Winter Orchids
Header: White Fingers, King Greenhoods and Pixie Caps are in flower now. Photos by Maree Manby (left) and Deborah Metters. I gained a love of orchids from my elders who … Continue reading Winter Orchids
Philosophy with Phil: Wattle Homes
We are Land for Wildlifers – so, that means we are interested in helping our wildlife survive in a fragmented world. I kill weeds and plant trees, but I do … Continue reading Philosophy with Phil: Wattle Homes
Ancient Eucalypt Discovered in South America
While many of us recognise eucalypts as an emblematic Australian icon, a recent fossil discovery may provide a linkage for the Eucalyptus genus with Patagonia, South America. The eucalypt fossil … Continue reading Ancient Eucalypt Discovered in South America
Smilax: Friend or Foe?
Following on from the article on Cockspur Thorn (Maclura cochinchinensis) in the July 2015 edition, we continue the thorny theme with another prickly customer, Barbed-wire Vine or Smilax (Smilax australis). … Continue reading Smilax: Friend or Foe?
Mistletoes: Hanging on despite an unwarranted reputation
Australian mistletoes have long been considered an underdog of the botanical world, probably similar to grasses, sedges, and dare we say bryophytes (ie. mosses, liverworts and hornworts). No one ever … Continue reading Mistletoes: Hanging on despite an unwarranted reputation
Native Blue Tongue vs Exotic Asian Melastome
In recent years, the introduction of the exotic Asian Melastome (Melastoma candidum) has been a source of concern as it is similar in appearance and often confused with the native … Continue reading Native Blue Tongue vs Exotic Asian Melastome
Curtains of Richmond Birdwing Vines
You could easily be excused for thinking these curtains of vines hanging o this large White Fig (Ficus virens) is the common Monkey Rope Vine (Parsonsia straminea). However what you’re … Continue reading Curtains of Richmond Birdwing Vines