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...]
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...]
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...]
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 will t … [Read more...]
African Tulip
Spathodea campanulata Family: Bignoniaceae Origin: Native to the tropical, dry forests of Western Africa. With their flaming red flowers, African Tulips Trees have been popularly used as ornamental plants, decorating the suburban streets and gardens of Australia’s tropical and subtropical regions. However, they have become a serious, invasive threat in Northern … [Read more...]
Jacaranda
Jacaranda mimosafolia Family: Bignoniaceae Origin: South America While Jacaranda is the name of a genus of 49 species of trees and shrubs, in Brisbane Jacaranda usually refers to Jacaranda mimosafolia. They have been grown in Brisbane since popularized by the original botanic gardens in the 1800's. Goodna even has an annual Jacaranda festival, making it even harder … [Read more...]
