Observations by tommyace

Persoonia pinifolia fruit. It is one of the more widely cultivated Geebungs in eastern Australia, though by no means common, and is a fairly reliable garden plant. The main reason it is not more widely available is the difficulties encountered in propagation by either seed or cuttings. Seed is very difficult to germinate; a combination of inhibitors and a thick impermeable endocarp contribute to this notorious reputation. Under natural conditions fire appears to enhance germination, though the use of artificial smoke products seem to have no effect on improving the results. It can be assumed fire has a physical effect such as 'cracking' the endocarp or in association with water/rain/moisture improving permeability of the endocarp. It can also be assumed that smoke possibly does improve germination, but artificial conditions don't provide the means for smoke to permeate to the seed embryo.

The green-head ant is an infamous nuisance for suburban and urban dwellers in Australia. The ants generally build their nests underground beneath most types of grasses and often go unnoticed until someone, or sometimes some animal, is bitten. The actual ant's bite itself is often unnoticeable, however the venom that the ant injects via a stinger in its abdomen, initiates a sharp burning sensation beginning seconds after the sting and lasting up until any time from five minutes to as long as two hours or, with some subspecies, up to a day. The venom is generally harmless but if a large number of stings are received at once the overwhelming amount of venom injected into the body can sometimes render a small child physically ill for a few hours.