Page 11 - Tropic Magazine Issue 38

TROPIC • UP FRONT

In season

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

Words: Nicky Horstmann

SEX ON THE REEF
Fauna
October and November are months of
great significance for Cairns and North
Queensland as they feature the vital
season of renewal for the Great Barrier 1
Reef - mass coral spawning.
It’s probably not remarkable that the ELEPHANT EARS
actual spawn can’t be pinpointed to Flora
specific dates on the calendar, it is a For those of you who have enjoyed
natural event after all. However, there southern beaches in Australia, the word
are general guidelines that feed our Cunjevoi might be synonymous with the
anticipation for this truly momentous brown, leathery-looking sea squirt that
happening: warm water to allow the inhabits the rocky shores. Well, not so in
polyps to develop the sex cells essential the North. Cunjevoi (Alocasia brisbanensis)
for reproduction as well as nights with means that green, fleshy plant that grows
limited tidal movement. Thus three to six in and around our rainforests.
nights after the full moons of October, As its scientific name implies, this 2
November and December become key clumping plant is not unique to the
times. Other factors also come into play Far North but it is certainly worthy of RAINFOREST BIRD
- the length of day and suitable salinity mention. Its familiar heart-shaped leaves
for example. are easily spotted as this plant rarely Fauna
So, we poor humans are rendered grows taller than 1.5-metres. Spotted Catbirds (Ailuroedus maculosus) are
helpless to predict dates in the face of Look out for the flowers as the weather particularly fond of the Cunjevoi seeds as
these demands but somehow, coral warms up. They look somewhat like arum well as many of the other rainforest fruits.
polyps are able to process all this data lilies and have a rose fragrance. The fruit They also feed on insects and occasionally
and adjust their behaviour accordingly. that follows features red seeds that are other birds’ eggs and chicks (good food
They even time their party for the early favoured by rainforest birds. for Catbird offspring).
evening to avoid unwanted predatory As appealing as the Cunjevoi might seem, Unique to North East Queensland, it is
gate-crashers - you know the ones that every part of it is toxic to humans. most likely that you have at least heard a
just come for the food! A ‘no touching’ rule is advisable and the Spotted Catbird, even if you haven’t
Here’s hoping that all goes well for this belief that the sap from this plant can seen one. This species can be a noisy
year’s spawn: never has the outcome of be used to treat Gympie Gympie stings feature of the rainforest and surrounds.
this coral orgy been so critical. should be considered as urban myth. The birds have a brilliant green upper and
a spotty brown breast. They also have a
distinct dark patch to the rear of their
RUSTY’S MARKETS red eyes. A short strong bill completes
Limes are generally available at Rusty’s all year round. the ‘look’.
The green Tahitian and yellow West Indian limes are often seen. A third The question remains, why are they
lime - the Makrut (formally known as Kaffir) is not as often encountered. called Catbirds? I struggle to hear
This bumpy-skinned fruit is generally overlooked in favour of its super any similarity to a cat noise. Trying to
fragrant leaves that feature in south-east Asian cooking. However, the describe their call is difficult: a piercing
lime itself can provide some unique taste sensations using the juice metallic sneeze is the best that I can do.
and/or the finely grated rind. Give it a go! 1. Coral spawn. Credit: Instagram @johnny_gaskell
2. Spotted Catbirds (Ailuroedus maculosus).
Credit: Facebook/Birds in Focus

11 • tropicnow.com.au