Australia has an amazing 24,000 species of native trees that can be grown outdoors in gardens, parks, or natural areas. These trees can be grown in various climates, including temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions. Australia is a vast country with varying landscapes and environments, so the native trees have adapted to different temperature zones. 

About Australian Native Trees

Australia boasts a diverse range of native trees, each offering something unique. Some bloom with beautiful flowers, while others bear delicious fruits. You can pick fast-growing varieties or ones that grow more slowly. With options like gum trees, lemon-scented myrtle, and the iconic wattle.

Besides, Australia is home to the world’s tallest flowering trees. These majestic trees are native to the country’s southeastern regions and stand as impressive giants in the landscape.

What makes these trees truly astonishing is their incredible height. Some species have been measured at over 300 feet, which is equivalent to the size of a 30-story building. 

The trees are famous for their striking appearance. They have smooth bark and big, beautiful tops with green leaves.

The rarest and ancient trees are found in the Australian region. For example, a tree called the Huon pine in Tasmania has been alive for up to 2,000 years. Some of these trees are 11,000 years old because they share the same rootstock. There’s also a king’s holly in Tasmania, an incredible 43,000 years old. But the most amazing is the Wollemi pine, which could be over 60 million years old. It’s a tall tree, more than 130 feet, covered in soft, brown nodules that some say look like “chocolate crackles” or “rabbit faeces.

Benefits of Having Native Australian Trees

• Eucalyptus Diversity: 

In Australia, there are many kinds of eucalyptus trees, also called gum trees. They come in over 700 species, making them the country’s most diverse group of trees. Eucalyptus trees are famous in Australia and can be found in many places across the land. These trees are very important for koalas because they eat their leaves, and that’s why they are a crucial home for these cute marsupials.

• Rich History:

Australian native trees have a rich history because Indigenous Australians have used them for food and medicine for thousands of years. Eucalyptus trees gum was used to treat burns, and native mint plants helped with coughs and colds. Some native fruits, like figs and lilly-pillies, were considered special treats. European settlers also used native flowers and fruits for various purposes, like making jams and preserves. Macadamia nuts became popular in the 1880s, and since the 1970s, foods made from Australian natives, such as wattle seeds and lemon myrtle, have become popular worldwide.

• An abundance of Bushtucker: 

There is a rich abundance of bush tucker In Australia, which refers to various foods native to the land. These foods have been a part of the traditional diet of Indigenous Australians, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, for thousands of years. Bush tucker includes various edible plants, animals, and fungi in the wild.

• Native Floral Vibes:

In Australia, many beautiful trees have bright and colourful flowers. These flowers come in different colours and bloom at other times, in spring, summer, and even autumn and winter. So, if you want your garden to have colourful flowers all year round, you can choose native flowers that bloom at different times. They come in many unique colours, like white, pink, purple, blue, red, yellow, and orange. You can make your garden feel peaceful by using one colour or mixing different colours to make it look exciting and beautiful.

• Adequate Insulation for your Building:

Native Australian Trees provide adequate protection and comfort for your home or structure. These trees act as natural barriers, helping to keep the indoor temperature stable by reducing heat in hot weather and blocking cold winds during winter. Their dense foliage and well-adapted properties create a shield against extreme weather conditions.

Maintenance and Care of Native Australian Trees

• Ideal Soil For Natives

Choose a spot with soil that can drain well. Sandy loam, or good garden soil, is usually good for native plants. Use raised beds to ensure proper drainage if you have heavy clay soil. Many native plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, but some can handle alkaline soils. Avoid adding lime around native plants. If you observe the leaves turning yellow, it might mean that the soil pH is too alkaline.

• Watering Frequency for Australian Native Plants:

Australian native plants require less than some exotic plants. If you use plants from the local area or similar climates, you only need to water them during dry weather. Drip irrigation is the best way to water them, giving deep soakings every few weeks in the dry season. Avoid daily light sprinkling as it won’t help the plants much. Only water them when the soil becomes dry to encourage robust, deep root systems. The amount of water also depends on their natural habitat. For instance, those from rainforest regions need more water. 

• Temperature and Humidity Requirements:

Australian trees prefer to live in a warm and humid place with temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They don’t like sudden changes in humidity or temperature because it can make their fronds turn brown. You can plant the fern in a pot in a colder area. This way, you can move it indoors when it gets more out in the fall and winter, and the temperatures go too low for the fern to be comfortable outside.

• Fertilising Frequency: 

You might have heard that Australian native plants don’t need fertiliser, but all plants require nutrients to grow well. However, native plants don’t like too much phosphorus, which is found in many chemical composts. The best choice is to use a special plant food made for native plants or an organic one. They release nutrients slowly and have low levels of phosphorus. Before buying, check the label to ensure the phosphorus level is below 3% because higher levels can harm Australian native plants.

Apply the fertiliser lightly to your garden in spring and summer, avoiding piling it at the base of the plant, which can be harmful. Water the garden after applying the fertiliser, either by sprinkling it just before rain or watering it yourself.