Daintree Flora - Ephemeral Beach Flowers

Beach Hibiscus


The beach hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) and the beach barringtonia (Barringtonia asiatica) produce beautiful flowers that only last for one day.

The hibiscus grows along the Daintree River as well as along beachfronts. Come evening, the flowers darken and fall from the tree. They can be seen scattered on the sand or floating down the river.

Beach Hibiscus

Heart-shaped Leaves and Spiky Pods


The barringtonia produce delicate multi-stamen flowers which are pollinated at night. Come morning, the flowers carpet the sand. The seed pods are large and a distinctive shape.

Different Stages of the Beach Barringtonia


The flowers open on sunset and are pollinated by bats. Barringtonia have been planted along the Cairns Esplanade and the flowers can be seen on the grass.

Barringtonia Flowers on Cairns Esplanade

I picked up a Barringtonia seed pod and in October it germinated, sprouting gorgeous chocolaty leaves.

Germinating Barringtonia



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