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The Paperbarks are one of the most distinctive Australian plants, usually well known both to residents and many visitors alike. Melaleucas are often mistaken at first glance for Eucalyptus trees.

 They are in a separate genus, but in the same family, and many of the species share the familiar pendulous branches and drooping leaves. Other common family features are the aromatic, oil gland filled leaves and the flowers dominated by many colourful stamens. And, as is obvious from the main common name, many species have peeling, papery bark. They are common in the woodlands and wetlands of Australia.

paperbark
Paperbark

 
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Plants

Figs
The 'Figs' are contained in the genus Ficus of about 1000 different species found worldwide, including as potted plants in many households. They are of one of the best known and widespread of all plant genera. It is not just the distribution that attracts interest, however, for the genus has some important and fascinating ecology.
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Birds

Ducks and Geese
Duck
Duck (Quack!)
There are over 180 species in this large and diverse family, and they are found all over the world. They are generally known as 'waterfowl' and include many familiar species which have been domesticated. There are 24 species of waterfowl in Australia, and of course several wild living exotics and escaped domestics.
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Mammals

Platypus

platypus
Platypus
The Platypus is probably most famous for the fact that it was initially thought to be a hoax. It was thought to be a fake because it combined the fur of a mammal, but the bill and webbed feet of a duck. The size of the animal varies, but is always a lot smaller than people first think.

 

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