East Gippsland has a multitude of unique plants and one seldom encountered is Bolwarra, a rare rainforest tree. Its one of the many secrets held in the majestic forests.
Bolwarra (Eupomatia laurina) is found at the margins of temperate rainforests along the east coast of Australia from East Gippsland to far north Queensland and into eastern New Guinea. Its sweetly scented flowers form berry-like fruit, hence the name Bolwarra which is the Aboriginal name for native guava.
With a history dating back to Gondwana times, this primitive plant has a fascinating pollination story being done exclusively by Elleschodes weevils. These weevils have no other host, and therefore, Eupomatia laurina and the weevils are dependent upon each other for survival.
Populations of this endangered tree are fragmented in East Gippsland, and as with all endangered plants, Bolwarra and its weevil pollinators face many threats to their survival, particularly bushfires. Thankfully, initiatives by the ‘Friends of Mallacoota’ to conserve the plant include projects to translocate the weevils for cross-pollination.
Bolwarra is a fascinating story and not surprisingly it has captivated the attention of botanists far and wide. One local enthusiast, Frank Greenhalgh, has been studying Bolwarra for many years and has offered to share his knowledge and experiences at a meeting next week.
Frank will present at the general meeting of the Bairnsdale and District Field Naturalists Club to be held at The Hub (Room 13), Dalmahoy Street, in Bairnsdale, at 1.30pm, on Wednesday, October 15.
Everyone is welcome.
