The Tree Blog

Archive for June, 2008

The Flame Tree is native to sub-tropical South East Queensland

Unlike the southern states, South East Queensland’s sub-tropical climate ensures that we never really have a true autumn season.

While we don’t get to behold the spectacular sight of falling red and brown leaves (or fortunately the problems of cleaning them out of gutters and drains), it is still possible to decorate your garden with deciduous trees, but management of them is key.

Beyond aesthetics though, the midday winters in South East Queensland are simply not cold enough for the key benefit of deciduous trees – to let sunlight through.

However the native Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra flame tree or Kurrajong) is probably the most popular choice and a rare native deciduous that grows in SEQ.  This tree turns a vibrant red before losing its leaves and makes a great ornamental with its pod like fruits.  However given that the tree grows quite tall, it can be a nuisance in Brisbane.

In terms of non-native or European deciduous trees that will grow in Brisbane, trying to growing Maples or London Planes simply isn’t worth the effort although these trees will grow well in nearby Toowoomba and the high country.  Probably the best bet is the Liquidambar styraciflua (Liquid Amber), which goes a vibrant red in late Autumn in Brisbane and has distinctive starry five point leaves which distinguish them from maple leaves.  It is native to North America, but grows reasonably well in Brisbane and it doesn’t cause too many problems where its growth is stunted in comparison to growing it in cooler climates.  In terms of managing them, the best time to prune them is late in the leafless cycle, just before they are about to get new leaves.

So if you are wondering why your deciduous trees have problems growing in Brisbane or South East Queensland, then the answer is simply climate.