The Coral Tree (Erythrina variegata) is native to Australia as well as Africa, Asia and the Indian and Pacific Ocean islands. It is normally found in coastal areas but has been cultivated for many years in Paluma, where it grows into a somewhat scraggly tree, 10-15m in height.
It is semi-deciduous, losing most of all of its leaves over the winter months, which is also when flowering occurs. Its flowers are a striking deep scarlet and form large clusters that stand out from the largely leafless branches. They are a favourite of various honey-eaters who also play an important role in pollinating the flowers.
There are some lovely mature specimens at the front of, and behind the Paluma Environmental Education Centre.
Text and photos by Jamie Oliver
The black bat plant (Tacca chantrieri) is an unusual exotic plant that is native to tropical Asia. It grows well at Paluma, most often as a pot plant in a protected shaded position away from direct sunlight. The large flowers are striking and resemble a bat in flight. The flowers are black to deep purple with ruffled edges and long, hanging filaments. Large bright green leaves surround the bloom. Several gardeners at Paluma have spectacular specimens of the black bat plant. It flowers all year round, but seems to produce most flowers during the summer months.
The White Bat Plant (Tacca integrifolia) is a member of the yam family Dioscoreaceae. It is native to hilly regions of tropical and subtropical Asia where it thrives in the in the shady and humid understorey of the rainforest. The long, flowing ‘whiskers’ of this flower can grow to 30 cm long.
