EXOTIC TREES THAT THRIVE IN NORTHLAND -
ACACIA.
N.B. A number of Acacias are classed as invasive species in Northlad. It is advised that no Acaciac be planted in Whangarei, or further north. N.B. The genus Acacia previously contained anout 1,300 species, about 960 of these are native to Australia, However, in 2005, the genus was divided into five separate genera under the tribe "Acacieae". The genus Acacia was retained for most of the Australian species and a few species in tropical Asia, Madagascar, and Pacific Islands. Most species outside Australia, and a few of the Australian species, were reclassified into Vachellia and Senegalia.
AESCULUS.
Aesculus hippocastanum: Horse Chestnut.
BOTANICAL NAME: Aesculus hippocastanum: Commom Name, Horse Chestnut - a native to a small area in the Pindus Mountains forests and Balkan forests of South East Europe. A widely cultivated tree in streets and parks throughout Mew Zealand. A. hippocastanum grows to 36 metres (118 ft) tall, upright tree; on old trees the outer branches often pendulous with curled-up tips. The leaves are opposite and palmately compound, with 5–7 leaflets; each leaflet is 13–30 cm long, making the whole leaf up to 60 cm across, with a 7–20 cm petiole. The leaf scars left on branches after the leaves have
fallen have a distinctive horseshoe shape, complete with seven "nails". Flowers are usually white with a small red spot; they are produced in spring in erect panicles 10–30 cm tall with about 20–50 flowers on each panicle, see photograph (left). taken in Mander Park, Whangarei. Usually
only 1–5 fruit develop on each panicle; the shell is a green, spiky capsule containing one (rarely two or three) nut-like seeds called conkers (England), or horse-chestnuts. Each conker is 2–4 cm diameter, glossy nut-brown with a whitish scar at the base.
The common name "horse-chestnut" (often unhyphenated) is reported as having originated from the erroneous belief that the tree was a kind of chestnut,though in fact only distantly related.
fallen have a distinctive horseshoe shape, complete with seven "nails". Flowers are usually white with a small red spot; they are produced in spring in erect panicles 10–30 cm tall with about 20–50 flowers on each panicle, see photograph (left). taken in Mander Park, Whangarei. Usually
only 1–5 fruit develop on each panicle; the shell is a green, spiky capsule containing one (rarely two or three) nut-like seeds called conkers (England), or horse-chestnuts. Each conker is 2–4 cm diameter, glossy nut-brown with a whitish scar at the base.
The common name "horse-chestnut" (often unhyphenated) is reported as having originated from the erroneous belief that the tree was a kind of chestnut,though in fact only distantly related.
Aesculus carnea - Red Horse Chestnut.
BOTANICAL NAME :Aesculus × carnea, or red horse-chestnut, is a hybrid between
A. pavia (red buckeye) and A. hippocastanum (horse-chestnut). It is not known where it originated, but it probably first appeared in Germany before 1820. A medium-size tree to 20-25 m tall, similar to the parent species in most respects, but inheriting the red flower colour from A. pavia. It is a popular tree in large gardens and parks. Grows very well in Northland and flowers with vivid colour. Photo left shows the flower of A.x carnea growing in Mander Park, Whangarei. Above is A. hippocastanum in Mander Park. November 2012. The flowers are similar, but white.
A. pavia (red buckeye) and A. hippocastanum (horse-chestnut). It is not known where it originated, but it probably first appeared in Germany before 1820. A medium-size tree to 20-25 m tall, similar to the parent species in most respects, but inheriting the red flower colour from A. pavia. It is a popular tree in large gardens and parks. Grows very well in Northland and flowers with vivid colour. Photo left shows the flower of A.x carnea growing in Mander Park, Whangarei. Above is A. hippocastanum in Mander Park. November 2012. The flowers are similar, but white.
ALNUS.
Alnus species: Alder.
BOTANICAL NAME: Alnus species: Common Name - Alder. A genus of plants belonging to the birch family Betulaceae. The genus comprises about 30 species of monoecious trees and shrubs, a few reaching a large size, distributed throughout the north temperate zone. The common name alder evolved from Old English "alor". With a few exceptions, alders are deciduous, and the leaves are alternate, simple, and serrated. The flowers are catkins with elongate male catkins on the same plant as shorter female catkins, often before leaves appear; they are mainly wind-pollinated, but also visited by bees to a small extent. These trees differ from the species Betula, the other genus in the family, in that the female catkins are woody and do not disintegrate at maturity, opening to release the seeds in a similar manner to many conifer cones.The largest species are red alder (A. rubra) on the west coast of North America, and black alder (A. glutinosa), native to most of Europe and widely introduced into New Zealand by early settlers. Both species reaching over 30 m. By contrast, the widespread Alnus viridis, or green alder, is a shrub, only grows to about 5 metres. Photographs taken in the Whangarei Croquet Club.
ARAUCARIA.
Araucaria species: Norfolk Island Pine -
BOTANICAL NAME : Araucaria is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the family Araucariaceae. There are 19 species in the genus, the most common of which is The Norfolk Islan Pine, however species are distributed over a wide area which includes New Caledonia (where 13 species are native), Norfolk Island, eastern Australia, New Guinea, Argentina, Chile, and southern Brazil. Two species are pictures - left is a Norfolk Island Pine (A. excelsa). Above is a secies growing in Caffler Park Whangarei that I have yet to identify. There are several fine specimens of Norfolk Pine growing in Whangarei.
Araucaria heterophylla (Syn A. excelsa): Norfolk Island Pine.
BOTANICAL NAME: Araucaria heterophylla (synonym A. excelsa): Common Name - Norfolk Island Pine. A member of the plant family Araucariaceae. As its common name suggests, the tree is native to Norfolk Island, in the Pacific Ocean. The genus Araucaria occurs across the South Pacific, especially concentrated in New Caledonia,about 700 km due north of Norfolk Island; where 13 closely related and similar-appearing species are found. It is sometimes called a 'star pine', 'triangle tree' or 'living christmas tree'. Photograph taken in Wallace Street, Regent, Whangarei, NZ. The large specimen in the back ground is the tree photographed above left (small frame).
Auraucaria cunninghamii: Queensland Hoop Pine - Colonial Pine.
BOTANICAL NAME: Araucaria cunninghamii: Common Name - Queensland Hoop Pine, Queensland Pine or Colonial Pine.. A species of Araucaria known as hoop pine. Named after the botanist and explorer Allan Cunningham, who collected the first specimens in the 1820s. It is found in the dry rainforests of New South Wales and Queensland and in New Guinea. The trees can live up to 450 years and grow to a height of 60 metres. The bark is rough, splits naturally, and peels easily. The specimen in the photographs taken at Heritage Park, was planted by early settlers, behind the hoamstead, but is the only specimen I have come across in Whangarei.. The leaves on young trees are awl-shaped, 1–2 cm long, about 2 mm thick at the base, and scale-like, incurved, 1–2 cm long and 4 mm broad on mature trees. The cones are ovoid, 8–10 cm long and 6–8 cm diameter, and take about 18 months to mature. When they disintegrate at maturity, they release nut-like edible seeds.
Araucaria araucana - Monkey Puzzle tree.
Araucaria araucana is commonly called the monkey puzzle tree or monkey tail tree, Chilean pine, or pehuén) is an evergreen tree growing to 40 m (130 ft) tall with a 2-m (7-ft) trunk diameter. The tree is native to central and southern Chile and western Argentina. A. araucana is the hardiest species in the conifer genus Araucaria. Because of the great age of this species, it is sometimes described as a living fossil. Its conservation status was changed to Endangered by the IUCN in 2013 due to its declining abundance. These photographs were taken in the car park of the Kensington Shopping Centre in Whangarei. The specimens are somewhat stunted due to the concrete surrounds.
BETULA.
Betula pendula: Silver Birch.
BOTANICAL NAME: Betula pendula. Common name Silver Birch is a widely grown ornamental tree throughout New Zealand. It is found naturally in southern Europe, at higher altitudes. Its range extends into southwest Asia in the mountains of northern Turkey and the Caucasus. Its close relation Betula platyphylla is found in northern Asia and Betula szechuanica of central Asia, are treated as varieties of silver birch by some botanists (B. pendula var. platyphylla and B. pendula var. Szechuanica). It has atractive silver bark and an upright, weeping growth habit, which makes it vey popular with home gardeners and for parks planting and street trees. It is deciduous. Pictures shoe B. pendula growing in a garden in Second Avenue, Whangarei.
BRACHYCHITON
Brachychiton acerifolius: Kurrajong - Illawarra Flame Tree.
BOTANICAL NAME: Brachychiton acerifolius, common names, Kurrajong and Illawarra
Flame Tree. It is a large tree belonging to the family Sterculiaceae, native to subtropical regions on the east coast of Australia. Famous throughout Australasia for the bright red bell-shaped flowers that often cover the whole tree when it is leafless.
This tree is tolerant of temperate climates and is now cultivated world-over, and does very well in Northland. These photographs were taken in Whangarei. Prised for its beauty, it reaches a maximum height of 40 metres or 130 ft. in its natural habitat, however, it is more commonly up to 20ft, in Northland, (66 ft.).
BELOW: Brachychiton flowering through an invasive mat of Hedera (Ivy).
Flame Tree. It is a large tree belonging to the family Sterculiaceae, native to subtropical regions on the east coast of Australia. Famous throughout Australasia for the bright red bell-shaped flowers that often cover the whole tree when it is leafless.
This tree is tolerant of temperate climates and is now cultivated world-over, and does very well in Northland. These photographs were taken in Whangarei. Prised for its beauty, it reaches a maximum height of 40 metres or 130 ft. in its natural habitat, however, it is more commonly up to 20ft, in Northland, (66 ft.).
BELOW: Brachychiton flowering through an invasive mat of Hedera (Ivy).
CATALPA
Catalpa speciosa & C. bignonioides - IndianBean Tree - Catawba - Cigar Tree.
BOTANICAL NAME : Catalpa speciosa and Catalpa bignonioides are the two North American species that have been widely planted outside their natural ranges as ornamental trees. Deciduous trees that grow very well in Northland reaching a height of 12–18 metres (39–59ft) tall and 6–12 metres (20–39 ft) wide. They can be recognized by their large, heart-shaped leaves, showy white flowers in broad panicles, and in the autumn by their 20–50 centimetres (7.9–20 in) long fruits, which resemble a slender bean pod, containing numerous small flat seeds, each seed having two thin wings to aid in wind dispersal. Due to their large leaf size, catalpas provide very dark shade and are a popular habitat for many birds, providing them good shelter from rain and wind. These trees drop large, dark brown bean pods during late summer. The wood of catalpas is quite soft. Commonly called the bean tree or by the Native American name Catawba, which provides the botanical name, being an erronious transcription from the Native American name by the botanist Scopoli.
Species - The two North American species, Catalpa bignonioides and Catalpa speciosa, have been widely planted as ornamental trees for their showy flowers and attractive growing habit. Northern and southern catalpas are very similar in appearance, but the northern species has slightly larger leaves, flowers, and bean pods.
Species - The two North American species, Catalpa bignonioides and Catalpa speciosa, have been widely planted as ornamental trees for their showy flowers and attractive growing habit. Northern and southern catalpas are very similar in appearance, but the northern species has slightly larger leaves, flowers, and bean pods.
CEDRUS
Cedrus deodara : Deodar Cedar, Himalayan Cedar.
BOTANICAL NAME : Cedrus deodara - Common names, deodar cedar, Himalayan cedar. A species of cedar native to the western Himalayas regionl, occurring at 1,500–3,200 m (4,921–10,499 ft) altitude. It is a large evergreen coniferous tree reaching 40–50 m (131–164 ft) tall. Grows very well in all parts of New Zealand and there are several fine specimens in Whangarei, although some are planted too close to other trees, as in the grounds of the Hotel complex in Hatea Drive.
The leaves are needle-like, mostly 2.5–5 cm long in dense clusters of 20-30 on short shoots; they vary from bright green to glaucous blue-green in colour. The female cones are barrel-shaped, born on branches (see photo), and release winged seeds. The male cones are 4–6 cm long, and shed their pollen in autumn. Left is one of two nice specimens growing in Cafler Park, Whangarei.
The leaves are needle-like, mostly 2.5–5 cm long in dense clusters of 20-30 on short shoots; they vary from bright green to glaucous blue-green in colour. The female cones are barrel-shaped, born on branches (see photo), and release winged seeds. The male cones are 4–6 cm long, and shed their pollen in autumn. Left is one of two nice specimens growing in Cafler Park, Whangarei.
CINNAMOMUM.
Cinnamomum camphorum: Camphor laurel.
BOTANICAL NAME: Cinnamomum camphora: Common Name - Camphor tree, Camphorwood or camphor laurel. A large evergreen tree that grows in excess of twenty metres 0 metres tall. The leaves have a glossy, waxy appearance and smell of camphor when crushed. In spring it produces bright green foliage with masses of small white flowers. It produces clusters of black berry-like fruit around one centimetre in diameter. It has a pale bark that is very rough and fissured vertically. Grows well in Northland. Photographs taken in Cafler Park, Whangarei.
CONIFERS.
Coniferophyta or Coniferae: Conifers.
The conifers, division Coniferophyta or Coniferae are cone-bearing woody plants, the majority being trees but also a few being shrubs. Conifers include cedars, cypres, junipers, spruce etc. The best known NZ Native conifers are the kauri & rimu (see NZ Trees) There are eight families approximately, covering 68 genera and about 630 species. They are of great ecological importance, as they are dominant over huge areas of the earth's forests. They are well suited to Northland gardens and parks, and don't take much looking after. Also the wide variety of cultivars makes them very popular for landscaping, as they eange fron ground cover plants to large trees. There are also variegated white or yellow foliage plants. Photographs taken in the Avenues, Whangarei.
CRYPTOMERIA.
Cryptomeria japonica: Japanese Cedar - Sugi (Japan).
BOTANICAL NAME: Cryptomeria is a genus of conifer in the family Cupressaceae. It includes only one species, Cryptomeria japonica. It is endemic to Japan, where it is known as Sugi. The tree is often called Japanese cedar in English, though the tree is not related to the true cedars (Cedrus). It is a very large evergreen tree, reaching up to 70 m (230 ft) tall and 4 m (13 ft) trunk diameter, with red-brown bark which peels in vertical strips. The leaves are arranged spirally, needle-like, 0.5–1 cm (0.20–0.39 in) long; and the seed cones globular, 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) diameter with about 20–40 scales. Genetic analysis. Was grown in China for timber. Photograph taken in the grounds of a Whangarei Motel.
CUPRESSUS MACROCARPA. C. macrocarpa, commonly known as Monterey cypress, is a species of conifer native to the Central Coast of California. The native range of the species was confined to two small relict populations, at Cypress Point in Pebble Beach and at Point Lobos near Carmel, California.
ERYTHRINA
Erythrina species: Coral Tree.
BOTANICAL NAME: Erythrina species.Deciduous trees which include the now invasive E. crista-galli which is a large tree with bright red flowers. It was planted freely by early settlers and is one of the widely grown species. Not sure what species we have photographed here, found growing in a private garden in Manse Street, Whangarei. Erythrina grows to a large tree with bright red or orange flowers, but the branches have woody thorns. A genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, it contains about 130 species, which are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. They are trees which grow up to 30 m (98 ft) in height. The common name coral tree is used as a collective term for these plants, and flame tree is another common name, but flame tree can refer to a number of unrelated plants as well. The species photographed has held onto the previous season's flower spikes, looking rather untidy. Unfortunately it has been planted too close to it's neighboring Jacaranda. Erythrina i a major problem in wetlands where it crowds out other species. I would treat all species as noxious.
EUCALYPTUS.
Eucalypus is a diverse genus of flowering trees and shrubs which include a distinct group with a multiple-stem mallee growth habit. The Eucalupts belong to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Members of the genus dominate the tree flora of Australia. There are more than 700 species of eucalyptus, mostly native to Australia, and a very small number are found in adjacent areas of New Guinea and Indonesia. One species, Eucalyptus deglupta, ranges as far north as the Philippines. Only fifteen species occur outside Australia, with just nine of these not occurring in Australia. Species of eucalyptus are cultivated widely in the tropical and temperate world, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, China and the Indian Subcontinent, though most species do not tolerate frost.Eucalyptus is one of three similar genera that are commonly referred to as "eucalypts", the others being Corymbia and Angophora. Many species, but far from all, are known as gum trees because they exude copious kino from any break in the bark. Pictured below is E. ficifolia, just beginning to flower, growing in Kamo Rd, Whau Valley, Whangarei.
FAGUS.
Fagus Sylvatica: Beech - European Beech.
Fagus sylvatica purpurea: Copper Beech - European Beech.
BOTANICAL NAME: Fagus sylvatica. Common names are European Beech or Common Beech. It is a deciduous tree belonging to the beech family, Fagaceae. Attractive growing form with bronze or copper coloured foliage. There are some fine examples growing in Whangarei. Photograph above is of a fine specimen of a Copper Beech growing in the grounds of Whangarei Girl's High School, while left is a photograph taken in Mander Park.
It is a large tree of up to 25–35 m (80–115 ft) tall and up to 1.5 meters (5 ft) trunk diameter. it has a lifespan of 150 to 300 years. The F. sylvaticus starts to flower when it is between 30–80 years old. The flowers are small catkins which appear shortly after the leaves in spring. The seeds are called beechnuts, are small triangular nuts, with two nuts in each cupule, maturing in the autumn 5–6 months after pollination. Overseas the nuts are eaten by birds, rodents and in the past also humans, but can be slightly toxic to humans if eaten in large quantities due to the tannins they contain. Grown commercially, the nuts were pressed to obtain an oil in 19th century England, which was used for cooking and lighting in lamps.
It is a large tree of up to 25–35 m (80–115 ft) tall and up to 1.5 meters (5 ft) trunk diameter. it has a lifespan of 150 to 300 years. The F. sylvaticus starts to flower when it is between 30–80 years old. The flowers are small catkins which appear shortly after the leaves in spring. The seeds are called beechnuts, are small triangular nuts, with two nuts in each cupule, maturing in the autumn 5–6 months after pollination. Overseas the nuts are eaten by birds, rodents and in the past also humans, but can be slightly toxic to humans if eaten in large quantities due to the tannins they contain. Grown commercially, the nuts were pressed to obtain an oil in 19th century England, which was used for cooking and lighting in lamps.
FICUS.
Ficus benjamina: Weeping Fig - Benjamin's Fig.
BOTANICAL NAME: Ficus benjamina: Common Names - Weeping Fig, Benjamin's Fig, or Ficus Tree. A species of the family Moraceae, that is native to south and southeast Asia and Australia, and is the official tree of Bangkok. A large tree reaching up to 30 metres (98 ft) tall in natural conditions, with gracefully drooping branchlets and glossy leaves 6–13 cm (2–5 in) It makes a good container or garden plant and can be pruned to size. Photographs taken in Manse Street, Whangarei.
In subtropical conditions it makes a very large and stately tree for parks and a very fine street tree.It is a very popular houseplant in temperate areas, due to its elegant growth and tolerance of poor growing conditions; it does best in bright, sunny conditions but will also tolerate considerable shade. It requires a moderate amount of watering in summer, and only enough to keep it from drying out in the winter. It does not need to be misted. The plant is sensitive to cold and should be protected from strong drafts. When grown indoors, it can grow too large for its situation, and may need drastic pruning or replacing. There are numerous cultivars available. Some cultivars differ I foliage colour, ranging from light green to dark green, and various forms of white variegation, which are smaller growing; up to 20 feet (see photographs below, taken in the Whangarei Subtropical Garden).
In subtropical conditions it makes a very large and stately tree for parks and a very fine street tree.It is a very popular houseplant in temperate areas, due to its elegant growth and tolerance of poor growing conditions; it does best in bright, sunny conditions but will also tolerate considerable shade. It requires a moderate amount of watering in summer, and only enough to keep it from drying out in the winter. It does not need to be misted. The plant is sensitive to cold and should be protected from strong drafts. When grown indoors, it can grow too large for its situation, and may need drastic pruning or replacing. There are numerous cultivars available. Some cultivars differ I foliage colour, ranging from light green to dark green, and various forms of white variegation, which are smaller growing; up to 20 feet (see photographs below, taken in the Whangarei Subtropical Garden).
Ficus benjamina variegata: Variegated Weeping Fig - Variegated Benjamin's Fig.
Ficus carica: Fig. Fig Tree. Common Fig.
BOTANICAL NAME: Ficus carica: Common Name - Fig. A species of flowering plant in the genus Ficus, from the family Moraceae, known as the common fig or just the fig. It is the source of the fruit also called the fig, and as such is an important crop in those areas where it is grown commercially. Native to the Middle East and western Asia, it has been sought out and cultivated by man since ancient times, and is now widely grown throughout the temperate world, both for its fruit and as an ornamental plant. Photographs taken in The Avenues, Whangarei.
Ficus dammaropsis: New Guinea Fig - Kapiak.
BOTANICAL NAME: Ficus dammaropsis, Common Name, Kapiak, New Guinea Fig, or Highland Breadfruit. A tropical fig tree with huge pleated leaves 60 cm across. It is native to the highlands and highlands fringe of New Guinea. It generally grows at altitudes of between 800 and 2750 metres; its extreme range is from sea level to 2820 m. Its fruit is edible but rarely eaten except as an emergency food The young leaves are pickled or cooked and eaten as a vegetable with pig meat. With its bold tropical leaves and cold tolerance, F. dammaropsis is a wonderfully attractive tree for Northland New Zealand and other frost-free climates. Photographs taken in the Subtropical Garfend in Whangatrei, New Zealand.
BOTANICAL NAME: Ficus oblique: Common Name - Small-Leaved Fig. Ficus belong to the family Moraceae. F. oblique is native to eastern Australia, New Guinea, eastern Indonesia to Sulawesi and islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It was previously known as Ficus eugenioides. The genus Ficus contains around 750 species worldwide in warm climates, including the edible fig Ficus carica. F. obliqua can grow to 60 m (200 ft) high and nearly as wide with a pale grey buttressed trunk, and glossy green leaves.The small round yellow fruit ripen and turn red at any time of year, although they peak in autumn and winter. Known as a syconium, the fruit is an inverted inflorescence with the flowers lining an internal cavity. It is well-suited for use as an indoor plant or in bonsai. All parts of the tree have been used in traditional medicine in Fiji. Photographs taken in Whangarei, in the grounds of the Whangarei Primary School.
FRAXINUS.
Fraxinus excelsior - Ash - European Ash - Common Ash.
BOTANICAL NAME : Fraxinus species: Common Name - Ash. One of the most widely grown of the deciduous trees from the Northern Hemisphere. A genus of plants that contains 45-65 species of usually medium to large trees, mostly deciduous though a few subtropical species are evergreen. The most common species of ash are - F. excelsior — Ash, European Ash or Common Ash. F excelsor pendula - Weeping Ash, F. oxycarpa 'Raywood' - Claret Ash, F. ornus - Manna Ash, F. uhdei - Evergreen Ash (also called Mexican Ash), F. Americana - White Ash, a spectacular tree from the Eastern United States.They are native to most of Europe, and also southwestern Asia, but will grow in a widerange of climates from frosty areas to sub-tropical areas, such as Northland, NZ.. It makes a handsome deciduous specimen tree. Pictured above is a common Ash growing in the Waiarohia Reserve in Whangarei. Picture left shows the seeds of a tree in Hatea Drive. Photographs below show a species of ash in winged fruit growing in the grounds of the Whangarei Croquet Club in Third Avenue.
Other Images Of Ash.
GINKGO
Ginkgo biloba : Pinyin - Maidenhair Tree.
BOTANICAL NAME : Ginkgo biloba. Also known as the maidenhair tree for its foliage form. It is a unique species of tree with no close living relatives. The ginkgo is a living fossil, recognisably similar to fossils dating back 270 million years. Native to China, the tree is widely cultivated and introduced early in human history, and has various uses as a food and in traditional medicine. Male & female trees, the female bears fruit that smell like rotten eggs, very powerful. A female tree was growing in Emily Place in Auckland City and fruited heavily. The fruit is globular, black when ripe.
Photoes taken in Mander Park, Whangarei. Young Ginkgo are planted alongside the new Whangarei Library. Lets hope they are all males.
Photoes taken in Mander Park, Whangarei. Young Ginkgo are planted alongside the new Whangarei Library. Lets hope they are all males.
EARLY WINTER: Ginkgo shows its colour.
In early winter, through June, Ginkgo shows its autumn colour, before dropping its leaves. Last three photographs show Ginkgo during leaf-fall (taken in Manse Street Whangarei, 7th June, 2014.).
GLEDITSIA.
Gleditsia triacanthos: Honey Locust.
BOTANICAL NAME: Gleditsia triacanthos: Common Name -Honey Locust. A deciduous tree native to central North America. It is located in the river valleys from southeastern South Dakota to New Orleans and central Texas, and as far east as eastern Massachusetts. G.triacanthos, can reach a height of 20–30 m (66&–100 ft), is fast growth, some live up to 150 years. The leaves are pinnately compound on older trees but bipinnately compound on vigorous young trees. The leaflets are 1.5–2.5 cm (smaller on bipinnate leaves) and bright green. They turn yellow in autumn. The strongly scented cream-colored flowers appear in late spring, in clusters emerging from the base of the leaf axils. The fruit is a flat pod that matures in early autumn. The pods are generally between 15–20 cm. Seed coats are very hard and best germination results will be achieved by chipping. Grows very well in Northland. Photographs taken in Second Avenue, Whangarei.
GREVILLEA.
Grevillea robusta : Silky Oak - Southern Silky Oak - Australian Silky Oak.
BOTANICAL NAME : Grevillea robusta, common names - the southern silky oak or silky oak, or Australian silver oak. It is the largest species of the Grevilleas. Grevilleas are in the family Proteaceae. It is not closely related to the true oaks. G. robusta is a native of eastern coastal Australia, in subtropical and dry rainforest environments receiving an annual rainfall of more than 1,000 mm per year. G. robusta is a fast-growing evergreen tree, between 18–35 m (59–115 ft) tall,
with dark green leaves reminiscent of a fern frond. Other members of the Grevillea genus, of which many are Australian, flower profusely and have been hybridised. The foliage of G. robusta is long with greyish white or rusty undersides. Its flowers are golden-orange bottlebrush-like blooms (see photo), between 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long, in the spring, on a 2–3 cm long stem and are used in Australia for honey production. Like others of its genus, the flowers have no petals, instead they have a long calyx that splits into 4 lobes. The seeds mature in late winter to early spring, and are winged.
Pictured are the flower and habit of G. robusta growing in Western Hills Drive on the Kensington Hill.
with dark green leaves reminiscent of a fern frond. Other members of the Grevillea genus, of which many are Australian, flower profusely and have been hybridised. The foliage of G. robusta is long with greyish white or rusty undersides. Its flowers are golden-orange bottlebrush-like blooms (see photo), between 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long, in the spring, on a 2–3 cm long stem and are used in Australia for honey production. Like others of its genus, the flowers have no petals, instead they have a long calyx that splits into 4 lobes. The seeds mature in late winter to early spring, and are winged.
Pictured are the flower and habit of G. robusta growing in Western Hills Drive on the Kensington Hill.
HYMENOSPORUM.
Hymenosporum flavum: Australian Franjipani.
BOTANICAL NAME: Hymenosporum flavum: Common Name, Australian Frangipani, is a rainforest tree which is native to Queensland and New South Wales, and New Guinea. It is the only species in the genus Hymenosporum, and is closely related to the New Zealand Pittosporums, belonging to the family Pittosporaceae. A very showy tree that can be seen flowering around Whangarei in November/December. It produces clusters of fragrant yellow flowers which are about 5 cm in diameter. It has dark green, glossy leaves which are usually around 10 cm long and 4 cm wide. The branches form widely spaced tiers which makes the tree extremely attractive. It is not actually related to the frangipani. A great flowering tree for Northland gardens. Photographs taken in Second Avenue, Whangarei. The top photograph shows the tiered effect.
JACARANDA .
JACARANDA - Blue Jacaranda.
Botanical name : Jacaranda mimosifolia. Jacaranda is a genus of 49 species of flowering plants in the family Bignoniaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and Caribbean, and has been introduced to the Pacific region. The genus name is also used as the common name.
Jacaranda mimosifolia is a sub-tropical tree native to South America that has been widely planted
elsewhere because of its beautiful and long-lasting blue flowers. It is also known Blue Jacaranda. In scientific usage, the name "Jacaranda" refers to the genus Jacaranda, which has many other
members, but in horticultural and everyday usage, it nearly always means the Blue Jacaranda. Photographs below show Jacaranda seed pods. February 2014.
Jacaranda mimosifolia is a sub-tropical tree native to South America that has been widely planted
elsewhere because of its beautiful and long-lasting blue flowers. It is also known Blue Jacaranda. In scientific usage, the name "Jacaranda" refers to the genus Jacaranda, which has many other
members, but in horticultural and everyday usage, it nearly always means the Blue Jacaranda. Photographs below show Jacaranda seed pods. February 2014.
LIQUIDAMBAR.
Liquidamber styraciflua: Liquidambar - American Sweet Gum - Alligator Wood.
BOTANICAL NAME: Liquidambar styraciflua: Common Name - Liquidambar, Sweetgum, Alligator-Wood, A member of the plant family Altingiaceae, L. styraciflua is one of a genus of four species of tall deciduous trees found in the warm temperate areas of eastern North America and tropical montane regions of Mexico, Central America and Turkey. L styraciflua can grow from 35ft to 70ft (10 to 21 metres). The name Liquidamber refers to the resin, known as storax, exuded by the winter buds. The star-shaped leaves are arranged spirally on the twig. A popular ornamental tree in temperate climates, recognizable by the combination of its five-pointed star-shaped leaves and its hard, spiked fruits. In Northland the foliage colour in autumn varies from shades of orange, to red ad purple. The four species in the genus Liquidambar are - L.formosana (Chinese Liquidambar); L. orientalis (Oriental Sweet Gum); L. chinensis, and L. styraciflua. In cold climates the foliage can reach a deep red before leaf fall, but do not reach the more common amber colour In the north of the North Island. Photographs taken in Western Hills Drive, Whangarei.
LIRIODENDRON.
Liriodendron tulipfera : Tulip Tree - Tulip Poplar.
Botanical name : Liriodendron tulipfera: Common Name - Tulip Tree. Liriodendron is a genus of two species of large deciduous trees in the family Magnoliaceae. Known as the Tulip Tree due to their large flowers (pictured left), but are closely related to magnolias. Sometimes called the 'tulip poplar' or 'yellow poplar', although Liriodendron is not closely related to the true poplars of the genus Populus. The two species of Liriodendron are L. tulipfera which is the species pictured, native to eastern North America, while L. chinense is native to China and Vietnam. Both species often grow to great size, sometimes exceeding 32 meters or 100 feet in height. The American species is most commonly used horticulturally, and hybrids have been produced between these two species. Liriodendron trees are easily recognized by their leaves, which are distinctive, having four lobes in most cases and a cross-cut notched or straight apex. Leaf size varies from 8–22 cm long and 6–25 cm wide. Flowers are 3–10 cm in diameter and have three green outer sepals and six inner petals which are yellow-green with an orange flare at the base. They start forming after around 15 years and are superficially similar to a tulip in shape, hence the tree's name. Flowers of L. tulipifera have a faint cucumber odor. The stamens and pistils are arranged spirally around a central spike. The fruit is a 4cm to 9cm long cone.
MACADAMIA.
Macadamia tetraphylla: Macadamia Nut - Queensland Nut.
BOTANICAL NAME: Macadamia tetraphylla: Common Name - Macadamia Nut or Queensland Nut. A tree in the plant family Proteacea. Native to southern Queensland and northern New South Wales in Australia, it has several common names, others are Macadamia Nut, Bauple Nut, Prickly Macadamia, Rough-shelled Bush Nut and Rough-shelled Queensland Nut. This species has dense foliage and grows up to 18 metres in height. The leaves, which have toothed margins, are 7 to 25 cm in length. It has long, pendent creamy pink to purple flowers, followed by woody, rounded fruits which are 2 to 3 cm in diameter and contain edible seeds. Grows very well in Northland. Photographs taken in Cafler Park, Whangarei.
MAGNOLIA.
Magnolia - Southern Magnolia - Bull Bay
BOTANICAL NAME : Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as the southern magnolia or bull bay, is a tree of the Magnolia family, Magnoliaceae. M. grandiflora is native to the southeastern United States, from Virginia south to central Florida, and west to eastern Texas and Oklahoma. Some trees have been viewed as far west
as New Mexico and California. Reaching 27.5 m (90 ft) in height, it is a large evergreen tree with large dark green leaves and large white fragrant flowers that appear in spring & summer in Northland. Magnolias are widely cultivated around the world, over a hundred cultivars have been bred and marketed commercially. The timber is hard and heavy, and has been used commercially to make furniture, pallets, and veneer.
as New Mexico and California. Reaching 27.5 m (90 ft) in height, it is a large evergreen tree with large dark green leaves and large white fragrant flowers that appear in spring & summer in Northland. Magnolias are widely cultivated around the world, over a hundred cultivars have been bred and marketed commercially. The timber is hard and heavy, and has been used commercially to make furniture, pallets, and veneer.
Magnolia X soulangeana: Common Name - Saucer Magnolia.
BOTANICAL NAME: Magnolia × soulangeana (saucer magnolia) is a hybrid plant in the genus Magnolia (family Magnoliaceae). A deciduous tree with large, early-blooming flowers in various shades of white, pink, and purple, it is one of the most commonly used magnolias in horticulture, being widely planted throughout New Zealand, and does particularly well in the North od the country.Magnolia is a large genus of about 210 flowering plant species. It is named after French botanist Pierre Magnol. Magnolia is an ancient genus. Appearing before bees did, it is theorized the flowers evolved to encourage pollination by beetles.
The natural range of Magnolia species distribution has a main centre in east and southeast Asia and a secondary centre in eastern North America, Central America, the West Indies, and some species in South America. Photographs were taken in the Waiarohea Reserve, Whangarei, Northland, New Zealand.
The natural range of Magnolia species distribution has a main centre in east and southeast Asia and a secondary centre in eastern North America, Central America, the West Indies, and some species in South America. Photographs were taken in the Waiarohea Reserve, Whangarei, Northland, New Zealand.
Magnolia species: There are a large range of Magnolia species, from cold climate species to sub-tropical species. Most are attractive flowering small to large exotic trees that grow well in the Northland area.
MELIA.
Melia azedarach: Indian Bead Tree.
BOTANICAL NAME: Melia azedarach: Common Names - White Cedar, Chinaberry Tree, Indian Bead Tree, Cape Lilac, Syringa Berrytree, Persian Lilac, and Indian Lilac. A a species of deciduous tree in the family, Meliaceae, it is native to Indomalaya and Australasia. The genus Melia includes four other species, occurring from southeast Asia to northern Australia. They are all deciduous or semi-evergreen trees. The adult tree has a rounded crown, and reaches height of 7–12 metres. The flowers are small and fragrant, with five pale purple or lilac petals, growing in clusters. The fruit is a drupe, marble-sized, light yellow at maturity, hanging on the tree all winter, and gradually becoming wrinkled and almost white. The leaves are up to 50 cm long, alternate, with leaflets that are dark green above and lighter green below. M. azedarach makes a wonderful street tree, and is used as such in Whangarei. Photographs taken in Wallace Street, Regent and the CBD, Whangarei, Northland, NZ. Three photographs below show the fruit.
PICEA.
Picea pungens: Blue Spruce - Colorado Blue Spruce.
BOTANICAL NAME: Picea: Common Name - Spruce is a tree of the genus Picea, a genus of about 35 species of coniferous evergreen trees in the Family Pinaceae, (Coniferae) found in the northern hemisphere temperate regions. Spruces are large trees, from 20–60 metres (66–200 ft) tall when mature. The needles, or leaves, of spruce trees are attached singly to the branches in a spiral fashion, each needle on a small peg-like structure called a pulvinus. In the mountains of western Sweden scientists have found a Norway Spruce tree, nicknamed Old Tjikko, which by reproducing through layering has reached an age of 9,550 years and is claimed to be the world's oldest known living tree. P. pungens, the Colorado spruce or blue spruce, green spruce white spruce, or Colorado blue spruce, is a species of spruce tree native to the Rocky Mountains of the United States. Its natural range extends from Colorado to Wyoming but it has been widely introduced elsewhere and is used as an ornamental tree in many places far beyond its native range. A popular tree in New Zealand. N.B. Spruce are often confused with Furs (Abies). Two main points are that when the leaves or needles fall, they leave a rough mark on the branch (see bottom right of top photograph), secondly the cones hang downwards. Photographs taken in Second Avenue, Whangarei, NZ.
PODOCARPUS.
Podocarpus macrophyllus angustifolius: Fern Pine - Yellowwood.
BOTANICAL NAME: Podocarpus macrophyllus: Common Names - Kusamaki or Inumaki. A conifer related to the New Zealand Totara, in the plant family Podocarpaceae. It is the northernmost species of the genus, native to southern Japan and southern and eastern China. Kusamaki and Inumaki are Japanese names for this tree, and Kusamaki is increasingly being used as the English name as well, replacing the old, botanically inaccurate names Buddhist Pine and Fern Pine as it is not a pine. In China, it is simply known as Iuohan song, 'that pine'. It is a small to medium size evergreen tree, reaching 20 m tall in cultivation, but up to 50m in its natural setting.. The leaves are strap-shaped, 6–12 cm long, and about 1 cm broad, with a central midrib. New spring foliage make it appear as though the tree is flowering, see photographs taken in Central Avenue, Whangarei.P. macrophyllus occurs aturally in forests, open thickets, and roadsides from near sea level to 1000 m.
PRUNUS.
Prunus species: Fruiting or Flowering Plums, Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots and Almonds.
BOTANICAL NAME: Prunus . Common Name, Prunus; belonging to the Rose Family, Rosaceae, and covers flowering plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots and almonds. A genus of about 430 species, spread throughout the northern temperate regions of the globe. Many members of the genus are widely cultivated for fruit and ornament. The fruit from this genus are commonly called the stone fruit. Members of the genus can be deciduous or evergreen. The leaves are simple, alternate, usually lanceolate, unlobed. The flowers are usually white to pink, sometimes red, with five petals and five sepals. There are numerous stamens. Flowers are borne singly, or in umbels of two to six or sometimes more on racemes. The fruit is a fleshy drupe (a "prune") with a single relatively large, hard-coated seed or stone. Photographs taken in Whangarei. Left is a flowering Cherry, P. campanulata, which is now an invasive species in Northland NZ.
QUERCUS.
Quercus robor : Oak Tree - Common Oak - English Oak.
BOTANICAL NAME : Quercus robor. The Common or English Oak. A
very hardy deciduous tree which grows in most parts of NZ, and is found over
most of Northland where it was introduced by early settlers from
Europe.
Below: Acorn, or seed of the Common Oak.
Pictured left is the huge oak tree on the corner of Manse Street and Gorrie Road.
very hardy deciduous tree which grows in most parts of NZ, and is found over
most of Northland where it was introduced by early settlers from
Europe.
Below: Acorn, or seed of the Common Oak.
Pictured left is the huge oak tree on the corner of Manse Street and Gorrie Road.
SALIX.
Salix babalonica: Weeping Willow or Babylon Willow.
BOTANICAL NAME: Salix babylonica: Commo Name - Babylon willow or weeping willow. A species of willow native to dry areas of northern China. It has been a popular cultivated shade tree for hundreds of years, it was traded along the Silk Road to southwest Asia and Europe, then being introduced to Australasia by the early European settlers. S. babylonica is a medium- to large deciduous tree, with weeping habit, growing up to 20–25 m (66–82 ft) tall. It is a rapidly growing tree, but has a short lifespan, between 40 to 75 years. Leaves are alternate and spirally arranged, long and narrow, 4-16 cm long and 0.5-2 cm broad. They turn a golden-yellow in autumn, prior to leaf fall. The flowers are catkins, produced early in the spring; the male and female catkins appear on separate trees. Willow trees are used to stop erosion on river banks. Photographs taken in Russell Road, Whangarei, Northland.
Salix calodendron & Salix reichardtii: Pussy Willow.
BOTANICAL NAME: Salix calodendron and Salix reichardtii: Common name - Pussy Willow. are not invasive weeds of any significance, however, these species are of concern because they can hybridise
with other species that would otherwise
not produce seeds, so they should not
be planted near other willows. Photographs taken in the Waiarohia Reserve.
SCHEFFLERA.
Schefflera actinophylla: Umbrella Tree.
BOTANICAL NAME: Schefflera actinophylla: Common Name - Umbrella Tree or Queensland Umbrella Tree. A tree in the family Araliaceae. It is native to tropical rainforests in Australia's Eastern Queensland and the Northern Territory as well as New Guinea and Java. Common names octopus tree and amate, although these are not used in New Zealand. Was Brassaea actinophylla. S. actinophylla is an evergreen tree growing to 15 m (49 ft) tall. It has large compound medium green leaves in groups of seven palmed leaves. It is usually multi-trunked, and the flowers develop at the top of the tree. It produces racemes up to 2 m (6.5 ft) long containing up to 1,000 small dull red flowers. Flowering begins in early summer and continues for several months. Photographs taken in Whangarei, Northland, NZ.
SCHINUS
BOTANICAL NAME: Schinus molle: Common Name - Peruvian Pepper Tree. A quick growing evergreen tree that grows to 15 meters (50 feet) tall and 5–10 meters (16–33 feet) wide. It is the largest of all Schinus species and potentially the longest lived. The upper branches of the tree tend to droop. S.molle was a very popilar street tree in old Auckland, and there were some very fine specimens in Marine Parade, Herne Bay. There was a superstition that if you swore underneath the tree, you would have bad luck. The Male and female flowers occur on separate plants (dioecious). Flowers are small, white and borne profusely in panicles at the ends of the drooping branches. The fruit are 5–7 mm diameter round drupes with woody seeds that turn from green to red, pink or purplish, carried in dense clusters of hundreds of berries that can be present year-round. The rough grayish bark is twisted and drips sap. The bark, leaves and berries are aromatic when crushed. I have only found one specimen in Whangarei (Pictured), growing in Kamo Road.
SYNCARPIA
Syncarpia glomulifera: Turpentine Tree.
BOTANICAL NAME: Syncarpia glomulifera, common name,
turpentine tree, is a tree of the family Myrtaceae native to New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, which can reach 80 ft. or 25 metres in height, although in the wild in Australia it has been known to reach 200ft. It generally grows on heavier soils. Crushed leaves
have a taste and smell reminiscent of turpentine. The cream flowers appear in spring and are fused into compound flower heads. Possibly the finest and most useful tree of the east coast of Australia, it is found in abundance in southern New South Wales. It grows very well in Whangarei and a large specimen can be seen in the corner property of Central and Second Avenues, where these photographs were taken.
have a taste and smell reminiscent of turpentine. The cream flowers appear in spring and are fused into compound flower heads. Possibly the finest and most useful tree of the east coast of Australia, it is found in abundance in southern New South Wales. It grows very well in Whangarei and a large specimen can be seen in the corner property of Central and Second Avenues, where these photographs were taken.