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 →
So naturalized is Melinis minutiflora (Molasses Grass) to Far North Queensland that it is not difficult to think of this African grass as a native. Despite the aggressiveness of this grass, it is hard not to enjoy fragrant foliage and … 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 →
Among one of the taller non-bamboo grasses in Far North Queensland, the Giant Spear Grass is a common grass and can be seen around urban areas and other open areas. The stems (or more specifically culms) can get up to … Continue reading →
Also called the Triumfetta Burr, this shrub exhibits a strange habit. The shape of the leaves are quite unique, being lobed with 3 main points. Another related plant, Urena lobata has similar leaves but tends to be smaller and has … Continue reading →
This plant came to my awareness in a rather interesting fashion. A neighbour brought me a plant asking if I knew what it was and it was collected just in the open field near our place. It had interesting red … Continue reading →
Also known as the Slender Dwarf Morning Glory, Evolvulus alsinoides is a slender scrambler found in savanna and urban grasslands. At least 3 varieties occur in Queensland. The shoots, at first glance resembles that of a grass with small leaves … 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 →
Urban fields of FNQ are crawling with this pretty non-native legume herb. The bi-lobed leaves are very characteristic and plants are prostrate. Flower closeup
Previously known as Sebastiana chamaelea, this is a creeping native herb of sandy places. My experience of this herb has always been in coastal areas. The fruits are unmistakable, with the reddish protuberances. Also, the way the numerous male flowers … 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 