long-toothed hinterland dweller

A dead beetle

Look what I turned up in the garden. A Rhinocerous beetle. This one happened to be dead and as they aren't so common, I'm keeping him to show the grandchildren on their next visit.

That meant I needed to find out a little about him...

• Rhinocerous beetles are one of the largest of all the insects.
• They are especially famous for being the strongest animal in the world!
• They are rainforest dwellers and a number of different species are found throughout the tropics.
• Our Australian one is the Xylotrupes gideon.
• Their fat, worm-like larvae can be the size of a man's thumb.
• Adult insects make an unusual clicking sound.
• This is another bush creature that can make a good pet.  They can live for several years and feed on fruit, rotten wood and other vegetation.

Reading this brought to mind one of my favourite childhood poems - the one by A.A. Milne called 'Forgiven', about Alexander, the pet beetle of Christopher Robin.  The words have been set to music and one of my treasures is a forty year old LP with this, and other Christopher Robin poems, being sung by Glenda Raymond.

When searching for the words on-line I found this other sung version, but it doesn't compare with my one.

I'm going to watch out for a live rhino beetle.  I'd like to keep one for a bit and listen for its sound.  If he's male he could be called either Gideon or Alexander II. 

I think he'll require something bigger than a match-box though.

House lizard - pet or pest?

This is a Fence Skink or a Wall skink.  They grow to 3 or 4 inches in length and are very common inside buildings and homes in Eastern Australia.

There are two schools of thought about the presence of these tiny lizards in the house.  My sister-in-law finds them creepy and banishes them in disgust because of the droppings they leave.

I, on the other hand, enjoy their presence and take delight in watching them scout about the kitchen floor looking for dead insects or other edibles. 

I'm aware of two skinks currently in residence.  This one lives under a heavy chair in the living room while the other seems to alternate between the fridge and the dishwasher.  I expect it's a safe and laid-back kind of life for them in a bird and cat-free environment.

Most mornings when I first appear in the kitchen I am greeted by my kitchen skink.  Only when I approach him too closely does he dive under something for refuge.   I consider that sweeping up his tiny dry droppings is a small price to pay for his assistance in keeping down the population of undesirable insects in the house.

Several other small lizard species will also venture indoors.  The most common is the Gecko; he is a wizard at catching flies and mosquitoes on the walls and makes a pleasant little clucking sound to let you know he's about.  Occasionally one becomes squashed by a closing door, but on the whole they are unobtrusive house-guests.

Although some species of skinks are recommended for keeping as pets, mine will always be in the 'Born Free' category.  Because of their size, these tiny creatures are able to exit from the house as freely as they entered - under the door, or via the gaps around the plumbing system.  (Together with the mice and the spiders -- and the cockroaches, beetles and ants.)  A constant reminder that we are never very far from nature.

Lizard Eaters

In a comment to my previous post, Tjilpi referred to a book, an Australian classic by renowned journalist and author Douglas Lockwood, called The Lizard Eaters.  It's the story written in 1963, of a Central Australian nomadic tribe, the Pintubi, so the setting is in Tjilpi's stamping ground.

That name sounded rather familiar.  Off I went to check the shelves where the mustiest books belonging to Him Outdoors are stored.

Sure enough!   A 1965 edition issued by the Readers Book Club. It cost my husband, a member at that time, a princely 8/6.

When I acquired my husband, among his earthly possessions were many boxes of old books that were dear to him - most were history books or tales of war and adventure that I had no interest in reading. 

Apart from Douglas Lockwood, other favourite authors were Frank Clune, Xavier Herbert and Ion Idriess.  I have to admit that I've still never read any of his collection.  Each of the six or so times that we have moved house I've flagged the possibility that he might be ready to 'let go' some of his treasures.  Not likely!

When together just now we carefully examined this one - sticky-taped dust jacket and all - we thought we may have also scored a signed copy.  Not so.  Merely an imprinted signature for book club members on the title page.

After unearthing this gem I guess the least I can do is read it.  So 'Lizard Eaters' has now become fifth in the line-up on the bedside table.

Thanks, Tjilpi.  I'm sure your copy will be read well before mine.

Meanwhile, another water dragon hatchling has turned up on the verandah, clinging to the wall between a brick and a tile.

I think I would have to be very hungry to contemplate eating this one - even when fully grown.

But as a strictly coastal dweller, this is not a species the Pintubi would have had on the menu either.

Invaded by dragons

Our environment is full of lizards of all kinds, including several inside the house.  They are very welcome for their assistance in reducing the insect population.  But just lately, whenever I step out of the back door, I am met by a tiny Water Dragon, probably attracted by the shade and dampness around the pot-plants on the verandah.

I can't be sure how many there are, but one morning there were two, both only hatchlings, so presumably they were from the same clutch of eggs.

This one had clevely climbed into a plastic storage crate, only to find himself trapped.  When I helped him out he was almost too weak to scurry away.

Another day I found one sunning himself on a fence- post beside the rosemary.

Eastern Water Dragons (Physignathus lesuerii) are semi-aquatic and common along the coast of Eastern Australia.

They grow to about 20cm in length - but that's just the body; add a tail measuring at least two-and-a-half times that, and you have a lizard up to a metre long.

A few years ago, when the use of garden sprinklers was still permitted, we had an 80 cm long tame 'dragon' (nicknamed 'Les' from lesuerii) who would appear as soon as a tap was turned on.  He adored being able to stand under the gushing water of a sprinkler and wasn't at all concerned about a human presence.  I've read that water dragons make excellent pets and have seen mature adults advertised for up to $250.

Now that we can no longer provide shower facilities for his daily ablutions, our friend Les has no doubt retreated to the muddy creek in the neighbouring bushland.   

But perhaps the judicious placement of some water bowls might encourage the two new babies to stay around.  They are welcome to feast on any creepy-crawlies they might find on the verandah.

Unzip a banana

Our bunch of 'lady fingers' is filling out nicely.  Since this photo was taken it has been securely covered by a plastic sack.  That should keep away the birds, fruit bats and possums while the fruit is ripening.

As soon as a tinge of yellow appears, the bunch will be cut and hung on the verandah, where we can harvest a hand at a time to eat.

Someone just sent me this great plug for bananas.  I now know why they have always been a favouite fruit.  After reading this, you will want to rush straight out to buy a hand!

                        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose
combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial
boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough
energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the
number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the
only way a banana can help us keep fit. 

It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and
conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana.
This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the  body
converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your  mood and
generally make you feel happier. (Tryptophan the trigger for seretonin to help sleep is also in milk and is the reason some find a glass or warm milk at night relaxes them.)

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates
blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in
the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood
pressure and  stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middle) school were helped
through their exams this year by eating  bananas at breakfast, break, and
lunch in a bid to boost their brain  power. Research has shown that the
potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore
normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting  to
laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a
banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while
the milk soothes and  re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you
suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood
sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the
affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it
amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria
found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and
crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most
obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded
that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood
sugar levels by snacking  on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep
levels  steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders
because of its soft texture and  smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that
can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes
over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the  stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit
that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant
mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure
their baby is born with a cool  temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6,
B12 they contain, as well as the  potassium and magnesium found in them,
help the body recover from the  effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat,
sends oxygen to the brain and  regulates your body's water balance. When we
are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium
levels. These  can be re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium  banana
snack.

Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine,
"eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by
strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives  swear that if you want to kill
off a wart, take a piece of banana  skin and place it on the wart, with the
yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or
surgical tape!  (but you must get the banana skin right on the wart because it will remove all skin it is left on for any length of time. )

Want a quick shine on your shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the
banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth.  Amazing fruit.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it
to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three
times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice  the
other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the
best value foods around.

So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say,

                                          "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

The odd fruits corner

Another of our exotic fruit trees has come into bearing.

These are Tamarillos (Cyphomandra betacea) - also known as Tree tomatoes.

They are an easy to grow subtropical fruit, the shape and size of an egg and with the texture of a tomato. The flavour is similar to a tomato but sweeter. 

In the photo they are still unripe, but they come in two colours - red and yellow.  We expect these to be of the red variety.  As with the tomato, tamarillos can be used in a variety of ways, but are often enjoyed fresh, spooned from the skin like a kiwi-fruit.

Originally from the Andes, Tamarillos are probably more popular in Australia than in the USA.  Outside South America, New Zealand is one of the biggest commercial producers.

Tree tomatoes are quite easy to strike from cuttings and will bear in their second year.  They are not fussy with their requirements, but do need plenty of water; and of course they are not at all frost tolerant.

Here is our tree a year ago when it was about 12 months old. 

Directly behind is the Dragon-fruit (Pitaya) trellis, now well-covered with the crazy looking, thick cactus branches and, as of yesterday, another glorious white bloom. 

Our first two flowers were on the yellow Pitaya, but this one - about 8 inches in length - is on the red variety.

Meanwhile this is what became of those two earlier blooms.  Two yellow Pitaya fruits are developing very nicely. 

Nearby in the garden are some bananas, two tall papaya trees and a patch of pineapples, almost ready for picking.   In front is a straggly little Pepino bush, with fruits quite similar to the Tamarillo but striped yellow and red.

So we have a rapidly growing variety of different fruits available -- and although I would not class some of them as out-of-this-world in the flavour stakes, they certainly come into their own when used in a tropical fruit salad.

Fruit is something I eat several times a day; and now, having just read about a group of fruit-eaters based in North Queensland, I reckon I could fairly easily become a Fruitarian too.

Netted

A searcher using Yahoo as search engine, yesterday entered the phrase 'hinterland game cat'.  Guess who scored top place in the results! 

Yahoo's findings were triggered by a very old post on my pet subject - or perhaps I should say my 'anti-pet' subject - cats. In the Comments on that post were some actual cat recipes and details of other recommended ways for cooking cats.

Whenever I decide to take a look at the Visitors and Referrers to my blog, I am usually suprised to see the range of unusual search topics that result in leads to l - t - h - d posts. Sometimes it starts me wondering: Why was that person seeking a game cat in the hinterland?  Was he perhaps a chef planning an unusual goumet dish? -- or merely a hunter wanting to do the right thing and rid his own bit if hinterland of unwanted feral cats.

While performing a search of my own this evening - looking for a plant nursery that might stock a particular vine - I saw a joking reference to the MOLE STATION NURSERY and its unfortunately named website: http://www.molestationnursery.com/. 

When I followed the link I found that there is in fact a nursery with that name - run from the homestead of a sheep station on the Mole River, near Tenterfield, NSW.  Its owners had innocently set up their web address, as most people do, simply using the name of their business.  It seems that once they had been alerted to the other, unintended meaning, they made a quick switch to the web address 'moleriverstation'.  But the original web address is still valid.

The other bit of trivia I netted this evening was the existence of a female musician in Hawaii who goes by the performing name - 'Hinterlander'.  I even listened to a couple of her tracks. I would have to say that she would beat me hands-down for entertainment value.  But I know for a fact that the game cat seeker was directed to me first.

Door-stops

Val of Melbourne in her blog, Val has her say, has posted a pic of her interesting giraffe door-stop.

It made me think of some of the weird objects and unusual ornaments I've seen other people use to hold open their doors.

Guarding our front door is a mean-looking wooden crocodile that was carved in New Guinea.

Before him we had a pair of heavy metal ducks.  Birds and animals appear to be popular for door-stops.

When I was a child my great-aunt May in Adelaide had two - a demure little Shirley Temple style girl with her skirt held out -- and  a life-like, full-sized painted plaster dog .  I adored that animal and would sit on the floor beside it with my arm around its neck.  I loved him because he would never bite, or lick my face - or run away.

For the same reason in my kitchen today I have Chatterley, my ultra low-maintenace cat -- although he is a lightweight and not up to the job at the door.  More effective is my pink nylon mouse.  He even doubled for a while as a teething rubber for my infant grand-daughter.

Well they're mine  ....   

and I'm sure there are plenty of other really interesting - even bizarre - door-stops out there.

I hope some of you will post your pictures.  When you do, remember to let Val know.  She can be credited with starting this whole thing off.

A visit from Alec

We had the excitement of an unexpected visitor to our place this week - a bird species we hadn't known was living in these parts.

This is an Australian Brush-turkey ( Alectura lathami ) - also referred to as the Bush or Scrub turkey.  This picture isn't the best, but it was all I could manage at short notice; it was taken in the long grass bordering our cleared orchard area.  A few minutes later he/she was off again into the bush.

A member of the mound-building, megapode family and related to the pheasant, Brush-turkies are very common in the forests and bushland of south-east Queensland and even considered a nuisance by some.  You can read the amusing account of what Patty in Brisbane has to say about them in her post, Dreaded Bush Turkey.

Soon after moving here six years ago, we compiled a rough list of all the birds we had seen visiting our yard.  At that time there were over 30.  Now we can add Alec - or at least his mate - this one didn't appear to have the distinctive large yellow wattles of a male.

Brush-turkies are always around in force in our nearby National Parks, ever hopeful of food-scraps from picnickers and bush-walkers.  The little town of Mount Tamborine mentions them in its tourist and advertising brochures.  The residents there also find them rather a pest.  In the early settlers' days they would have welcomed them as fair game for the cooking-pot!

I'm hoping Alec will visit again - and wouldn't even mind if he/she decides to tear up some of our mulch to build a mound.    Well ... just the once maybe, so we can observe the whole process at close quarters.

NOW, BEFORE I GO ...

If you are a bird enthusiast, do go and read the latest 'I and the Bird' edition - I and the Bird #16 over at the Dharma Bums' blog.  A collection of interesting posts about birds in the wild from all over the world.  There are lots of fascinating stories and facts there -- and you will find that my recent Tawny frogmouth post has been included.