#澳洲植物

Most species in Urticaceae are herbs or shrubs, but in NSW and QLD Dendrocnide excelsa is a giant tree, it provides food for many insects, birds and small mammals, and is home to epiphytic orchids and ferns. DO AVOID touching it, its stinging hairs will make sure you regret it.

Spreading Coneflower (Isopogon divergens) in Kalbarri National Park Western Australia.

In the alpine region of Victoria Australia, Drosera arcturiand Utricularia monanthos can be found growing together in sphagnum moss bogs.

Veined sun orchid (Thelymitra cyanea) is swamp orchid species, it grows in the cool region of SE Australia and New Zealand, often found with sphagnum moss.

I think this is Pterostylis grandiflora. I didn’t know they could flower this early (literature says May to Aug). You can see the mature plants have narrow leaves, while the young ones are rosettes with heart-shaped leaves.

Rimacola elliptica is a sandstone cliff dwelling orchid endemic to the Blue Mountains and northern Sydney region. I used to think the flowering season for it is Nov to Dec, then I found this on 16/04/22.

Hooker’s banksia (Banksia hookeriana) of SW Western Australia. It relies on fire for regeneration, a fire interval of 15-18 years is ideal, but less than 11 years leads to decline. Pollinated by honeyeaters.