Yep, its a Permian mudstone derived duplex. Old, acidic, and leached, like so many Aus soils, but the topsoil has high natural organic matter levels, and seems to respond pretty quickly to added nutrients. Although the hardpan requires a bit of management, it's soooo much better to work with than the hydrophobic nightmare of the South Arm sand. Back on topic...I was reading Dowe's description of A cunninghamiana last night in Australian Palms, and the purple colouration seems to fall within the species parameters, so I guess this population has been studied at some stage in the past, or there are other populations with similar characteristics maybe? Dowe also mentions that cunninghamiana extends right up to Mt Elliott at Townsville, so another 250km north of Eungella...another population to explore! Interesting that Livistona australis also tops out at Paluma in the mountains just north of Townsville.