Corymbia ficifolia (Syn. Eucalypus ficifolia) Family: Myrtaceae Origin: South Costal Western Australia There are plenty of trees that are grown for their ornamental value, and there are certainly favorites endemic to specific areas all over the world. The Midwest of the United States seems to be happily populated with flowering crab apples and lilacs. In many areas in E … [Read more...]
Camphor Laurel
Cinnamomum camphora Family: Lauraceae Origin: China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam While the camphor laurel is an invasive weed here in Australia, in its native lands of Asia, some larger specimens of this tree are considered monuments and are very much loved by the people who live around them. In Japan, Kamou no Ohkusu is a very large and old (possibly over 1,50 … [Read more...]
Broad-leaved Paperbark
Melaleuca quinquenervia Family: Myrtaceae Origin: Australia, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea Broad-leaved paperbark, or niaouli, is a medium-sized, fast-growing tree native to Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and the eastern coast of Australia–from Botany Bay to Queensland and the Northern Territory. Paperbarks have also spread to the Everglades of Florida, where it is d … [Read more...]
Norfolk Island Pine
Araucaria heterophylla Family: Araucariaceae Origin: Norfolk Island People in climates where this tree can’t be grown outside (most notably in the US) grow what they think are Norfolk Island Pines in pots in their homes. Unfortunately, they’re usually mistaken. What is mostly available as a houseplant is actually the Cook Pine (Araucaria columnaris). But for the fol … [Read more...]
Umbrella Tree
Schefflera actinophylla Family: Araliaceae Origin: Australia, New Guinea, and Java. Naturalised in South East Qld and other places. While this is an Australian native, the Umbrella tree or Schefflera actinophylla can end up being a nightmare in cultivation and in some applications. Knowing where to plant this beauty can help you avoid many of the common problems tha … [Read more...]
Lillypilly
Syzyigium australe Family: Myrtaceae Origin: Eastern Australia A very popular and native Australian tree, this wonderful (usually) tree is grown in lots of ways. It has been bred into many cultivars suitable for many uses in the garden. Lillypilly can have a lot of names and has been misnamed many times because of the range of cultivars it comes in. Names like Brush Cherry, … [Read more...]
Cadaghi
Corymbia torreliana Family: Myrtaceae Origin: Queensland, Australia Cadaghi are yet another example of an endemic tree that enjoys taking over civilized life. Especially invasive, this tree has been banned from cultivation in many parts of the world. Despite all of its positive characteristics that it’s evolved in the wild, these same characteristics make it a very ti … [Read more...]
Chinese Elm
Celtis sinensis Family: Cannabaceae Origin: China, Japan, North Korea, And Vietnam The Chinese Elm has found a far too happy place in Australian landscapes as it’s become highly invasive. It spreads its seed easily in the wind and is self-pollinating. It is listed as an invasive species both by Brisbane City Council and the Qld Government along with other local govern … [Read more...]
Ivory Curl
Buckinghamia Celsissima Family: Proteaceae Origin: Rain forests from Mt Spec to Cooktown The Ivory Curl is a beautiful feature tree often seen in the backyards and found in undisturbed bushland in its native area. According to the Australian Native Plants Society, the tree is named after Richard Greenville, the Duke of Buckingham. As the tree is common enough in the wi … [Read more...]
Cabbage Tree
Cordyline australis Family: Asparagaceae Origin: New Zealand In its native habitat, the Cabbage Tree is an interesting yet much appreciated tree by native animal and human populations. This tree was cultivated by an endemic people of New Zealand as a source of fibers used for clothing, shoes, baskets, and fishing gear. The fruits are a welcome and favorite food of a pi … [Read more...]
