COMMUNITY
Umbrella tree’s fruit a delight for wildlife
Umbrella Tree, Schefflera actinophylla. Photo: SANDY LLOYD. THE Umbrella Tree (Schefflera actinophylla), is native to tropical rainforests and gallery forests in northern Queensland, north of the tropic of Capricorn, New Guinea and Java. Schefflera actinophylla is a tree in the Araliaceae family which is typified by the “umbrella” arrangement of leaves and inflorescence (flowering stalks). Common names include Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree and Amate. The name Schefflera, is after J C Scheffler a 19th century botanist, while actinophylla means leaflets radiating from a central point. An evergreen tree growing to
15m tall, it has compound medium green leaves in groups of seven leaves. It is usually multi-trunked and often grows as an epiphyte on other rainforest trees. The flowers develop at the top of the tree. The flowering spikes radiate out at the top of the branches like spokes in a wheel and these bear numerous small umbels of red flowers which are followed by fleshy red berries. The racemes, up to two metres long, contain up to 1000 small flowers. Flowering begins in early summer and typically continues for several months. These 1000 flowers generate
large amounts of nectar which attracts honey-eating birds which then spread the seeds. The fruits are eaten by many birds, especially Lorikeets, and animals including Musky Rat Kangaroos, Red-legged Pademelons and Spectacled Flying Foxes. Its leaves are a favourite food of the Bennett’s Tree-kangaroo and the presence of this amazing creature can be noticed by the tattered leaves on top of the Umbrella Tree. There is also a white-flowered Umbrella Tree. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. It prefers well-drained soil and only needs occasional watering and feeding to thrive. The species is also widely used as an indoor container plant in many areas as it tolerates permanent indoor cultivation well. In some areas it can become weedy as the seeds are spread in bird droppings and germinate readily. The plant prefers a sheltered, moist area in the garden and full sun should be avoided to avoid damage to the foliage. If a plant grows too tall, heavy pruning to near ground level will induce vigorous new growth. It is, however, an aggressive plant and its roots can dominate surrounding soil and roots can pressurise building foundations and block plumbing joints and pipes. In its natural ecosystem, it has maintained a balance with other native species,
however, when it is grown in southern Queensland, this fastgrowing invader out-competes local native species. An Umbrella Tree can be seen from the verandah of Natures PowerHouse in the Botanic Gar-
dens and many places around town. There is also, surprisingly, another Cooktown Orchid that has just flowered. Sandy Lloyd 4060 3102
Passion for Plants
ENDEAVOUR
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Charles Street, Cooktown
OPENING JANUARY 2012 Now taking enrolments
Prep – Year 7 Caring Christian Community Third and subsequent children receive free tuition z
For further information please contact Principal Peter Coates on 4069 5155 or 0429 473 706 or email endeavour@ccmschools.edu.au Information packs and enrolment forms are available at Endeavour Pharmacy
All things through Christ
Carols by Candlelight
7pm, Sunday, December 18 in Endeavour Park • Preceeded by FREE Sausage Sizzle (courtesy of the Lions Club) at 6pm • FREE glo-sticks and lollies for the children • Bring a rug or chair
Alternate venue if WET weather Cooktown Events Centre
• Remember to bring a rug. Chairs provided
Come and celebrate Christmas with the Family… See you there! Carols are conducted by the Combined Christian Churches of Cooktown
Proud Major Sponsor
Enquiries: Pastor Peter – Phone 4069 5155 Cooktown Local News 15 - 21 December 2011 – 21