Category of trees grown in gardens in Brisbane, Australia
Corymbia ficifolia (Syn. Eucalyptus ficifolia) Family: Myrtaceae Origin: South Coastal Western Australia Native to a very small area of south coastal Western Australia, the aesthetics of the red flowering gum have made it one of the most widely planted landscape and garden trees around the world in subtropical and tropical areas. Despite its …
Cinnamomum camphora Family: Lauraceae Origin: China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam The camphor laurel is an invasive weed here in Australia, though in some urban areas such as Graceville and Sherwood in Brisbane they are considered to be of historical significance. In its native lands of Asia, some larger specimens of …
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 deemed …
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 …
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 …
Syzyigium australe Family: Myrtaceae Origin: Eastern AustraliaA 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 …
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 including Brisbane, where we recommend removing them. Despite all of its positive characteristics that it’s …
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 …
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 …
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 …
