Friday, 11 April 2014

Mount Remarkable National Park – South Australia 26-03-2014

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Red River Gum  ( Eucalyptus camaldulensis )  

For Nukunu, the First Australians of the Southern Flinders Ranges, these great gums were known as Wiras because they grow where the water flows.

They use their shallow lateral roots to move groundwater to the canopy. Long sinker roots enable them to survive during drought years. sinker roots, more that nine metres long in old Wira giants, tap into deep groundwater reserves and pump water up to their shallow lateral roots. Adapted for long dry periods, red river gums minimise stress in by reducing water loss. In hot weather, wira leaves track the sun with their narrowest edges forward thus reducing the surface area exposed to the sun’s direct rays.  

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Such a beautiful Moth

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Native Pine

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Native Pine seed

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White-browed Babbler - these little birds bustle around in groups sharing dust baths and chatter – never still!

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A hill shepherds home - George Scarfe, an ex ship’s carpenter built this hut in the mid 1870’s for himself and his family. Scarfe’s hut is distinctive with its unusual, river stone and pug semicircular chimney

Before fencing was introduced,  shepherds were employed to take sheep out to graze at daylight and bring return them to the safety of rough yards at night. Because of the threat of dingo attacks, shepherds had to live near their flocks well away from town.

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Black Range lookout

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