BAY SOUTH

There are always lots of stuff to look out for when one visits the garden. I, for one, usually look out for the Melicope elleryana to check if it is flowering. It is a butterfly attracting plant that occurs in Australia, at least that's what I think.

This year, the Arrival Walkway is beautifully decorated with cut-out Cherry Blossoms and red lanterns. I was glad the Combretum paniculatum was flowering again.

This garden is also apparently popular with dog lovers, who bring their beloved pets out for a walk and to socialize with members of their kind. Not far away from the Arrival is the vibrantly coloured Children's Playground. 

pink flower Melicope elleryana

Arrival walkway

Chinese New Year adorning the covered walkway

Combretum paniculatum

A gathering of dog lovers and their dogs

I call this the runway

Pathway to the Children's Playground

Children's Playground

BAY SOUTH

I didn't realize that the coach bus area was planted with this Melicope elleryana tree until I saw its pink flowers.

On the western mound, I spotted a flock of 3 Black Naped Orioles hiding in the crown of the Maniltoa browneoides tree.

MELICOPE ELLERYANA

Yesterday, when I was on my way back from lunch, the van made a bend and I saw a tree with pinkish flowers from the corner of my eye. So I made an effort to check out the tree.


Interestingly, it has a small open crown and the inflorescences are few. But the pink flowers do capture my attention. Known as Melicope elleryana (common name: Pink Flowered Doughwood, Pink Evodia; Family: Rutaceae), it has leaves that are arranged in threes.


My colleague also informed me this tree is the host plant of the very beautiful electric blue Ulysses Butterfly found in Australia. A link is found below:


http://www.yuruga.com.au/yuruga-info-sheets/attracting-butterflies/