Nature Gallery

The Dragontree, Phoenix or Foxglove Tree (Paulownia Fortunei) belongs to the PAULOWNIACEAE family.

It is a deciduous tree, native to southeastern China (including Taiwan), Laos and Vietnam.

It is growing in the “China” bed adjacent to the path with the Dragon Mosaic.

It is an extremely fast-growing tree, due to its use of C4 carbon fixation and is planted for timber harvesting.

This specimen is beautiful with its masses of creamy-white, aromatic foxglove like flowers. It has large heart shaped leaves. One specimen of Paulownia is particularly invasive, and this variety is The Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa).

Photo Helen Wildman

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Giant Huntsman Spider (Family Sparassidae) and with 94 described species it needs an expert to tell them apart. These are Australia’s largest spiders, with a leg span of up to 15cm, and are widespread in coastal areas in all states, with numbers greatly reducing as you move inland.
The don’t make webs but use patience and speed to pounce on and eat insects and other invertebrates, making them handy to have around, plus they are so cute close-up, don’t you think?
They not only live in your house, but under the bark of trees and can live over two years. Their predators include geckos, birds, spider wasps and, of course, human beings.
Learn how to identify them and many other things in our free “Become a Citizen Scientist” tutorials from 9am to 1pm, this Saturday, September 21st.
Photo Cheryl Cooper

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A pair of our Masked Lapwings (Vanellus miles), have decided to nest on the lawn near the pavilion. You will see that the area has been cordoned off by staff and we would ask you not to approach it. The birds are easily disturbed and they can be aggressive in protecting their nests, so it is for your safety too.
They are amazing birds and hopefully we can all enjoy seeing some chicks in the not too distant future. Two eggs have been seen). These chicks have a tough start to life, being on the ground and vulnerable to all kinds of predators. If you do own cats, then making them indoor only, or at the very least, keeping them in at night, particularly in spring, can help give all our nesting birds an extra chance.
Both the male and the female will look after the eggs and chicks are hatched with a covering of down and can feed themselves within hours. One of natures miracles for sure.
Please note that the close up photos were taken with large zoom lenses so the birds were not disturbed.
Photo Cheryl Cooper

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The Golden Barrel Cactus Echinocactus grusonii is a striking landscape plant, almost extinct due to illegal over collecting in its native habitat - central Mexico`s dry and rocky deserts.
Preferring a full or mostly full sun position and very fast draining soil, these plants do not tolerate large volumes of water.

Slow growing, reaching a maximum diameter of roughly 1 metre at full maturity, this takes 40-50 years from seed.

To enable it to survive in hot and dry deserts it has a variety of adaptions. The short round ball shaped stem stores water and conducts CAM photosynthesis, (where the stomata open at night). This also reduces transpiration and hence moisture loss as does the waxy stem covering.

The ridges or ribs, provide shade for the plant but also allows the plant to expand to store more water. When it is very dry in the plant`s environment, this plant can use its stored water to help it stay alive (succulence).

The modified leaves are called spines and have a waxy cuticle to reduce water loss. The spines provide protection from predators and shade for the plant.

This cactus flowers around its crown. It is unfortunate that recently small pebbles from the surrounding beds have been put into the top of these plants. This would potentially damage the stems and affect its ability to flower. These pebbles have now been removed, but please refrain from walking onto garden beds and moving stones and gravel, and allow the cacti to thrive with respect.
Photo Helen Wildman

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Spotted pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus) is a gorgeous small bird, (just 8-10cm in length). Not as prevalent as the striated pardalote in the garden, but nevertheless present. Sometimes spotted on the creek walk near the pond before you reach the lake.
It is widespread in Australia, though not found in the Northern Territory, but certainly in coastal areas in other states. It prefers eucalyptus forests and woodlands, and so is another creature threatened by land-clearing.
It searches the foliage for insects and also loves the sugary exudates from psyllids, (as well as eating the psyllids themselves).
Photo Cheryl Cooper

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Bird’s Nest Ferns (Asplenium australasicum). This beautiful fern grows right down the east coast of Australia, from Cooktown to the south coast of NSW. There are several excellent specimens on the left as you walk down the main path.
You will see brown spores developing beneath the leaves and this is the plant’s reproductive mechanism. Birds nest ferns are epiphytes, deriving their moisture from the air and rain and drawing their nutrients from material that falls into and rots in their centre.
These ferns often grow on trees and on rocks in the wild but will take to a sheltered garden and will even grow indoors. They prefer part shade to filtered sun and well-drained soil.

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Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena). Aptly named by sailors who knew the sight of a swallow meant that land wasn’t far away, these lovely, fast moving, birds are found right across Australia and chase flying insects in almost any habitat from urban settings through to forests. They skim across any body of water, snatching up insects as they go.
When you do see them sitting still you might notice the bristles along their beak. These help guide their insect prey into their mouths as they fly at high speed, whilst also protecting their eyes.
If you winder how fast they fly, we are told 30-40kmph when foraging but with the capability to reach speeds of 50-60kmph. No wonder they are difficult to photograph in flight.
Photo Cheryl Cooper

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South Africa and Australia share a Gondwana connection (pollen fossils suggests Proteaceae ancestors grew in Gondwana 75–80 million years ago.) Australian native Proteaceae include Hakeas, Banksias, Macadamias, and Grevilleas.

Found growing north of the glasshouse is the South African Proteaceae bed, and flowering at present is the Protea cynaroides, commonly called the king protea.

It is a distinctive plant, having the largest flower head in the genus.
It is widely distributed in the southwestern and southern parts of South Africa. This area, called the fynbos region, is predominantly coastal and mountainous, with a Mediterranean climate and rainy winters.
Protea cynaroides is adapted to survive wildfires by its thick underground stem, which contains many dormant buds; these will produce the new growth after the fire.
The king protea is the national flower of South Africa and is commonly seen in cut flower arrangement. It also dries very well.
Photo Helen Wildman

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The Orange Trumpet Vine (Pyrostegia venusta) is looking glorious over the walkway to your right after you enter the garden.
A woody climber with dense hanging clusters of flaming orange tubular flowers, this plant is native to South America and flowers at the end of winter and early spring.
It is certainly a plant that is well suited to the conditions here and will grow in a range of soils.
One warning note. It can become invasive if not kept under control within the boundaries of your garden, so not recommended for those bordering national parks.

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Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) This tiny, fast-moving bird, is one of those that pass by you in the blink of an eye. If you are lucky, and very quiet, you might catch one resting on a branch.
They are widespread across Australia with some populations very mobile. Occasionally you will see a silvereye with quite a rufous underside and these guys come from the Tasmania population and travel as far as south eastern Queensland.
They love fruit and also feed on insects and nectar. Other than in the breeding season they are generally seen in groups, moving through the foliage, taking insects as they go and looking for suitable feeding trees.
Photo Cheryl Cooper

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Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina) A larger black bird with white in the tail and on wing edges and sharp yellow eyes. This bird can be seen in the garden all year round.
They are found throughout eastern Australia, from far north Queensland down into Victoria, but not in Tasmania.
Currawongs feed on a variety of food including small lizards, insects, fruits and they do take a number of small and young birds and will take prey to the size of a young possum, sometimes hanging food in a tree and eating it over a period of time.
Currawongs have adapted well to urban environments where manicured gardens are often lacking in good cover for small birds so they become easy prey. It is really important to provide a thick understory where small birds can seek shelter as many of our smaller birds are disappearing.
Photo Cheryl Cooper

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Amazon Lily (Urceolina amazonica, formerly known as Eucharis amazonica). This beautiful lily is a native of Peru, and is now grown around the world. This one is just off our main path and it is lovely to see these flowers in mid winter. They do grow well in pots and seem to flower even more profusely when pot bound. They can be frost tender. They grow to about 70cm and develop clumps in the ground. It prefers tropical or sub-tropical climates and needs good light, but prefers shade rather than direct sunlight.

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Australian Wood Duck (Chenonetta jubata), also known as a maned duck due to the mane on the back of the males’ head, which is darker and almost chestnut brown in colour. The female has a lighter head and two very distinctive stripes above and below the eye.
These birds are frequent visitors to our lake and can be found right across Australia except in the far north of NT and the most arid sections of WA.
These ducks are primarily herbivores, feeding on grasses, clover and any other herbs they can find, with the occasional insect. They prefer shallower water where they can wade the edges.
Both birds feed the young which might stay with their parents for up to a month after fledging (meaning after they have developed their flight feathers).
Photo Cheryl Cooper

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Bracken Fern (Pteridium esculentum) also known as Austral Bracken is a common ground cover fern found throughout the garden in the sunny areas under the natural forest. The harder dark green leaves of this species, as compared to similar softer leaved ferns, make it a hardy and invasive fern. The underground rhizome, densely covered in red-brown hairs, from which the leaf fronds shoot give this plant good resistance to fire.

The Gumbaynggirr name for this fern is ‘gamiiny’ and the sap from the base of the stem us sometimes used to treat bites and stings. The leaves could also be layed down to make a picnic rug that kept the ants at bay. Take care: all parts of Bracken Fern are poisonous. Photo: Graham Tupper

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Australian Long-finned Eel (Anguilla reinhardtii). Residents of our lake and also of Eastern Australia, including Tasmania and Lord Howe Island, plus New Guinea and New Caledonia. They can be found in rivers, lakes and swamps, but appear to prefer running water. They are carnivorous feeding on aquatic invertebrates and also fish, turtles and even small birds.
They are generally around 1 metre in length, though some landlocked eels have been known to grow to 3 metres and weigh up to 22kg.
These eels spawn in the ocean, so have already crossed land to reach our lake. They really are remarkable creatures. The eels spend a number of years in fresh water, (the similar NZ species have been known to spend up to 60 years in freshwater), before migrating to the ocean to spawn themselves.
Photo with thanks to Amanda Purcell.

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Fan-tailed cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis). Found throughout eastern and southern Australia, this lovely looking bird delights in eating hairy caterpillars!
It will eat other insects and larvae using a perch to seek out its prey and capturing it, either in the air or on the ground and returning to the perch to eat.
They are “brood parasites”, which means they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds to be raised. These guys like the nests of flycatchers, fairywrens, scrub wrens and thornbills. They particularly like the brown thornbill nests and will lay just one egg, removing one of the thornbill eggs. Their chick tends to hatch first and then proceeds to remove the other eggs and chicks from the nest leaving the parent thornbills just one, very large chick to raise. Nature is interesting.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Swamp Water Fern (Telmatoblechnum indicum, previously Blechnum indicum) can be found growing naturally by the creek path in the botanic garden and is part of the Garlambirla Walk. This native ground fern is widespread in eastern and northern Australian coastal areas and is usually found in sandy soils near freshwater swamps, which is exactly where you find it in the garden.

The Gumbaynggirr name for this fern is ‘gamiiny giiya-bading’. The rhizome, or underground stem of the fern, were gathered and partly dried in the sun, then roasted and pounded to extract the starch. This flour was rolled into small balls and cooked on hot coals. Photo: Graham Tupper

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Brown goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus). An occasional and elusive visitor to the garden, the brown goshawk is a medium sized raptor, (bird of prey).
Found right across Australia and up in to New Guinea, the New Hebrides and New Caledonia, in any wooded areas.
Whilst northern birds are fairly sedentary, southern birds, especially immature birds move north in winter.
They prey on small mammals and reptiles and are particularly fond of rabbits which means wooded areas on farmland are a favoured place. They perch low in the trees, in a hidden spot and burst out into their unsuspecting victim.
They are often confused with collared sparrow hawks (Accipiter cirrocephalus), which look remarkably similar and trying to decide if the bird has a heavy “beetle brow” or a lighter wide-eyed appearance, or that “the goshawk glares the sparrow hawk stares” can be difficult. The collared sparrow hawk has a longer middle talon, but this is not always seen.
Photo Cheryl Cooper (Taken where collared sparrow hawks are rarely seen 😀)

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THE FERN SERIES 3 The Coin Spot Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi) is easy to distinguish from its cousin the Rough Tree Fern (Cyathea australis) because the trunk is marked with oval and round shaped ‘coin spots’ after the frond detaches. It is also known as the Straw Tree Fern, describing the straw like hairs at the growing tip, and the Lacy Tree Fern, referring to the fronds. It can grow quickly to heights of over 10 metres and has become a popular plant sold by nurseries for home gardens because of the smoother trunk. The ‘trunk’ is actually a group of rhizomes embedded in a mantle of modified roots and quite different to the structure of a regular tree trunk.

The natural range of Cyathea cooperi is from the south coast of NSW to northern Queensland in moist mountain forests and rainforests. In the garden you will find it growing side by side with the Rough Tree Fern around the front pond and in ‘fern gully’ near the picnic area. If you take a stroll to fern gully just pause and imagine….these tree ferns have ancient lineage going back in deep time to the era of dinosaurs….what might be stomping through this gully munching on the fronds if you were transported back in time?

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Great egret (Ardea alba). This is the largest and tallest of the egrets found in Australia and it is found right across the continent other than in the most arid areas.
In the garden you might spot one stalking through the mangroves or settled near the lake.
The great egret can be distinguished from other egrets by its size when in company, but when alone look for a neck that is longer than the body, the distinct kink two thirds of the way up the neck and a line that extends from the bill beyond the eye. Most of the year the bill is yellow, but this can change to black during the breeding season.
The great egret is primarily a fish eater, but will also take molluscs, amphibians and other water insects. It will occasionally take other small animals.
An elegant bird to enjoy.
Photo Cheryl Cooper

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The Rough Tree Fern (Cyathea australis)

THE FERN SERIES 2 In contrast to the Soft Tree Fern (Dicksonia) the Rough Tree Fern (Cyathea australis) has a rough trunk comprising the remaining bases of the old dead fronds, plus hair like scales. It can grow quickly to reach heights of over 10 metres, sometimes up to 20 metres in very sheltered areas. The natural range is from Queensland to Tasmania. They are found mostly in moist mountain forests and rainforests though it can tolerate drier conditions and more sunlight.

It produces compound pinnate leaf fronds which unfurl and radiate out from the trunk. On the underside of the leaves are rows of brown sori or ‘spore houses’. The name ‘cyathea’ derives from the Greek ‘kyatheoin’ meaning ‘small cup’ which houses the spores in the sori. The Rough Tree Fern is very common in the forests around the Coffs Coast region, unlike its cousin the Coin Spot Tree Fern - which we will cover in the next plant post.

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Noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala), not to be confused with the Common myna (Acridotheres tristis), which is brown and a feral pest. The noisy miner is an Australian honeyeater.
Described as bold and curious the miner will defend its territory fiercely.
Living in open woodlands and forests, the miner is found right down the east coast of Australia.
They eat nectar, fruit and insects and generally move around in large groups, which has added to its aggressive reputation.
They will attack larger birds when in groups, consider it “small dog syndrome”.
Always ensure you have smaller, dense shrubs in your plantings where smaller birds can go for cover.
Their “noisy” name is well deserved as their constant pwee, pwee, pwee can be heard whenever they are around.
Photo Cheryl Cooper

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Soft Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica)

THE FERN SERIES 1 The Soft Tree Fern has a soft dense red-brown hairy trunk and can grow up to 15 metres in height. The natural range is widespread in South East Australia, from Queensland to Tasmania. The ‘antarctica’ in the scientific name derives from the Latin for ‘southerly’, reflecting its distribution. It is mainly found in moist shaded gullies and in cooler rainforests. In the botanic garden you will find it in ‘fern gully’ which is between the main path and the picnic area by Coffs Creek.

The fronds have compound pinnate leaves (like feathers) with the spores in spore capsules (sori) on the underside of the leaves. If you been watching the series Alone Australia, and this is NOT recommended, the uncoiled and very bland tasting young fronds of the fern can be eaten after steaming and roasting to remove the toxins. Only for a survival situation! Otherwise, just enjoy this fern’s luxuriate greenery. Next post: in this series - the Rough Tree Fern.

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Black-faced Cuckooshrike (Coracina novaehollandiae)
Firstly did you know that cuckooshrikes are neither cuckoos nor shrikes? They are named this way because their markings can have similar patterns to cuckoos and their beak is similar to a shrike.
Found right across Australia, this medium sized bird can be found in any wooded areas except rainforests.
They eat insects and other invertebrates and also some fruits and seeds. They catch insects in flight as well as from within the leaves.
A quiet bird, more often seen rather than heard.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Floyd’s Grass (Alexfloydia repens) is a perennial, dense ground cover that grows to about 25cm and is only located in the Coffs Harbour area.
It is named in honour of local Botanist Alex Floyd, who discovered it. It is threatened in the wild and the fate of the black grass-dart butterfly (Ocybadistes knightorum) is tied to the fate of the grass, as this is the only food for their caterpillars.
It grows in the shade of casuarina forests and also above the king tide zone of mangrove forests. Ours can be located above the mangrove forests across from the lake on the northern side.
It has been successfully translocated on some highway developments including at Warrell Creek. It also grows in the Bongil Bongil national park.
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Black-shouldered kite (Elanus axillaris). An elegant raptor, not often seen at the garden, but a pair have just successfully fledged three offspring at the jetty and they will need to move out to new areas so we might be seeing more of them.
Found throughout mainland Australia, though in higher densities near the coast, this kite is great to have around as its preferred prey are rodents, especially the common house mouse that can cause great problems to farming communities. Hence they like open areas and farmland.
Let’s hope we see them more often at the garden.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Napalese Cherry (Prunus cerasoides), also known as the wild Himalayan cherry, blossoms in June here and so is in full flower in the garden right now.
A native of the Himayalas and located in temperate forests through to tropical highlands it grows to 30 metres in height.
You’ll find it between India and China, not far from the Chinese pavilion, on the water course there.
This flowering will be followed by yellow fruits that turn red as they ripen.
The honeyeaters are loving the pollen being produced so the tree is also alive with rainbow lorikeets, blue-faced honeyeaters and noisy miners.
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Brown Gerygone (Gerygone mouki). You pronounce it ger-ig-ony. Another of those tiny, fast moving birds that flit by in the bushes.
The white eyebrow and red/brown eye are what gives this one away. It also has a distinctive fluttering movement as it catches flying insects.
Found only on the east coast of Australia, this little bird likes wet gullies, rain forests and mangroves.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) . Also known as the wandered, this delightful butterfly is a milkweed butterfly from the family Nymphalidae.
It is prevalent in North America and is thought to have only arrived in Australia in the 1870s. In Australia they can be found in all the eastern states and SA.
It likes urban areas, (where milkweeds are often prevalent.)
Their colouring tells predators that they are poisonous, which they are, (from the milkweed), and though they generally won’t die, anything that does eat one is sick enough that they will never do it again,
In North America they are known for their mass migrations and have been recorded travelling at 40kph!
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Tiger spider (Trichonephila plumipes). This lovely lady was spotted along the creek walk recently. One of the orb weavers, these guys are found in the top end and along the east coast of Australia plus in Indonesia and the Pacific Islands..
Easy to see how it gained its name. Those leg stripes are very tiger like.
Females have bodies that can reach 34mm in length, whereas the males are much smaller and lucky to reach 5mm. It is thought that the males remain small to enable them to evade being eaten by the female after they mate. However this is a balancing act as if the male is too small, the female won’t be interested in him at all.
Interestingly, they can store uneaten prey within their web for long periods. They have also adapted well to urban life, likely because there are less predators in a concrete environment.
They aren’t a problem for humans so just enjoy their beauty and amazing web building skills.

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Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis) Another of Australia’s wonderful song birds.
Differentiated from its grey cousin by the distinctive black bib and black head, making it look like a hood.
Widely dispersed across Australia, in the garden they can often be seen in the lawn area just past the entrance. (We suspected it was because people taking a break there might feed them, but we know you wouldn’t).
They generally find their food on the ground. Finding a perch close by to watch for small mammals, reptiles, birds and larger insects. They then fly back to their perch and suspend the morsel to aid in eating it.
Their habitat preference is for drier forests and woodlands, and they are often seen in parklands.
That beautiful, sometimes mournful single note you hear, might just be a pied butcherbird.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio aegeus). Sometimes also known as the large citrus butterfly, (their larvae do enjoy citrus leaves).
This species is found throughout eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea. It is especially prevalent in Queensland.
The females tend to be more brightly coloured.
Although a part of the swallowtail family, that feature is entirely absent in this variety.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen). A bird we all know and one of our best song birds, well actually one of the world’s best song birds!
Found right throughout Australia, except for the most arid areas, and found in the garden on the lawns and in the mulched beds looking for tasty treats of insects and insect larvae.
Though they love human handouts, unless it is something like a mealworm, you really are only helping yourself and not the bird. Raw meat can cause calcium depletion from the bones and bread lacks nutrients that they need. Offer them a bird bath and let them do their thing.
Known to be aggressive in the breeding season, they are just defending their nests. Can’t blame them for being great parents. 😀
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Large-billed Scrubwren (Sericornis magnirostra). One of those small, fast moving little birds that are very hard to photograph, but lovely to see when you can.
The trademarks to look for are the pink legs and the larger than usual bill for such a small bird.
Found along the east coast, from Cooktown in Queensland to just north of Melbourne. It prefers wet forests, including rainforests and is often seen on tree trunks and in the foliage looking for the insects and spiders it loves to eat. This also differentiates it from other scrubwrens which generally feed on the ground.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus). A medium sized raptor, but one of our most stunning.
Found throughout the Indian subcontinent, south east Asia and the northern and eastern coasts of Australia, down to Victoria.
They are seen cruising the creek occasionally as they enjoy fish and will often try to steal them from other fish catchers, as well as catching their own. They will also feed on small mammals, carrion and insects.
They nest near water and often use mangroves for nesting.
Easy to identify with their glorious colours.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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The Importance of Eucalypts
Eucalypts are important to wildlife and people but are sometimes taken for granted in their home country.
Did you know that they are the world’s most widely planted hardwoods, providing firewood, building timber, woodchip for paper, eucalyptus oil and a rich source of nectar.
Eucalypt plantations can be found in more than 90 countries, with the largest in Brazil at over 1 million hectares. Portugal and Spain produce more than 50% of the world’s eucalyptus oil, with Australian production being only about 5%.
Eucalypts are an important wildlife habitat. Tree hollows and bark provide nesting and refuge sites for native animals. Leaves, nectar, pollen and seeds are important food sources for native animals and the introduced honey bee.
Just think of the market names for honey like Yellow Box, Jarrah, Redgum. Indigenous Australians have long used eucalypts for medicinal purposes, food and tools as well as shields, dishes, musical instruments and canoes.
The Garden has many eucalypt species including those on the Garlambirla Plant Walk, where the Blackbutt’s bark is identified for making boats and shelters, and the Bloodwoods for healing and men’s ceremonies.
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Grey Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus). A garden regular, the grey butcherbird can be differentiated from the pied butcherbird by two main things. Firstly the grey does not have the black bib of the pied and secondly its call is quite different. More of a laughing, lilting call, as opposed to the pied’s melodic single notes.
They are aggressive birds, feeding on small mammals, birds and larger insects.
Their name comes from the fact they often hang their prey in trees as a way to ensure they stay put whilst being consumed.
Young birds are brown and less timid than the adults.
Please don’t feed them. They are whole food eaters and need to eat the bones and internal organs. Raw meat alone means calcium is leeched from their bones to aid digestion.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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The Shining-leaved Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide photinophylla) is a rainforest tree growing to about 30 metres high found in warmer and drier types of rainforest. Its natural distribution is from north of Seal Rocks to southern Queensland. It can be found in the warm temperate rainforest section at the botanic garden not far from the big rainforest sign board and map opposite the Glasshouse.

Stinging Trees are like the giant versions of the Stinging Nettle and belong to the same family (Urticaceae) with fine hairs on their leaves which do sting. This species has smaller leaves and less of a sting than its more famous cousin the Giant Stinging Tree (Denrodcnide excelsea) with larger leaves and which is common in Dorrigo National Park. Both should be admired as majestic leafy trees but not touched! The sting is thought to be a protective measure by the trees to reduce the grazing of the leaves. The bark is smooth grey with little bumps. The fruit of the Stinging Trees is eaten by a range of birds including the Regent Bowerbird.
Photo Graham Tupper
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Glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami). Smaller and quieter than its noisy yellow-tailed cousins, the glossy black is the only cockatoo with a red- tail in our vicinity.
Found across Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia, these birds are sadly endangered. Part of the reason is that their primary food source comes from the cones of she-oaks (Allocasuarina and Casuarina), that many humans find “scrubby” and so remove them.
Females have patches of yellow on their heads and black barring on their red tail feathers, whereas the male has no yellow and their red tails are a solid red, like this chap.
You often don’t hear their calls, but you may hear the cracking of the seed cones if you are in range of some fruiting she-oaks. We must both preserve and restore she-oak forests to ensure we can all see these beautiful creatures well into the future. They are already one of the rarest cockatoos to see.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus), is in flower at the moment at the garden entrance and another display can be found along the main path.
A native of northern Australia and parts of Asia this is a plant species in the family Lamiaceae.
Often used as a medicinal herb in some cultures for wide ranging ailments, for us it a beautiful flowering plant that the butterflies and bees just love.
It is a fast growing perennial which loves well drained soil and it thrives in sun or part shade,
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Brown Honeyeater (Lichmera indistincta). Small and lively, this honeyeater is often heard before it is seen. Found across much of Australia except the southern states and the more arid parts of WA.
You are most likely to spot one in the garden along the creek walk. Though they live woodlands, they also like to be near water.
As the name implies it’s main food source is nectar, but it will take insects.
As with many of our native birds, tree clearing is the greatest threat to their continuing survival.
Photo Cheryl Cooper.
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The Black Batflower (Tacca chantrieri). We have featured the white batflower (tacca integrilfolia) before and this is its equally spectacular black cousin.
First described in 1901, it is a native of south east Asia.
The `bat wings` are black bracts (which resemble petals) above purplish flowers with more bracts looking like long whiskers radiating out underneath. It is a tropical herb in the yam family from the rainforests of Asia and enjoys subtropical conditions of Coffs Harbour in the right soil.

One theory as to why this strange flower shape is that it mimics a small mammal with the flickering `whiskers` so as to lure in female midges to help in its pollination. Mimicry is most likely the reason but the intricacies of its shape may always be a mystery.

Both the white and black batflowers are blossoming at the garden right now. They can be found behind the flower pots on the right as you enter the garden, near the first pond, down the first track to the left off the main path and in the glasshouse. Enjoy.

Photo by Patsy Caves.
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Leaden flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula) One bird where the female is more colourful than the male, having this rufous colouring under the chin and on the chest, whilst the males are a dark glossy blue/black and white. They are prevalent right across northern Australia and right down the east coast. It is also found in New Guinea and nearby islands.
The small bristles that surround its bill, assist in capturing insects on the wing.
It prefers coastal, tall and open forests, feeding in the mid canopy, catching insects on the wings and around leaves. Southern groups move north for the winter season, returning in spring to nest and raise their young.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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The Bangalow Palm (Archontophoenix cunnnghamiana) is the most common tall native palm of the Coffs Coast region, alongside the Cabbage Tree Palm. The Bangalow Palm has a slender smooth graceful trunk, marked with rings where the fronds were once attached, rising up to a smooth green crownshaft at the top above which radiates the feather shaped fronds. This palm grows naturally in or near rainforests in coastal areas, usually alongside creeks and water courses. It is found from Batemans Bay in the south to central Queensland in the north. In the botanic garden it can be found growing naturally by the main path and in the Palm Swamp Rainforest.

The pink-mauve flowers of the Bangalow Palm cascade from a multi-branched panicle at the base of the crown shaft, with male and female flowers arranged spirally in small groups. The fruits are orange-red when ripe and birds such as the Figbird, love to eat them which helps spread the seed.

The feather shaped fronds make the Bangalow Palm easy to distinguish from the Cabbage Tree Palm with its fan shaped fronds. However, the Bangalow Palm looks very similar to the Alexandra Palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) which is native to Cape York but is now widely planted along the NSW coast, and with a few planted near the pavilion at the front of the garden. The underside of the leaf frond is silvery in the Alexandra Palm and green in the Bangalow. The Alexandra Palm stem often is often more swollen at the base. The sheaths of the leaf that hold the frond to the stem were often used to carry food items or water after the ends of the sheath were tied.
Photo of young bangalow palms with stringybark tree Graham Tupper.
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Spectacular Rustgill (Gymnopilus junonius). This large, and, yes, spectacular fungi was photographed in Coffs Harbour recently. They primarily grow around and on tree trunks as they are a wood rotting fungi. It is found down the east coast of Australia, including Tasmania, New Zealand, South America and Europe.
Certainly not edible, some have been found to contain neurotoxins but stunning to see with caps from 8-30cm in width!
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Grey shrikethrush (Colluricincla harmonica). Found all over Australia except for the most arid areas, plus our major islands and in southern parts of New Guinea.
A forest dweller, their numbers have been decreasing with human habitation, which is why the forested areas of the garden are so important.
Often found foraging on the ground, around fallen logs looking for its favourite foods, which are many and varied and include insects, spiders, lizards, frogs and even some bird eggs. They will eat fruit occasionally too.
A medium size bird of around 24cm. Though not as colourful as many if our birds, still a sweet treat to see.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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The Cabbage Tree Palm (Livistona australis) is one of two tall palms which are native to the Coffs Coast region. It grows all along the NSW coast, ranging from northern Victoria to Queensland and is found in moist forests and on the edges of rainforests and swampy areas. It can be found beside the main path in the garden and in the Palm Swamp Rainforest.

The Cabbage Tree Palm has fan shaped fronds and a rough stem. In contrast to the feather shaped fronds and smoother stem of the Bangalow Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) the other native tall palm of the Coffs region (to be featured in a plant post next week).

The young Cabbage Tree Palms have leaf stalks lined with sharp spikes and being a plant with ancient lineage it is thought this was designed to deter grazing by the now extinct megafauna of Australia. The flower spikes bear sprigs of creamy white flowers and the young fruit is red turning slowly black as it ripens. This palm is able to survive fires, unlike the more fire susceptible Bangalow Palm. The growing tip at the top of the palm can be eaten and was known as ‘cabbage’ by the early white settlers, however cutting out the growing tip will kill the plant.
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Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis moluccus). Ok who just said “bin chicken”? Poor bird. Widespread throughout northern and eastern Australia, these birds moved into Western Australia in the 1950s and their range is expanding there too.
One of those birds that is thriving because of humans, rather than despite them. Sure they might get into your bin if you leave the lid open, but they also do a great service for farmers when locust plagues strike. Moving in, in great numbers, to destroy this pest.
They actually love crayfish and mussels, but they will also survive on human food scraps if necessary, and let’s face it, that is often necessary as we develop natural areas more and more.
They can look quite elegant in their breeding plumage, as shown here and they make great parents.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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The Square-leaved Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea johnsonii) can be found planted between the garden carpark and the garden entrance building.
It also grows naturally along the path by Coffs Creek on the Garlambirla Walk.
Different species of Grass Tree can be found from swampy heathlands on the Coffs Coast to rocky dry ridges well inland. The thin leaves of this species appear as a squashed ‘square` in cross section, as the common name suggests. This species is found in well drained soils north from the Hunter Valley into southern Queensland. Grass Trees are fire resistant but are very slow growing plants with a growth rate of between only one to three centimetres per year depending on the species and the location. How old do you think this plant might be?

Grass Trees had many uses by First Nations people in Australia including to make a sweet nectar drink by dipping the flower stalk into water and to use the resin from a small cut in the trunk after heating and mixing for joining axe heads to handles and other uses. Take the Garlambirla Walk along the creek side path in the garden to find out more on how the Gumbaynggirr people used this fascinating plant.
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Common tree snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata). Sometimes also called a green tree snake, for obvious reasons. This non-venomous beauty can grow to around 1.5m in length.
It can be found from The Kimberleys in WA, right across the top of Australia and down the east coast to the NSW south coast.
A very shy creature, it will likely be gone before you even see it. Also as the name implies, it is an active tree climber.
It certainly won’t be wanting to eat you, far preferring tadpoles, frogs, lizards and even fish.
If you see one, simply stand still and enjoy the beauty of this lovely reptile.
Photo Graham Tupper.
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Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus). As today is the International Day of Forests, we thought a forest dweller appropriate and spangled drongos are very much forest dwellers, especially wet forests.
That beautiful red eye, satin black feathers and forked-tail are the characteristic of this skilful flyer.
They are found throughout eastern and northern Australia and in New Guinea and eastern Indonesia.
Catching insects on the wing, they are fabulous to watch. Though insects make up the majority of their diet they will also take fruit and nectar.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Begonia lana. Begonias are such popular plants with many varieties grown both indoors and outside. This specimen is a cane begonia and is thriving in a shaded area above the village green. Begonias are perennials and bees love them. They like filtered light and well-drained soil and this one has grown into a substantial bush with glorious blooms.
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Magpie Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) A bird most locals are familiar with and one you’ll regularly see in the garden.
However, can you tell the difference between the male and the female? A lucky photo here captured them both. The male is on the left, with a black face and a white eyebrow. The female is on the right with a white face and no eyebrow.
The magpie lark is found throughout mainland Australia, less often in Tasmania and also in Timor and southern New Guinea.
A ground feeder, they can be seen hunting for insects and larvae as they wander around.
Sometimes called a mudlark, as they construct a bowl-like nest with wet mud, which they line with feathers and grass.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Crepe ginger (Cheilocostus speciosus) This quite unusual plant is in flower on the Botanists walk, (past the glasshouse and to your left). It is a native of South East Asia from India right across to Queensland and has naturalised in many tropical countries from Costa Rica to the West Indies. In many areas of Asia it is used for medicinal purposes, but here it is grown as an ornamental.
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Naskrecki`s Bush Katydid (Ozphyllum naskreckii)
It’s been a warm and loud summer, even at night, and this is one of the critters responsible for the nighttime noise.
Sometimes called the bush cricket, katydids are not related to crickets, nor are they grasshoppers. There are over 3000 species worldwide (found on all continents except Antarctica), and about 1000 species here in Australia.
This one likes rain forests and other wet forests and they are active at night, so this was a chance encounter indeed.
The noise is made by stridulation, (rubbing together): of parts of their wings, not their legs, but their wings aren’t great for flight, rather they use those large back legs to leap away from predators such as bats, birds and reptiles.
They consume leaves in the main, but also smaller insects and also pollen.
Definitely something you will hear more often than see, but a fascinating group of critters for sure!
Have you seen one? Do let us know.
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Yellow-faced honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops).
The yellow streak on the face, is the giveaway to this bird.
Medium sized, as honeyeaters go, and found throughout all the eastern states, South Australia and Tasmania.
Fast-moving and always on the probe for nectar and pollen in flowers and picking up insects on the way. They also consume fruits and seeds, so any flowering or fruiting tree in the garden may be a venue for their activity.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Frangipani “Everlasting Love” (Plumeria pudica) Also known as the “hammerhead frangipani” (Make of that what you will 😃)
A native of Panama, Columbia and Venezuela, our plant can be found diagonally across the lawn from the glasshouse not far from the toilet block.
This is a beautiful small tree, (up to 5m), fast growing with glossy green leaves. It has a long flowering season over Spring and Summer.
It prefers well-drained soil and sun- tropical and tropical climates.
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Pacific Baza (Aviceda subcristata).
This medium sized hawk seems to have taken a liking to the garden as it has been sighted twice recently.
It loves tropical forests in coastal northern and eastern Australia, down to about Sydney.
Its favourite foods are large insects such as large mantids and stick insects and frogs. This wet weather means the frogs are in fine tune in our wetland forests and this has probably attracted the bazas.
It is easily recognised by its prominent crest and barred chest and wings.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Pink Bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia). This magnificent tree that stands on the creek walk, near the turn to “rare and endangered plants”, is believed to be around 500 years old. This is a very significant tree here in Gumbaynggirr country. The red keno (sap) was used to cover weeping skin wounds, as a bandaid would today. Over time it stopped wounds from bleeding as the tannin has a healing property.
It was also used as a glue to put axe heads onto handles. Mature trees like this are extremely important for wildlife. It can take over 100 years for hollows to form and a tree of this age might be home to several species. You can read more about this tree and other aspects of our local plant life by picking up a leaflet and following the 900m circuit walk “Our Habitat, Our Home.” #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #feelnsw ...

The powerful owls (Ninox strenua), aren`t usually seen at the garden until April, when they breed over winter. However there have been several recent sightings of not one, but two owls at the garden, including this sighting by Cheryl Cooper on February 22nd.
Where to find them?
It`s not easy and they may be high up, but as you walk down the main path you will see a sign, on your right, "Proteaceae. Melaleucas". Turn right here and start looking. They tend to be somewhere between this corner and part way along the path that leads to the creek walk that is diagonally across from this corner, so walk the paths in this area and look for dark shapes.
They like trees with a reasonable canopy they can hide beneath, but can be seen surprisingly low down at times.
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Varied Triller (Lalage leucomela). Only around 19cm (less than 8”) in size, is found along the coast from the Manning Valley in NSW up and around the top end to northern Western Australia.
They are occasional visitors to the garden and you might find it in any of our forested areas or along the mangroves.
They love fruit, so look for them in fruiting trees and flowering eucalyptus trees. They will also eat seeds, nectar and insects.
The male is more distinctly black and white, with rufous under the tail, with the female having a brown appearance with more distinctive barring on the chest. The white-eyebrow is another feature to look for.
They make a trilling call, hence their name.
Sadly their numbers are in decline due to forest clearing along the east coast.
Photo Cheryl Cooper
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Dillenia (Dillenia turbinata), this large, evergreen tree is in fruit near the Chinese Pavillion.
These trees are native to Asia, from China through to Vietnam.
They grow in mixed evergreen forests and wetter valleys and can grow to 30 metres tall.
They produce lovely yellow flowers and these plum-like fruits.
The fruits are not toxic, but are sour. In their homelands they are devoured by monkeys and elephants.
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Wonga Pigeon (Leucosarcia melanoleuca), is a shy, mostly ground-dwelling pigeon that is often described as plump! (Some of us can relate.).
In the garden you might spot one towards the rear of the garden, towards the mangroves. You need to approach quietly, as this bird does not like to be seen, despite its beauty.
It also has a monotonous, repeated “woop” call that can be heard two kilometres away.
Widespread in eastern Australia from south-east Queensland to Victoria’s Gippsland. It prefers dense coastal forests.
It forages on the ground for food, eating seeds, fruit and the occasional insect.
They nest high in trees, with both parents participating in the work of incubating and feeding young. Certainly this authors favourite pigeon. What’s yours? Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #ecocertified #feelnsw ...

Golden everlasting daisy (Xerochrysum bracteatum) . Also known as paper daisies.
We have a beautiful display of them in our Waterwise Garden, (behind the front pavillion) at the moment.
We are all looking for hardy, water wise plants as our temperatures rise and this is a beauty.
Found widely in coastal areas of Australia, they are easily cultivated. They like sunny, well-drained areas and the perennial varieties are fast growing.
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Mistletoe Bird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum). So named because it loves the berries of mistletoe plants and it also helps to spread mistletoe plants as the seeds pass through its system very quickly and the sticky seeds attach to their feathers as they pass out of the body, forcing the bird to wipe itself on a branch, thus starting a new plant as the seed transfers to the tree.
Mistletoe birds occur right across the Australian mainland. They are small and fast moving, so not always easy to spot.
By the way the mistletoe itself is a good thing. There are over 70 native species and they help maintain the ecosystem by attracting pest controlling birds, they feed not only mistletoe birds but several othet bird species, gliders and possums and even koalas enjoy them. They are actually more nutritious than their host tree.

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Crepe Myrtle- Pride of India (Lagerstroemia speciosa). Have you noticed that huge, flowering tree as you walk up the main path? That’s a Queens crepe myrtle, giant crepe Myrtle or Pride of India. It has many common names and is just one of the many crepe myrtles that grow well in Australia.
Ours might have exceeded the height of 6m which is generally the maximum, which shows it is easy to grow in this climate and is why you often see crepe Myrtles as street trees.
It is a native of tropical parts of South East Asia and flowers from late spring. You might notice the pink carpet of flowers on the path beneath your feet first. Look up. It’s a great sight.
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Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia). As it is World Wetlands Day tomorrow (2nd February), we wanted to feature a wetlands bird and we are lucky that this regal bird occasionally drops in to check out our lake. They don’t tend to stay too long as they prefer shallower water areas where they can wade and collect their favourite crustaceans and water insects as they walk. They are found widely in Australia, in all but the most arid areas and southern WA and SA. They are easy to identify having a black bill and that yellow patch above the eye stands out on the black facial skin. The small patch of red you can see here is also normal colouration. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #feelnsw ...

Narrow Leaved Geebung (Persoonia linearis).
Ever wondered about our logo? It’s a geebung! Strictly speaking it was based on the broad leaved geebung (Persoonia stradbrokensis), however the narrow leaved geebung is in flower right now, in the heathland area across the main path from the glasshouse and you can certainly see the resemblance to our logo.
It is currently bush size, but can reach a height of 5 metres. The flowers are tiny, so look closely.
Can you believe there are some 100 species of geebung in Australia ranging across many habitats from heathlands to forests.
This one likes dry sclerophyll forests and is adapted to fire-prone areas. It regrows epicormic buds from beneath its thick bark after bushfires.
Green fleshy fruits appear after the tiny yellow flowers, and the fruits are loved by possums, wallabies and currawongs, so this is an important feed plant for several species. We love it! #ecocertified #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #feelnsw #sharecoffscoast ...

Shooting Star (Pavonia x Gledhillii). This 19th century hybrid of pavania makoyana and pavania multiflora, belongs to the Malvaceae family. It hails from Brazil and needs a subtropical climate, good light, but no direct sunlight, and a reasonable water supply. You’ll find this unusual plant just off the creek walk, to the left towards the lake. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #feelnsw ...

Scaly-breasted lorikeet (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus). A similar size and shape to the Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus), but quieter and much more green, so it blends in well and is often missed. This is basically a coastal bird and can be found from the tip of Cape York, right down the east coast to around Wollongong. It prefers lowland forests and woodlands and feeds, using its brush-tongue on nectar and pollen, mostly from eucalypts, but they will also feed on other native flowering plants. Protecting the bristles on these tongues is another reason NOT to feed wild birds, especially sunflower seeds. When cracking the shells they can damage the bristles making it difficult for them to extract the nectar they need for good health. They nest in hollows anywhere from 3-25m above the ground, with both male and female sharing parenting duties. So don’t assume that bird is a rainbow, check carefully in case it’s the scaly. Photo Cheryl Cooper. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #feelnsw ...

Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). This stunning plant is flowering in our first pond right now. (right hand side just after you enter.) They are of the family, Nelumbonaceae. They are adapted to grow in slow moving floodplains and a stand of lotus can produce thousands of seeds. Some germinate immediately, others are consumed by animals and others can lie dormant in silt beds, especially through droughts, germinating when rehydrated. Some 1300 year old seeds germinated in China, and this could well be why they are considered a symbol of longevity in that country. It has a wide range, covering much of India and Asia. There are some wild populations in northern Australia, however they are likely from human transportation. If you would like to grow your own, you need a rich loamy soil and a water depth between 30cm and 2.5 metres. They prefer warmer temperatures, though deeper water helps protect the roots system from the cold. Come down and enjoy them Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #feelnsw ...

Crested pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes). A regular in the garden and widespread across Australia. It is one of only two native pigeons in Australia with the distinctive erect crest, (the other being the Spinifex pigeon (Geophaps plumifera). When looked at closely they are quite a colourful bird and their courtship routines are definitely worth a watch. They make a distinctive whistling sound when they fly. The whistling is created by air passing over a modified primary feather on the wing. Their preferred habitat is lightly wooded grasslands and they feed on seeds, with some insects and leaves. Take a second look next time you spot one. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #feelnsw ...

White Bat Plant (Tacca integrilfolia). Not hot enough outside? Why not step into our Glass house to see this spectacular plant in full bloom. The bat plant is a plant from tropical and subtropical areas in South East Asia. It has very striking and unusual flowers with bat-like wings and long white “whiskers”. The large glossy leaves are also very ornamental.
The plant grows well in a shady areas in a warm humid spot. There is also a Black Bat Plant, (Tacca chantrieri). Bat plants can also be found growing outside in the gardens in shady areas near the main entrance. Photo Janet Holmes #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Yellow-striped flutterer (Rhyothemis phyllis). This beautiful dragonfly was spotted recently in the garden by one of our volunteers. They love ponds and they fly fairly slowly, gliding over their territory. They are a considered a small to medium sized dragonfly, being about 9cm from wing tip to wing tip. They are widespread throughout south east Asia. Dragonflies are great to have around as they feed on mozzies, flies and other flying insects. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw. ...

Crimson Chat (Epthianura tricolor). Alas not seen at the garden, but two have been visiting Sandy Beach in a very rare sighting of this beautiful bird on our coastline and we wanted to share them with you. Usually only seen west of the great dividing range and through to coastal western Australia, they are very small birds, only around 10cm, and they prefer arid and semi-arid areas of grassland and low bushes. They primarily feed on insects on the ground, though they do have a tongue that allows them to take nectar in the same way lorikeets do. If they have an active nest, one of both parents will fake an injury to lure potential predators away from the nest. A fantastic visitor to our coast. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

The Slender Riceflower, (Pimelea linifolia ). The local form of this plant forms an attractive groundcover with clear white clusters of flowers set against bright green foliage. It often flowers in response to rain and can be seen flowering now in the native heath garden opposite the glasshouse.

It has a widespread distribution in Eastern Australia and is quite variable in form ranging from a small shrub to a prostrate groundcover. The local form grows on headlands in the native grassland community in the Coffs Harbour area. It is sometimes available for sale by specialist local nurseries and performs well in a native garden in full sun with other low growing shrubs and grasses. Photo Janet Holmes #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa). A common duck on our lake and found right throughout Australia, other than our most arid areas. It’s a versatile species enjoying many types of water, from inland lakes to tidal mudflats. Closely related to mallards, the Pacific Black has a clear quack to its call, that species like the Australian Wood Duck don’t have. It feeds on aquatic plants and small amounts of aquatic insects and molluscs. Please DON’T feed any of our birds. It can damage their health in ways you will not see. Many thanks. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is from the mallow family malvaceae. Native to China, this beautiful specimen can be found near our lake, as you might walk from the lake back to the main path. It is an unusual hibiscus in that it can survive and even thrive in cooler climates. It likes moist, but well-drained soil. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius). This medium sized parrot is always a delight to see. They are fairly quiet and shy birds so not as commonly seen as Rainbow Lorikeets. Females are similar in colouring to males, though may be duller, and juveniles are very dull. They can be found right across south-eastern Australia from SE Queensland down to and including Tasmania and across Victoria to the border of South Australia. They will eat seeds, fruit, flowers, nectar and insects. Another reason to let some grasses go to seed. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnewsofthearea #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera), bought to Australia almost two hundred years ago and is the common domesticated bee across Australia, providing pollination for agricultural crops, honey and beeswax. They are a social species and live in colonies that vary in size from 40,000 to 80,000 bees. They are a fairly docile species and will only sting if threatened. Look out for them on any of our flowering plants. This one taken at the garden by visitor, Amanda Purcell. Thanks Amanda. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

The Cassowary Plum (Cerbera floribunda) is fruiting now in the Queensland section of native Eastern Australia plants garden area by a path near Coffs Creek, and near the small pond on the botanist`s walk.

This rainforest tree hails from far north Queensland where the fruit is swallowed whole by Cassowaries. As plump as this very large plum coloured fruit appears to be it has very little flesh around a very large and very tough seed. Be warned that the flesh contains toxins dangerous to humans and other mammals. Cassowaries have evolved an ability for the fruit to pass through their gut and to digest the flesh without harmful effect and this plant relies on the Cassowary to distribute its seed. Nature is a marvel.

The Cassowary Plum can grow into a tree up to 30 metres high. Typical of rainforest trees they also have very large leaves which are up to 30cm long and 5cm wide. The tree in the garden is still a youngster and is about 5 metres high. Photo Graham Tupper. As an added bonus listen to this podcast talking about the cassowary and its feeding habits. As it says, “no plants, no animals” https://youtu.be/Ot_DRZl4GjQ?si=TSpX3lqMSxtRYyiV #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) A regular visitor on the lake now. It is a common bird across the world being found in Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and parts of north Africa. It is a member of the rail and crake family. It is easily spotted with its distinctive white bill and forehead shield. They love vegetated swamps and lagoons and feed via diving, up to 7 meters. They generally feed on vegetation with some insects and tiny fish. Please don’t feed our lake birds. It is detrimental to their health. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Yellow Fortnight Lily (Dietes bicolor). Belonging to the Iridaceae family, this African plant can be found in our South African garden near the glasshouse. Known as the fortnight lily as even though its blooms are short lived, perhaps only lasting one day, it flowers about every two weeks. It’s a hardy plant and very resilient in our harsh climate. Though it flowers best in full sun. It is shade tolerant. It is ideal for a waterwise garden. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Eastern Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris). This stunning honeyeater has a thin, down-curved beak made especially to drink the nectar from flowering plants. They do also eat insects. Look for them where you see any colourful flowering plant, especially natives. Their movement between plants also makes them an excellent pollinator. Found down the east coast of Australia, primarily from midway along the Queensland coast, south into Tasmania. If you would like them in your backyard, plant native flowering bushes and have a clean bird bath. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis). Yes one of the oldest and rarest of plants, and critically endangered with only about 50 trees remaining in the wild. It’s an Australian native conifer and can grow to 20m in the wild. Only discovered in 1994, there is now a major ongoing conservation effort which we can all be part of. https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/conservation-programs/wollemi-pine-conservation-project. We have one just inside the front entrance to the garden on your left just before the cafe area. Have you seen it? #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Macquarie River Turtle (Emydura macquarii) live in our lake. Sometimes you will spot them in the water, and, if you are lucky, you’ll find one basking on the edge, like this one. Approach quietly or they will be off in a flash. It is a wide ranging species, found in lakes and rivers of the eastern half of Australia. Already listed as vulnerable in South Australia, it is great to have them in the garden. They take about ten years to mature into an adult and may live as long as fifty years or more. Sadly foxes and pigs predate on their nests and plastic waste and cigarette butts can cause them harm in the water. They eat plant vegetation, molluscs and crustaceans. Photo Cheryl Cooper. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Buff-banded rail (Gallirallus philippensis). This elusive bird has been spotted a few times at the garden. Around the pond to your right, as you enter the gardens, and further along the creek trail. It is found throughout Australia, South East Asia and New Zealand. It favours dense habitat near water and will usually be alone. Check any gullies and drainage areas. Considered a medium size rail, they are about 30cm in length. Go quietly and you just might spot one. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius ) is in flower at this time of year. One of the only Australian deciduous trees, it loses its leaves just before flowering. It is from the family Malvaceae. Sometimes called the Illawarra Flame Tree, it can be found from the Illawarra in southern NSW up the east coast and into Queensland. If you are in Dorrigo or Ebor you might spot the red dots within the green rainforest. These are flame trees. We have one in the carpark. They are popular with birds when in flower. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azurea). There have been several sightings of this stunning little bird along the creek walk. Native to northern and eastern Australia, plus parts of Indonesia and New Guinea, it’s never far from water and plunges from branches into the water to catch fish, aquatic insects and sometimes even frogs. They then return to their perch, bash the item on their perch and swallow it head first. They nest in riverbank burrows that are 80-130 cm long. Listen for their single “pip” call and watch for the flash of blue as they dive. Photo Joshua Woods # coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). This cheeky chap was spotted at the garden recently by visitor Amanda Purcell, and our thanks to Amanda for sharing her photo. We know of at least 3 koalas that reside in the garden. All look healthy and there is an abundance of their favourite food trees there to sustain them. How lucky are we to have these lovely creatures living right in our city? #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw #koala ...

Bush Ranger Dwarf kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos hybrid) of the Haemadoraceae family. This stunning kangaroo paw is in flower right now in our Waterwise garden area. Growing to around 60cm this plant is ideal for borders and rockeries and it’s stunning colours just pop! It doesn’t like wet feet so is ideal in dry areas with sandy soils. It flowers from spring right through to autumn. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Noisy Friarbird (Philemon corniculatus). One of our larger honeyeaters, with a distinctive black head with a casque (bump) on the beak, a red eye and white feathers at its throat. You will generally hear it before you see it. The call is loud and harsh. They are found right down the eastern coast of Australia and up into Papua New Guinea. They like open dry forests and eucalypt woodlands. Their menu includes nectar, fruit, insects and very occasionally eggs and even baby birds. They form long term pairs and the females build the nest. Some call them ugly, others find them quite handsome. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) is a large frog, up to 7cm in length, with a loud call that sparks up around dusk.

On the garden nocturnal tours the guides sometimes refer to it as the `manical cackle` frog due to it`s distinctive call. It can be heard around the front ponds at the garden from September to December where it forages for insects by night and rests inside dark hollow branches or under thick bushes by day.

This award winning photograph of a Peron’s Tree Frog was taken by volunteer guide Karen Hutchings at the botanic garden.

Karen is also a member of the volunteer team which also conducts a regular fauna survey at the garden. The focus of the survey during November is to identify more of the frogs and reptiles that call the garden home. You can assist by simply asking for a `fauna survey record` form at the front desk of the garden and submit any observations after you enjoy your visit. For the frogs you might also need to record the call and then try to identify the frog from the call. The Australian Museum has a free app “Frog ID” you can download to your phone to assist with identifying calls. For details see https://www.frogid.net.au/frogs/litoria-peronii #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), is in full flower and aroma at the moment. In the family the family Apocynaceae it’s origins are in Asia, including Japan, Korea, southern China and Vietnam. An evergreen climbing liana, or simply a beautiful climbing plant to most of us. It is ideal for pergolas, can successfully hide wire fences and can even be used as a ground cover. Not just beautiful but practical, a perfume can be extracted from its flowers, whilst a fibre can be created from its woody stems. Enjoy. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Rufous songlark (Megalurus mathewsi), what this bird misses out on in the colour department it certainly gains in the musical delight it brings. We were very excited when one was spotted in the garden recently by local photographer, Barry Callister. They are small birds, around 16-19cm, and not easily spotted. They are found right across Australia and particularly in NSW. An insect eater they can often be spotted on the ground and also nest there, making them highly vulnerable to roaming cats and dogs. Photo Barry Callister. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw #barrycallisterphotography ...

Butterfly Iris (Dietes grandiflora) are simply stunning when flowering. This is a large iris, native to South Africa, which has adapted well here in Australia. You’ll find them along the main path in the garden. They prefer dappled shade to full sun for best flowering, but will tolerate shade. The clumps grow rapidly and so this plant has been designated an environmental weed in parts of WA and Queensland, so handle with care. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Spectacled monarch (Symposiachrus trivirgatus), found in the north east and along the eastern coast of Australia down to about Port Stephens. Their range also extends into Papua New Guinea and Timor. They are spring and summer visitors to the garden and can be found in the woodland areas, emphasising how important these natural forest areas are to our birds and other fauna. They do prefer wetter areas and might also be spotted in the mangroves. Another insect eater, it forages in leaves, along the tree truck and in vines. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Hippeastrums from the amaryllidacea family, have been flowering prolifically this year. From South America they are a popular plant in many Australian gardens and come in a stunning variety of colours. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

The eastern barn owl (Tyto javanica) is rarely seen by people. They sleep during the day in tree hollows, or in caves, and become active during the night. Their distinctive heart shaped facial feathering directs sounds to the owl`s ears. These ear canals are at a slightly different height to one another giving barn owls an amazing ability to track the source of a sound. Barn owls the use this, along with their superb night vision, to hunt for rodents, lizards and small birds at night. Barn owls can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and are thought to be fairly common in Australia.

Tree hollows are very important home for this owl and for so many of our wildlife species, providing both safety and concealment from predators. In these big thick trees they also assist the animals to save energy in thermo regulation - helping them to stay warm or cool. Something that a nesting box’s cannot always provide. Small hollows can take at least 100 years to form in a tree and the bigger hollows only form in trees which are many hundreds of years old.

This eastern barn owl, in its cosy hollow home by Coffs Creek, was photographed in the botanic garden by a volunteer from the garden’s fauna survey team. Photo: Lillian Stormsong @stormsong_photography #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Blue Sky Flower ( Thunbergia grandiflora), is an evergreen vine in the family Acanthaceae, and it’s currently in flower along the main path. A native to India, China, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar, this hardy plant has found favour in many countries around the world. It is fast growing and prefers moist conditions. It is easily propagated via cuttings or layering. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Striated heron (Butorides straitus). Sometimes called the mangrove heron, because that is where you will find them, this elusive bird has been spotted a few times along the creek walk recently. They are an amazing, almost prehistoric, bird to watch. They crouch low and wait for their prey to appear. Feasting on crabs, other crustaceans, molluscs and smaller fish, you cab understand why their preferred habitat is mangroves and other tidal areas. They can be found around coastal Australia from Victoria, around to Broome in WA. It’s also found in Papua guinea and several other continents. Favouring warmer climates. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Pincushion (Leucospermum cordifolium). From the Proteaceae family and originating in the Western Cape region of South Africa, this hardy evergreen plant can be found just behind the new glasshouse. It’s common name clearly comes from the flowers, which resemble pincushions. It is a rounded and spreading shrub of about 1.5 metres in height and 2 metres wide. The flowers are long lasting and very colourful. It prefers acid soils and it is pollinated by birds. So many links between our flora and fauna. We need both to have true abundance. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Land mullet (Bellatorius major, previously Egernia major), Australia’s largest skink and named for its shiny, black fish-like scales. We are lucky enough to have quite a number in the garden and one can often be seen along the nature trail. They are shy and nervous and will hide from loud noises. They like ground level hollows and therefore leaving fallen trees is a must to develop good land mullet habitat. They prefer rainforests and are found along the east coast of Australia from Gosford, NSW through to the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. Though they do eat insects and other small invertebrates, berries, fruits, leaves and flowers can make up to 80% of an adult’s diet. A regular garden visitor, Ellany whelan took this photo. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Striated pardalote (Pardalotus striatus), one of the smallest birds you will find in the garden at between 9-11cm in length, (a fairywren is 14cm). More often heard with their cherp, cherp, cherp along the creek walk, particularly near the grassed area at the start of the creek walk. They are found right across Australia , other than in the very driest areas. They are insect eaters and forage in the tops of trees, occasionally coming closer to the ground. They like eucalypt forests and woodlands. Listen for the song and then watch for movement. They are a delight to see. Photo Cheryl Cooper. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Swamp Orchid ((Phaius australis and Phaius tankervilleae var australis) The pride and joy of the gardens. This rare and endangered plant can be seen along the main path in several places. It is one of the largest of Australia’s ground orchids and has become endangered due to extensive land-clearing and irresponsible collecting for home gardens. It is one of the most spectacular flowering plants in NSW. The garden is part of a significant conservation effort increasing the numbers of plants in this safe environment and propagating them for others. They are coming into full bloom right now, so don’t miss them. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw Photo Cheryl Cooper ...

Flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi), an Australian native that add a softness to any garden. Sadly the flowers are short lived in comparison to other native flowers, but are often prolific over a period of time and the silver foliage lives on throughout the year. They have been flowering in our North Coast Heathland area, opposite the glasshouse. They love sandy soils and will grow here readily and even tolerate light frosts. They love coastal heathlands, scrub and dry forests. Regular tip pruning encourages shape and additional flowers. Photo Cheryl Cooper. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

The Feathertail Gilder (Acrobates pygmaeus) is the smallest gliding mammal in the world and has been recently spotted in the garden as part of a regular fauna survey program. The size of a mouse and weighing an average of just 12 grams these little marsupials spend their time high up in the tree tops and have a varied diet including insects, fungi, nectar and seeds.

They are very social animals and usually make their home in tree hollows, often in groups sleeping cuddled around each other for warmth and safety. They have a distinctive feather like tail (see photo) which has stiff bristles to help them steer while gliding. They can glide more than 20 metres from tree to tree help them to avoid predators on the ground. They also have feet with large toes, resembling frog toes, with serrated grooves to help them climb almost anything.

Their natural range is widespread along the east coast of Australia in woodlands and forests. On a nocturnal tour at the garden you may get a fleeting glimpse of one gliding from tree to tree, along with its much bigger cousin, the Squirrel Glider. Always a special treat to see. Come on our Nightlife Wildlife Tour, this Friday. Tickets available here. https://coffsbotanicgarden.com.au/nocturnal-tours

This rare photo of such a shy and fast moving animal by garden volunteer Lillian Stormsong. @stormsong_photography #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Australian Brush-turkey (Alectura lathami). Found along the east coast of Australia from Cape York to Sydney, and a familiar bird in the garden. You might find one scratching in the leaf litter to the right of the main path, when you first arrive, or along the creek walk, where you will also see one of their massive mounds. Though, primarily, ground dwelling, you will also find them roosting in trees. They feed on insects, seeds and fallen fruit. Mounds are used to incubate their eggs. Incubation takes about 50 days and newly hatched chicks are self-sufficient immediately and can fly within a few hours. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Peanut butter cassia, (Senna didymobotrya), is an evergreen, wide-spreading rounded shrub to small tree growing up to 3m in height. It originates and is found growing in Tropical Africa section just next to the African Mosaic in the path. A member of the Fabaceae family it has bright yellow flowers forming upright flower clusters. Green seed pods are downy, soft and flattened and turn dark brown when ripe. The leaves are up to half a meter long and are made up of 8-21 pairs of elongated oval leaflets in opposite pairs 2-5cm long. An invasive plant in many areas of the world due to its prolific seed distribution. If you crushed the leaves, (not advised as they are poisonous to both livestock and humans), you would smell a strong, distinct scent that has been variously described as being reminiscent of mice, a wet dog, peanut butter or burnt popcorn. It can be used as an ornamental, hedging, and seeds have medicinal properties. Photo Helen Wildman #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae). Found right across Australia, New Zealand and some Pacific islands, this delightful waterbird often visits our lake. Affectionately known as a “fluffy butt” to many birders, it deep dives to find small fish and insects. Grebes build floating nests and the young can swim immediately from hatching and are independent within eight weeks. A bird that always brings a smile. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

The Clivias (Clivia miniata) are currently putting on a beautiful display in the shady area behind the glasshouse. They are a native of southern Africa. Cliveas grow well in light shade, preferring to be dry over winter but flower best with some water and fertiliser in spring and summer. Three different colours are growing together behind the glasshouse. Keep an eye out in the plant stall for Cliveas the Friends have propagated for sale. Photo Janet Holmes. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys). Found right across Australia and up into New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Indonesia. These constantly moving, insectivorous birds are found in all habitats except very wet and dense forests. They are in our garden all year round, and you never quite know where one will come and say hello to you. They are amongst a few birds which have adapted well to human disturbances and live happily along side us. They can be feisty, even taking on eagles if they feel their territory is threatened. That tail, when wagged, can be spectacular. There are several other wagtails in Australia, but this is the most common and well known. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw Photo Cheryl Cooper ...

Golden Everlasting (Xerochrysum bracteatum) The big golden yellow flowers of this gorgeous plant are looking spectacular at the moment. This local form of Golden Everlasting can be seen in the Botanist’s Walk past the glasshouse. It flowers continuously from late winter to late autumn and will self-seed in the garden. It’s a hardy plant for full sun and only needs a bit of pruning to keep the plants from becoming leggy as they age. The plant stall will be selling this plant in coming weeks - ready to go straight into the garden and start flowering. Photo Janet Holmes #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis). A year round garden bird and native to the east coast of Australia from northern Queensland around to Adelaide, and the southwestern corner of Western Australia. The males are richly coloured, with the females brownish grey but with a yellow wash around the vent. Known for their rich, melodious calls, often described as “we-we-we-tu-wit” you will hear, and maybe see, them in any of the forested parts of the garden. They love insects, spiders and berries. Photo Cheryl Cooper. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) A well known local and found in the gardens all year round. Look for anything flowering. They love fruits, pollen and nectar. Common along the east coast of Australia, from Cape York, right down and around to Adelaide. They nest in hollows and generally mate for life. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Duabang (Duabanga grandiflora). Native to India, Nepal, southern China, Myanmar and Malaysia, this tree is certainly a feature tree because of its droopy lower limbs and prominent location, beside the path and opposite the Japanese garden. Many visitors ask what it is! Belonging to the Lyrthraceae family, this evergreen tree grows up to 30metres tall. It is currently in bloom, with the nectar attracting much insect and bird life. The edible fruit and timber are gathered in the wild for local use. The bark is used as a fish poison.
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Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor). This beautiful bird has been sighted in the gardens, around this time, over the past couple of years. You might spot one in the leaf litter of the rare and endangered plant section, on your right as you walk up the main path. They are shy, so go quietly and watch for movement as it searches for earthworms, insects and snails. Found along the east coast of Australia and southern New Guinea. Photo Cheryl Cooper. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

The Purple Bush Pea (Hovea acutifolia) which is now in flower and can be found all around the natural forest areas of the botanic garden - along the creek side path and the nature nature trail. It belongs to the FABACEAE or pea family the natural range is in wetters forest along the east coast from the central coast NSW to SE Queensland.

The flowers have a classic pea shape meaning it has two “wings” around a central “keel”. It is a small to medium shrub around 1.5 to 4 metres tall and the stems are covered with dense hairs. It is easy to propagate and would make a lovely addition to a home native garden. #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Zanda funereus).Their sad, almost wailing cry, can be heard long before they come into view. Residents of the east coast, from mid Queensland down and around to Adelaide, and including Tasmania. You might see them fly over the garden, or find them in our coastal banksias. They mostly eat seeds but do also like insect larvae and can be seen stripping the bark from trees where larvae are hiding. A regular sight in this area. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Camellia (Camellia sasanqua) is native to China and Japan where it is usually found growing up to an altitude of 900 metres. The Camellia is an evergreen shrub growing up to 5 metres tall. It has has glossy green foliage and the flowers are quite fragrant ranging in colour from white to pink as per the plant in this photo.

#coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Hardhead (Aythya australis). Also known as the white-eyed duck. Seen on our lake from time to time as they like large open waters and deep, vegetated swamps. They dive to catch their favourite foods which include aquatic plants and aquatic creatures like mussels and freshwater shellfish. They range right across Australia but are most prolific in NSW and Victoria. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw ...

Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus). Often heard but seldom seen and named for its “whipcrack” call that echoes through the forest. We are lucky to have several in the gardens and you can occasionally glimpse one as they move swiftly through the undergrowth on the right hand side of the main path, looking for their favourite insect meals. This is another bird that only survives in areas with dense understories, in rainforest and coastal scrub right down the east coast. This photo shows an adult male, on the left, feeding a juvenile. Photo Cheryl Cooper #coffsharbourbotanicgarden #coffscoastnsw #sharecoffscoast #visitnsw. ...

The astoundingly attractive blooms provided a feast for insects, even whilst fallen on the ground below. Lythraceae (Lafoensia Glyptocarpa) growing primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome is native to NE Brazil. Growing on the Village green near the amenities block, it is a semideciduous tree with a dense, globose crown. It can grow 15 - 25 metres tall. A fast-growing tree that succeeds in a wide range of soils and has an elegant shape and attractive foliage.
Uses: harvested from the wild for its timber (general construction, cabinet making and carpentry), used as a pioneer species to restore woodland, street planting and violet dye stuff is obtained from the plant. ...