The pimelea or rice flower genus consists of around 110 species. These evergreen shrubs form part of the daphne family (Thymelaeaceae). The vast majority of the species (about 90) are endemic to Australia, and the rest to New Zealand. The…
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There are over 900 acacia species native to Australia and Acacia acuminata is one of these. It has the local name of ‘jam tree’, as the smell of freshly cut wood is reminiscent of raspberry jam. The acacias are a…
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Epacris plants belong to the heath (Ericaceae) family. Apart from two species, the 40 odd species are all native to south-eastern Australia (including Tasmania). Several species occur at high altitudes in the Australian Alps while the rest grow in a…
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The Showy Orchis is a plant that blooms from April through May. It is a member of the Orchidaceae (orchid) family. The scientific name is Orchis spectabilis. It is traditional for botanical writers to call this plant and others from this…
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The Desert Chicory is a plant that grows and thrives in desert habitats. It is a member of the sunflower family or Asteraceae, It survives in the Mojave and the Sonora deserts. Its range is from California to southern Texas to…
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Tigers are great hunters.They stalk, they wade noiselessly through tall grasses and wait patiently for their prey to make an entrance. When their potential meal gets within close range, they jump out and overpower them with their mighty claws. Then…
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The Partridgeberry is a member of the Madder Family. It is a member of the genus Mitchelia which came from the name John Mitchell who was a doctor that developed a way to treat yellow fever. Eastern North America from Newfoundland…
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Wolf spiders, belonging to the family Lycosidae are one of the most common types of hunting spider in the world today, being found on every inhabited continent. They are also misunderstood by many people, who might be frightened of their…
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The Sea Rocket’s scientific name is Cakile edentula lacustris. This plant grows above the high tide line on sandy beach areas. It has fleshy leaves and stems. It is in the mustard or Brassicaceae family. It can grow from six…
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The Persoonia genus is endemic to Australia. It consists of around 100 species of evergreen shrubs or small trees. It is part of the protea family (Proteaceae). The fruits are succulent yellow or green drupes. They may be produced in…
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