Long Grass Nature Refuge
Fauna and Flora Detail
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Wildlife Management System
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Scientific Name
Common Name
Type
Notes
This is a large shrub or small tree to 10 metres (that would be an exceptionally large one!) with a stem diameter up to 25cm. It has been recorded in subtropical and more commonly dry rainforests from the Hunter River, New South Wales to New Guinea. This plant is common locally and can even be seen growing in eucalypt forests, mainly along stream banks or protected gullies. The fruit is eaten by birds and the foliage is used as fodder by cattle and other stock. This plant can be difficult to positively identify in the field as there are several distinct forms (according to leaf size) and some intergrading between this species and Canthium buxifolium (see below). The various forms may at some stage be separated taxonomically into distinct species. In cultivation, this is a moderately slow growing, but hardy plant. Its characteristic horizontally layered branches and masses (and I mean masses!) of white, heavily perfumed flowers (October to January) make it an attractive and intriguing addition to any garden (and it’s not too large). Another interesting thing about the growth form of this plant is the peculiar swelling of the branchlet segments. The swollen branchlets are hollow inside and provide homes for a species of dark brown native ant. The ants actively tend scale insects which live inside the branchlet chamber and feed off the plant's vascular system, and in turn provide food secretions which sustain the ants (pers. comm. Frank Jordan). Another example of one of those fascinating and intimate relationships found within nature.
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