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Australian Plants

Australia has areas ranging from deserts and temperate climates to tropical rainforest, giving it an enormous variety of plant life much of which is not seen anywhere else in the world. Ask questions about plants native to Australia here.

244 Questions

How do you grow Sturt's Desert Pea?

First, germination must be facilitated by treating the seeds. There are two methods. One is to soak the seed in water that has been boiled and slightly cooled. Soak for twelve hours. Alternatively, rub the seed between two sheets of sandpaper until the outer layer of seed coating is removed.

Sow the seed into sandy and extremely well-drained soil in the hottest location you can provide (they do not transplant well). Sometimes they have been grown in cement pipes. In Australia, seeds are planted in spring. Water every few days until established, and minimally - if at all - after that.

Even in Australia, the plants are not easy to cultivate, and will need a long growing season to produce blooms. However, the reward from even one bloom is worth the effort - they are stunning and exquisite.

Can i have male and female ocicats and male and female toygers and male and female boxers and male and female doberman?

Whether or not you can have male and female ocicats, male and female toygers, male and female boxers and a male and female doberman will depend on where you live. There are rules as to how many pets can be in one home in many places. It will also depend on how much money you have. It will be expensive to care for so many pets.

What does the plant kangaroo paw look like?

The plant grows in a clump with strappy leaves approximately 1 metre in height although smaller types are available. The furry flowers are vaguely reminiscent of a kangaroo's paw (hence the name)and grow on a sturdy stalk taller than the leaves. There are a number of color combinations, a common one being a yellowish green while there is a striking red and green form from Western Australia. Hybrids have been cultivated in a variety of shades including pinks and purples. See the Related Link below for some photos.

What are gum leaves?

Gum leaves are leaves from the Eucalyptus tree. Australians commonly refer to Eucalyptus trees as gum trees.

In which country will you find a blackbutt tree?

The blackbutt tree, a species of eucalyptus, is native to Australia.

Where does a 'Geraldton carnation weed' come from?

The scientific name of the Geraldton carnation weed (aka false caper, spurge and terracina spurge) is Euphorbia terracina. It is a shrub-like herb which invasively blocks out native species. It is a "Declared Plant" (Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act) and a "Pest Plant" (Local Government Act); therefore, landowners who want to the plant are obligated to control them at their own expense with the Shire Council enforcing the control of the plant.

The plant is a Mediterrean native that naturalized in Western Australia and now is found along most coastal regions with high calcium carbonate levels.

Why do eucalyptus trees require bushfires to reproduce?

The eucalyptus tree does not require bushfires to reproduce, but bushfires can aid reproduction. Intense heat tends to explode the seed pods thereby helping in reproduction process of the tree.

Do eucalyptus trees feed on silk moth?

No. And nor do silk moths feed on the eucalyptus tree.

When do banksia trees grow?

Banksia trees are evergreen plants which are native to Australia, and therefore grow all year around. They also flower at different times of the year, with many species flowering through Autumn and winter.

Which state of Australia does pomegranate grow in it?

Pomegranates can be grown in all states in mainland Australia, however, not in all regions in every state. In Queensland pomegranates can be grown in the south and west of the state. In NSW, central, southern and western NSW are suitable. In Victoria north west and in SA and WA anywhere 150KM away from the ocean.

What are the adaptations of a ghost gum tree in the desert?

The ghost gum is a species of Eucalyptus, and Eucalyptus trees are specially adapted to the dry Australian conditions. Ghost gums have wide, spreading canopies which redirect the limited rain that falls down the trunk to concentrate around the roots.

The leaves of a ghost gum tree hang down, rather than horizontally, minimising evaporation and hence water loss (transpiration), as they are not as exposed to sunlight. The leaves usually have equal numbers of stoma on each side, unlike trees which hold their leaves horizontally - they tend to have all or most of their stoma on the lower side. The leaves also tend to have a thick, waxy coating which also minimises water loss.

Ghost gums have characteristically white or grey trunks, which is more likely to reflect the sunlight, rather than absorb the sunlight like other species in more bushy areas do.

Ghost gum roots stretch deep down into the earth to reach the underground water table.

What is the adaptations of the Sturt's desert pea?

long tap root to allow acces to water in the deeper areas of the soil, it's seeds can grow after several years and the seeds have a hard covering over them to protect themselves from dry environments and when the plant blooms, the seeds are swept away to make more plants in other areas.

Where is the blue gum tree found?

There are several species of Blue gum, and they are mostly found in the southern regions of Australia, except for the Sydney blue gum.

The South Australian blue gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon) is found through the plains, ranges and coastal regions of South Australia and western Victoria. The Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) is found throughout Tasmania and the southeastern mainland. The Sydney blue gum (Eucalyptus salina) can be found in coastal and lower mountain ranges in the Sydney basin, through the eastern coast from southern New South Wales north to Mackay on central Queensland's coast.

When does a eucalyptus tree bloom?

Eucalyptus trees flower at different times of the year, depending on the species. One can almost virtually find a flowering gum somewhere in any month of the year. For example:

  • The Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) flowers from February to May, usually every second year.
  • The Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) flowers from November to February, also usually every second year.
  • The Red Box (Eucalyptus polyanthemus) flowers from September to November, either every year or every second year, depending on the individual trees and their locality.
  • The River red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensus) flowers only from December to January, every second year.
  • The Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua) is less predictable. While it usually flowers from January to February, it has been known to flower also in March, May, June, September, October and December.

What is the root system of the Eucalyptus?

The majority of eucalyptus trees' roots - up to 90% - extend horizontally in the top 30cm of ground. However, eucalyptus trees also have an incredible taproot which, in the right soil conditions, can extend vertically downwards about 20 metres, or 60 feet. This taproot will anchor the tallest tree securely, but not all soil conditions are conducive to growing such a taproot. Clay, for example, will prevent the taproot growing to the minimum 2 metres it requires to anchor properly.

Do eucalyptus trees have THC in them?

Eucalyptus does NOT contain THC. Eucalyptus has some of the same characteristics for marijuana such as color changes and chloroform separation, which can cause a false positive on a drug test.

Where does the Sturt Desert Pea get its water?

The Sturt Desert Pea is a unique plant of the dry Australian desert areas. It is not so much that this native plant gets water in a particular way: it is more that it has unique adaptations to conserve its water. The Sturt Desert Pea will flower for many weeks when it rains, but during dry periods, it closes up and waits for the next rain.

What medicinal plants are found in Australia?

Medicinal plants found in Australia include:

  • Eucalyptus, which gives eucalyptus oil
  • Melaleuca (melaleuca alternifolia) which gives tea-tree oil
  • Kakadu plum, often allied billy goat plum, a rich source of vitamin C
  • Emu bush, the leaves of which can have an antibiotic effect
  • Desert mushrooms
  • Snake vine, found in Central Australia - good for headaches and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Kangaroo apple
  • Sandpaper fig - to stop itching

What does eucalyptus tree cure?

The eucalyptus tree does not cure anything. However, eucalyptus oil, which can be extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus te, has many medicinal properties. Some of these are as an antiseptic; to reduce parasitic skin infections; and as a way to alleviate croup and throat irritations.

Is a tadpole a female or male?

A tadpole that's a female will look for a male it also will swell up when it has eggs,a male will grasp the female tightly and grow black spots but there really is no way to know for sure maybe scientists will find out more.....

Is Elmo male or female?

Elmo, is one of those things that you just can't tell! Although, most lean toward's the idea of "male", because of the name.