fern of rainforest that twines up trees, particularly thinner boles. The spore arrangement is quite exquisite. Closeup of sori, note how the sori follows the venation of the lamina.
Been in Australia for over a decade gazing at plants, both large and small, grasses and trees, in rain forest and savanna, in the tropics and in temperate zones. I love connecting with people with similar interests. You can read more about me on my About page and at my personal BLOG.
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Leaf Whispering in the Tropics 