Page 12 - Tropic Magazine Issue 25

TROPIC • UP FRONT

1. Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)
2. Lomandra longifolia

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In Season acrobatics inspire our awe. Featuring plants of our region. Not only do we see
nearly every colour of the rainbow, they the trees sport new growth in the richest
EXPLORE are truly magnificent in the afternoon of autumnal colours, we are reminded
Tropic’s local guide to the best sunlight as they swoop and dive, of that innate drive to reproduce by the
of nature this August glimmering gold and aqua, their two abundant flowering that commences,
and September. black tail spines trailing behind them. something that we all look forward to.
As their name implies, they like feeding (The flowering, that is, not the innate
on bees, wasps and other insects but
drive to reproduce!).
Words: Nicky Horstmann
they only catch their prey on the wing Lomandra, a group of native plants we
- hence the amazing acrobatics. This are probably all familiar with as they
Over the next couple of months, we type of behaviour doesn’t lend itself to are frequently planted in median strips
wave goodbye to our FNQ winter, thick forest, so Rainbow Bee-eaters and roadside gardens, are a favourite
such as it was. Along with enjoying are most likely spotted in more open for my garden. Their tussocky-rush style
the natural delights of the bush, environments, particularly where they of growth provides a great contrast to
swimming at our beaches becomes have ready access to sandy/loamy sites shrubs and trees.
more appealing. Even the joys of suitable for tunnelling out their nests. Of the 50 or so species of Lomandras
our own gardens and nearby parks Not just a thing of beauty, bee-eaters have spread across Australia, we are most
likely to encounter Lomandra longifolia
developed a very smart way of dealing
seem boundless. How privileged with the inherent dangers of preying and Lomandra hystrix here in FNQ. They
are we to have all of this at our on bees and wasps. To avoid stings and have won the hearts of horticulturalists
fingertips? consuming too much wasp venom, these all around the globe, combining
ethereal looking birds proceed to beat toughness with a graceful and evergreen
ATTENTION GRABBER and rub their prey against their perch appearance.
Birds both to kill and to remove any poison Spring sees flower spikes bearing
glands. Doesn’t quite fit the aesthetics of
multiple tiny cream flowers emerge above
It’s not just we humans who revel in the exquisite, does it? the strappy foliage. On the downside,
magnificence of our place in the world. these flowers are arranged around
Much of our flora and fauna does the rather unfriendly spines. On the upside,
same. One noteworthy example is the SPIKY BEAUTY however, they emit the most beautiful
Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus), a Flora and unique fragrance – just don’t go in
bird seemingly designed as an attention- Spring, if we can call it that in the tropics, too close for a sniff!
grabber. Both its colouring and its also produces wonders amongst the

RUSTY’S MARKETS

Baked goodies
Whilst there is an abundance of locally grown fresh
fruit and veggies at Rusty’s, don’t forget there is
an incredible range of baked goodies ready to eat,
such as breads, pastries, cakes, samosas and more.
For all the home-bakers out there, you can also buy
local dairy products and eggs to really create tasty
treats with local provenance. How good is that?

12 • Tropic • Issue 25