Page 9 - Tropic Magazine Issue 35

TROPIC • UP FRONT

In season

EXPLORE
Tropic’s local guide to the best of
Far North flora and fauna this
April and May.

Words: Nicky Horstmann 1
There’s nothing like a walk in the
rainforests of FNQ. The ambient WAIT-A-WHILE
temperature and the relative darkness Flora
promote an ‘other-worldly’ feeling. Of course, not every tropical rainforest
It’s a place where the stress and strain stroll goes smoothly. Even on easy 2
of everyday life is put aside for the walking paths there are hazards that are
irresistible opportunity to feel at-one best avoided, but not always easy to see. This provides the opportunity for
with nature. Simply admire the tenacity I’m sure many have enjoyed having to upwards growth of the palm.
of all the plants striving (in so many ‘wait-a-while’ in the attempt to unhook To further enhance their ability to reach
different ways) for a glimpse of sunlight from the tendril of a Lawyer Cane. the sun, Lawyer Canes can possess pretty
and listen to the forest’s sounds. You’ll feel Lawyer Cane, Wait-a-while, Hairy Mary impressive spines on both stems and
so much better for it when you leave. and Vicious Hairy Mary are some names fronds. Different species display various
attributed to various members of the arrangements and levels of ferocity –
FOREST FORAGERS Calamus genus of palms. You can find hence Vicious Hairy Mary.
(or they find you?) at least four different The Lawyer Cane palms demonstrate
Fauna species here in FNQ. truly remarkable adaptations that have
One ground dwelling bird you might This group of palms has developed an ensured their success in the competitive
encounter on your stroll is the Pacific ingenious way of finding ample sunlight. world of tropical rainforests. They thrive
Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps longirostris). Instead of having sturdy trunks that in areas where the forest canopy
However, you are just as likely to see one grow independently upwards, Calamus has been disturbed. Perhaps expanding
waddling around gardens, along creek species grow like vines. Their hook-laden human activity will provide too
banks, or even on the roadside. tendrils that sway about in the breeze many opportunities for these very
These birds are easy to identify, have a serious job to do. When in contact special palms?
with rich green wings standing out with another plant, the tendril slips
against their overall brownish bodies. downwards and backwards and curving 1. A pair of Pacific Emerald Doves
The male emerald dove sports a white hooks bury in, hopefully, to stop any (Chalcophaps longirostris)
patch on the top of his shoulder and a further descent. 2. Calamus moti. Credit: Palmpedia
grey crown, while the female’s shoulder 3. Curly kale (Brassica oleracea var)
patch is duller, tending to grey.
Both genders feature a bright red bill.
Feeding on seeds and fruits on the forest RUSTY’S MARKETS
floor keeps these doves heads-down Chemical-free crops
and busy. This doesn’t mean they won’t The locally grown produce at
fly away if threatened, expertly weaving Rusty’s Markets is starting to reflect
their way through the trees accompanied the change in seasons – greater
by the usual heavy flapping noise abundance and increased choice. That
made by pigeons. increase in choice also applies to the
The emerald dove’s call is also very number of stalls offering certified
pigeon-like – a repeated low, soft coo that organic foods, a change welcomed
gets louder as it continues. by many. Why, there are now stalls
All in all, a sighting of emerald doves is a selling their very own certified
rewarding experience. They’re not rare organic vegies grown on our beautiful
or extra-special, just heart-warmingly Tablelands. How lucky are we?
charming and cute.

9 • tropicnow.com.au