Australian Flowers And Trees

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Published: August 18, 2006

style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Australian flowers have evolved to adapt to the climate, resulting in species that can take advantage of any type of rainfall. These plants, such as the Kangaroo Paw and Sturt Desert Paw, can flower in areas that are generally thought of as barren. Australian flowers have also adapted and developed ways to attract species that pollinate. Among these plants are the Kangaroo Paw, Grevillea and Hakea. Trees native to Australia have adapted to, and can actually benefit from, fire.

Acacias
These trees, also known as wattle trees, vary in size and have a distinctive yellow color. These trees can be found in all parts of Australia.

Banksias
The branches of these trees spread upwards and hold spikes of orange, red and yellow flowers. They are found mostly in Southwest Australia and can survive in poor soil.

Boab
These distinctive looking trees can be found in rocky areas such as the Kimberly region of Western Australia. They are small in comparison to other Australian trees, with a thick trunk and root-like branches that sprout up from the top.

Eucalyptus
This is one of the most common Australian trees, with more than 700 species native to the area. These are commonly known as Gum trees and can be found all over the country.

Grevilleas
This is a shrub with thin, spreading petals. It ranges in color and almost all species of this plant are found in Australia.

Hakea
These Australian flowers have spirally arranged leaves and numerous small red, yellow, pink, purple, pale blue or white flowers.

Kangaroo Paw
This flower grows wild in Western Australia and is the floral emblem for that part of the country. It has tubular, velvet-feeling flowers that vary in color.

Mitchell Grass
This grows in Northern Australia and the Top End, where it thrives in clay soil. It has an extensive root system that allows it to live during the dry season.

Saltbush
This plant can be found all over Australia, mostly in the dry or arid areas. They thrive in saline environments, and they get their name because they actually store salt in their leaves.

Sturt's Desert Pea
These Australian flowers are the floral emblem of Southern Australia. They have bright red petals which stem from a pea-shaped black ball. This annual is found mostly in dry, inland areas and bloom after a heavy rain.

Many Australian flowers are difficult to grow in gardens in the U.S. because of the cooler climate. While you may not be able to grow any of these flowers in your garden, you can always purchase cut flowers and add a little bit of Australian flowers to your own arrangements.