Greetings to our fellow tree lovers. In this article, we are going to explore several of the most amazing Australian trees.
So, without further ado, let us get started.
1. Eucalyptus
These trees can be found in Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. They are generally fast-growing, hardy, drought-resistant plants that grow up to around 40 feet tall.
There are currently 20 species of eucalyptus in the world. Many eucalyptuses have flowers that appear as clusters of small white or yellowish balls. These balls are called “pistils”.
2. Acacia
One of these Australian trees that you may see on roadways or alongside the fence line. Acacia trees are very common in Australia. This name is actually a general term for different types of trees that belong to this family.
The leaves of most acacias are compound with three leaflets which are arranged in pairs. In addition to the leaves, there is also another type of leaf known as stipules that form at the base of each leaf.
3. Bottle Brush
A type of bush that grows in eastern parts of Australia. These trees get their name from the way that the flowers look. The bottle brush tree can grow up to about 10 meters high.
They can usually live between 100 – 300 years old. Bottle brushes are native to Australia, but they have been introduced to other countries.
4. Banksia
The name comes from the genus. It has long narrow leaves that are similar to those of Eucalyptus. Banksia is native to Western Australia.
Other names include swamp gum, cabbage tree, swamp ironwood, broadleaf dryandra, wandoo, red gum, sandalwood, winter red gum, coastal banksia, and many others. This tree can live for up to 500 years.
5. Dogwood
The dogwood tree originally came from North America and Europe. It was later brought over by colonists to Australia because it liked the climate in Australia.
Dogwoods produce large fruits that are edible for humans. They do not ripen until late fall when the cold weather arrives. They make great wood for furniture-making as well.
6. Southern Silky Oak
This tree lives only in southwestern Australia. Its seeds come in an orange/yellow color so that they can easily pass through animals such as rats.
Southern silky oaks can grow anywhere from 6 to 15 meters high. This tree produces beautiful green foliage throughout the year.
7. Moreton Bay Fig
There are two kinds of Moreton Bay figs: White fig (Ficus macrophylla) and Black fig (Ficus macrocarpa). Both kinds are native to southeastern Queensland.
Figs are one of the oldest living things to ever exist on earth. Some people say that they were created in the Garden of Eden! Figs tend to grow in groups.
8. Cypress
This tree is native to Australia. Cypress trees enjoy areas that have lots of rain and plenty of humidity. They prefer a moist soil so if you want to plant one outside you need to ensure it has good drainage.
Cypresses can grow to heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet). Their foliage is quite ornamental and provides shelter during heat waves
9. Crepe Myrtle
This type of tree originated from Australia, East Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Most of them have fragrant flowers with colorful petals. Crepe myrtles love full sun and plenty of water.
Some species thrive in drier conditions where more rainfall occurs throughout the year.
10. Frangipani
The name of this tree originates from its flower. Frangipani trees are evergreen shrubs, although some species lose their leaves in winter. Some species only bloom once.
The flowers range from white to pink to purple. They come in various shapes. Some varieties can easily be mistaken for Daphne. Frangipani flowers are often given as gifts.
11. Juniper
Australia has a native juniper plant known as the Boobialla. The juniper tree has small green needles, cones, and berries. The needle length varies depending on which species of juniper it is.
Junipers have aromatic oils that are used in perfumes. People use the needles of the juniper tree to help cure colds and coughs.
12. Holly
Australia’s native holly tree species can be found growing in the drier areas of rainforests. Holly is an evergreen tree with prickly leaves and red berries. It is commonly used as decoration around Christmastime.
13. Magnolias
This deciduous tree is a very hard plant. They have thick leaves which are present throughout the year. The blossoms this plant creates in the winter are truly spectacular and certainly something you will want to see if you get the chance.
14. Wattle
The wattle tree gets its name from the shape of the flowers produced by this flowering tree. Wattle trees originate from South Africa. They are medium-sized plants that can reach heights of 6 meters or 20 ft. The flowers are brownish-yellow and they come in clusters.
15. Poinciana
These trees are common in gardens across Australia. Poincianas are usually grown in pots. Some people place them outside at times when temperatures are cooler than in other parts of the year. These beautiful trees also come in different sizes, colors, and shapes.
16. Flowering Almond
The flowering almond tree is native to Southern Africa but now grows in many regions of Australia. These trees are commonly seen in parks and gardens across Victoria.
The name ‘flowering almond’ comes from the fact that the tree blooms each year between October and April. The fruit is similar to apples and is considered delicious by many.
17. Plane Tree
One of these Australian native trees is named after the tree that bears them. Plane trees are commonly seen in the suburbs of Melbourne because of their attractive appearance.
The leaf blades of the plane tree vary in size and color based on the region. Some leaves have long blades while others have shorter blades. The fruits of this tree are edible.
18. Oak
Oaks are popular among homeowners who build decks or patios. Oaks grow in many climates and temperate zones. There are over 200 types of oaks. Oaks are large and slow-growing trees that can take up to 25 years before they’re fully mature.
19. Spruce
This tree is well known because of its Christmas decorations. Spruces grow especially well in dry land. They generally bear cones, branches, twigs, and roots.
20. Gum Tree
The name ‘gum tree’ originated from the sap that exudes from this tree. Gum trees originally came from Asia and India. However, they are widely distributed across Australia today. The gum trees produce a resin that holds water content. This means that they can withstand extreme heat and drought better than most trees.
21. Grevillea Tree
Grevilleas were first introduced into Europe and America in 1877. In Australia, this tree was first planted in 1879. Most of the grevilleas are hybrids and all have varying qualities.
Some grow fast while others are slower. The height of grevilleas can range from 3 feet to 8 feet high, making them one of the tallest flowering trees in Australia.
22. Illawarra Plum Tree
The Illawarra plum tree is a native shrub species. It is found mainly in southern Australia. They naturally live around coastal areas. This type of plum tree produces plenty of small plums.
It has glossy green foliage with red-brown markings beneath it. The blossoms of these trees look like pink rosebells. This type of plum is not eaten. People use the bark for medicinal purposes.
23. Tucker Bush Cherry Tree
Tucker bushes have dark green leaves. Their flowers hang down in clusters. Each cluster contains about 20 individual flowers. Tucker bush cherries are a popular plant that grows throughout much of Australia.
24. Lilly Pilly Tree
Lilly pillies are native grasses that grow in several states in eastern Australia. They grow in a variety of habitats ranging from wetlands to farmland.
One of their most distinguishing characteristics includes their purple flowers. When they bloom, it’s quite noticeable. These plants flower once every two months.
25. Blueberry Ash Tree
Blueberry ashes are also called American lilacs. They are native to North America and are most common in forests. They have distinctive, light blue, bell-shaped flowers that open during springtime. Blueberry ash trees can be used in landscaping and home improvement projects.
26. Tree Waratah
The tree waratah is an indigenous Australian shrub/tree species. The tree waratah is known as ‘Pilcrow’. It is only found in New South Wales and Queensland.
The plant does not tolerate cold temperatures. The leaves of this shrubby tree are alternate. They grow upwards of six inches long. The tree waratahs flowers appear
27. River Red Gum Tree
The river red gums grow best in sandy soils and along rivers and coastlines. Many people call these trees old men’s trees due to their large size and age.
River red gum trees have thick trunks and usually live for hundreds of years. These trees do not require trimming very often because their large trunks provide stability.
Final Thoughts
That is all for this article, we hope that you have enjoyed learning about a few of the many amazing trees of Australia.
There are plenty of other stunning trees in this incredible country and even varieties of trees we have mentioned here. We hope that we have inspired you to want to learn more about these remarkable trees.
Have a great day!
