Our former Chair, Les Pearson, asked me yesterday about how many native deciduous trees we have and despite him not submitting the question on the appropriate form I’ll have a go at answering it anyway.
So, after an extensive 20 minutes of websearching I’ve come up with the following.
Nothofagus gunnii Tangefoot or Deciduous Beech
Tasmanian shrub to 2-3 metres, the only “proper” Temperate deciduous native we have (see this month’s PotM for more discussion of the Nothofagus genus)
Melia azederach White Cedar, a fairly common subtropical rainforest species which can be a weed in some areas, often planted in gardens for summer shade while allowing winter sunlight.
Toona ciliata Red Cedar, One of Australia’s more famous trees, puts on a lovely show of red new foliage in spring (there’s some along the Paterson River between Tocal and Paterson)
Ehretia accuminata Koda A rainforest tree found along the east coast of Australia and into Asia.
Brachychiton acerifolius Illawarra Flame Tree. Another rainforest species producing spectacular red flowers in spring.
Adansonia gregorii Boabab. An icon of Northern Australia, drops it’s leaves with the approach of the dry season.
Grevillea robusta Silky Oak. Listed as semi deciduous a fairly commonly planted rainforest tree, drops just enough leaves to be annoying.
Image from: https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2008/melia-azedarach.html