Yellow Oleander


Photo: Colin Wilson		Yellow Oleander Cascabela thevetia (Syn. Thevetia peruviana) Trees and Shrubs NT - Darwin Region

	Closely related to the common Oleander and with a very similar growth habit, it may develop into a small tree in many gardens where conditions are favourable. Its leaves are similar to those of the Oleander and it flowers regularly, producing funnel-shaped yellow flowers. There are also other colour forms available. Flowers are followed by small green fruit. Both the fruit and the white, rubbery sap that is exuded when the bark is cut are extremely poisonous.

HOW IT SPREADS Seeds are generally slow to germinate but it has become invasive and threatens native vegetation. It is a declared weed in Qld where its sale is prohibited. Its toxicity is also a major concern.

Alternative Plants


Photo: Colin Wilson		Fern-leaved Grevillea Grevillea pteridifolia Trees and Shrubs

	A widespread and adaptable species with a number of different forms, this grevillea is also the parent of several popular hybrids including Grevillea 'Sandra Gordon' and Grevillea 'Honey Gem'. Generally, the plant is considered a large shrub or small tree which has grey-green, divided foliage and large racemes of orange flowers borne in the late Dry season. The flowers are rich in nectar, an important food source for birds and animals, and will attract them into the garden. Its branches can be brittle and damaged in strong wind but overall it is a splendid garden plant.

Photo: Macbird Floraprint		Murraya, Orange Jessamine Murraya paniculata Trees and Shrubs

	An attractive, hardy shrub that can grow to a height of about 3 m if not pruned. It is a pantropic species occurring naturally across Northern Australia. Its habit is globular with pale green leaves maturing to dark, glossy green. Its orange blossom-like flowers are white, sweetly perfumed and appear periodically, followed by orange to red berries. These are bird-attracting. An excellent garden plant that is very popular in Top End gardens. Note: Avoid buying seed grown plants of Murraya paniculata

Photo: Colin Wilson		Yellow Kapok, Kapok Bush Cochlospermum fraseri Trees and Shrubs

	Native to tropical Northern Australia, the Yellow Kapok is a deciduous small tree, losing its leaves in the dry season. Growing to a height of about 6 m, it produces masses of large yellow, star-shaped flowers before the new leaves appear. Flowers are followed by ovalshaped green pods which, when mature and dried out, are filled with cotton- or kapok-like material, hence the common name. Occurring naturally in many areas of the NT, this tree is quite hardy and performs well under varying conditions.