PLANTS OF THE MONTH:

March

observed in this extensive parkland by the native plant group, probably the largest of any seen elsewhere: These are only a few of the many attractive species of this coastal community that contribute to the flora diversity of the region.

Bay – it preserves a mosaic of mangroves, salt flats, and wetlands, edged by littoral forest shading the grassy foreshore and escarpments.

Local members of the Native Plants Queensland group recently traversed the area following several kilometres of the linear bikeway/pathway and regularly diverging into the coastal forest along enticing narrow ‘bush tracks’ that meander to the edge of the tidal zone. They found and identified many of the native species listed for these coastal communities, including three distinctive, very large mature tree specimens, probably the largest that any of the group had seen elsewhere.

Fortunately, these forest areas are not yet severely infiltrated by exotic species. However, all of the usual weeds are there. They need urgent and continuing eradication to maintain the attractive and diverse plant communities in a natural state, thus preserving the Koala habitat. Why not enjoy a walk and explore this foreshore?

The natural habitat of this attractive tree is along the coast in sandy moist soils, often in full exposure to sun and sea breezes, but will tolerate much drier conditions. Lime cream flower spikes, followed by yellow fruits are displayed attractively over the canopy in contrast with the shiny evergreen leaves. This tree has a dense globular form, and is often used in streets or home gardens, but rarely achieve the height of this specimen.

This attractive upright tree is found naturally in the moist coastal sands of more protected bayside foreshores, once in extensive forests. There is a small grove in this reserve. Distinguished by the dense fine dark green foliage, it makes an excellent tall hedge or distinctive feature tree. Like all pine trees it does not flower but has small woody dark brown seed-bearing cones among the foliage.

Fig tree species grow across a wide range of conditions from the coastal sands to the hinterland ranges. Birds deposit seeds in the upper branches of a tree, then the roots scramble down around the trunk to reach the soil below, then grow strongly to effectively strangle and kill the host tree. Too large for most home gardens and streets, native fig trees are excellent evergreen shade tree specimens in open parklands or major urban landscapes.

AskLawrie Smith is one of Australia’s more influential landscape architects,. He has also designed sixteen botanic gardens throughout regional Australia and leads the Garden Design Study Group of the Australian Plants Society. If you have a question for Lawrie email editor@localtimes.com.au