Introduction
The witches are swamp paperbarks (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla) that live in swamps. I was inspired to create this geocache during my visit to Herdsman Lake recently.
Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla)
Information on Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla)
Early aboriginal tribes peeled bark from these trees and used it for the covers of their temporary shelters – mia-mias.
The powdered bark was used to begin fires when they used fire-sticks. Coots, Dusky Moorhens, Swamphens, and some ducks strip the bark from the lower trunks and use it as nest linings. Other birds like Cormorants, Ibis, Spoonbills, Herons, doves and butcherbirds build their nests in Swamp Paperbark trees.
The lookout platform
In more recent times the paperbark has been used by keen gardeners as a lining for hanging baskets. During times of flood or inundation, the spaces between the layers of bark allow air to reach the roots and prevent the roots from ‘drowning’.
Swamp Paperbark is a tall shrub with a preference for freshwater environments. It grows to a maximum of 8 metres in height, and has a very dense canopy. Frequently it forms dense tickets with an undergrowth of semi-aquatic plants such as sedges. Distribution is mainly in the south-west of Western Australia along water courses and in low-lying and swampy areas. It provides shade and is a beautiful subject, the flowers attracting bees, beetles and other insects. The foliage is shelter for small birds and is also used by them for roosting, breeding and nesting.
At Herdsman Lake, the Nankeen Night Herons use the trees for both roosting and nesting sites. The flowers are creamy white in ‘bottlebrush’ clusters near the ends of branchlets. The flowering period is late spring through to early summer. Larger trees have a noticeable ‘honey’ perfume. The fine seed is enclosed in small woody capsules. Leaves are up to 30 mm long, about 1 mm across, almost terete and slightly curved.
Geocache
Geocache is a mint container but it is no longer hidden in its former location. Now, it is hidden between the trunks and under the barks of the paperbark as shown in "04 Location of geocache". Please cover the geocache with the barks after logging. Congratulations to Chwiliwr for FTF, lalest for 2ndTF, and ruffdawg for 3rdTF!!! :o)
The walkway
Happy Geocaching!
Celastra & Dark Energy