Jose essentially created the first eco-friendly attraction in Queensland .
Today, we have an incredible combination of the 7,500 plants, trees and ferns Jose and his wife Margarita planted plus the growth that has occurred over the past 70 years. The park has become an amazing habitat for hundreds of varieties of birds, butterflies, fish and many other animals.
There are many varieties of Butterflies found in the Top Gardens and in the Park. A few of the more easily identifiable are described below.
PAPILIO ULYSSES (Ulysses Butterfly)
This large, bright blue butterfly, a symbol of Far North Queensland, is one of the more commonly found in the Park. Its larval plant food Euodia elleryana, is the large tree found at the entrance to the Top Gardens (No. 49). The butterflies feed on the many brightly coloured flowers in the Top Gardens, such as Ixora and Pentas.
ORNITHOPTERA PRIAMUS (Cairns Birdwing)
This is Australia's largest butterfly. The male has a striking pattern of green, gold and black, with red markings on the upper body. The female's colouring is more subdued in black, white and gold, with the same red body and gold abdomen. The larval food plant is the vine Aristolochia tagala, more commonly known as Dutchman's Pipe.
DANIS HYMETUS (Small Green-banded Blue)
This is the tiny flash of blue often seen in the Park. The male is brilliant blue above, and the female blue and white.
Japoonvale Rd (Old Bruce Highway)
PO Box 88
Mena Creek
Queensland 4871
Australia
