Living in the forest

The forest in the summer
Is really hard to beat
With shady bird-filled greenness
Giving shelter from the heat

While our neighbours in their paddocks
Curse the heat and flies
And rub the endless dust
From their red and gritty eyes

And when the icy winter wind
Cuts through them like a knife
It is warm inside our forest
And filled with happy life

And the streams within the forest
Run full and crystal clear
Regardless of the rainfall
All throughout the year

The forest has its seasons but it also has an eternal quality. It is buffered from the elements and irrespective of the time of the year is vibrant and full of life. We live in a forest that extends into State forest and National Park on three sides and cleared farmland to the west. We always notice how warm it is in the forest during the winter compared to the cleared land with its morning frost and cold winds that cut through you like a knife. And in summer, the leafy shade protects us from the scorching summer sun and we look with pity on the unfortunate sheep sweltering in their open paddocks next door. We are also fortunate in having a spring fed creek that flows year round irrespective of rainfall. Forests buffer rainfall run-off! Heavy rain soaks into the forest floor rather than sheeting off and causing floods and it is then steadily released during the dry times. The cleared land in contrast is much more subject to flooding in wet times and dry creeks beds during dry spells.

The cleared land is spectacularly pretty during our wet winter in its green European way but the gloss is quickly gone and by December the fields are dry and dusty and the dams are often dry. In summer in particular we are grateful for our forest. While our neighbours swelter in their dust bowl we have the pleasure of watching fledgling black cockatoo’s learn to fly and are lulled to sleep with the lullaby of Mopokes hunting in the forest.

Yes, we do have a fire risk but we are well prepared and would always get out early should a fire come. Cleared paddocks, however, are no guarantee of safety in the event of a fire. Most of the 38 homes lost in our nearby town of Toodyay in last season’s summer fires, for example, were located in open paddocks. I think bush fires are deadly where-ever you live and it is dangerous to be complacent just because your house is located in a paddock a long way from trees.

Christmas Tree

Every year at Christmas

We see a sight amazing

As brilliant orange blossom

Sets our bush ablazing

Nuytsias in bloom

Burning clear and bright

Outshine the indoor trees

With their gaudy Christmas lights

This gift of mother nature

Both marvellous and free

Is enjoyed in Perth at Christmas

By folk like you and me

The only thing Western Australia’s spectacular Orange Christmas Tree has in common with indoor Christmas Trees is that they both light up at Christmas. One with natural blossom and the other with electric lights! Everyone loves a Christmas tree and Perth people are blessed in having a unique self decorating native Christmas tree to admire in the festive season.

The Orange Christmas Tree (Nuytsia floribunda) is actually a giant Mistletoe reaching 10 m in height. Like all Mistletoes it is a parasite feeding off other plants but unlike other Mistletoes it is rooted in the ground and taps into the roots of other plants for its food. This can cause problems for the solitary specimen left standing by a fond farmer in his newly cleared paddock despite its extensive root system and ability to parasitise grasses.

Nuytsia are named after the Dutch explorer, Pieter Nuyts, who explored 1,000 miles of Western Australia’s south coast in 1626 -27 on-board the Guilden Zeepaard, captained by Francois Thyssen. The floribunda specific name refers to the stunning cascades of orange flowers that adorn the tree in December. Nuyts was likely the first European to observe the spectacular blossom of the Orange Christmas Tree but the Nyungar will have appreciated this beautiful display of the Mudjar from time immemorial during their Kambarang Season (October to December). They also appreciated the edible inner bark and the sweet edible gum exuding from wounds made while excising bark shields. The sweet shallow roots close to the tree were particularly favoured.

Christmas is a good time to relax, enjoy the company of family and friends and contemplate life. It is also a good time to appreciate the marvels of our natural world.