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Pomax (fruiting)

Pomax umbellata

Description:

My first encounter with this really unusual plant. Pomax umbellata is the only species in the genus Pomax, and is a member of the coffee family Rubiaceae. It is an Australian native, and appears to be endemic to all mainland states and territories. This is an erect to spreading sub-shrub which grows 20-40 cm high. Leaves are ovate to lanceolate, and what I thought were flowers are actually the fruiting bodies. The small flowers grow in umbells (an inflorescence that consists of a number of short flower stalks (called pedicels) which spread from a common point, somewhat like umbrella ribs), so the species name "umbellata" is no coincidence. Reddish flowers usually 2–4 together in simple heads surrounded by a calyx-like cup. Fruit is obconical, and contains small seeds that are 2–3 mm long. The empty calyx persistent on plant for some time. I was a bit early for this years flowering - it usually occurs August-November. NB: Pomox is a toxic plant and can cause cyanide poisoning of livestock. PS: The name of this national park is Girraween, which means "place of flowers".

Habitat:

Spotted along the Racecourse Creek Track in Girraween National Park, southeast Queensland. Dry sclerophyll forest with sandy granite soils, substantial undergrowth and accumulated leaf litter, on the slopes of a granite monolith known as Panorama Hill. Looking fresh after recent rain. Here's some park info - http://www.rymich.com/girraween/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girraween_... Pomax grows in a variety of communities, and is a common understory plant in open forests.

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8 Comments

Neil Ross
Neil Ross 3 years ago

Mark, I think the same of you and Leuba. Following in your footsteps. I also remember to take my glasses sometimes!

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 3 years ago

You find some great stuff Neil.

Neil Ross
Neil Ross 3 years ago

It is, Sunny, Thank you.

sunnyjosef
sunnyjosef 3 years ago

Beautiful!

Neil Ross
Neil Ross 3 years ago

Thanks for the comments, folks. Looks like it's the first recording of the species on PN too. Girraween is so beautiful, Liana. Have you been? Nice to see you back too!

armadeus.4
armadeus.4 3 years ago

Nothing like a first encounter Neil! Great series, great notes and love the habitat shot! Thank you for sharing :)

Saturniidae27
Saturniidae27 3 years ago

Nice little cups Neil :-)

Ornithoptera80
Ornithoptera80 3 years ago

Great series Neil.

Neil Ross
Spotted by
Neil Ross

Queensland, Australia

Spotted on Jun 8, 2020
Submitted on Jun 9, 2020

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