A Photographic Essay of Tasmania

Large Native Seed Head

2005-11-22T18:49:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Large Native Seed Head

Common billybuttons, Craspedia glauca

2005-11-22T13:49:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Common billybuttons, Craspedia glauca

Asteraceae. A mall, sub-alpine herb growing in clumps.

Height: 15-60cm

Leaves: Narrow spatulate, in basal rosette, 5-15cm long.

Flowers: Compact, flat, bright yellow heads on stems 5-60cm.

Flowering: Summer.
Fruit: An achenc.

Habitat/Distribution: Moist grassland of sub-alpine slopes. Restricted to Central Plateau and Ben Lomond. Also WA. SA.Vic, NSW, Qld.

Cultivation: Would require well drained moist soil in full vs. Propagate from fresh seed.

Distinguishing features: Flat headed, yellow, compact idaisy flower.

var. glatrata, narrow shiny leaves, confined to wet alpine grasslands.
var. macroceplrala, stem to 1 m high.
var. racilis, common billybuttons.

Yam daisy Seed Head

2005-11-22T13:48:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Yam daisy, Microseris lanceolata

Asterace.A perennial herb with fleshy, edible rootstock.

Height: 10-40

Width: 5-30cm

Leaves: Very variable in shape and size from a basal rosette, 6-15 cm long.

Flowers: Bright yellow, 2-4cm across, terminal. single, hollow stalk.

Flowering: Winter/spring/summer.

Fruit: An achenc, 0.5-1 cm long with longer pappus.

Habitat/Distribution: Widespread in grasslands and ight forest, from sea level to alpine. Also WA, SA, Vic, \SW

Cultivation: Requires well drained soil in some sun. suitable for rockeries and containers. Susceptible to cinnamon fungus, Phytophthora cinnannomi. Propagate from seed or by division.

Distinguishing features: The dandelion-like flower.

Native Hardwood Fungi

2005-11-22T13:47:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Native Hardwood Fungi

Southern storksbill, Pelargonium australe

2005-11-22T13:45:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Southern storksbill, Pelargonium australe

Geraniaceac. A smallground-hugging, aromatic, perennial herb.

Height: 10-50cm

Width: 30-60cm

Leaves: Aromatic, green, softly hairy, kidney-shaped leaves 1-3cm deep, with intricate veins.

Flowers: Pale to deep pink petals with magenta bee-lines to the centre. The multiple, terminal flower heads arc on a long slender, hairy stalk.

Flowering: Spring/sununer/early autumn.

Fruit: 5dehiscing seeds held in an enclosed calyx with a protruding awn.

Habitat/Distribution: Widespread and common in dry, sandy, rocky soils as part of the undcrstorey. Also WA, SA, W Q.

Cultivation: Hardy and adaptable herb useful as a filler. Requires good drainage. Self seeds freely. Propagates easily from cuttings.

Distinguishing features: Dainty small pink multiple flower heads, with magenta
bee-lines, in dry areas.

Native Spider

2005-11-22T13:43:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Native Spider

European Honey Bee Feeding on Golden Everlasting Daisy

2005-11-22T13:41:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Golden everlasting,

Xerochrysum bracteatum

Asteraceae. Predominantly an annual herb.

Height: 30-50cm

Width: 10-40cm

Leaves: light green, sheathing, broadly elliptical, 3-15cm, with a prominent central vein.The young growth is sticky on the main fleshy stem.

Flowers: Cream/orange, terminal paper daisy, 2-5cm across.

Flowering: Spring and sporadic.

Fruit: An achene.

Habitat/Distribution: An understorey plant in dry anphyll forest. Also WA, SA,Vic, NSW, Q.

Cultivation: Hardy, requiring summer moisture. Removing spent flower heads promotes further flowering. Will self-seed freely, often producing interesting forms. Propagation easy from seed or cuttings. Many commercial forms are now available.

Distinguishing features: Stiff papery bracts.

European Honey Bee Feeding on Golden Everlasting Daisy

2005-11-22T13:39:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Golden everlasting,

Xerochrysum bracteatum

Asteraceae. Predominantly an annual herb.

Height: 30-50cm

Width: 10-40cm

Leaves: light green, sheathing, broadly elliptical, 3-15cm, with a prominent central vein.The young growth is sticky on the main fleshy stem.

Flowers: Cream/orange, terminal paper daisy, 2-5cm across.

Flowering: Spring and sporadic.

Fruit: An achene.

Habitat/Distribution: An understorey plant in dry anphyll forest. Also WA, SA,Vic, NSW, Q.

Cultivation: Hardy, requiring summer moisture. Removing spent flower heads promotes further flowering. Will self-seed freely, often producing interesting forms. Propagation easy from seed or cuttings. Many commercial forms are now available.

Distinguishing features: Stiff papery bracts.

Spreading flaxlily, Dianella revoluta

2005-11-22T13:38:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Spreading flaxlily, Dianella revoluta

Liliaceae. A tufted perennial herb spreading by rhizomes in extensive clumps.

Height: 30-100cm

Width: 0.5-2.5m

Leaves: Dark green, long strap-like to 70cm, with conspicuous central vein, narrow, 1-2 cm wide. Edges firmly rolled.

Flowers: 6 blue/purple petals with yellow stamens, in open bunches on long stalks.

Flowering: Late spring/summer.

Fruit: Blue/purple shiny berry containing masses of black seed.

Habitat/Distribution: Widespread, coast to 400m preferring damp to dry situations and tea-tree heaths. Also WA, SA.Vic. NSW, Q.

Cultivation: A very good soil-binding plant that withstands harsh conditions from first line coastal to 400m. Ideal for growing close to trees. Survives dry conditions and fires because of suckering growth habit. Can be controlled by removing stickers. Propagation by division or seed.

Distinguishing features: Tightly rolled strap-leaves.

Spreading flaxlily, Dianella revoluta

2005-11-22T13:37:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Spreading flaxlily, Dianella revoluta

Liliaceae. A tufted perennial herb spreading by rhizomes in extensive clumps.

Height: 30-100cm

Width: 0.5-2.5m

Leaves: Dark green, long strap-like to 70cm, with conspicuous central vein, narrow, 1-2 cm wide. Edges firmly rolled.

Flowers: 6 blue/purple petals with yellow stamens, in open bunches on long stalks.

Flowering: Late spring/summer.

Fruit: Blue/purple shiny berry containing masses of black seed.

Habitat/Distribution: Widespread, coast to 400m preferring damp to dry situations and tea-tree heaths. Also WA, SA.Vic. NSW, Q.

Cultivation: A very good soil-binding plant that withstands harsh conditions from first line coastal to 400m. Ideal for growing close to trees. Survives dry conditions and fires because of suckering growth habit. Can be controlled by removing stickers. Propagation by division or seed.

Distinguishing features: Tightly rolled strap-leaves.

Native Bee

2005-11-22T13:36:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Native Bee

Honey Fly Feeding on a Golden Everlasting Daisy

2005-11-22T13:33:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Golden everlasting, Xerochrysum bracteatum

Asteraceae. Predominantly an annual herb.

Height: 30-50cm

Width: 10-40cm

Leaves: light green, sheathing, broadly elliptical, 3-15cm, with a prominent central vein.The young growth is sticky on the main fleshy stem.

Flowers: Cream/orange, terminal paper daisy, 2-5cm across.

Flowering: Spring and sporadic.

Fruit: An achene.

Habitat/Distribution: An understorey plant in dry anphyll forest. Also WA, SA,Vic, NSW, Q.

Cultivation: Hardy, requiring summer moisture. Removing spent flower heads promotes further flowering. Will self-seed freely, often producing interesting forms. Propagation easy from seed or cuttings. Many commercial forms are now available.

Distinguishing features: Stiff papery bracts.

Blue Stars, Chamaescilla corymbosa

2005-11-22T12:53:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Blue Stars, Chamaescilla corymbosa

Liliaceae. A perennial herb with a tuberous root.

Description
Height: 10-15cm

Width: 10-20cm

Leaves: Linear, to 15crn long, 1.5-5mm wide with hairy margins, broader at base tapering to a point, a basal tuft of 2-6 leaves that die off in the sunnner.

Flowers: Blue. 1-6, with 6 rounded petals on stalk up to 25cm, twisting as the flower dries.

Flowering: Spring. Fruit: A 3-lobed capsule.

Habitat/Distribution: Moist sandy or peaty heaths or light forests from sea level to 200m in the north-West, north-east, Midlands, south-cast. Also WA, SA,Vic.

Cultivation: An adaptable plant for Well drained areas in part sun. Seems to be short-lived. Propagate from seed.

Distinguishing features: Basal tuft With terminal bright blue flowers on slender stem. The only Chatnaescilla species in Tasmania.
var. eoryrnbosa, blue stars.

Milkmaids, Burchardia umbellata

2005-11-22T12:52:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Milkmaids, Burchardia umbellata

Liliaceae. Showy herbaceous perennial.

Height: 15-50cm

Leaves: Grass-like from a sheathing base.

Flowers: Terminal cluster, 6 white petals, 6 burgundy tipped stamens and a burgundy ovary.

Flowering: Late spring.

Fruit: Triangudar capsule, containing many angular seeds.

Habitat/Distribution: Grassland or open forest. Also WA, SA,Vic, NSW, Q.

Cultivation: Well drained site with part shade to full sun, Frost tolerant. Propagate from seed.

Distinguishing features: Burd:ardia has completely white petals with flowers in clusters. Similar species Il'hrmbea rlioica has burgundy on petals and filaments.

Spider on Milkmaids, Burchardia umbellata

2005-11-22T12:41:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Milkmaids, Burchardia umbellata

Liliaceae. Showy herbaceous perennial.

Height: 15-50cm

Leaves: Grass-like from a sheathing base.

Flowers: Terminal cluster, 6 white petals, 6 burgundy tipped stamens and a burgundy ovary.

Flowering: Late spring.

Fruit: Triangudar capsule, containing many angular seeds.

Habitat/Distribution: Grassland or open forest. Also WA, SA,Vic, NSW, Q.

Cultivation: Well drained site with part shade to full sun, Frost tolerant. Propagate from seed.

Distinguishing features: Burd:ardia has completely white petals with flowers in clusters. Similar species Il'hrmbea rlioica has burgundy on petals and filaments.

Garden Spider

2005-10-25T13:43:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Garden Spider

Garden Spider Spinning Her Web

2005-10-25T13:42:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Garden Spider Spinning Her Web

Adult Bleating Tree Frogs, Litoria dentata

2005-10-25T12:22:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Bleating Tree Frogs, Litoria dentata are very common in the Launceston Area. I have hundreds breed each year in my large disused inground swimming pool. From early summer I have to rescue large numbers of young frogs from the path of the lawn mower. When the summer rains fall, they congrigate on the windows, feeding on insects.

Description:
This a small but loud tree frog, upto 45mm long. It is creamish-brown to pale grey-brown above with a broad band running the head down the back. A dark stripe runs through the eye and down the side. The groin, the back of the thighs and armpits are frequently yellow, particually in males, and the belly is yellowish white. The skin is smooth above, with the belly granular. The fingers are one-third webbed with large toe discs. They have vermerine teeth between the choanae, and maxillary teeth.

Call:
A high-pitched bleat, almost painful in pitch and volume. The males callfrom the ground close to water. They are usually only seen after heavy spring and summer rains.

Habbit:
They are often associated with coastal lagoons, ponds and swamps, especailly those with grassy edges. They can be found beneath bark ans stones near the breeding sites by day.

Matted Pratia, Pratia pedunculta

2005-10-03T09:10:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Matted Pratia, Pratia pedunculta

Totally flat ground cover with star-like blue or white flowers

Description: A prostrate ground covering perennial herb.

Habitat: Widespread and common in boggy areas

Flowering: Spring/summer.

Flowers: Small, flat, 5-pettalled, blue/white, single in the leaf axis.

Fruits: Small fleshy capsule.

Bush Fly and Matted Pratia, Pratia pedunculta

2005-10-03T09:02:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Matted Pratia, Pratia pedunculta

Totally flat ground cover with star-like blue or white flowers

Description: A prostrate ground covering perennial herb.

Habitat: Widespread and common in boggy areas

Flowering: Spring/summer.

Flowers: Small, flat, 5-pettalled, blue/white, single in the leaf axis.

Fruits: Small fleshy capsule.

Blue/grey Fungi

2005-10-03T08:55:00.000+11:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Blue/grey Fungi

Fungi from the Eastern Side of Mount Barrow

2005-05-14T21:14:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Fungi from the Eastern Side of Mount Barrow

2005-05-14T21:12:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Fungi from the Eastern Side of Mount Barrow

2005-05-14T21:11:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Fungi from the Eastern Side of Mount Barrow

2005-05-14T21:09:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Fungi from the Eastern Side of Mount Barrow

2005-05-14T13:08:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Fungi from the Launceston Area

2005-05-06T23:52:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Fungi from the Launceston Area

2005-05-06T23:43:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Fungi from the Launceston Area

2005-05-06T23:33:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Fungi from the Launceston Area

2005-05-06T23:23:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Frozen Fungi from the Launceston Area

2005-05-06T23:14:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Fungi from the Launceston Area

2005-05-06T22:55:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Fungi from the Launceston Area

2005-05-06T13:53:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Fairy Goblets

2005-05-05T14:48:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Fairy Goblets

2005-05-05T14:46:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Tiny Native Wild Flower

2005-05-05T14:44:00.001+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc Â©

Licon

2005-05-05T14:41:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Licons

2005-05-05T14:34:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Moss Forest

2005-05-05T14:32:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Fungi, "Phellinus sp."

2005-05-05T14:28:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Fungi from the Launceston Area

2005-05-05T14:24:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Moss Forest

2005-05-05T14:23:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Fungi from the Launceston Area

2005-05-05T14:22:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Acacia Burls

2005-05-05T14:21:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Oxalis perennans, Grassland Woodsorrel

2005-05-05T14:20:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Licons

2005-05-05T14:16:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Native Moss

2005-05-05T14:14:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

Native Moss

2005-05-05T14:10:00.000+10:00

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

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Photographed by Sparra Mc ©

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