Top 15 Interesting Facts About Australian Trees

The trees in Australia are a diverse group of native species that have adapted to survive and thrive in the unique environment of this continent. From towering eucalypts, acacias, bottlebrushes and myrtles to the small but abundant wattles, grevilleas and banksias, these trees provide both beauty and practical benefits to homeowners and tree lopping Sydney experts alike. 

The unique shrubs range from the iconic gum tree found along most highways in Australia to rare desert giants like the boab tree. Every one of these species offers something special for our environment – whether it be food for animals or people, shelter for wildlife or shade on hot days. In addition to providing essential resources for living things, they also create some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

Australia is home to a vast array of native trees and plants, some growing in abundance and others quite rare. Here are the top 15 interesting facts about Australian trees that you might not know: 

1. Almost 80% of all eucalypts (genus Eucalyptus) occur only in Australia, with around 300 different species found here. 

2. The Wollemi Pine is one of the world’s oldest living tree species and was thought to have become extinct until it was discovered in 1994 by bushwalkers in New South Wales. It is now considered critically endangered in the wild but has been successfully propagated for sale as a garden plant since 2006. 

3. The tallest tree species in Australia is the Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans), which can reach heights of up to 90 metres. 

4. The Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) is the most widely distributed tree in south-eastern Australia, growing at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 1,400 metres. 

5. The Moreton Bay Fig Tree is one of the largest trees in Australia and was introduced by early settlers as a shade tree for their homes and farms. It can grow up to 35 metres high with an impressive trunk circumference of over 7 metres! 

6. Eucalypts are the main food source for koalas and over 700 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. 

7. Australia has close to 1000 species of Acacia (also known as wattle) trees that are distributed across almost every type of environment in the country. 

8. The Gumbi Gumbi Tree is an important food source for Indigenous Australians, with both its leaves and bark used medicinally to treat a range of ailments including arthritis and digestive problems. 

9. The Kangaroo Apple is a small, flowering tree found in eastern Australia which produces edible fruits high in Vitamin C and beta-carotene. It’s also believed to have spiritual significance for Aboriginal people. 

10. Banksia trees are found throughout most of Australia and are the most commonly recognised species of flower in the country. Their flowers range from yellow, red and orange hues to deep purple and blue colours. 

11. The River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is one of the largest hardwood trees found in Australia, with a trunk circumference often exceeding 8 metres! It’s also known for its large roots that can extend up to 30 metres outwards from its base. 

12. Casuarina trees are native to Australia, but they have now been introduced into other countries such as India, South Africa and North America due to their rapid growth rate and high timber yield. 

13. The One Tree Hill (or Kulkyne), is a single eucalypt located in Victoria with an estimated age of over 10,000 years old! It’s believed to be the oldest living tree in Australia. 

14. The native Australian Grasstree (Xanthorrhoea preissii) is one of the most recognisable trees of the outback and can live for up to 500 years! 

15. Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) is a timber species commonly used by Indigenous Australians for tools, weapons and ceremonial purposes. Its wood is often referred to as ‘ironbark’ due to its strength and durability. 

These are just a few interesting facts about Australian trees that you may not have known. There are many more species of trees, from conifers to rainforest giants and even small shrubs, that make up the diverse landscape of this great country. So take some time to appreciate the beauty and wonder of our magnificent Australian trees!