On-site guided and self guided nature walks: Flower Walk
Beach Hibiscus (Hibiscus Tiliaceus)
The giant of the Hibiscus family which can grow to the size of a medium tree. The flowers are single bright yellow with a dark centre. As with most hibiscus the flowers last only day, before they turn dark orange and then fall to the ground. This tree is very important in material culture. Its wood was once used for making spears and firesticks and its bark was used by the Pacific Islanders for making Hula Skirts. There are several Beach Hibiscus on the beach front at Kewarra adjacent to the large thatched area.
Ixoras are a large group of shrubs of various colours that are used widely in the tropics. Around Kewarra's gardens we have several “Malay Pink” bushes around the restaurant. As the name suggests these have large heads of deep pink flowers which appear mainly in the summer months. Ixora is a favourite nectar source for the beautiful Ulysses Butterfly.
Geisha Girl (Duranta)
Another favourite Butterfly bush is the Geisha Girl. This one has large clusters of blue flowers which also appear in the summer months. Another good feature is the orange berries which follow the flowers. Several good specimens of the Geisha girl can be seen opposite the path to Bungalow #48.
From the Ginger Family, Costus is a small plant that can be seen in the same garden bed as the Geisha Girl. The flowers are small, but spectacular. The bracts appear from the top of the stem and are bright red. The true flowers are the orange tubes which sprout from the bracts.
Peace Lilly (Spathiphyllum)
A popular house plant in cooler areas of the world, but mainly used as ground cover plants in the tropics. At Kewarra we have quite a few around our gardens. This is another plant similar to costus in that what is commonly thought of as a flower is actually a bract, in this case white with a greenish tinge. Several good specimens can be seen in front of Bungalow #49.
Commonly known as orchid trees, Bauhinias are a large group of scraggly trees and shrubs. When in flower the Bauhinia resembles giants orchids. It is native to the tropical foothills of the Himalayas and is the floral emblem of Hong Kong. The Bauhinia can be in various colours with one of the best being the purple orchid tree. The Bauhinia flowers in winter. A delightful purple specimen can be found near Bungalow #43.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon SP)
The Bottlebrush are both shrubs and small trees and are native to Australia. The flowers range from white to red and appear in early spring. Bottlebrush in flower is a spectacular sight, but unfortunately, the flowers are short lived. Bottlebrush is a favourite food of the Honeyeater bird which have beaks that can reach the nectar. Some good specimens can be found near Bungalow #92.
Bougainvilleas are indigenous to tropical and subtropical South America. This is one of the most colourful shrubs in the tropics, but unfortunately its rampant growth habit and large thorns make it not as popular as it was once. The harder Bougainvillea are treated the better they flower. In fact they survive on neglect. One wild specimen can be seen 50 metres past Bungalow #96.
Another group of Australian Trees and shrubs that fall into the group of scraggly plants. Large flowers are carried much of the year which can be seen in a wide range of colours. Similar to the Bottlebrush, Grevillia are a favourite food source of the native honeyeaters and Lorikeets as it has large amounts of nectar in the flowers. Australian Aborigines also used this nectar in water to make a sweet drink.
Frangipani (Plumeria Species)
Also known as the Lei flower, the Frangipani can grow into a small tree. The flowers appear in the warmer months and can be in various colours from white to red. Its best feature is its perfume which can carry over a long distance. The parkland behind our Wallaby Mouds has several Frangipani trees.
Powder Puff (Calliandra Species)
This is a small to large shrub which has flowers that resemble a ladies powder puff. Flowers can be white, pink or red, with the red being the most spectacular. The Powder Puff flowers mainly in winter. Although native to South America it has become a favourite for nectar feeding birds. Some good species can be seen around the Rock Pool.
Cats Tails (Acalypha Hispida)
This is another shrub that flowers mostly in summer. Its common name is gained from the long red tassels it produces during flowering.
A spectacular flowering large shrub or tree with large single flowers in a beautiful deep purple. There is a nice specimen in the gardens at the Rock Pool. Tibouchina flowers in winter. Also at the Rock Pool look for a large clump of orchids growing on a palm tree. This is a native Cymbidium which is commonly found growing on trees in the wild. The flowers on this orchid appear in large sprays in a yellow colour.
Shell Ginger (Alpina Zerumbet)
A true ginger related to edible ginger. This one is commonly known as shell ginger. The bracts are light pink with a red and gold interior that resemble seashells. This ginger flowers mainly in spring.