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African Tulip Tree

African Tulip Tree
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Invasive Plant
African Tulip Tree
Spathodea campanulata
 

A tall tree to 20 m grown widely in tropical and sub-tropical areas for its spectacular flowers. When mature the trunk develops characteristic buttresses. The attractive buds open to reveal brilliant flame-scarlet cupshaped blooms. Unfortunately this tree has 'escaped' from gardens in Northern Australia and has naturalised.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • A very invasive plant that is susceptible to dieback. In the tropics the seeds germinate readily and it can sucker easily from damaged roots.
  • The large amounts of nectar produced in the flowers is very attractive to birds and increases potential spread.
  • The woody fruit of the African Tulip Tree is poisonous.
 
 
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Alternative Plants

Cordia, Tou, Kou
Photo: Colin Wilson
Alternative Plant Cordia, Tou, Kou
Cordia subcordata
Trees and Shrubs
 

A tree native to Asia, North Australia and the Pacific Islands (Pantropic). Grown for both its flowers and attractive foliage. In tropical gardens it will quickly grow to 10 m. The showy orange tubular flowers grow to 5 cm in diameter and are borne in clusters. It also has attractive large evergreen leaves. This tree will tolerate a wide range of growing conditions and soil types.

Firewheel Tree, Wheel of Fire, White Oak
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Firewheel Tree, Wheel of Fire, White Oak
Stenocarpus sinuatus
Trees and Shrubs
 

A spectacular Australian rainforest tree that grows naturally to 30 m but in gardens it usually doesn't exceed 10 m high by 2 m wide. It is very impressive in flower when the bright red, whorled flowers cover the canopy during summer. It also has very attractive, large, lobed glossy green leaves which have a tinge of maroon when juvenile. Grows in a range of soils and conditions including dry periods.

Swamp Bloodwood
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Swamp Bloodwood
Corymbia ptychocarpa
Trees and Shrubs
 

Occurring naturally in the Top End this is a member of the Mytraceae family that includes the gum trees. Medium sized (6 - 15 m high) tree with very long leaves and spectacular flower displays in the wet season preceded by attractive flower buds. Many clusters of flowers in white, pink or red are colourful and particularly attractive to local birdlife. Flowers are followed by large urn-shaped seed pods or gum-nuts. A good local alternative.

 
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