Maclura cochinchinensis or Cockspur thorn is a favoured nesting habitat for many small bird species within and arouund Bilarabyn Reserve. The features that challenge humans and cats provide protection and shelter for small birds. Cockspur is a native Australian plant and one of the Veresdale dry vine scrub species. It is a rampant scrambler, coarse with plenty of sharp thorns, found in dry and subtropical rainforests and along scrubby watercourses. It has yellow flowers, at base of leaves in summer, the fruit is orange, globular fleshy and edible. The fruit is popular with various birds and reptiles. From seed, it germinates easily and reliably within a few weeks. It can be used carefully as a barrier plant and as nesting habitat for small birds in the bush garden.
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