introduced species

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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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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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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A Bismarck palm tree in Brisbane

Bismarck Palm

Bismarckia nobilis Family: Arecaceae          Origin: Madagascar Said to be named after the first chancellor of the German Empire, Otto von Bismarck, the entire Latin name honors him with “nobilis” meaning ‘noble’ at the end. Otto maintained peace between the German states during his lifetime, creating the first welfare state in history

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Tall golden cane in algester, brisbane

Golden Cane Palm

Dypsis lutescens Family: Arecaceae       Origin: Madagascar Commonly known as the Golden Cane palm, this palm is extremely popular in landscapes and gardens not only here in Australia, but in many parts of the world. Where it gets too cold to cultivate outside, Golden Cane palms make wonderful and happy houseplants. In fact, this plant

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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

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unsightly fronds hanging from a cocos palm in Brisbane

Cocos Palm

Syagrus romanzoffiana Family: Aracacaea Origin: Native to South America. Planted extensively throughout the mid-19th century and still popular in landscaping today, the Cocos Palm can be found all over Australia’s east coast, in Darwin, Western Australia, South Australia and in Tasmanian parks and garden. A long-lived palm, it can grow from 1-2 metres annually and

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