Spotting a Hibiscus in the bush seems to be a chance occurrence, but always a pleasant one. In this dry country species, the twigs, petioles and both sides of the leaf are covered with star-shaped (stellate) hairs. The flowers are … Continue reading →
This small understorey tree or shrub is commonly known simply as Antirhea or Guettardella (after the genus it was previously placed under). It has very exquisite leaf venation which can easily be recognized. Allegedly, the leaves of this plant may … Continue reading →
The Curtain Fig near Yungaburra is one of a number of icon trees of Far North Queensland. Like the Cathedral Fig, the curtain fig is an old indivudual of Ficus virens, and is possibly over 500 years old. Information board … Continue reading →
This attractive savanna bush is widespread across the northern drier regions of Australia. In Queensland it is known as the Heart-leaf poison bush (Gastrolobium grandiflorum) and in other states as desert poison bush (Central Australia) and wallflower poison bush (Western … Continue reading →
This species of wattle is often found is along the coast and is therefore commonly called the Coastal Wattle. Like many Acacia species, the leaves”” of this species is actually a modified leaf stalk called a phyllode. The phyllodes are … Continue reading →
It is no exaggeration to say that this grass is a coastal grass par excellence. Kuroiwa Grass is widely distributed along sandy shores from India to Australia and can be readily identified by the seashore habitat, creeping stems which root … Continue reading →
A stately Moreton Bay Chestnut at the Queens Garden, Townsville. A truely iconic tree of the Australian tropics and subtropics, the Black Bean or the Moreton Bay Chestnut is found in Australia and New Caledonia and is the only species … Continue reading →
Everyone knows teak, the iconic timber tree. Teak is native to southeast Asia, mainly India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Burma, but is naturalized and cultivated in many countries, including those in Africa and the Caribbean. The word teak originates from the … Continue reading →
This climber of open areas and roadsides with an unimaginative name Centro is a non-native plant originating from South America. It is a well known forage plant and was probably introduced to the region for that purpose. The flowers are … Continue reading →
This wattle is a Queensland endemic and is commonly called the Red Wattle. It is an exceedingly common tree of open woodland, savanna and sometimes also at the edges of rainforest. It is also probably one of the most easily … Continue reading →
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 