Identifying Rainforest Plants of the Blackall Range: the family Lauraceae

Wandering the tracks at Mary Cairncross Reserve, you will stand in awe under the giant blush walnut (Beilschmiedia obtusifolia) and massive bolly gum (Litsea reticulata).  These trees belong to the ancient flowering plant family of Lauraceae. 

In our rainforests on the range, we also have species from another four Lauraceae genera:  Cryptocarya, Endiandra, Neolitsea, and Cinnamomum.  These species provide fruit for many of our much-loved local birds including the Green Catbird, White-headed Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit-Dove, Topknot Pigeon, and the Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove. They are important species in our rainforest restoration and connectivity sites. Included in this family are the exotics camphor laurel, avocados, bay trees, and cinnamon bark. 

Join Hilary Pearl and Rowena Thomas at the Barung Nursery for a two-hour workshop learning the fragrant and distinctive features of the Lauraceae rainforest plants.  You will learn nine of our local rainforest species, and compare them with the exotic, camphor laurel. Using their features, we will key some out with the “Rainforest Trees and Shrubs” book and associated App.  We will also demonstrate the use of iNaturalist, as an ID tool.  

 Magnifying lenses, keys, and a worksheet of the ten species will be supplied.  The morning will end with a Lauraceae walk in the Barung Seed Forest.  

Participation is limited to 15 places so please book in to attend!

Date: Saturday 12th October, 2024

Time: 9am start to 11am

Location: Barung Landcare Native Plant Nursery, Parkland Drive, Maleny 4552