Category Archives: Habitat – Rain forest

Ficus albipila (Moraceae)

This tree must rank among one of the most deserving giants of the Wet Tropics. Without a doubt, it is one of the more (if not most) awe inspiring free standing fig trees in the region. I wonder if this … Continue reading

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Xanthophyllum octandrum (Polygalaceae)

This is a rather common rainforest tree but I found it be one of the harder species to learn because it does not seem to have any spot characters. But lets enjoy the flowers and fruits first, which are like … Continue reading

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Xanthophyllum fragrans (Polygalaceae)

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

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Dienia ophrydis (Orchidaceae)

Orchids attract my attention. There is something about them as a group is captivating for me and no doubt for many others in a way that leads to a dopamine spike everytime I see an orchid. This applies for even … Continue reading

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Symplocos hayesii (Symplocaceae)

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

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Amylotheca dictyophleba (Loranthaceae)

Was shocked to realize that I haven’t yet posted anything on mistletoes in this blog, despite the diversity of these fascinating plants in the region. And there’s no better time to start than when mistletoes are out flowering. Today I … Continue reading

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Calamus caryotoides (Arecaceae)

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

Posted in Arecaceae (Palm family), Edible plants, Endemics, Habitat - Rain forest, Lifeform - Climbers | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Sizing up the Syzygiums – some shockingly similar satinashes

Some 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 … Continue reading

Posted in Habitat - Rain forest, Lifeform - Trees & Shrubs, Miscellaneous, Myrtaceae (Myrtle family) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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” … Continue reading

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Flindersia pimenteliana (Rutaceae)

Flindersia pimenteliana is commonly known as Maple Silkwood and is a relatively common tree in the lowland and upland rainforests of the region. The leaves compound and opposite. The compound leaves are pinnate, typically with 5 leaflets – 2 pairs … Continue reading

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