No.77 M a y 2003 Plant destroyer Notes from Editor the Phytophthora cinnamomi is a destructive disease blamed for `forest dieback' throughout the world. It is thought to have been introduced into Australia by early settlers and has since had a severe impact across much of southern In response to requests from readers, Australia and north Queensland. Forest dieback was first noticed affecting this Tropical Topics has a central native jarrah forests in Western Australia in 1921, but Phytophthora fact sheet on bush medicine. Natural cinnamomi was not identified as the cause until the late 1960s. medicines have been in the headlines Once thought to be a soil fungus, to a `virulent' state which can kill all recently and there is a growing Phytophthora cinnamomi is now infected plants: a dieback patch. a w a r e n e s s that just because a believed to be closer to some algal and medicine is based on a plant, this protozoan organisms. It feeds on plant Phytophthora was found by does not necessarily mean it is safe. tissue, killing its host by interfering researchers in north Queensland Many plants contain very potent with its ability to take in and circulate rainforests in 1975. However, apart chemicals and, as with bush tucker, water. It is spread easily by water and from causing isolated patches of experimentation can be dangerous. in moist, infected soil which may be dieback, it does not seem to have been carried on vehicles, earth-moving as destructive as elsewhere. As in pharmaceutical drugs, if taken equipment, footwear and by animals or Nonetheless, over 200 sites containing in low doses, a chemical compound with plants which are moved. Many dieback patches have been identified in four main areas of upland forest; the dieback sites are near roads. Once may be beneficial, but there can be established it can form a `front of southern end of the Carbine Tableland serious consequences if excessive around Mt Lewis, the Lamb Range death', advancing through forests and doses are taken. Traditionally, while heathlands killing all the vegetation in north of Lake Tinaroo, around Tully Aboriginal people used many plants its path. It has been dubbed the Falls/Koombooloomba and the and many parts of plants externally crown-of-thorns of the forest. Kirrama/Cardwell Range. These sites as cures, they took relatively few vary from less than a hectare to over internally. Determining correct doses 10ha in size. Forests most at risk seem Four spore types are produced as part would have been difficult. to be upland rainforests, particularly of the Phytophthora lifecycle. Some simple notophyll vine forests, between can remain dormant in the soil for 750m and 1050m, on soils derived from many years. Others ­ zoospores ­ can I would like to thank Paul Gadek, acid igneous rocks. However, these swim through water trapped between James Cook University and Paul soil particles and are positively areas are where studies have been Davis, Department of Natural concentrated and Phytophthora has attracted to plant roots. True fungi do Resources and Mines, Atherton, not produce zoospores. Phytophthora also been found in other forest types, for their help with this issue. can be present in the soil without on basalt soils and at sea level. showing any obvious symptoms in the Awareness is the key to control. We vegetation, causing low levels of root Contents: can minimise the spread of this infection which many species can Page 1: Plant destroyer dangerous disease by: tolerate. However, it can be triggered · Not using unsealed roads in wet Page 2: Can birds smell? Creature feature: Echidnas conditions. The name Phytophthora means · Following conditions on permits, Page 3: Mabi forest `plant destroyer'. There are over obeying signs regarding restricted Weed corner: Miconia 50 known species of Phytophthora, access areas and respecting locked Pages 4&5: Bush medicine 27 of them recorded in Australia. gates. Page 6: Questions & answers Phytophthora cinnamomi is · Not transporting soil from one Sideline: Red leaves considered the most damaging. location to another. Tourist Talk Phytophthora can damage · Thoroughly washing down vegetables, flowers, fruits, pastures, Page 7: Out and about vehicles after using unsealed roads. forage crops and ornamental as well Page 8: Bookshelf · Cleaning boots and tent pegs as native plants. Worldwide, it costs during and after bushwalking and many millions of dollars in damage to camping, and sterilising with metho at horticulture. the end. Can birds smell? For many animals, a well-developed sense of smell is their main method for finding food, mates and home. So how about birds? On the whole, it is thought that birds rely on vision more than krill ­ the food of many seabirds. Visual cues are probably smell. Accordingly, the optic parts of their brains are generally also important but storm-petrels, in tests, were able to find much better developed than the olfactory ones. Since the pungent oil-soaked sponges at night, indicating that they brain uses a great deal of energy, most birds seem to have relied entirely on their sense of smell. They were even able to opted for vision development. However this is not a universal detect the lures from as much as eight kilometres away. Petrels rule and the size of the olfactory lobes varies. It tends to be have particularly well-developed nostrils and can distinguish larger in carnivorous birds than in those birds which eat seeds their own nest material, in a colony, in the dark. and fruit. In small forest-dwelling birds it occupies as little as three percent of the brain and in house sparrows just eight Kiwis use smell to locate food, such as earthworms, during percent, whereas in kiwis it is as much as 33 percent and up to nocturnal probings with nostrils located near the tip of the bill. 37 percent in some seabirds. However, there is evidence that different birds are attuned to particular smells, which are Three species of new world vultures (Cathartes genus) have important to them, and may simply not perceive others. an extremely well-developed sense of smell. They have large nostrils on the side of the bill and unusually well-developed Many seabirds, particularly the olfactory regions of the brains. They rely on their sense of `tube-nosed' ones such as petrels smell to find food ­ rotting carcasses ­ in the forest and are and shearwaters, rely on smell to able to locate even small rodents and birds. find their food in the open ocean. They are attracted to odours produced The sense of smell in other birds is uncertain and we may by microscopic plants when they are have underestimated it. Homing pigeons, deprived of their being eaten by small animals such as sense of smell, were unable to find their way home, whereas unaltered pigeons had no problems with navigation. Birds also produce odours as part of social communication, Frogmouths produce extremely smelly particularly at breeding time, so are presumably are able to faeces which they spray on intruders ­ detect them. but can the frogmouth smell it? C re at u re fe at u re : echidnas fea Cr Echidnas and platypuses are the only egg-laying mammals ­ monotremes ­ in the world. There are two species of echidnas, the larger long-beaked sense of smell, but research has shown that, along with the echidna* found only in the highlands of New Guinea, and the platypus, it also possesses unique sensory capabilities. These short-beaked echidna, which lives in Australia and the New include specialised nerve endings at the tip of its snout which are sensitive to tiny electric currents. These enable it to detect Guinean lowlands. Like the platypus, they are considered to the minute electric signals produced by moving prey. have an ancient lineage and to have been around for over 100 million years. Their peculiar egg-laying method of reproduction is thought to demonstrate the descent of Another feature the male platypus and the male echidna have mammals from reptiles. in common is a spur on the ankle of the hindleg. Whereas the spur of the platypus male contains a poison gland and can inflict some damage, the male echidna's spur is not venomous. The short-beaked echidna is found in all habitats in Australia, from desert to snowy mountains to rainforest. Its abundant sharp spines, which mean the echidna has few predators, are The female echidna produces one marble-sized, soft-shelled egg at a time, about two weeks after mating. It is probably laid consolidated hair. Softer fur grows between the spines and in directly into a shallow depression on the mother's underside, colder areas may be long enough to almost hide them. a type of pouch. It hatches in about 10 days and for the next 50 days the baby is carried around, feeding on milk which The echidna gets out and about to feed mainly at dawn and exudes from pores on the mother's two mammary glands. At dusk. Top of the menu are termites and ants. It breaks into the age of three months, the baby has a covering of short the nests of colonial insects, demolishing even the hard mud spines and is deposited in an underground burrow for the next walls of a termite mound with its strong front feet. It pokes its seven months. At one long nose into cracks and extrudes an enormously long year old it makes its first sticky tongue to which the helpless insects are glued like flies on flypaper. Not only does the echidna have an excellent foray into the world. *Different forms of the long-beaked echidna were once found all over Australia and New Guinea until late Pleistocene times (about 11,000 years ago). 22 M a b i forest Mabi forest is a special type of forest which grows on the fertile basalt soils of the Atherton Tableland. When ecologists Len Webb and Geoff Tracey originally classified the forests of the wet tropics in the 1960s, they categorised this forest as complex notophyll vine forest ­ type 5b ­ basing their description on Tolga Scrub, near Atherton. Their system took into account physical/structural characteristics and species composition. This allows light to penetrate to the forest floor, Mabi forest grows only in areas of high rainfall (up to 1600mm annually) on soils derived from basalt rock. These soils are the encouraging the growth of a dense 1-3m high shrub result of volcanic activity on the Tableland millions of years layer with gingers and ferns. ago when shield volcanoes spilled lava across the landscape. Alkaline (basic/non-acidic) and rich in iron and magnesium, The word Mabi is one of the local Aboriginal names they are very fertile. for Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo (right). This is a particularly appropriate name since these rare animals are This is both the strength of Mabi forest and its weakness. most likely to be found in this type of forest. Trees Because the chocolate-red soils make good agricultural land, growing on poor soils derived from granite or metamorphic much of the original forest cover has been cleared. Although rocks produce leaves which are tougher, less nutritious and it once covered the Atherton Tableland, to the north and west contain more toxins than those growing on basalt. This is an of Malanda, less than two percent now remains, growing in important consideration for leaf-eating animals such as isolated patches such as Tolga Scrub, Wongabel State Forest, possums and tree-kangaroos and it is perhaps not surprising Hallorans Hill and at the Curtain Fig Tree, near Yungaburra. In that they are much more abundant in forests on basalt. October last year it was added to the national list of critically endangered ecological communities under the Environment Volunteer members of TREAT ­ Trees for the Evelyn and Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999. Atherton Tablelands Inc. ­ have devoted many hundreds of hours to rehabilitating and replanting patches of Mabi forest. Mabi forest is characterised by clusters of trees up to 45m If you would like to get involved in their activities you can high with an uneven canopy. Trunks vary in size, many of contact them on Ph: 4091 3474 or PO Box 1119, Atherton, QLD them sporting buttresses. Some of the trees are deciduous or 4883. Their website is: www.treat.net.au semi-evergreen and tend to drop a lot of leaves in dry times. We e d co rn e r: Mico n i a cor Miconia Miconia calvascens is known by various common names ­ miconia, velvet leaf, currant bush and, most appropriately perhaps, purple plague. Native to Central America, this troublesome plant has been introduced to a number of tropical countries and grown for its attractive foliage. It is now considered one of the worst weeds on many Pacific islands, notably French Polynesia and Hawaii. Miconia is a shade-tolerant tree growing to about 15m. It has Unfortunately miconia plants had already very distinctive large leaves which can grow to 70cm in length been sold and planted, forming the source for ­ the length of an adult arm. Glossy green on the upper side, localised infestations, chiefly around Kuranda, but also these leaves are purple below and have three distinctive in Cairns, Mission Beach, Innisfail, El Arish, Whyanbeal, cream-coloured veins running along their length. White north of Mossman, and other places. This enormously pesky flowers are followed by numerous dark purple, fleshy berries, plant is difficult to eradicate ­ its preference for shade means each about 10-15mm in diameter and containing up to 200 it can establish itself in dense rainforest, so it can be difficult seeds; one plant can produce up to 3 million seeds, several to find. times a year. Unfortunately the fruits are very attractive to birds which spread the seeds in their droppings. Growing It is essential that we all look out for miconia. Please remove easily in shade, the saplings flourish in rainforest where they any plants that you find but please also report them so that can form dense stands, shading out native plants and tree authorities can be aware of potential outbreak areas. Contact saplings and threatening the long-term viability of forests. Sid Clayton at Mareeba There are many different Shire Council, Ph: 4092 species of miconia. Miconia In May 1997, all species of miconia were declared under the 4311, Pat Lawler at Douglas racemosa was found in Queensland Rural Lands Protection Act (categories p1 and Shire Council, Ph: 4098 3104 Kuranda last year. It is similar, p2) making it an offence to introduce the plants into or your appropriate local but smaller, growing to 2-3 Queensland or to sell them anywhere in the State. government pest metres. Its leaves have five management officer. prominent longitudinal veins. To view a hillside covered with miconia in Hawaii, and to read more about problems in a place where it has become seriously established, see www.hear.org/pier/mical.htm 3 3 Bush medicine Bush Curiously there is little evidence that Hyoscine is the Aboriginal people used tea tree oil for its chemical which powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial achieved sudden notoriety recently when properties. The species used commercially for this purpose is Melaleuca alternifolia, a small larger than normal tree found in northern New South Wales doses in Travacalm and southern Queensland. Its germicidal tablets caused severe properties were discovered in the 1920s. illness in a number of Cajuput oil is made from the weeping people. Interestingly, this paperbark (M. leucadendra) and the chemical is found in a common rainforest tree known as soft corkwood (Duboisia myoporoides). Indeed, when cajuput (M. cajuputi). In northern Australia, the leaves of several Melaleuca species this tree was hybridised with a closely related species last century the result contained more hyoscine than any other have been used traditionally for treatment of coughs, colds and on sores and burns, either known plant. It was grown commercially to make crushed and inhaled or soaked in water to ophthalmic and sedative drugs, before synthetic versions create an infusion. The aromatic oils stimulate cells in the of the compound were developed. Extracts from the plant dilate the pupil ­ useful in eye surgery ­ and during World throat to produce more lubricating fluids thus easing irritations which cause coughs. War II considerable quantities of hyoscine were exported to treat travel sickness in Hyoscine is an alkaloid, a group of troops and shell shock. In chemicals which are found in a number 1989, 500 tonnes of dried Barringtonia racemosa is known as the fish of plants and which have a potent effect poison tree because chemicals, saponins, in and powdered leaves were on the human central nervous system; exported to pharmaceutical the bark stun fish when put in the water. This well-known alkaloids include strychnine, tree was also used in India as a fever companies in Germany and morphine, cocaine and nicotine. Switzerland. treatment and is now known to have Alkaloids in native plants do not seem properties similar to quinine, the anti-malarial Soft corkwood is poisonous to have been important as traditional drug extracted from South American trees. medicines, perhaps because of the to stock and has been difficulty of determining safe doses. blamed for at least one Cycad plants are very toxic although the seeds human death, in 1987, when were an important traditional food, when properly treated. a man experimentally ate some leaves. Interestingly, it is The seeds of some species, however, contain an antibiotic. closely related to a desert shrub, pituri (Duboisia hopwoodii) which was valued as a narcotic and widely traded by Aboriginal people in days gone by. The large leaves of the cotton tree (Hibiscus tiliaceus) can be used as dressings on wounds. The leaf is simply heated over the fire and pressed on to the injury until it She oak (Casuarina sticks, stopping the flow of blood. The flower equisetifolia) grows commonly buds of this tree are used in Hawaii as a mild along the back of beaches. The inner bark, laxative for children. For older children and which is a pinkish colour, can be ground up adults the little white, dome-shaped `bump' and used to relieve the pain of a toothache inside the bottom of the flower is used for when pressed on to the affected tooth. When same purpose. The bark of the stem is used infused in water, it can be used as a for congested chests and for a mother mouthwash to relieve a sore throat ­ but should delivering a baby. not be swallowed. Cheesefruit (Morinda citrifolia) is Stinging trees (Dendrocnide bottled in Fiji and other Pacific Islands to spp) are to be avoided, due to be sold commercially as `cheesefruit juice', the pain caused by the fine earning over US$1billion over five years hairs in the leaves. These hairs for the company named after the plant, have cell walls full of silica and Morinda Incorporated. The contain a sap which acts on the juice is sold as a performance nerve-endings in human skin, enhancer and antioxidant. causing pain for many months. However, the leaves were Commercial drugs derived from used traditionally as a cure for rheumatism. They were the roots and trunk are used to applied directly to the affected area, but, perhaps less treat high blood pressure. painful, were sometimes pounded and boiled first. The ripe fruit has an unpleasant smell so, not Banana bush Latex from a number of plants, surprisingly perhaps, this is when it is used as a including figs and banana bush medicine ­ as a treatment for common cold, 'flu, diarrhoea (T a b e r n a e m o n t a n a and asthma as well as for wound treatment. It is said to pandacaqui) (left) has been have a slight anaesthetic effect which provides instant used traditionally on relief for sore throats. Mixed with coconut milk, it is given sores and wounds. as a relief from ciguatera in the Torres Strait. Leaves and Recent studies have fruit can be crushed and inhaled or rubbed on the chest. shown that these plants The bark of this tree is used to reduce fever and the contain potent compounds by the leaves as poultices. In Hawaii, where it is known as name of proteolytic enzymes. There is a `noni', the unripe fruit is pounded with salt and the fine line between harmful and helpful chemicals. Latex mixture put on deep cuts. Ripe fruit has also been used as from many plants can cause blindness. The banana bush a poultice to draw out pus. Even more claims are made for is related to the highly poisonous oleander and the this plant, but as with most `magical cures' they have `bananas' are named for their shape, not their edibility. attracted scientific controversy. For more information on Latex from macaranga (Macaranga tanarius) is very this see www.sgapqld.org.au/bushtucker.html sticky and waterproof. It can be used on deep cuts, Owning the knowledge The core of the trunk of holding the skin An international study found that about three-quarters certain pandanus trees, together like of plant-based drugs developed by pharmaceutical notably screw palm/pine stitches. companies had already been known and used as (Pandanus spiralis) was traditional medicines. When looking for sources of new traditionally used for a drugs, pharmaceutical companies often rely on number of complaints. indigenous knowledge ­ it saves a lot of time. Having Pounded and/or boiled, it Sandpaper found an organism, the companies must break it down fig was particularly used for The into its various components and search for the one diarrhoea and stomach pain sandpaper fig (Ficus which is active. This may then be made into a drug. This but also for mouth sores and opposita) has, as the name process can be time-consuming and expensive. toothache and to relieve suggests, leaves which are Nevertheless, in the end it is usually only the drug headaches and 'flu. In some as rough as sandpaper. They company which makes the profit ­ sometimes enormous cases the pith from the prop are used, traditionally, to ­ while the people who made the initial discoveries gain roots, which support the treat fungal skin infections nothing. The company may even take out a patent on main trunk, was used. There such as ringworm (which is the plant in question and it is not unknown for the are records from Groote not a worm). The affected traditional owners to be then charged a royalty for using Eylandt, in the Northern skin is abraded with the it. Referred to as biopiracy, this trend is on the rise as Territory, of pandanus seeds leaves until quite raw and companies increasingly take out patents on organisms, being consumed for the area then covered with some of them common traditional food and medicine contraceptive the milky latex from the plant. plants. See http://twm.co.nz/CptHook.htm for more qualities, Alternatively the area may information. but no be covered with a green evidence ants' nest. The stings and An ABC Radio National Background Briefing program to support the formic acid from the ants on October 13 2002 looked at the problems associated their are very painful but with bioprospecting and indigenous rights. A transcript effectiveness. apparently a very effective of the program can be found on www.abc.net.au/rn/ cure. talks/bbing/stories/s701553.htm Sideline Q UE STIONS & A N SWE RS QU I O N S ANS inhibition of plant growth is not clear. Q What spiders make the webs on the Re d leave s Certainly mycorrhizal fungi have been leav ground that I see early in the morning discovered in rhododendron species. in May. One small paddock had These are symbiotic fungi which attach thousands. The spectacular red and pink new themselves to plant roots, obtaining foliage produced by many rainforest carbohydrates from the plants but, in A The webs belong to a small spider trees is a particularly attractive feature return, supplying extra water and in the family Lycosidae, which of our rainforests ­ and a selling point nutrients from the soil (see Tropical includes the more familiar wolf spiders. for many species, such as syzygiums, Topics 72, p2). These mycorrhizal types They belong to the genus Venonia. popular in native gardens and parks. are specifically associated with These spiders make small webs with However, the question is often asked ­ heathland plants and give them a central tunnels. Approach one quickly why? competitive advantage in nutrient-poor and you will see the tiny spider retreat soils over plants which do not have from the entrance. The red is caused by the pigment them. However, little seems to be Acknowledgements to Eric Vanderduys of anthocyanin, the same pigment which known about direct effects on other the Inquiry Centre, Queensland Museum colours many flowers and fruits and plants. which gives beetroot its wonderful hue. Q In the TV series `State of the The actual shade ­ pink, red, brown or On the other hand, many Planet', David Attenborough purple ­ depends on the pH of the fluid rhododendron species, including mentioned the devastating ecological in the cells of the leaf. Various theories Rhododendron ponticum, produce effects rhododendrons have had in have been suggested. It was thought toxins. These are even found in honey Britain. He said this plant shares a that anthocyanin might be off-putting created from the flowers and are symbiotic relationship with a soil for animals which eat leaves ­ but in blamed for human poisoning (not fungus which kills all other plant reality young red leaves are quite usually fatal) known as `Mad honey species and that even after the plants heavily damaged by predators. It was disease'. It is possible that these toxins had been poisoned or physically thought that red might raise the prevent other plants from growing but removed, the fungus continued to kill temperature of the leaves, speeding up it is also possible that they poison the other plants for a further six years. their development, but experiments have mycorrhizae needed by other plants He said that the fungus is associated shown this not to be true. It has also before they become established. with all rhododendrons. Is it been suggested that anthocyanin might associated with Australian native inhibit fungal attack. We have only one species? native One likely theory is that anthocyanin rhododendron A There are about 600 species of might protect the developing species, rhododendrons in the world. photosynthetic mechanism in young Rhododendron David Attenborough was leaves. Studies have shown that these lochae (left). It grows referring to a species which was leaves are not yet actively only above 1000m in introduced to Britain in the late photosynthesising and may need a the wet tropics. It is not 18th century, possibly from Spain and `sunscreen' to protect them from known whether this Portugal ­ Rhododendron ponticum. It harmful light. Anthocyanin absorbs species has the same is extremely invasive and severely light from the blue/green part of the effect on other plants. reduces biodiversity by excluding spectrum, reflecting away red. For more information on British other species, taking over large areas, invasions see the websites: providing little food for animals and As the leaves mature they develop www.offwell.free-online.co.uk/ even diverting bees from their chloroplasts which are responsible for rhododen.htm and www.spri.cam.ac.uk/ pollination duties on other plants. absorbing red light for photosynthesis ­ people/ojm21/rhodo.htm The exact reason for continuing to convert the sun's energy into stored energy. Green light, which we see, is reflected away. TO UR I ST TA L K Levels of anthocyanin are high both in young leaves and in those ENGLISH JAPANESE GERMAN under stress. The medicine Medizin kusuri pigment is also visible latex Gummimilch shokubutsu in old leaves such as those from quandongs and the bleeding heart no nyueki tree (above). As the leaves age, useful cough Husten seki materials in the leaf are reabsorbed by the tree. Green chlorophyll is one of the cold Erkältung kaze first to break down and disappear from wound Wunde kizu the leaves. Again, anthocyanin may fungal pilzartig kinsei no serve to protect the diminishing chlorophyll as it is breaking down. infection Infektion kansen juice Saft shiru Acknowledgements The Lake Lake News (Tablelands National Park to inhale inhalieren kyunyu suru Volunteers newsletter) Vol 5 No 8 August 1997. 6 6 Out and about Out Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue Ospreys nest between Association is ten years old. It boasts August and November in over 200 members, many of whom are southern Australia but in active carers located as far south as the north they do so Figbird Cardwell, as far north as Thursday much earlier. Their nests Island and all over the Tablelands area. are bulky structures Last year alone, 1370 birds and 388 other created from sticks and sick or injured wildlife species were lined with grass. Celerywood brought in or reported to the FNQWR Cliff faces and trees Centre in Cairns and passed on to trees are natural (Polyscias carers. Many more were taken directly to nesting sites, elegans) fruit vets or carers. In just the last five but human during the months, 837 calls were received on the structures are often used. A few years winter months, to the delight of birds, after-hours phone line. ago, in Cairns, a pair of birds built a nest such as brown pigeons, bowerbirds, New carers are always welcome; `hands- on top of the transmission tower at the currawongs and figbirds which are on' training is provided. Otherwise you Ambulance Station on Anderson Street. attracted in flocks. This is a common could assist financially by becoming a Last year the nest was mysteriously pioneer tree, which springs up readily in member and/or giving donations. destroyed. Since the tower is well rainforest regrowth areas. It grows only Indeed, if you have a lot of time to offer, fenced, it was thought not to be the in Australia, at both high and low the Wildlife Rescue Centre in Cairns is work of human vandals but possibly altitudes, from Queensland to south- looking for a new manager. caused by unruly behaviour of fledging eastern New South Wales. Reaching Please report sick, chicks. In the end, the platform, which about 10m in height it creates a shady injured or orphaned had been provided specially by canopy. Small purple flowers, produced wildlife as soon as Ambulance Station staff to keep the in summer time, are followed by crowds possible. In Cairns birds above the tower, was entirely of small, 5mm, ridged, black fruits which call (07) 4053 4467, devoid of nest material. Happily, within are borne in conspicuous bunches in Townsville, Ph: the last couple of months the ospreys above the leaves. They are sticky when have rebuilt the nest and are presumably 0414 717 374 or squashed. In spite of their popularity planning to breed again. 0412 123 783. with birds, these fruits are not suitable for human consumption. Courting ospreys perform spectacular Coming Together... is the title of the dives and swoops above the nest. The National Conference on Wildlife The common name of this tree comes female osprey then lays two to three, Rehabilitation to be held at Victoria from the fact that the bark, when cut, and sometimes four, eggs. She does University Werribee Campus, smells and tastes of celery. most of the brooding, the male visiting Melbourne, 30 June - 2 July 2003. For from time to time with a fish for which more information contact the conference the female begs with a high-pitched call. convenor, Greg Gordon, at: After the chicks have hatched, their greg.gordon@vu.edu.au; Ph: (03) 9216 mother stays with them, protecting them 8113 or (03) 9216 8139. from the sun for about a month until Wombat berry (Eustrephus latifolius) a twining they grow their feathers. It will be vine, produces fruit between March and another month before they leave the September. This scrambling, wiry-stemmed plant is nest. common in rainforest and in nearby open forest, at all altitudes. It grows as far south as eastern Victoria and is also Urban Wildlife Forum found overseas. During winter the vine is covered with fleshy The Wildlife Preservation Society of orange fruits, about 1.5cm across, which hang for a long time. Queensland These fruits eventually split open to reveal shiny black seeds 14-16 June 2003 which are partially surrounded with a white aril, or outer The Bardon Centre in Brisbane's coating. This strategy is often employed by rainforest fruits to attract the attention Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. of birds, the dark seeds highlighted against the brightly-coloured fruit. Enquiries and registration: WPSQ, 95 William Street, Brisbane, 4000 The bright green leaves, 3-12 cm long, spring almost directly from the branches, with Ph: (07) 3221 0194; Fax: (07) 3221 0701; minimal stalks. Fringed, pale pink flowers are produced in spring. The plant has e-mail: forum@wildlife.org.au; fleshy roots which are apparently a popular food for wombats, where the two Website: www.wildlife.org.au species coincide. The fruits are not edible for humans. 7 7 BOOKSHELF Department of Natural Resources and Bush Medicine Rainforest Mines leaflet Tim Low Cheryll Williams Miconia Angus and Robertson (1990) Available from NR&M offices Nature Australia Vol 25 No 3 Summer This is the standard reference on bush 1995-96 Birds: Their Habits and Skills medicine from the author of `Bush The truth about tea trees Gisela Kaplan and Lesley Rogers tucker'. It deals with bush medicine Tim Low Allen and Unwin from around Australia. An excerpt on smell was reproduced in Website ­ of the Society for Growing Interpretive Birding Bulletin Vol 5 No Bush Medicine of the Northern Australian Plants, Queensland Region 2 September/October 2001 Peninsula Area of Cape York has lots of interesting information, including bush tucker and bush Sandyl Kyriazis Nature Australia Vol. 25 No. 11 medicine at www.sgapqld.org.au/ Nai Beguta Agama Aboriginal Corpo- Summer 1997-98 bushtucker3.html ration Echidnas on the nose Uwe Proske Using rainforest research Many of the plants and animals are found in the wet tropics. CRC Rainforest leaflet: Rainforest masks a deadly disease WellBeing Magazine No 70 May 1998 Plants, Poisons and Survival in the A leaflet on phytophthora This newsletter was produced by the Environmental Protection Agency with funding from the Wet Tropics Management Authority. Opinions expressed in Tropical Topics are not necessarily those F O R FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT... of the Environmental Protection Agency. Wet Tropics Management Authority Stella Martin While all efforts have been made (For general information on the Wet The Editor to verify facts, the Environmental Tropics World Heritage Area only.) Tropical Topics Protection Agency takes no PO Box 2050 Environmental Protection Agency responsibility for the accuracy of CAIRNS QLD 4870 PO Box 2066 information supplied in Tropical Ph: (07) 4052 0555 (5b Sheridan St) Topics. Fax: (07) 4031 1364 CAIRNS QLD 4870 © The State of Queensland. Website: www.wettropics.gov.au Ph: (07) 4046 6674 Environmental Protection Agency Fax: (07) 4046 6751 2003. e-mail: Stella.Martin@epa.qld.gov.au Printed on 100% recycled paper. Print Post Approved PP434044/0034 POSTAGE SURFACE MAIL Environmental Protection Agency Northern Region PAID PO Box 2066, Cairns, Qld. 4870 Phone (07) 4046 6601 Fax (07) 4046 6604 AUSTRALIA