Erect savanna shrub that I spotted Paluma a decade ago during my PhD fieldwork. What good (and simpler) times! The days were long and life renewing harvest (of new exciting species to learn) did not seem to have an end. … 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 →
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 →
Members of the mint family (Lamiaceae) feature prominently in the European pharmacopeia, and thus we know of peppermint, spearmint, catnip, melissa, sage, thyme and others. Much less is known about the medicinal properties of species of Lamiaceae in Australia, but … Continue reading →
The long list of common names (Black Ash, Grey Bollywood, Hairy Leaved Bollygum, Native Mulberry, Pigeon-berry Tree, Velvet-leaf Bollywood, White Bollygum, White Bollywood) must be a reflection of how common this species is. There is hardly a roadside edge in … Continue reading →
This list was compiled from plants I have encountered in the so called wet sclerophyll forest from 3 sites (Davies Creek, Mt Baldy and Paluma) in Far North Queensland. It will be noticed that there are many species that one … Continue reading →
This sundew must be one that care quite a bit for appearances, and invests a huge among of resourcesinto making those long leaf stalks. Could very well have been called “Leaf Stalk”. This species is relatively common around wet areas … Continue reading →
I have no flowers to show for this species yet, but I might say that species is very characteristic of a special botanical place in Far North Queensland known as Irvinebank, a place quite near to Herberton. The species is … 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 