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David Tng botany Tumblr- Sizing up the Syzygiums - some shockingly similar satinashesSizing up the Syzygiums – some...Sizing up the Syzygiums - some shockingly similar satinashesSizing up the Syzygiums – some shockingly similar satinashesSome time back, I wrote a post on Sizing up the Syzygiums as a general guide to “leaf whispering” this large group of very similar looking species commonly called lillipies or satinashes.After being able to look for certain spot characteris […]
- Rhysotoechia robertsonii (Sapindaceae)Orange and green makes for a stark an arresting contrast in a...Rhysotoechia robertsonii (Sapindaceae)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” that are the exposed seeds “looking” back. It is all part of the seductive maneuvers of t […]
- Dipodium ensifolium (Orchidaceae)Few plants enliven a savanna as much as a glorious blossom of...Dipodium ensifolium (Orchidaceae)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 pink to mauve flowers with purplish blotches and spotsThis attractive terrestrial species […]
- Sizing up the Syzygiums - some shockingly similar satinashesSizing up the Syzygiums – some...
Category Archives: Habitat – Coastal forest
Cymbidium madidum (Orchidaceae)
Epiphytic orchids are a common feature in tree dominated habitats in the Wet Tropics, and one of the more common epiphytic orchids in the region is the Giant Boat-Lip Orchid (Cymbidium madidum). The orchid is probably one of the most … Continue reading
The Magic of the Daintree
The legendary Sir David Attenborough once remarked that one of his favourite places in the world was Far North Queensland, and added further that the Cape Tribulation – Daintree area was among one of the most special places he had … Continue reading
Posted in Habitat - Coastal forest, Habitat - Mangrove, Habitat - Rain forest
Tagged Cape Tribulation, Daintree, Daintree endemics, Daintree National Park, humid lowland rainforest, lowland rainforest, tropical botany, tropical rainforest, Wet Tropics, wet tropics endemics, Wet Tropics World Heritage Area
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Allophyllus cobbe (Sapindaceae)
Meet “Allo the old cobber” – or at least what I imagine this familiar fella should be known as in Australia. Known to science since 1779, this shrub of mangroves and coastal regions is a well known and variable entity … Continue reading
Schefflera actinophylla (Araliaceae)
It was a pleasure to see Schefflera actinophylla, also known as the Queensland umbrella tree, octopus tree and amate, in it’s native habitat in the wet tropical forests Queensland. In it’s native habitat it is often a early successional tree … Continue reading
Pittosporum ferrugineum (Pittosporaceae)
This widespread and common shrub or tree is known as the Rusty Pittosporum, probably due to the rusty brown tomentum on the leaf underside, that is easy to rub off with the fingers. This character is not always present or … Continue reading
Syzygium angophoroides (Myrtaceae)
The Swamp Satinash an endemic and is one of the more handsome of the native satinashes (Syzygium spp.), and also one of the more recognizable. It has very regular elliptic opposite leaves borne on twigs that are angular. More distinctively, … Continue reading
Rubus alceifolius (Rosaceae)
The Giant Bramble is one of a few species of brambles related to blackberries and raspberries. True to the reputation of being a bramble, this species is thorny and not fun to go walking through. It is often found growing … Continue reading
Xanthostemon youngii (Myrtaceae)
I would so love to see this amazingly ornamental species, the aptly naamed Crimson Penda, in its native habitat in the beach forests of Cape York. But I am not complaining at the privilege to encounter this beauty at the … Continue reading
Trophis scandens (Moraceae)
This attractive vine is known as the Burny Vine or Fire Vine and belongs to the Fig family. When not in fruit it looks like a climbing fig plant, especially since the leaves have that rather fig-ish look about them, … Continue reading
