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Blue Trumpet
Brunoniella australis
-27.7356, 152.709
Field Notes
Description:
Brunoniella australis, commonly known as "blue trumpet" or "blue yam", is an Australian native plant and a member of the family Acanthaceae. A widespread herbaceous plant, found in moist areas of eucalyptus woodland and forest, or wetland in this case, particularly on sloping ground. It is a small plant between 2–30 cm (0.8–10 in) tall. Flowers had 5 petals and were roughly 2 cms in diameter. A very attractive species.
Habitat:
Spotted at Purga Nature Reserve, Ipswich SEQ. Surrounding area cleared farmland, this region is freshening up with rain after a prolonged drought. This is usually a wetland area that is periodically waterlogged during wet periods. https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/26430/Purga-… According to Ipswich Council, this small reserve constitutes "the largest protected area of endangered Swamp Tea-tree forest in the world."
Notes:
This spotting is what I thought initially to be Vinca major, aka "blue periwinkle". The size was right, but there were subtle differences with the leaves and petals that could be easily overlooked with a hasty eye. Correct identification starts with small details. My spotting is endemic to this area and is an Australian native plant, whereas Vinca major is an invasive introduced weed and causes environmental damage. Given a choice, would I nurture this plant to help it thrive in this reserve, or do I dig it up and dispose of it? Details are vitally important, particularly when it comes to protecting native species!
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