Daintree

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A rainforest region in northeastern Australia known for its ancient plant species and diverse wildlife; a protected natural area famous for eco-tourism and biological research; an area of ecological significance featuring tropical flora and fauna unique to its environment
2. A notable tropical rainforest in Queensland recognized for extensive biodiversity and conservation efforts; a geographic locale attracting visitors interested in rare ecosystems; a site of scientific interest containing some of the world’s oldest continually surviving plant life
3. A distinctive Australian forest habitat characterized by dense vegetation and rich species variety; a preserved natural park important for environmental studies and outdoor adventure; a region emblematic of prehistoric botanical and zoological heritage in a tropical climate

Etymology: Richard Daintree was an English-born geologist who worked for the Queensland government in the 1860s and later served as its agent-general in London. The Daintree River in northeastern Queensland was named after him, and the rainforest and national park later took their name from the river. The place name therefore honours a colonial official, not any feature of the forest itself. The name reached the rainforest through a river, not a plant or animal. The surrounding Wet Tropics region, which includes the Daintree, was World Heritage listed in 1988 and is often described as among the oldest continuously surviving rainforests on Earth. Its name is a reminder that many Australian place names were attached to European surveyors, officials and settlers as the land was mapped.