Hairy Gardenia  
Photos: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey
Hairy Gardenia, Attractocarpus hirta This is a small shrub with hairy leaves that give the plant its main common name. It's most distinctive feature however are the beautiful large white flowers which stand out in the gloomy understorey of the tropical rainforest. The flower (pictured) is made up of five petals that overlap at the base and has a yellow centre. The tips are pointed when fresh, but become rounded and curl up with age. The following fruit is small, orange, hairy and with a distinctively long calyx (pictured). This plant is endemic to the understorey of tropical rainforest in north-eastern Queensland and can be seen along Marrdja boardwalk.
Script: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide |
