America! — Roy Zimmerman
July 20th, 2008 davidThe man’s a genius:
having no meaning or conveying no intelligible ideas.
Gnarly cave roof
July 20th, 2008 david
Just to prove Berowra really is windy, here is an example of a cave in the Valley behind my home. These odd formations are formed by wind eroding the softer parts of the sandstone, leaving this odd (and rather lovely) honeycomb effect in the rock. As always, click on the image for a larger view.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to take further photographs yesterday and so I remain short on new images. Today we are heading down to Parramatta for lunch with Dave and Kel. There’s no venue established for this lunch and we are just going to window shop until something grabs our eye.
Connor remains a bit out of sorts, he still has a cold and with it a red raw sore throat. I think the most frustrtaing thing about toddlers of his age (13 months) is that they can’t really tell you what’s wrong. So when he cries it’s a bit of a guessing game to work out the problem. The trouble is, that the 13 month old mind, isn’t much like the 30 year old mind. Sometimes he cries simply when Nik leaves the room, even if it’s just for 30 seconds, other times he cries when he can’t get a duplo block to sit on his head. It’s a tiring and frustrating process for all involved.
Opuntia aciculata
July 19th, 2008 david
Today’s photo is of the Chenille Prickly Pear, Opuntia aciculata , growing and flowering in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. This cactus is part of the Opuntioideae subfamily which includes most of the Prickly Pear type cacti. This species is a low growing plant that reaches ~ 120 cm or so in height and a similar spread. Like all Opuntia species, the plant has glochids as well as relgular large spines. Glochids are small, hair like spines that readily detach themselves from the plant and embed themselves in skin. It is for this reason alone that virtually no representatives of this subfamily occur in my cacti collection. O. aciculata is native to Southwestern USA, northwestern Mexico where it grows on very little natural rainfall.
Connor and Nicole are still sick with a bad cold. Connor’s condition was such that we returned again to the GP for our third visit in as many weeks. It’s amusing to note that Connor despises the GP — immunisation will do that to children.
Eriostemon australasius, again.
July 18th, 2008 david
It’s late winter in Sydney and the bushland is filled with yellows and pinks from Eriostemon, Boronia and various yellow peas. I’ve blogged on this species previously (and somewhat strangely I also had a cold then!) so I won’t bore you with botanical details. Suffice to say it’s part of the Rutaceae.
I’m hoping that this weekend I can go for a drive, north perhaps, to take some photos of the wildflowers. It’s been a long week at work, and Connor’s sleeping had worsened to the point where he was waking at least twice most nights. This was primarily due to his cold, but also due to new teeth and cold weather. I installed a thermometer probe in his room last night so we can check the temperature without venturing in (and waking him). Parenting is a tiring experience sometimes. Thankfully, Connor seems over the worst of his cold and slept quite well last night (1900-0610), add to this his settling well into childcare and the week looks like it may end with some good outcomes for all of us.
Primula sp.
July 14th, 2008 david
This one of the Primula cultivars that has been self-seeding, volunteering (American English), in my father’s garden since I was a child. Dad tells me he bought deep purple and white varieties, though these die out (after hybridising and seeding) leaving him with a mass of uniformly pink seedlings which readily self perpetuate themselves via yearly seed events. I’m not sure which species of Primula this is — and it may be a hybrid of some kind.
The genus Primula includes some 400 species that are widely distributed across the northern hemisphere in places including northern Africa, Asia and Europe. In addition, the species occurs less frequently in the southern hemisphere with representatives in South America and New Guinea. Many species are adapted to cold, alpine climates and are annual in their growth cycle.
These flowers flower in late winter/early spring, a characteristic that gives rise to the common name “primrose” which literally refers to their flowering first (prime). The genus Primula is the type-genus for the family Primulaceae — a grouping which includes ~ 25 other genera, none of which are as well known as Primula. This is my first entry from this family.
Acacia myrtifolia
July 13th, 2008 david
Today’s photo is of yet another Acacia species from Berowra Valley. This time, Acacia myrtifolia, flowering on the Woodcourt Road firetrail in Berowra Heights. As the species name, myrtifolia suggests this acacia has “leaves” (flattened stems actually) which superficially resemble those of eucalypts and other mytraceous species.
This species is another small tree / large shrub with an attractive, slightly weeping, habit and beautiful red stems. Unlike yesterday’s wattle, A. longifolia, this species has globular flowers — borne in small groups along the stems.
In cultivation the species requires a little more water than many wattles, but is otherwise hardy and interesting addition to the native garden. A. myrtifolia will reach three metres in height, though it can be tip-pruned to maintain a more shrubby growth habit. The species is frost hardy.
Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia
July 12th, 2008 david
This image was taken last weekend on a walk in Berowra Heights. This is Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia — the Aroma Doble, Golden Wattle, Sallow Wattle and Sydney Golden Wattle — producing an abundance of yellow flowers. The tree itself was a full of native and introduced bees and wasps busily collecting nectar and pollen. Like many Acacia species, A. longifolia subsp. longifolia is a fast-growing small tree that quickly reaches around 5 metres and can be taller. There’s a plenty of good information on this species available at the world wide wattle.
I find these plants somewhat challenging to photograph as their flowers are, individually, rather inconspicuous. Despite my previous failures to photograph this species I’m pleased with this image. There’s a nice, albeit accidental, composition to it. A. longifolia subsp. longifolia is part of subfamily Mimosoideae in the Fabaceae.
Dillwynia retorta
July 11th, 2008 david
The bushland around Berowra is ablaze with colour and somewhat earlier this year than last, primarily due to our mild June. July, however, is making up where June left off and it’s another cool night here in northern Sydney with the outside temperature sitting somewhere around 7º C (at 10:00). It’s forecast to get even colder this evening and we may see our first (and probably only) frost of the year.
Today’s photo is of Dillwynia retorta, flowering on the Woodcourt road firetrail in Berowra Heights. I’ve blogged about this species before so I won’t repeat myself here except to say some individuals in the bush are literally covered in these tiny yellow flowers. It’s something worth getting outdoors to see.
Tomorrow my parents, and Lesley and Duncan will be coming up to Berowra. I was considering some woodwork/DIY to try and fill in the gaps in the garage (and stop the wind blowing so quickly under the house) and possibly even installing some batts in the ceiling. Time will determine how productive the day ends up being. Either way, it’s a nice chance for Connor to see his grandparents (and vica versa).
Aloe ferox
July 10th, 2008 david
It’s been a very cold day here in northern Sydney. This morning it reached a miserable 4.5º C on our balcony and the wind was strong enough to be rushing under the house and through the floor boards. This creates a few problems keeping the house warm enough to allow Connor to sleep well. It’s a balmy 10º C now, so I mustn’t grumble.
Today’s image is of a mature, and rather striking, specimen of the bitter or tap aloe (Aloe ferox), growing and flowering in the succulent garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens. If you’re interested in succulents, particularly Aloe species now is a great time to visit the gardens as a great many of these amazing, sculptural succulents are flowering.
Young specimens of this succulent tend to be very spiny, I’ve a small (50cm across) specimen in my garden which is still covered with short, pointed spines. As the plant matures it grows a trunk which is covered by a pendulous beard of dried (and still spiny) leaves. When mature A. ferox can reach an impressive three metre height. Like most Aloe species, A. ferox is native to southern Africa and is part of family Asphodelaceae.
Cuphea ‘Starfire’
July 8th, 2008 david
Apologies for the delay in posting, Nik and I both contracted some kind of nasty stomach virus and spent the better part of the last 24 hours sick.
Today’s photo is of Cuphea ‘Starfire’, growing and flowering in my parents garden at Kingsgrove in southern Sydney. This plant is a hybrid of C. ignea and C. angustifolia produced in 1995. The plant is a prolific flower producer and seems quite hardy in Sydney’s temperate climate. It grows into a small round bush that reaches ~ 80cm in height. I’ve no idea whether my father gives the plant any special care (he can leave a comment on this post if he reads it) but I assume a light pruning is all that’s required to keep the plant growing vigourously.
The flowers produced by the species are unusual and attractive, though small, and their impact in the garden is primarily by the sheer number of flowers and not their individual characteristics.
The genus to which this hybrid belongs, Cuphea is endemic to warm to tropical regions of the Americas. Most species are pollinated by hummingbirds. The genus is part of the Lythraceae family.
Phragmipedium x sedenii
July 6th, 2008 david
Today image is of Phragmipedium x sedenii, a naturally occurring primary hybrid of P. longifolium and P. schlimii. These slipper orchids are native to South and Central America. The natural range of P. x sedenii is extensive and reaches southwards from Mexico into Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.
The genus Phragmipedium is endemic to Central and South America and includes 15-20 species depending on which taxonomist you believe.
Due to unscrupulous orchid collectors at least one species discovered in the last 30 years is now thought to be extinct in the wild. The trade in species of Phragmipedium is now controlled by CITES. Largely thanks to this kind of behaviour, along with habitat destruction, 46 species of orchid are listed as vulnerable, while 70 and 30 species are endangered or critically endangered worldwide.
Styphelia tubiflora
July 3rd, 2008 david
This is Styphelia tubiflora growing and flowering in Berowra Valley. This species is known commonly as Red Five-Corners — a somewhat silly name for a rather lovely plant. S. tubiflora flowers in early winter and spring here in Berowra, this specimen was photographed in early May. Like most epacrids, the species is difficult to grow — primarily due to its dependance on its ericoid mycorrhizal symbionts for nutrition in the nutrient-deficient soil in which the species is found.
Some epacrids are occassionally available in garden centres and specialist nurseries. If you’re considering planting them out in the garden be sure not to disturb the delicate root system on planting. In a garden with other native plants, epacrids can be spectacular. Aside from Woollsia pungens, and the three common Epacris species (pulchella, microphylla and longiflora) this species is among the more commonly seen epacrids in Sydney’s bushland.
Like all epacrids, Styphelia tubiflora is part of family Ericaceae in the tribe Styphelioideae. The species is sometimes listed in “Epacridaceae” — though this family has been merged into an expanded Ericaceae.
Justicia rizzinii
July 2nd, 2008 david
I was at home this afternoon after having been dizzy and achy at work. I’m still aching, though the dizziness has subsided. All this wonderful poor health is courtesy of my son’s first day in childcare (where he managed to bring home some virus). Nik’s been spared thus far, I hope she avoids it completely.
Today’s photo is of a plant in my father’s garden (Justicia rizzinii). The species is a Brazilian native that occurs in semi-montane habitats. J. rizzinii is prolific winter-flowerer, producing hundreds of tubular orange and red flowers in June (here in the Southern Hemisphere). The species likes heavy shade, and will tolerate all manor of neglect and soils. The species strikes relatively easily from cuttings which can be taken anytime, though late summer is the preferred season. The species is generally available in nurseries and is often sold under the trade name “firefly”. Regular clipping promotes a denser habit and more flowers.
The genus Justicia includes the better known shrimp-plants, and is part of family Acanthaceae. The whole genus is endemic to the tropical regions of the Americas.
Unfortunately, during the hacking my old theme was also used to hide malicious code so I’ve had to adopt a new theme for kipili.com, I rather like this green and brown scheme.
Osteospermum
June 29th, 2008 david
Ok, ok, I know I’ve posted a photo of this species before, but this shot was taken in a different place (my father’s garden). There’s something intriguing about the central “flower-clusters” of this genus. The deep blue of the floret buds contrasts with the tiny yellow flowers which open in ever decreasing rings. Those wondering what the whole flower, and plant looks like should visit Osteospermum @ Wikipedia. As always, click on the photo to see a larger version.
I spent much of last night repairing the four blogs hosted here at kipili.com (mine, nik’s, lysh’s and my father’s orchid society website WSOS). It appears that hackers gained access to numerous out-of-date wordpress blogs (details and fixes here) and used wordpress to send many, many spam messages.
hacked!
June 28th, 2008 davidHi Readers,
Apologies for the long delay in posting, kipili.com (or rather the wordpress software hosted on this site), was hacked by spammers. I’m still in the process of repairing the damage. Hopefully I’ll post a photo soon!
Dave.
Pork tenderloin, chorizo and cherry tomato kebabs
June 14th, 2008 davidNik and I made Pork tenderloin, chorizo and cherry tomato kebabs today for Connor’s birthday. They seemed to be popular (at least Nik liked them), though Lesley didn’t eat her chorizo :(.
For those interested here’s how we made them:
Marinade:
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon whole cumin seeds (ground immediately prior to adding to olive oil)
3/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 & 1/2 tablespoons of sweet paprika
1 crushed garlic clove
Marinade 600g of pork tenderloin (preferably free-range pork), diced into large cubes in the oil marinade overnight. Thread pork, similarly sized pieces of chorizo and cherry tomatoes onto pre-soaked (in water) skewers. BBQ over heat beads.
red eucalypt
June 13th, 2008 david
It’s been a busy week and this morning Connor woke at ~ 0300 at slept poorly for the rest of the morning. We’ve got his 1st birthday party coming up tomorrow and I’ve got groceries to buy and food to make this evening. I’m not certain Connor will get much out of the day — but I’m confident Nik and I will have fun.
Being one, Connor enjoys shopping receipts, empty PET bottles and cans about as much as he likes his toys. I hope everyone hasnt spent too much money on him — after all an empty PET bottle is pretty cheap and keeps him amused for quite some time.
Today’s image is of a dying eucalypt leaf I found while walking off Woodcourt road firetrail. The subject is backlit and unfortunately (due to the wind on the day) isnt as sharp as it could be. It’s a bit of fun nevertheless.
Bacopa amplexicaulis
June 11th, 2008 david
I’m continuing to find it hard to make time for daily blog entries and have hardly had a chance to take any new photos for the blog. So I’m currently reliant on older photos I took in early 2006.
This shot is of Bacopa amplexicaulis, growing in the ponds beside the fernery in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. Most species of Bacopa are semi (or totally) aquatic and a few species will even grow completely beneath the water surface. This species, B. amplexicaulis grows semi emergent and produces numerous, lilac coloured flowers in the summer. In total, there’s around 70-100 species of Bacopa and some are known to contain psychoactive compounds. The genus is widely distributed in tropical regions, though more species occur in the Americas than anywhere else. Some species of Bacopa are sold as aquarium plants, however, many require some emergent growth in order to survive in the long term.
Beryl’s Radio Biscuits
June 9th, 2008 davidI’ve been at Hobbys Yards in the Central West Highlands of NSW. It’s cold here (nights reach 1-3º C regularly). While away I’ve endulged in too many of these biscuits.
Beryl’s Radio Biscuits
- 6 oz. margarine
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- 1/2 cup custard powder
- 1 & 1/2 cups of self raising flour
Cream the margarine and sugar. Add the flour and custard powder. Mix. Roll into small balls and flatten. Cook at 180º C for 15 mins. Cool. Top with molten chocolate and allow to harden.
Sagittaria sp.
June 8th, 2008 david
Today’s image is of a Sagittaria species (arrowhead) growing the ponds, near the Fernery, at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney. All twenty species in the genus are semi-aquatic plants that grow in ponds, and slow-moving water.
Some species have an edible, starchy tuber that is eaten by the indigenous people of North America and Asia. Sometimes, Sagittaria species are grown in aquariums — though most species grow poorly completely submerged and is better suited to paludariums or ponds.
Two species, Sagittaria montevidensis and Sagittaria platyphylla, have naturalised in parts of Australia and are declared noxious weeds.
The genus is part of family Alismataceae — a family that includes another 10-12 genera of semi-aquatic plants.