Hidden Delights

Wandering around Peacehaven recently, I was fascinated with the secret wonders along the way.

A turtle snout peeping through the Nardoo.

At the dam the turtles were hiding under the Common Nardoo, Marsilea drummondii. They are probably the Eastern Long-necked Turtle, Chelodina longicollis. When you walk onto the jetty you are likely to see a few sticking their nostrils out of the water. The dam is perfect for them as there are safe sunbathing sites and plenty of food. They eat insects, worms, tadpoles and small frogs. 

Christmas beetle, Anoplognathus pallidicollis

In the wildlife garden beyond the rainforest I found this Christmas Beetle. They are not always well-liked by gardeners as they can defoliate vegetation if there are large numbers of them. A member of the scarab family, this golden beauty always reminds me of my childhood.

In the rainforest area is this little delight. You can see how tiny the flowers are by my fingers. The flowers are followed by lovely white berries later in summer. The shrub has luxuriant glossy leaves and loves semi-shade. 

Flowers of Smooth Psychotria,
Psychotria daphnoides

Smooth Psychotria,
Psychotria daphnoides

Another hidden treasure in the rainforest was the Common Brown Butterfly, Heteronympha merope, resting in the dappled foliage. Click here for more on this interesting butterfly. It is difficult to find with its colour and shape such good camouflage.

Fern frond catching the early morning sun.

In the heavy shade of the rainforest floor a ray of sunshine spotlighted a fern frond. It is difficult to believe this area was only planted 6-7 years ago. Already it has some of the characteristics of a much older forest.

The trees in the Brachychiton garden have been flowering for a while now over near the Scott St entrance. These include the Flame Tree, Lacebark, Kurrajong and the delicate cultivar "Gabby's Bells". Look carefully amongst the Flame Tree foliage and you'll find these seed pods. Hidden inside are the seeds ready to burst out. 

Brachychiton cv. “Gabby’s Bells”

 

Flame Tree, Brachychiton acerifolius