This marvelous tree is an endemic of the Daintree region, although a good sized tree can easily be seen at the Cairns Botanical Gardens. For a member of the Polygalaceae, this tree has pretty large flowers. And they are beautifully … Continue reading →
The main thing that keep botanists exploring is the prospect of meeting plants they haven’t yet met. A short walk around Millaa Millaa Falls resulting in one such meeting – with the rather little-known Symplocos hayesii. The individual I encountered … Continue reading →
One of the most recognizable of the native Calamus species, this common rainforest climber is the most slender of the Calamus species in Australia, with stems only maybe no more than 2cm. And the spines on the stems are not … Continue reading →
Orange and green makes for a stark an arresting contrast in a rainforest, and that is what would likely compel an inquisitive nature lover to walk up and inspect closer. On closer inspection, one finds the gorgeous shiny black “eyes” … Continue reading →
Few plants enliven a savanna as much as a glorious blossom of orchids. This is definitely the case with the Leafy Hyacinth-orchid (Dipodium ensifolium). The blossoms are showy, and bear a structural resemblance to a hyacinth, with up to 20 … Continue reading →
Recently I came upon this tree, Thaleropia queenslandica, which is supposedly restricted to the Atherton Tableland and surrounding mountains. Suppoesedly this is one of the few species of Myrtaceae with stipules (I will look closer next time). Leaves were very … Continue reading →
Well, as the name suggests, it’s quite hairy. All parts of the leaves and leaflet undersides are brown hairy. This species is an endemic of the Cape York Peninsular. Thus the common name Cape Laceflower. I haven’t had the pleasure … Continue reading →
“A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books”. I agree with Walt Whitman. But you ain’t gona find no Erycibe ever at your windowsill. Erycibe is no ordinary morning glory. If you did not already … Continue reading →
This small and not very well known understorey tree is one of the more interesting and species of Archidendrons. This Far North Queensland endemic has hairy and rather dull green leaflets, which are much smaller in proportions to most of … Continue reading →
People who live in North America may be well acquainted with the Sassafras tree (Sassafras albidum), which is a member of the Laurel family. In the southern hemisphere however, the name sassafras is used to refer to a group of … 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 