School Shade
Tree Program |
Acacia alaucarpa Family: Mimosaceae Plant Form: Tree Growth Habit: Shrub or small tree to 12m in general Townsville soils, larger tree to 25m on rainforest margins and deep alluvial soils with lots of available water. Fruiting Season:Winter Distribution: Coastal areas of northern Australia and northern N.S.W. ,in open forest Introduced: No Seen North Qld: Yes |
Acacia crassicarpa Family: Mimosaceae Form and Size: Small to medium tree, 6-10m in height. Distribution: Coastal districts of north-eastern Qld, and PNG; usually along stream banks. Phyllodes: Sickle-shaped, covered with a blue-grey bloom, 11- 20cm x 1-3.5cm; 3-5 prominent yellowish veins running into the lower margin at the base. Flowers: Yellow spikes, 4-6cm long, in small clusters. Flowering Period: June to September Fruit: Pods, brown. Woody, 5-8cm x 2.5-3.5cm; diagonal veins and raised margins. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from treated seed. Wood is hard and attractively marked. |
Acacia flavescens Common Name: Yellow Wattle Family: Mimosaceae Form and Size: Medium bushy tree to 8m Leaves: Dark green with 3 prominent veins and a network of smaller veins Flowers: cream coloured balls in clusters Flowering Period: Varies but most prominent between December and July Fruit: Flat light brown pods with small wings, and constricted between seeds Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from treated seed. A hardy tree that is a useful screening species |
Acacia leptostachya Common Name: Townsville Wattle Family: Mimosaceae Distribution: Common across northern Australia in woodlands and watercourses Form and Size: Large bushy shrub or small tree to 5m Leaves: Slender silver –grey in colour, with 3-5 prominent veins from the base of the leaf. New growth is covered in silky hairs giving a white appearance Bark: Brown and rough Flowers: Slender yellow spikes occurring in pairs in the leaf axil Flowering Period: June to August Fruit: Pods are dark brown in colour, occur in clusters and are twisted and curled. The pods remain on the tree after the seeds have fallen from the pods Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from treated seed. Pruning will assist with maintaining a bushy form. |
Acacia simsii Common Name: Sim’s Wattle Family: Mimosaceae Size: Medium shrub, 2 - 4 m high. Distribution: Coastal and near coastal areas of north Qld. south to Proserpine; Arnhem Land and P.N.G. Flowering Period: January to March and sporadic Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from treated seed. Fast growing and can flower in first year. Needs good drainage and full sun. Best if planted in dense groups of three or four shrubs. |
Alphitonia excelsa Common Name: Red Ash, Soap Tree. Family: Rhamnaceae Form and Size: Slender, uptight tree, variable in size, but usually not exceeding 10m outside of rainforest areas. Distribution: Qld, NT, WA, and NSW in rainforests, open forests and arid areas. Leaves: Thin, elongated oval shape, smooth and olive-green above, whitish and hairy beneath, prominent venation, 7-20cm x 3.5-7.5cm. Bark: Smooth, creamy-grey. Flowers: Whitish to cream-green, numerous, small, strongly scented; in large clusters. Flowering Period: February to April. Fruit: Capsules, flattened, dry, woody, black when ripe, about 1cm diameter; several red seeds. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed. Very adaptable tree suited to a wide range of conditions. Crushed leaves will lather in water and make a suitable soap substitute. |
Antidesma parvifolium Common Name: Currant Bush Family: Stilaginaceae Distribution: Occurs in coastal scrubs, woodlands and vine thickets across QLD and NT Form and Size: Small bushy shrub with dense foliage 2-3m. Semi deciduous with separate male and female plants Leaves: Small oval shaped with a blunt end and light green in colour Bark: Grey and smooth Flowers: Male flowers are spikes up to 2.5cm long. Female flowers are smaller and occur in the upper axils or terminally Flowering Period: November to January Fruit: Fleshy oval shaped purple to black in colour with a single seed inside Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed or cuttings. Suitable for jam making |
Archontophoenix alexandrea Common Name: Alexandra Palm Family: Arecaceae Form and Size: Rainforest palm, 10-15m high. Distribution: Occurs along stream banks from Bamaga on Cape York Peninsula to Oyster Creek south of Miriam Vale, central Qld. Leaves: Fronds are dark green above, white or glaucous beneath. Flowers: White or cream and borne in much branches panicles 30-40 cm long. Flowering Period: December – March Fruit: Ovoid (egg-shaped), 1-1.5 cm long, waxy, red, and mature late January. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed which takes 1-3 months to germinate. In cultivation this plant tolerates full sun provided ample water is available. Special Note: Torresian Imperial Pigeon food tree |
Arytera divaricata Common Names: Rose Tamarind, Coogara Family: Sapindaceae Form and Size: Small tree, 5-8m, with a rounded canopy. Distribution: Rainforests of North Qld and North Eastern NSW Leaves: Pinnate, to 20cm long; 1-3 pairs of leaflets, lance shaped or oval, glossy dark green above, paler beneath, 5-15cm x 1-3cm; new growth pale pink. Flowers: Cream, small, about 0.4cm in diameter; in loose panicles. Flowering Period: October to April. Fruit: Capsule, yellow to orange, about 1cm long, 1-3 egg-shaped lobes. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed. Requires regular watering in dry periods. Food plant of the Six Lineblue butterfly. |
| Austromyrtus bidwillii
Family: Myrtaceae Size: Small to medium tree, 4 -10m tall. Distribution: Rainforest margins, from north - east Qld. to north - east N.S.W. Flowering Period: September to January Cultivation notes:Propagate from fresh seed or cuttings. The trunk is very attractive and makes this tree a worthwhile addition to the garden. |
Bombax Common Name: Kapok Tree Family: Bombacaceae Distribution: Occurs in coastal monsoon vine-thickets, and vine thickets associated with Woodlands Form and Size: Tall tree 8-12m with large thorns on the trunk and branches, and is deciduous. Leaves: Light green with a pointed tip on a long stalk Bark: Creamy-grey smooth or slightly rough, and tessellated toward the base Flowers: Large red flowers, with 5 waxy petal, occur in clusters on the end of the branches Flowering Period: August to October Fruit: Large woody oblong capsules Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed, fast growing and suited to most well drained soils. |
Brachychiton australis Plant Family: Sterculiaceae Plant Form: tree Growth Habit: Tree to 15m with a bulky trunk, but doesn’t develop the bottle shape that characterises the Narrow-leaved Bottle tree. Fruiting Season:Summer Description: Stock food. Distribution: North Queensland, dry areas. Introduced: No Seen North Qld: Yes |
Breynia crenua Family: Euphorbiaceae Distribution: Occurs across northern Australia along watercourses and monsoon forests Form and Size: Meduin sized slender shrub 2-4m tall Leaves: Egg-shaped or rounded bluish-green in colour
Flowers: Separate male and female flowers. Male is small and greenish in colour. Female greenish-yellow, 6-lobed occurs singularly or in clusters Flowering Period: Sporadic Fruit: Bright red berries Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed or cuttings. Fruits are eagerly sought by birds. Attractive shrub that is suitable for many areas. |
Bursaria tenuifolia Family: Pittosporaceae Form and Size: Tall shrub to small tree, 3 – 6 m tall Distribution: North Eastern Queensland, along stream banks and in open scrub land Leaves: Lance shaped, tapering to the base, rounded tip, shiny green above, dull beneath, thin textured, 3 – 5 cm long h x 1 1.5 cm Bark: Creamy –grey smooth Flowers: White, about 0.5 cm diameter; borne in large terminal panicles. Flowering Period: October to December Fruit: Capsule, heart shaped, flat. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed or cuttings. An attractive shrub which is spectacular in flower attracting many types of insects. Hardy requiring well drained soils probably does best in dappled shade. |
Caesalpinia bonduc Family: Caesalpiniaceae Size: A scrambling, bushy shrub or scrambler, with hooked thorns on the stems and leaf axis. Distribution: Coastal scrubs of northern Australia and adjacent islands and cays. Flowering Period: October to March Cultivation notes:Not usually cultivated because the entire plant bears thorns or spines. Widely distributed throughout tropical regions of the world as the seeds can retain their viability for a number of years, even in sea water. Seeds require nicking or filing to assist germination. |
Callistemon viminalis Common Name: Weeping Bottlebrush. Family: Myrtaceae Form and Size: A small shrub to a small, bushy tree, 1-5m high. The most common form in the tropics is a dense shrub, 4m high, with pendulous branches. Distribution: Cape York Peninsula, Qld to the Clarence River, NSW; along stream banks and beds of seasonal waterways. Leaves: Lance-shaped, dull-green, 2-6.5 cm x 0.5-1 cm; Bark: Grey, rough. Flowers: Bright red, borne on terminal spikes 5-20cm x 3-6 cm pendulous. Flowering Period: September to December. Fruit: Capsules, cup shaped. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed or cuttings. A hardy
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Calophyllum inophyllum
Family: Clusiaceae Size: A large, spreading tree ,10 -20m high ,with dense foliage. Distribution: Qld. and N.T.; in sandy coastal areas right to the waters edge. Flowering Period: November to February Cultivation notes:Propagate from seed, which germinates easily. An important tree for binding the sand of tropical coastlines; it is quite cyclone resistant. Flowers are attractive to insects and birds, and seeds are oily. At one time they were used to produce oil for lamps, candles etc. It will not prosper in heavy, poorly drained soils, but is an excellent tree for beachside parks and will perform well in some heavier soils providing they are well drained. The large, white kernel of the fruit is bitter if eaten, and will usually result in severe vomiting. Sap is a skin irritant, and has been used as an arrow poison in Samoa. Resin from the tree also induces vomiting and diarrhoea. |
Canarium australianum Common Name: White Beech Family: Burseraceae Distribution: Throughout QLD, NT and WA, along stream banks or rainforests Form and Size: A small to medium tree 8-12m tall. Male and female plants, deciduous Leaves: Egg-shaped, leathery, smooth and shiny Bark: creamy - grey Flowers: Creamy –white; borne in branching cluster of flowers in the upper leaf axils Flowering Period: April to August Fruit: Blue-black oval shaped berry Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. May need some treatment for improved germination. Excellent shade tree for larger areas |
Canthium coprosmoides Common Name: Coast canthium Family: Rubiaceae Form and Size: A tall sparse shrub or small tree, 2 –6 m high Distribution: North-eastern Qld, to south eastern NSW; in coastal scrubs and rainforests. Leaves: Opposite, egg shaped or oval, dull green, leathery, blunt, 5 – 10 cm x 1.5 – 3 cm Flowers: White or cream, perfumed about 0.8 cm in diameter, borne in small clusters in leaf axils. Flowering Period: November to February Fruit: Red globular, about 1 cm in diameter Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed or stem cuttings. Prefers deep well drained soil and some protection while young. Fairly slow growing but will respond to slow release fertiliser. |
Capparis arborea Common Name: Caper, Noble Caper, Native pomegranate Family: Capparaceae Form and Size: A scrambling shrub or small tree, 2 – 5 m high, bearing sharp prickles. Distribution: Coastal rainforests from Qld to central NSW. Leaves: Egg-shaped, or oval, dark green, shiny, 6 – 15 cm x 2 – 6 cm Flowers: White to cream numerous long stamens, 3 – 6 cm diameter, buds covered with woolly hairs. Flowering Period: October to April Fruit: Berry, yellowish rounded up to 5 cm diameter
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Carallia brachiata Common Name: Corkwood Family: Rhizophoraceae Form and Size: A small to medium tree, 5-10cm high with widely spreading branches. Distribution: Qld., N.T. and W.A.; in coastal vine thickets, monsoon forests, on sand dunes, and extending to nearby islands. Leaves: Opposite, oval, smooth, thin, blunt, glossy above, dull beneath, 7-15cm x 2-10cm. Bark: Cream-grey, rough, corky. Flowers: Small, cream-green, 0.2-0.3cm diameter; borne in small clusters on old wood. Flowering Period: July to September or December to March. Fruit: Berries, globular, smooth, red, about 0.6cm diameter; calyx prominent on end. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. This species is resistant to salt spray and saline soils. Special Note: Torresian Imperial Pigeon food tree |
Carinvalia Rosea Family: fabaceae Form and Size: Creeper with long erect stalks of flowers. Distribution: Widespread throughout the tropics on coastal sand dunes above high tide. Leaves: tri-folate, central leaflet largest, leaflets smooth dark green, slightly leathery, oval to roundish, blade 5-12cm x 3.5-11cm, rounded or often indented tip. Flowers: Pink to purple pea flowers, about 2-2.5cm long, several on an erect stalk. Flowering Period: periodic. Fruit: April to October. Flat thick woody pods 8-15cm x 2-2.5cm, hairy becoming smooth, pale cream - brown when ripe containing several large oval brown seeds. Cultivation / Notes: from seed or cuttings; little tried. It should prove a useful ground cover, particularly for coastal stabilisation work. |
Chioanthus ramiflorus Common Name: Native Olive Family: Oleaceae Form and Size: A bushy shrub or small tree to 8m tall. Distribution: North-eastern Qld., in rainforests and along stream banks and seasonal watercourses. Leaves: Oblong or oval, dark green, prominent pale mid-rib, to 30cm x 6cm. Bark: Light grey, smooth. Flowers: Cream, about 0.6cm diameter; borne in small clusters in the upper leaf axils. Flowering Period: August to December. Fruit: Dull dark blue, egg-shaped, about 1.5cm long; a single large seed. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. Requires a sunny or semi-shaded position in well drained soil. Supplementary watering is needed during dry periods. Birds are fond of the ripe fruit. Special Note: Torresian Imperial Pigeon food tree. |
Clerodendrum floribundum Common Name: Thurkoo, Lolly Bush. Family: Verbenaceae Size: A small, slender tree, 3 - 5 m high. Distribution: Qld, N.T. and N.S.W. as far south as Taree, along streams and in open forests Flowering Period: August to October Cultivation notes:Propagate from fresh seed , cuttings or root suckers, which are prevalent. These suckers can actually become quite a nuisance, as small sections of damaged root will send up numerous unwanted suckers. It needs annual pruning to maintain good shape. |
Cochlospermum gillivraei Common Name: Kapok. Family: Bixaceaae. Form and Size: A small tree, 3-8m tall; deciduous Distribution: Queensland and Northern Territory in open forests and common in coastal areas on granite ridges Leaves: Deeply lobed, 5-7 egg-shaped or lance-shaped lobes, dark green, smooth, 5-7cm x 8-10 cm Bark: Creamy-grey, smooth. Flowers: Bright yellow, 5 open petals, stamens red, about 10cm diameter; borne in small terminal panicles. Flowering Period: August to October when the tree is leafless. Fruit: Capsules, egg-shaped, about 8cm long; splitting open when rile to release black seeds embedded in cotton fibre. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed. It needs well drained soils and a sunny position. A very attractive tree when in flower, the flowers being held for a considerable time. |
Cordia dichotoma Family: Boraginaceae Form and Size: A small to medium, spreading tree, 5-10m tall. Distribution: Coastal rainforests of Qld and NT. Leaves: Opposite, egg-shaped or rounded, blunt, 3-5 conspicuous veins, veins hairy on underside, stalk 3-4cm long, new growth is smooth, 5-8cm x 2-4cm. Flowers: Orange, trumpet-shaped, about 5cm diameter; borne in loose, branched clusters; some trees carry male flowers only, others dual-sex flowers. Flowering Period: January to May. Fruit: Yellow or pinkish, egg-shaped, 1-1.5cm long. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed, which must be sown while very fresh. Requires well-drained soil and a sunny position. Tolerant of wind and salt spray. Fairly slow growing. Special Note: Torresian Imperial Pigeon food tree |
Cordia subcordata Common Name: Sea trumpet Family: boraginaceae Form and Size: Small spreading tree 5-8m high with moderately dense crown. Distribution: coastal region: on foreshore sand dunes, in monsoon vine thickets on stabilised dunes or low cliffs above the beach, or occasionally at fringe of mangroves; monsoon forest associated with permanent lowland freshwater streams. Leaves: alternate, smooth, broad, ovate, 8-20cm x 5-15cm, glossy green above, paler underneath. Flowers: Large bright orange, trumpet shaped, 3.5-5cm long, in groups of 6-20. Flowering Period: Feb-May (June) Fruit: smooth, nearly globular dry woody nuts, 2.3cm x 1.5-2.5cm, grey-brown when ripe. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed; adapts to most well drained soils. A colourful small screening tree, well suited to coastal stabilisation work. |
Cordyline sp. Common Name: Palm Lily Family: Agavaceae Form and Size: Small herbaceous plant, 0.3-1 m high. Distribution: Occurs in Qld from Cape York Peninsula in rainforest and along stream banks in sparse, slender clumps. Leaves: Lanceolate, spreading or slightly curved, 7-15 cm long and dark green. Flowers: small, white, reddish or purple borne in terminal panicles, 10-20 cm long Flowering Period: November to January Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed, suckers or division of the rhizomes. Prefers a shady position with supplemental watering during drier periods Special Note: Torresian Imperial Pigeon food tree |
Corymbia Tessellaris Common Name: Moreton Bay Ash Family: Myrtaceae Form and Size: A large tree to 10-15m high, solitary trunk but branching widely at upper levels, foliage pendulous Distribution: Eastern Qld. And Northern NSW on plains and undulating country in open woodlands Adult Leaves: Narrow lance shaped leaves, often sickle shaped, tip long and tapering, dull grey green, 12 cm to 16 cm long. Bark: A stocking of grey tessellated bark to about 2m, deciduous , smooth and whitish to grey above Buds: Pear shaped, base 4 – 6 mm long, 3 –5 mm wide cap saucer – shaped with a small point, 1 – 2 mm long, 3 – 4 mm wide Flowers: White, about 1.5 cm in diameter, borne in clusters of 2 – 4, several clusters forming slender panicles Flowering Period: November to January. Fruit: Capsules egg shaped to cylindrical, thin walled 8 – 11 mm long, 6 – 8 mm wide, valves enclosed Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed. A very attractive large tree suitable for large gardens and acreages. |
Cupaniopsis anarcarioides Common Name: Tuckeroo, Beach Tamarind Family: Sapindaceae Form and Size: A small to medium, spreading tree , 4–8 m high with a dense crown and a short trunk. Distribution: Coastal scrubs and dunes between Townsville and Port Hacking NSW, top end of NT and WA Leaves: Pinnate, 10 – 20 cm long; 2 – 6 pairs of leaflets, leathery egg-shaped to oblong, rounded tip, dark green, dull 7 – 10 cm x 5 cm. Bark: Dark grey, tight rough Flowers: Greenish white, perfumed, 0.4 - 0.6 cm diameter, borne in panicles towards the end of branches. Flowering Period: March to July Fruit: Capsule, orange to yellow, leathery, 3 – 6 lobed, 1 – 2 cm diameter; seeds black with reddish attachment. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. A hardy, slow growing tree, with a compact head, making a good shade tree. Needs good drainage and would be helped by regular watering and fertilising |
Drypetes deplanchei Common Name: Yellow Tulipwood Family: Euphorbiaceae Form and Size: A small tree, usually having a straight trunk which may be flanged at the base. It is usually 5 to 10 m high. Leaves: Alternate, smooth and leathery when mature but juvenile leaves have spiky toothed margins. Flowers: Male and female flowers are on separate trees Special Note: Torresian Imperial Pigeon food tree |
Erythrina vespertilio Common Name: Bat’s Wing Coral Tree, Bean Tree Family: Fabaceae Form and Size: A small, straggly tree, 6-8m high with thorns on trunk and branches; deciduous Distribution: All mainland states except Victoria. Widespread from arid areas to rainforest margins. Leaves: Bifoliate or trifoliate, 10-15 cm long. Leaflets are broadly wedge shaped or 3-lobed and resemble a bat’s open wings, 7-12cm x 5-12cm. Terminal leaflet if present is usually longer and narrower than the others. Bark: Grey, furrowed and corky Flowers: Pea-flowers, scarlet to orange-red, 3-4 cm long; borne in terminal racemes 5-25cm long Flowering Period: August to November. Fruit: Pods, 6-12cm x 1.5-1.8cm, constricted between the seeds; seeds 2-8 orange or yellow, about 1.2 cm long Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from scarified seed or cuttings. Young trees may be transplanted while leafless. Flowering usually takes place before new leaves appear. May be grown in a wide rang of soils as long as drainage is good, and it is in an open, sunny position. It is a very hardy plant when established. |
Eucalyptus clarksoniana Common Name: Grey Bloodwood Family: Myrtaceae Distribution: Most common throughout central QLD Form and Size: Tall tree 10-15m. Straight trunk with a sparse crown Leaves: Grey- green in colour with a prominent mid-rib Bark: Creamy-grey smooth Flowers: Creamy –white – occurring in clusters Flowering Period: June to August Fruit: Woody capsules Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed, |
Eucalyptus platyphylla Common Name: Poplar Gum Family: Myrtaceae Distribution: Eastern QLD within 100km of the coast from Cape York to Rockhampton Form and Size: Medium sized 8-15m, solitary crooked trunk, deciduous in dry years Leaves: Rounded sometimes heart shaped Bark: Smooth white or grey, often powdery and deciduous Flowers: White borne in small clusters Flowering Period: August to October Fruit: Capsules Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed. Ornamental tree that grows in most soil types |
Eucalyptus tereticornis Common Name: Forest red Gum, Blue Gum. Family: Myrtaceae Form and Size: A large tree, usually 20-30m high, but to 50m in tall forest areas. Distribution: Eastern Qld., NSW and eastern Vic.; in open forests and on alluvial plains. Adult Leaves: Long drawn-out point, thick, shiny, green. Bark: Smooth, white, grey or grey blue deciduous in large flakes or sheets, often rough and flaky at the base. Flowers: White occasionally pink, about 1.5cm diameter; clusters of 5-12. Flowers from June to November. Fruit: Capsules 5-7mm long, 4-8cm wide; valves strongly exserted. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed. An important nectar and pollen producer, and the leaves are relished by koalas. The timber is heavy and durable and is used for construction and posts. |
Eugenia reinwardtiana Common Name: Beach Cherry Family: Myrtaceae Size: A small to medium, bushy shrub , 1- 4m high Distribution: Eastern Qld, from Cape York to Bundaberg; in coastal scrubs, rainforests, vine forests and inland vine thickets, eg. on limestone outcrops at Chillagoe. Flowering Period: June to February Cultivation notes:Propagate from fresh seed or cuttings. Cuttings are slow to strike and small plants from either source are very necessary but it will grow quite happily in situations from full shade to almost full sun. |
Euroschinus falcata Common Name: Chinaman's Cedar, Pink Poplar, Ribbonwood. Family: Anacardiaceae Form and Size: A tall tree, 10-15m high, with pendulous foliage; trunk often buttressed. Distribution: From Cooktown, Qld. To Jervis Bay NSW; in rainforests, drier forests and along stream banks. Leaves: Pinnate, 4-10 alternate leaflets; leaflets egg-shaped, unequal at the base, glossy green above, paler beneath, long drawn-out tip, 5-10cm x 2.5cm. Bark: Brownish-grey, wrinkled or scaly. Flowers: Pink, about 0.5cm diameter; borne in large terminal panicles. Flowering Period: November to December. Fruit: Egg-shaped, black, scented when damaged, 0.6- 0.9cm long; a single seed about 0.5cm long. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. A fast growing tree with an attractive appearance, suited to larger gardens or parks. Will do well in well drained soils which have been mulched. |
Ficus obliqua
Family: Moraceae From and Size: A medium to large tree, 10-15m high, with a spreading, rounding canopy; it lacks aerial roots. Distribution: North-eastern Qld. To southern NSW; in rainforests, moist forests and scrubs. Leaves: Oblong or oval, leathery, smooth, stalk flattened, dark glossy green above, paler beneath, new growth is bright green. Bark: Grey-brown, smooth. Receptacles: Globular, yellow to orange with darker spots, fleshy when ripe, mature April to August. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed or aerial layers. An attractive shade or shelter tree for parks and larger gardens. It will grow is a wide variety of soils and climatic conditions. |
Ficus opposita Common Name: Sandpaper Fig Family: Moraceae. Form and Size: A tall shrub or small tree, 3-8m high, often deciduous; it lacks aerial roots. Distribution: Across northern Australia; on rainforest margins, in scrubs and along stream banks. Leaves: Opposite, or alternate, egg-shaped or oval, sometimes heart-shaped, margins finely toothed, veins prominent, dark green above, paler beneath, rough and sandpapery, 4-8cm x 3-5cm but sometimes larger; new growth softly hairy. Fruit: Globular, red-brown, rough to the touch or hairy, 1-1.2cm diameter; borne singly or in pairs in the leaf axils. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed, aerial layers of cuttings. |
Ficus racemosa Common Name: Cluster Fig Family: Moraceae Form and Size: A medium to large tree, 8-20m high, with spreading crown; it does not have aerial roots; may be deciduous in the dry season. Older trees to 35m may be found, usually with heavily buttressed bases. Distribution: Across the tropical north of Australia; along stream banks and on rainforest margins. Leaves: Egg-shaped to lance-shaped, base usually rounded, tip pointed, thin-textured, bright green, 6-20cm x 4-9cm. Bark: Grey, smooth. Fruit: Top –shaped, yellow to crimson, often splitting, in clusters on stalks arising from the trunk and older branches. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed, aerial layers or cuttings. |
Ganophyllum falcatum
Family: Sapindaceae Form and Size: A tree 8-12m high, with a dense crown; young branchlets resinous and scaly Distribution: Across northern Australia and down the east coast as far as Rockhampton; in coastal vine thickets and scrubs and along streams Leaves: Pinnate, 15-35cm long; 10-20 leaflets, egg-shaped to oblong, sickle-shaped, unequal at the base, shiny dark green above, paler beneath, tip pointed, 6-20cm x 5-7cm. Bark: Light grey-brown, smooth, flaky Flowers: Greenish-white, 0.2-0.5cm diameter, borne in large panicles 10-30cm long in the upper axils; male and female flowers in separate inflorescences Flowering Period: May to June Fruit: Bright red, egg shaped, smooth, fleshy, 1-1.5cm x 0.6-0.8cm Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. A fast growing shade tree suitable for coastal districts; it is sometimes found among mangroves. |
Lomandra longifolia
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae Form and Size: A tussocky, rush-like plant to 1m high. Distribution: Eastern areas of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Leaves: Flat or occasionally rolled, 50-100cm long, 4.5-7.5mm wide, smooth, tip 2-3 cm toothed, stem-sheathing at the base. Flowers: Separate male and female plants. Flowers tiny, cream, strongly perfumed; borne on spiny heads held slightly above the leaves. Flowering Period: August to October. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed or cuttings taken from prostrate stems. Widely used as a rockery plant. Older tussocks become untidy in smaller gardens and they are best removed and replaced by new plants from division of the tussock. |
Lophostemon grandiflorus Common Name: Northern Swamp Mahogany Family: Myrtaceae Form and Size: A medium tree, 8-12m high, with a broad crown Distribution: Eastern Queensland from about Gladstone north, Gulf of Carpentaria, Top End of the NT and the Kimberley and Victoria River regions. Found along streams and in open forest and woodland. Leaves: Oval to oblong tapering to the base, grey-green above, paler or whitish beneath, translucent veins and yellowish mid-rib, tip rounded 8-15cm x 3.5cm. New growth is silky and hairy. Bark: Dark grey to black, rough, hard, fibrous and finely fissured. Flowers: Greenish-cream, about 1cm in diameter, stamens are feather and grouped into 5 bundles. Flowers are borne in groups of 3 on small panicles in the upper axils. Flowering Period: October to February. Fruit: Capsules, cup-shaped, thin walled, brown, toothed at the rim, 0.5-0.8cm x 0.5-1.0cm Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed or hardwood cuttings. The plant is an attractive, compact tree which would be ideal for shade or as street tree. |
Melaleuca leucadendra Plant Family: Myrtaceae Plant Form: tree Growth Habit: Large spreading tree, 10-15m high, with a weeping habit. Fruiting Season:Mainly May to October. Description: This tree is an indicator of the presence of a high Major source of honey and pollen for bees and birds. The wood contains silica which blunts saws, has been used for house stumps and fence posts. Distribution: Northern Australia extending south in eastern o Maryborough, along fresh water streams and in seasonally wet areas. Weed Status : The leaves have been used as a decongest and inhalant, and also as a liniment, cough medicine and to flavour cooking. Introduced: No Seen North Qld: Yes Special Note: Nesting place for the Torresian Imperial Pigeon |
Mimusops elengi Common Name: Red Coondoo Family: Sapotaceae Size: A large evergreen tree, 10 -12m tall, with a dense crown. Distribution: Across northern - Australia; in coastal vine thickets and rainforest. Flowering Period: November to March Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. A hardy, compact tree ideal for shade or street planting. Grows well on coastal dunes and would be useful for beach stabilisation. |
Nauclea orientalis Common Name: Leichhardt Tree. Family: Rubiaceae Size: A large tree, 10 -18m high, with a dense crown; deciduous Distribution Across northern tropical Australia; in lowland rainforests, along streams and in swampy areas Leaves: Opposite, broad, smooth egg-shaped, dark green, veins prominent, tip rounded, 14.5 – 30 cm, prominent stipules at base of each leaf are shed after the leaf emerges. Bark: Cream-grey, rough, finely fissured, or tessellated Flowers: Tubular, yellow petals with white style, fragrant, 2 – 2.5 cm long; borne on dense globular heads 2 – 4 cm in diameter Flowering Period: September to December Fruit: Composite; globular; 3 – 5cm diameter; soft yellowish brown, having an unpleasant odour when ripe. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed. A fast growing tree needing abundant moisture. Suitable for parks or larger gardens only. |
Pandanus whitei
Family: Pandanaceae Size: A small palm - like tree 6-8m high. Distribution: North - eastern Qld; on beachfront dunes, along streams and around swampy areas. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed or division of basal offshoots. Prefers well drained soils but is a hardy plant under most conditions. Special Note: Nesting place for the Torresian Imperial Pigeon |
Paraserianthes toona Family: Mimosaceae Plant Form: tree Growth Habit: Bushy, spreading tree 8-15m tall. Deciduous. Fruiting Season: Flowering period. August to October. Description: Previously known as Albizia toona. Distribution: Rainforest and scrubs from Cape York to Mackay. Introduced: No Seen North Qld: Yes |
Pipturus argenteus Common Name: White Mulberry. Family: Urticaceae Form and Size: A small tree to 5m high. Distribution: Rainforests of Qld and NSW Leaves: Broadly lance-shaped, whitish beneath, margins toothed, to 12cm long and 5cm wide. Flowers: Inconspicuous. Male and female flowers on separate plants. Fruit: White, fleshy, mulberry like, and very sweet. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from cuttings. The fruit are edible and eagerly sought after by many birds. It is a food plant of the White Nymph Butterfly. |
Planchonia careya Common Name: Cocky Apple Family: Lecythidaceae Form and Size: A small straggly tree up to 8 m high, which is deciduous. Leaves: Egg-shaped or spatula-shaped, tapering at the base and shiny light green above and dull beneath. It is softly leathery with margins having rounded teeth, which turns rusty-orange before falling. Flowers: Large, fleshy, white with numerous pink and white stamens of about 5-6cm long, which usually open in the evening and fall by the next morning. Flowering Period: July to October Fruit: Green in colour with egg-shaped, which is smooth on the outside and fibrous on the inside. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed or cuttings or by layering. The fruits were eaten by Aborigines and many parts of the plant were used for a wide range of medicinal purposes. The fruit are readily eaten by cockatoos and goats. |
Pleiogynium timorense Common Name: Burdekin Plum Family: Anacardiaceae Form and Size: A medium, densely canopied tree to 12m, deciduous. Distribution: North-eastern Queensland and south to around Gympie, in scrubs and vine thickets and along watercourses. Leaves: Pinnate, to 18cm long. 5-11 leaflets, egg-shaped, glossy, dark green, stiff textured. Margins sometimes wavy, inner pair of leaflets smaller than the others, to 12cm x 4cm Bark: Dark, rough. Flowers: Yellowish-green, small. Male on drooping panicles, female on spikes about 5cm long. Flowering Period: January to March. Fruit: Purple, fleshy, plum-like, more or less pumpkin-shaped or flattened-globular, to 5cm diameter; a single large stony, pitted seed case containing a number of seeds. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed. A very hardy tree with dense, very dark green foliage. The fruit are edible when ripe, although sometimes acidic to the taste, and make excellent jam or jelly. The fruit usually has purple flesh, but white-fleshed varieties are found which are reportedly less acidic. |
Pongamia pinnata Common Name: Pongamia Family: Fabaceae Form and Size: A dense, spreading tree 5-10m high, deciduous Distribution: Across northern tropical Australia, usually along watercourses or in seasonally wet areas but is also found in monsoon forests and vine thickets. Leaves: Pinnate, to 25cm long, 2-3 pairs of egg-shaped leaflets and a terminal leaflet. Dark green, glossy, thin textured, pointed tip. 4.5cm-15 x 3.7-9cm, increasing in size from the inner to the terminal leaflet. The flush of new growth after the deciduous period is a delicate golden bronze colour. Bark: Creamy brown, smooth Flowers: Pea Flowers, pinkish white to lilac about 1 cm long, borne on axillary racemes 8 – 12 cm long Flowering Period: August to February. Fruit: Pods, woody, oblong. flat and smooth. Light brown in colour and 4-6cm x 1.5-3cm containing 1-2 red-brown seeds. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from scarified fresh seed. A fast growing tree ideal for stream banks or coastal stabilisation. Appreciates regular moisture. All parts of the plant are thought to carry a toxin which causes vomiting. |
Premna serratifolia Common Name: Creek Premna Family: Verbenaceae Form and Size: A spreading shrub or small tree growing up to 2-4m high. Leaves: Leaves are arranged in opposite direction, broadly egg-shaped with smooth, leathery textured. It is light green in colour with prominent veins and middle rib raised beneath. Flowers: Green-cream in colour, borne on spreading terminal panicles about 10-20cm across. Flowering Period: January to June Fruit: Fruits are black, smooth and globular in shape about 0.3 – 0.6cm in diameter Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed. Aborigines used this plant to treat the stings of Stonefish and Stingray as well as spear wounds. |
Randia sessilis Common Name: False Gardenia Family: Rubiaceae Form and Size: A small bushy tree to about 8 m high. Distribution: Rainforests of north-eastern Qld. Leaves: Lance shaped, stiff textured, dark green to 15 cm x 7 cm Flowers: White perfumed, tubular at the base, 5 petalled; borne in small clusters in the older axils Flowering Period: November to January Fruit: Brown globular Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. Needs a shady position and abundant water. A food plant of the bee hawk moths. |
Sterculia quadrifida Common Name: Peanut Tree Family: Sterculiaceae Form and Size: A small, straight tree, usually grows up to 5-10m high with spreading canopy and deciduous. Leaves: Broadly egg-shaped, sometimes heart-shaped at the base, dark green and smooth above, paler and finely hairy with tiny pores beneath. The veins are prominent and clustered towards the ends. Flowers: Greenish-yellow, softly hairy, softly hairy and somewhat bell-shaped, borne in small clusters. Flowering Period: November to January Fruit: Smooth and leathery, egg-shaped, orange to red when ripe, opening to boat-shape when ripe with bright red inside and up to 8 shiny black seeds the size and shape of a peanut. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed. Hardy and fairly fast growing, it will prosper in most well drained soils. Useful as a shade or shelter trees and good for coastal stabilisation work. The seed are edible and the Aborigines used many parts of the tree. |
Terminalia catappa Common Name: Beach Almond Family: Combretaceae Size: A large tree to 15m high, with layered branches, often found in stunted form when planted in harsh, dry conditions; semi - deciduous. Flowering Period: November to April Cultivation notes:Propagate from fresh seed. A popular plant for beachside planting as it likes sand and will tolerate salt spray. |
Terminalia melanocarpa Family: Combretaceae Form and Size: A tree to 10m high; deciduous. Distribution: Coastal Qld from Townsville to Marlborough; often on rocks close to the sea. Leaves: Egg-shaped, broadest at the outer end, drawn-out at the base, crowded, paler underneath, smooth, 4.5-12cm x 3-7.5cm. Flowers: 5 petalled, about 0.6cm diameter, borne on dense spikes 5-12cm long. Fruit: Egg-shaped to globular, not beaked, succulent, smooth, green, 2-3cm x 1.5-2cm; immature fruit compressed, with a continuos wing about 0.5cm wide. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. |
Terminalia muelleri Family: Combretaceae. Form and Size: A small to medium tree, 6-10m high, with a layered shape; deciduous. Distribution: Coastal shrubs and rainforests from Cape York to Rockhampton Leaves: Egg-shaped, broadest at the outer end, dark green, to 16cm long, clustered towards the ends of branches. Flowers: White to cream, small, fragrant; borne on racemes. Flowering Period: November to February. Fruit: Blue, almond shaped to 2cm long. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. A fast growing tree with a particularly attractive growth form. Suitable for most well drained soils. |
Terminalia seriocarpa Common Name: Damson Plum Family: Combretaceae Form and Size: A large, spreading tree 10 – 20m high with layered branches, deciduous. Distribution: Coastal areas of northern Australia from the Kimberley’s to Rockhampton. Leaves: Oval, tapering to the base, tip usually rounded, smooth, shiny green above, paler beneath 2 – 20 cm z 1.5 – 8 cm, turning red before falling. Bark: Grey to black, rough, flaky tessellated. Flowers: Cream, strongly scented, 0.3 – 0.4 cm diameter; borne on hairy spikes 5 – 10 cm long in the leaf axils. Flowering Period: September to December Fruit: Egg shaped, blue to purplish, 1.3 – 1.8 cm long; a single woody shelled seed Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from fresh seed. Suitable for most well drained soils, this is an ideal large shade tree for parks and larger gardens. Needs abundant water |
Timonius timon Family: Rubiaceae Size: A small to medium tree to about 8m high, with a preading crown. Distribution: Across northern - Australia and down the eastern Qld coast; in forests and open woodlands. Leaves: Opposite, oval, tip pointed, soft, finely hairy, light green above, paler with distinct venation beneath, new growth is silky-hairy. Bark: Grey to black, rough, flaky to tessellated. Flowers: Separate male and female; male in groups of 3 or more, female solitary; white, scented, tubular, star-like petals. Flowering Period: May to November. Fruit: Brown, globular with a tubular calyx at the tip, smooth, 1-2cm diameter, numerous seeds. Cultivation / Notes: Propagate from seed. An adaptable plant, useful as a shade or shelter tree in a wide range of soils. Abundant water is required. |
Source: Across the Top: Gardening with Australian Plants in the Tropics, compiled by Keith Townsend for Society for Growing Australian Plants. |
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