In northern Australia, the bright orange flowers of a Royal Poinciana tree heralds the coming of summer, and the start of the storm season.
Tree
Common name Blackwood Botanical name Acacia melanoxylon Family Fabaceae Natural range south-east Australia Mature height to 20m Form Fairly upright, can be multi-stemmed Likes Growing anywhere Dislikes Not much Where to plant Timber plantation Known for Attractive timber Blackwood for timber When is Blackwood not ‘black’? That is the question. The answer – unfortunately – is that nobody
Common name Spotted Gum Botanical Name Corymbia maculata Family Myrtaceae Natural range East coast Australia Mature height 30-40m Form Tall with spreading crown Likes Well-drained soil Dislikes Heavy pruning Where to plant Avenue, or feature tree Known for Mottled, smooth bark Appearance The Spotted Gum is one of Australia’s most recognisable trees, appearing up all over the country