Sometimes, plants capture my attention – a seedpod landing on my head or a leaf at my feet. My connection with Macaranga tenarius began during a walk along Tighgum (Cabbage Tree Creek). A heart-shaped yellow leaf fell at my feet, sparking a multi-year conversation with these generous pioneer rainforest trees that stabilise soils and shelter delicate understories. Their leaves form cloud-like clusters from a distance, while looking up from under their canopies reveals translucent green layers. When cut, they bleed red sap, and their festoons of cheerful tiny flowers give way to spiked seedpods
But there’s more to this understory. While collecting fallen leaves for eco-prints, curious strangers stopped to chat, expanding our sense of community. The Macaranga trees not only create a shelter for delicate plants, but also provided a sheltered space for delicate new social connections.
Understory is an evolving work that has been exhibited in three iterations, including Redland Art Gallery – Redbox (2021), Moreton Bay Art Prize (2022), and Boondall Wetlands Environmental Centre (2025). The work encourages engagement and has been accompanied by workshops at two of the exhibitions where specialist botanical knowledge is shared alongside the visual art workshops I’ve facilitated.
Medium: 1-4: Ecoprints on repurposed life drawings. 5-9: Gouache, ink and crayon on paper, beeswax, and mixed media works (within the cabinet).
Photos 1-4 by John Downs. Remaining photos – Rachel Apelt.
Rachel Apelt 