Page 8 - Tropic Magazine Issue 29

TROPIC • UP FRONT

In Season

EXPLORE
Tropic’s local guide to the best
of Far North flora and fauna
this April and May.

Words: Nicky Horstmann
BLEEDING HEARTS
Flora
After an ‘interesting’ wet season, I’m of the roads through tropical
sure we are all looking forward to some rainforest areas. The relatively small
more predictable weather featuring fruit of this tree turn purple as they
blue skies and sunshine. Fortunately, ripen and are a popular food source noise, potentially to scare away
we are surrounded by flora and fauna for riflebirds, bowerbirds and pigeons. would-be diners.
that can raise our spirits whatever Ringtail possums enjoy a munch on the The adult Hercules moth is a spectacular
the weather. leaves and yet there’s more. sight. Its brown colour can be
Bleeding Hearts are one of the reliable overlooked when the grandeur of
sources of colour in our region – that’s SPECTACULAR INSECTS the moth is appreciated. If a 200mm
the tree, not the people. Homalanthus Fauna wingspan isn’t enough, the long tails off
novoguineensis is the specific name. Our Bleeding Heart trees play host the rear corners of the male’s hindwings
Of greater significance are the beautiful to one of the world’s largest moths, are almost surreal.
heart-shaped leaves that turn orange/ contestably the largest. The leaves As a tropical rainforest creature, these
red and hang downwards as they age. provide a vital food source for the large moths are found in New Guinea as
This year-round feature makes this tree bluish larvae of the Hercules moth well as parts of Cape York and south to
easy to spot and identify. (Coscinocera hercules). Ingham but are hard to find. Yes, they
The fact that Bleeding Hearts grow These caterpillars have yellowish spikes are exquisitely camouflaged, but these
readily in cleared areas means they and are similar in size to a grown man’s moths can’t feed and, consequently,
are easily seen growing along the sides thumb. They can even emit a rattling don’t enjoy a long life.

RUSTY’S MARKETS
Greens galore
April and May are the months that herald the return of locally-grown
vegetables at Rusty’s Markets. Yes, locally-produced veg are always
available but the range is limited by the wet season. As the annual
dry season approaches, the variety of veggies improves and the leafy
greens reappear. Fresh young silverbeet, chard, spinach and kale
abound, providing the basics for many delicious and virtuous treats.
Have you tried making kale chips? There’s no messy deep frying
involved. All you need is an oven, an oven tray, a couple drizzles
of olive oil and some seasoning. It’s a great way to include kale in
your diet. Alternatively, make a spanokopita with some Tablelands
silverbeet, Mungalli feta and our local Happy Eggs – a great way to
dine and support Far North Queensland industries.

8 • Tropic • Issue 29