Tag Archives: Native

Prickly Moses

Acacia ulicifolia

“A wiry, prickly shrub to about 1.5m high…” – NPOS – p.67

I didn’t know what this was when I took the photo, it stood out because there appeared to be two very different types of flower growing on the same plant. It turned out to be two similar looking plants that were intertwined. I still don’t know what the 2nd plant is.

After seeing a plaque at the wildflower garden I’m pretty sure this is a Prickly Moses, one of the many species of Wattle.

Interesting thing about many Wattles, including the Prickly Moses, is they don’t have true leaves. The green leaf like structures are actually the leaf stalks or phyllodes. The leaves themselves have disappeared in many Australian Acacias as an adaption to our hot dry climate.

Prickly Moses
Prickly Moses

more info:

Sydney Rock Orchid

Dendrobium speciosum

“A spectacular epiphytic orchid with stout swollen pseudobulbs, found in clumps on cliffs and rock ledges…” NPOS p.262

Somtimes called the rock orchid or rock lily. There are a few of these on the rocks in the front yard (where the picture was taken). In some places they are competeing with some Agapanthus which I will remove at some stage.

Sydney Rock Orchid
Sydney Rock Orchid in flower from the front yard

more info:

Pine-leaf Geebung

Persoonia pinifolia

“A spreading shrub 2-4m high, with crowded pine like leaves” NPOS p.103

The Pine-leaf Geebung is pretty easy to identify when in flower or fruit. The fruit is edible once it turns purpple, but whenever I’ve tried some they’ve been strongly astringent, not a good meal!

Don’t miss Banjo Paterson’s “The Geebung Polo Club”

 

Pine-leaf Geebung in fruit
Pine-leaf Geebung in fruit. You can suposedly eath the fruit once it has turned purple
Pine-leaf Geebung fruit
Pine-leaf Geebung fruit

 

more info:

 

Swamp Wallaby

Wallabia bicolor

I’m still amazed that there can be wallabies in backyards this close to the city. Growing up around here I never saw a wallaby in the bush, or even heard of anyone seeing one. I wonder what’s brought them back.

They seem to hang about near the house much more during winter and spring, they’re often here in the morning having breakfast, and sometimes stay for the day lounging in the sun.

Swamp Wallaby with Joey
Swamp Wallaby with Joey

more info: