Ferdinand von Mueller, John Dallachy, and the Golden Penda

Plant hunting in Far North Queensland

Rainbow Lorikeet on Golden Penda, Atherton Tablelands. © Bronwen Scott

Golden Penda (Xanthostemon chrysanthus) are in flower. One moment, these small rainforest trees are covered in lime green buds, the next those buds explode like supernovae. Birds, bees and butterflies waste no time. Those flowers are rich in nectar.