Originally from Madagascar, this large, spreading tree is now commonly found throughout tropical Australia. It can grow as tall as 18–20 m and has smooth, grey bark and feathery, fern-like foliage which droop during the dry season. It flowers profusely, carrying showy red-orange blooms that appear around the same time as the new leaves. It produces long, leathery pods that split to reveal a number of seeds.

A very hardy, fast-growing coastal native tree that is found naturally throughout Asia (Pantropic). The Pongamia is long-lived and thrives in wet and dry tropical areas and will even grow with its roots in saline water of river estuaries. In India it has been cultivated for over 3000 years as a useful source of lamp oil (biofuel) and a natural medicine. It produces terminal clusters of pink flowers that stand well clear of the broad, glossy green leaves. Useful as a shade tree, it may reach a height of about 15 m, with a similar spread and is suitable for small to medium-sized gardens.

Occurring naturally in tropical America, this popular shade tree may reach a height of approximately 24 m, making it unsuitable for small gardens. When mature, it forms a flattopped crown with spreading branches so is ideal in a larger garden where shade is required. Freely flowering, its blooms are masses of pink stamens followed by dark brown seed pods. An intriguing attribute is that its leaves fold up at night or when it rains. There is also a gold-leafed form which is highly attractive.

A coastal native species that is prominent throughout Asia (Pantropic). Frequently planted as a shade tree in urban landscapes as well as gardens. A large tree to 10–15 m or more with a slightly flattened top, it has dark green leaves and terminal, branched clusters of brilliant yellow flowers (August - January) that stand well clear of the foliage. These are followed by highly decorative copperybronze seed pods. Its bark is used to produce yellow-brown dye for batik in S.E. Asia.