brisbane

camphor laurel in Corinda

Camphor Laurel

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 […]

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paperbark gum nuts which will open to reveal seeds

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 deemed

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Norfolk Island pine growth form

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

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The flower of an Umbrella tree

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

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Lillypliiy's attractive, small flowers

Lillypilly

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

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Cadaghi torelliana tree

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 including Brisbane, where we recommend removing them. Despite all of its positive characteristics that it’s

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chinese elm foliage

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

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chinese fan palm

Chinese Fan Palm

Livistona chinensis Family: Arecaceae Origin: Japan, Taiwan, and southern China In most parts of the tropical world, this tree is a beautiful and unassuming addition to landscapes in parks and in conservatories, as well as home gardens. Cultivated for container use, it has also happily made its way around the world in the ground. Even

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Cuban Royal palm trees, taken on the southside of Brisbane

Cuban Royal Palm

Roystonea regia Family: Arecaceae Origin: Southern US, Caribbean, Cuba, Mexico, and Central America. Another tall and stately palm, this time originating from the subtropical and tropical regions of the New World, Cuban Royal palm is a beautiful and adaptable tree perfect for many uses. In its native lands, it’s used for lumber and thatch, as

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