This small rainforest shrub is endemic to the region and when not in flower is probably best recognized it’s longish obovate hairy leaves with very short leaf stalks and bold venation. Like many other members of the Annonaceae family, the … Continue reading →
This native tree Mitrephora diversifolia is also known as the flying duck flower (No offence to whomever assigned that name but I can’t see any resemblance), and is one of the more glorious native members of the custard apple family … Continue reading →
A wonderful tree of coastal forest and lowland rainforest. The leaves are somewhat papery and glossy on the uppersurface. On the undersurface, a distinctive feature may be seen whereby there are brown foveoles (patches of hairs) where the lateral veins … Continue reading →
The false asoka is a grand tree of Indian origins grown as an ornamental. Interestingly in southeast Asia it is more often grown in cemeteries. The conical form of the false asoka is unmistakable.
Another treasure that was flowering at the Cairns Botanic Gardens was Pseuduvaria mulgraveana var glabrescens. The leaves were smaller than P. froggattii but the flowers were larger and borne on longer stalks in leaf axils. Leaf underside
Great things are happening at the Cairns Botanic Gardens Gondwana gardens, and for me great things could mean small Annonaceous flowers, such as this one – Pseuduvaria froggattii. It’s an interesting name, with ‘frog’ in it. It’s also endemic to … Continue reading →
Members of the Annonaceae are rather non-descript plants until they start flowering or fruiting (but then again, this could be said for a great number of rainforest plants). However, the primitive status of the Annonaceae makes me a big fan … 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 