Page 10 - Tropic Magazine Issue 30

TROPIC • UP FRONT

In season

EXPLORE
Tropic’s local guide to the best of
Tropical North nature this June
and July.
Words: Nicky Horstmann
With the onset of cooler weather, the
beach and shoreline beckon. Those of us
who haven’t become truly acclimatised 2
to FNQ conditions might even consider HIGH FLYERS
a dip in the ocean. For many, however,
that’s certainly not an option – it is winter Fauna
after all. 1 One thing that can top off a great day at
This year, June and July offer us great Nypa palms are certainly trees worth the shore is a sighting of a Brahminy Kite
opportunities to explore wetland, protecting! The average Australian (Haliastur indus). Often referred to as the
mangrove and beach environs with some beachgoer may be more familiar with red-backed sea eagle, these raptors can
super low tides in the afternoon. the Goat’s Foot Morning Glory plant also be found around the coastlines of
The lowest is on June 24 at 2.32pm and (Ipomoea pes-caprae). It’s that straggling India and Southeast Asia.
July 23 comes in a close second at 2.26pm. groundcover vine with the purple flowers As a medium-sized bird of prey,
that grows over the dry sand above the the animals are easily distinguished by
BEACHSIDE BEAUTIES high-water mark. You know the one – their white head and chest contrasting
Flora I think that most of us have tripped over vividly with their chestnut/copper body
Mangrove forests are highly productive it at some time or another. As you will and wings.
ecosystems, and we share many species have noticed when picking yourself up, ‘Brahminies’ can be seen in the daytime
of mangrove trees with the warm tropical this convolvulus plant sends down roots sitting on a perch or soaring high in the
areas of Southeast Asia, the Pacific and at regular intervals and it is this feature sky. They might even be out with their
beyond. One such species is the Nypa that makes its preservation vital. life-long mate catching fish and crabs.
Palm (Nypa fruticans). The Goat’s Foot Morning Glory helps to Equally, they like stealing smaller birds’
More likely to be found in less salty areas, hold the sand on the beach, and the beach catches (are they kleptoparasites or
Nypa palms, uniquely, appear to have to the land. No Goat’s Foot – no beach! No simply bullies?), nor are they too proud
no trunk. Their very long fronds simply beach – less land! to scavenge.
emerge from the mud, as do the flowers
and subsequent fruit. RUSTY’S MARKETS
However, the palms do have trunks Brilliant brassica
beneath the ground, which I would As the so-called cooler months
imagine provides the plant with vastly progress, the range of locally grown
increased stability in waterlogged soil. veggies available at Rusty’s expands.
These mangrove palms are to be respected
for other features as well. Cool and temperate climate varieties
make their limited appearance,
They are fantastic energy converters including Tablelands cauliflowers –
and their flowers produce a sugary sap fresh and fantastic. Turn them into
that can be used to manufacture ethanol cauliflower au gratin with Mungalli
amongst other things. Nypa seeds can be
picked before they mature and eaten raw. milk and cheese to provide comfort
on a cold night or try roasting the
These palms are also the source of florets with olive oil, salt and pepper.
traditional medicine; and, to top it off, the Apart from simply eating it, roasted
fronds from the Nypa palm are used for cauli can be used in pasta sauces,
making baskets and mats as well as top 1. Nypa Palm (Nypa fruticans)
quality thatching. dips, fritters and salads. 2. Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

10 • Tropic • Issue 30