Page 12 - Tropic Magazine Issue 26

TROPIC • UP FRONT

In Season

EXPLORE
Tropic’s local guide to the 1
best of nature this October THRIVING VIOLET
and November. Flora
For me, one such reconnection is found
Words: Nicky Horstmann in the form of Spathoglottis paulinae, a
native purple ground orchid that flowers
As the pending onset of summer looms non-stop from August through to and a definitive forked tail.
over FNQ, the faint-hearted among April. There are many different species Spangled Drongos (Dicrurus bracteatus)
us may start dreaming of a temporary of endemic Spathoglottis from India to are relatively common in our gardens
retreat to cooler climes. In fact, I think the Pacific Islands, cultivars as well. and surrounds. They prefer a more
most might let themselves be tempted However, our local FNQ variety holds its open perch and will cheerfully strip
to engage in such traitorous thoughts own with the best of them. the leaves off their preferred branches,
from time to time. Yet all it takes is one Because S. paulinae is relatively tough presumably to enable them to see and
simple reconnection with our special and adapted to our climate, it manages catch insect prey. Thus, you’ll know the
part of the world and, voila, our tropical to thrive through the most challenging birds have been hunting in your yard
enthusiasm returns. weather – an inspiration to all of us, even if you haven’t actually seen them.
perhaps. New flower stalks just keep Even more characteristic of a drongo’s
on appearing and sharing their bounty visit is their wide-ranging and raucous
for months as more and more blooms vocalisation, generally described as
take their turn to open, producing a both harsh and metallic. They also
permanent bright patch in the garden. produce a whistle that would put any
Oh, and, by the way, that ‘patch’ will 1970s construction worker to shame.
grow bigger and bigger each year – but So, why does the epithet ‘drongo’ imply
only in the tropics. The border’s closed some sort of insult? After all, ‘drongo’
on that one! was the label used by Madagascans
to describe their native species of
HAPLESS HISTORY the bird. Well, in the 1920s an Aussie
Birds racehorse was named after the bird –
an inspirational and exotic name, no
Aussie slang has a lot to answer for, less. Unfortunately, the thoroughbred
doesn’t it? I mean, what’s so wrong went on to lose 37 races that he entered,
with calling someone a drongo? How hence the birth of the derogatory
can that be insulting? After all, the ‘drongo’ tag.
drongos we’re familiar with are rather
spectacular black birds that feature 1. Spathoglottis paulinae
2 blue spangles on their chests, a red-eye 2. Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus)

RUSTY’S MARKETS

Tropical treats
Summer might be just around the corner, but our local producers continue
to provide us with delicious and delectable delights. These can be sourced
at the many local markets in the region. For those of us in Cairns, Rusty’s
continues to fill this bill with tropical fruits in abundance – mangoes,
melons, pawpaws and bananas at the very least. Healthy, yes? Well now
you can buy a little bit of wickedness to add to your fruit salads: local
organic ice-cream from Mungalli Creek Dairy. Life is certainly sweet!

12 • Tropic • Issue 26