Orangebark fruit at Charles and Motee Rogers Bushland Reserve 01/02/2014

The fruits of the Orangebark (Maytenus bilocularis) are aplenty within the Charles and Motee Rogers Bushland Reserve at Highfields at the moment.  This beautiful tree is endemic to eastern Australia and is found in dry rainforest and eucalyptus scrub.  The shrub or small tree grows to 12 metres high and the fruit are a favourite of the Lewin's Honeyeater.  You can view many of these Orangebark Trees covered in fruit currently at the Rogers Reserve at Highfields. 

Orangebark (Maytenus bilocularis) fruit at the Charles and Motee Rogers Bushland Reserve, Highfields 01/02/2014.

Devils Needles - Native Red Berries and Spikes 13/01/14

These vibrant red berries caught my eye at the Charles and Motee Rogers Bushland Reserve in January 2014.  I photographed them but required an i.d.  Thanks to Greg Lukes for helping out with an identification of Devils Needles (Solanum stelligerum).  This native shrub is found on rainforest edges and eucalyptus forests.  Stems are prickly and leaves often alternate with spines.  Mauve flowers are present in spring to summer followed by the red fruit (see below).  Devils Needles shrubs are prominent on the southern side of the Charles and Motee Rogers Bushland Reserve along the edges of the Nature Trail.

Devils Needles (Solanum stelligerum) at Charles and Motee Rogers Bushland Reserve 13/01/2014