Native Plants Of Australia

Australia is one of the largest countries on earth in terms of land area. It has an expansive landscape that is home to more than 30,000 plant species. Some of the plant species are listed as endangered. The government has created protected areas where the rare plants can grow without human interference. Australia's geographic isolation houses many unique species of rare plants, including many orchid and eucalyptus species. Some of the native plants of Australia include the Bull Kauri, Palm Valley Myrtle, Dallachy's Banksia, and Sturt's Desert Rose, among many others.

Native Plants Of Australia

Bull Kauri (Agathis microstachya)

The Bull Kauri (Agathis microstachya) is a coniferous plant native to Australia. The average Bull Kauri is 50 meters tall and 2.7 meters wide. It has a single straight trunk with a brown, coarse, flaky bark. Its wood is light, has an even texture, and polishes well. The tree is found at altitudes of 400 to 900 meters. Bull Kauri is entirely found in the rainforests of Atherton Tableland in North of Queensland. Timber from Bull Kauri can be used in house framing and flooring. In the past, the tree was highly sought which led to a significant decline in the tree population. Bull Kauri is listed as an endangered species. Since 1987, logging of Bull Kauri ceased due to protection by Australian laws.

Palm Valley Myrtle (Thryptomene hexandra)

The Palm Valley Myrtle (Thryptomene hexandra) is a shrub native to Australia. It has an average height of 2.5 meters and tiny 8-millimeter-long leaves. The shrub produces white flowers. It is exclusively found in the Finke Gorge National Park in Australia.

Dallachy's Banksia (Banksia plagiocarpa)

Dallachy's Banksia (Banksia plagiocarpa) is a shrub that is found only in Australia. It inhabits open woodlands and grasslands on the Hinchinbrook Island. It is a rare tropical shrub that grows to a height of 5 meters and has blue-grey flowers. The shrub was used in the past for its medicinal value. It is currently developed for the cut flower business. The shrub is not considered an endangered species.

Sturt's Desert Rose (Gossypium sturtianum)

Sturt's Desert Rose (Gossypium sturtianum) is a woody shrub native to Australia’s Northern Territory and several of the country's other mainland states. Sturt's Desert Rose is a drought tolerant shrub that inhabits sandy and gravelly soils, watercourses, dry creek beds, gorges and rocky slopes. It grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters. It has pale pink to dark purple flowers with a red center and oval shaped lush green leaves. The shrub produces flowers all year round. Sturt's Desert Rose was picked as the floral emblem of the Northern Territory in 1961. Since then, the flower appears on the official flag of the Northern Territory of Australia.

Hillgrove Spotted Gum (Eucalyptus michaeliana)

The Hillgrove Spotted Gum (Eucalyptus michaeliana) is a rare tree species native to Australia. It grows to a height of up to 30 meters. It has a solid trunk and a smooth bark with white and gray blotches. It has prominent white flowers that bloom between August and November. The famous white flowers and blotched bark gives the tree an attractive appearance. It is an evergreen tree that is ideal for growing in urban parks and open spaces. Due to its restricted habitat, the Hillgrove Spotted Gum is considered an endangered species.

Conservation of Australian Flora

Australia has an abundance of rare plant species. These plants are valuable resources due to their many uses, such as habitats for birds and other animals, medicinal uses, and aesthetic value, and they are utilized in the construction industry as sources of lumber and other building materials as well. Some of the rare plants have come under threat due to unsustainable logging, destruction of their natural habitats, and the presence of harsh climatic conditions. The Australian government has taken measures to conserve the trees by implementing laws that protect the endangered plant species.