Sutherland Shire Plants - Sutherland Group

Sutherland Shire Plants 

A Guide to 

Indigenous Plant Species 

Suitable for Landscape & 

Revegetation Projects

INTRODUCTION 

Purpose of this guide 

Scope of this guide 

PLANT SELECTION CRITERIA 

Landscape uses 

Shade tolerant 

Wet areas 

Screening 

Bird attracting 

Bush tucker/ Aboriginal use 

Rainforest garden 

Feature plant 

CONTENTS 

Urban environment zones in the Shire 

Coastal and estuarine 

Sandstone slopes and gullies 

Exposed ridges 

Heavy clay/ shale plateaus 

Plant characteristics 

Showy flowers 

Interesting fruit/ seed pods 

Height 

Width 

SPECIAL USES 

Constructed wetlands, detention and retention ponds 

Deciduous trees 

Fire prone areas 

Pool surrounds 

CULTIVATION NOTES 

Soil preparation & fertilising 

Watering 

Pruning 

Plant spacing, container size & planting 

Insects and disease in the garden 

PLANT SELECTION TABLE 

ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS 

PLANT DESCRIPTIONS 

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING 

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Introduction 

The Sutherland Shire is endowed with unique and extremely diverse vegetation. Species 

rich heathlands stretch across the exposed coastal headlands of Kurnell and the Royal 

National Park. Large fragments of remnant Eucalyptus and Angophora forests, with their 

dark leafy foliage, are woven through, and dominate our suburbs. Subtropical and temperate 

rainforests shroud the valleys of the upper Hacking River, while rare littoral rainforests are 

scattered among our sheltered bays. On some urban ridgetops relic shale forests, now 

considered endangered, provide green open spaces for conservation and recreation. 

Important freshwater wetlands provide crucial habitat for several rare and endangered flora 

and fauna species. Extensive mangroves and saltmarshes extend across the southern shores 

of Botany Bay and colonise the sediment deposits within our estuaries. Over 900 

indigenous plants, several nationally rare or threatened, contribute to the Shire’s 

biodiversity, providing habitat for native fauna, and an irreplaceable natural resource to the 

community. 

The natural ecosystems in the Shire are under increasing threat from the effects of urban 

expansion. Continued clearing of bushland and remnant canopy trees for residential 

development, the effects of stormwater run off, and the invasion of weed species all 

contribute to a reduction in the quality of our natural environment. The NSW State of The 

Environment Report (1996) suggests that “the loss of biological diversity is perhaps our most 

serious environmental problem.” “ Australia has lost nearly 70% of all native vegetation.” 

“Whether we look at wetlands, mangroves, bushland, creeks and estuaries, the loss is 

continuing at an alarming rate.” 

The intrinsic character of the Shire relies largely on maintaining the distinctive indigenous 

tree canopy. The long term protection and preservation of the tree canopy, and its associated 

understorey vegetation, is best achieved through retention of species where ever possible. 

However revegetation or even individual tree planting, using appropriate plants, still has the 

ability to enhance the ecological and aesthetic quality of the landscape. Vegetation links, 

increased fauna habitat and the integration of urban development into the natural landscape 

can be achieved through the use of indigenous plants. 

Purpose of this guide 

This booklet aims to assist planners, landscape architects, landscape gardeners, and home 

gardeners in the selection of appropriate indigenous plants for landscape and revegetation 

projects in the Sutherland Shire, with the purpose of : 

• creating an awareness of the diversity, and promoting the use of, the Shire’s indigenous 

plants; 

• encouraging the selection and use of species from each strata in local plant communities, 

including common understorey plants, climbers, grasses and herbs; 

• preserving rare and threatened plants through community awareness and cultivation; 

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• increasing the potential for native fauna habitat by designing and integrating public and 

private open spaces into adjoining bushland; 

• creating buffer zones and vegetation links around existing bushland and 

• discouraging the cultivation of environmental weeds that threaten the survival of 

indigenous plant communities and native habitat. (see table “Common Weeds of 

Sutherland Shire”). 

Indigenous plants have evolved with the local climate and soils enabling them to survive even 

the most extreme environmental conditions. When used in cultivation they have a high 

establishment success rate and require minimum maintenance. Imported soils, fertilisers and 

irrigation are not necessary if suitable species are selected. 

Traditional horticulture in Australia has predominantly attempted to modify the environment 

to suit our needs, rather than adapting our practices to suit the environment. It is still common 

for residential blocks with a diversity of at least 100 species of flowering plants, to be cleared 

for a home and a simplified garden vegetation of lawn and palms. Introducing tonnes of top 

soil, “improving” it through the use of fertilisers and conditioners and installing a complex 

irrigation system is quite typical. These practices not only result in an incremental loss of 

indigenous vegetation, but also require a high establishment and maintenance cost. A 

landscape of non-indigenous plants also looks incongruous with the natural environment and 

diminished potential habitat for the native fauna. 

There are subtle variations in the genetic make up of plant populations of the same species, 

enabling them to survive in specific microclimates. To protect the Shires’ biodiversity it is 

essential to maintain the genetic integrity of indigenous species. Seeds and cutting material 

for propagation should be taken from local provenances to maintain the genetic diversity of 

local populations and ensure a greater success rate in landscape plantings. 

The utilisation of indigenous plants into landscape and revegetation projects is a sound 

environmental management practice, endorsed by many local, state and national policies and 

strategies. Documents include: SSC Tree and Vegetation Planting Policy (2001); SSC 

Greenweb Strategy (2001), Sutherland Shire Biodiversity Strategy (2000), the SSC 

Landscape DCP (2001); and the Green Web- Sydney Vegetation Management Plan (1997). 

The concept is also in accord with the principles of The National Strategy for Environmental 

Sustainable Development (ESD) (1992). 

Scope of this guide 

The selection of plants covered in this booklet is not a complete species list of the Shire. 

Many indigenous plants, such as most members of the Epacridaceae family, are difficult to 

propagate and have not been included. This booklet contains 400 plants indigenous to the 

Sutherland Shire. The list is made up of those plants currently available in local nurseries, or 

with the potential to be propagated in commercial quantities. Many will not be readily 

available, but as customers request new species, and nursery personnel discover effective 

techniques for their propagation, the number of species brought into cultivation will increase. 

Even rare or uncommon species can become familiar garden specimens as nurseries discover 

them and build up a supply of stock plants. Both the Chefs’ Cap Correa (Correa baeuerlenii) 

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and Grevillea shiresii, are nationally rare plants that have now become very common 

landscape plants and available at most nurseries. 

In addition to the indigenous plants described, a supplementary list of 46 “native” plants has 

been included. These plants have proven to be reliable and readily available in the Shire. In 

the Special Uses category- Deciduous Trees, a selection of exotic plants has been 

incorporated in recognition of the need for deciduous trees in the urban landscape. First 

priority should always be to select from the indigenous list unless the specific landscape 

requirements cannot be met. 

For convenience the Shire has been divided into four broad urban environmental zones. The 

divisions will be sufficient for selection in most cases, however if a more site-specific list of 

indigenous plant species is required, then consultation with Council staff can be arranged. 

For the planting and selection of street trees the Sutherland Shire Urban Tree Policy (1991) 

should be consulted. 

Many suggested species have not been tested in cultivation. As plants are trialed and more 

detailed information is gathered this document will be updated. Feedback and suggestions 

from plant users are welcomed 

Explanation of plant terms 

Indigenous- Species that occur naturally to a given area, but may not be restricted to only that 

area. Banksia integrifolia is indigenous to the Shire, however it also occurs along the 

east coast of Australia 

Endemic- Species that occur naturally, and are restricted to a given area. Scribbly Gum 

Eucalyptus haemastoma is endemic to Australia as it only occurs here. Many plants 

indigenous to the Shire are endemic to Sydney eg. Shining Guinea Flower Hibbertia 

nitida 

Native- A general term referring to any plant indigenous to Australia including cultivars. 

Cultivar- A registered native plant that is a result of a hybridisation, selection or plant 

breeding. The cultivar is written in inverted comas, eg. Grevillea ‘ Robyn Gordon’. 

Exotic- An introduced plant from outside Australia. 

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Landscape Uses 

Plant Selection Criteria 

1. Shade tolerant 

Very few plants can tolerate full shade except for some ferns. Most plants are capable of 

growing in a wide range of light levels, but generally flower less, grow taller and have foliage 

that is more open when grown in shade. Shade beneath trees is usually dappled and many 

understorey species have been recommended suitable for these conditions. Some trees marked 

for shade tolerance are rainforest plants that are adapted to shade when young, but at maturity 

will grow in full sun. 

2. Wet areas 

Shallow poorly drained soils, ponds, creek banks, and seasonally wet sites all require plant 

species adapted to soils with periodic high moisture levels. If the site also experiences dry 

periods, heavy mulching will be beneficial to retain soil moisture. A selection of species 

suitable for stormwater detention and retention ponds and constructed wetlands has been 

included in the Special Uses section. 

3. Screening 

Good screening qualities in plants is usually an essential ingredient in urban landscaping. It is 

often difficult to attain this with a single row of plants. A staggered double row, if space 

permits, is more effective. Some trees or large shrubs are suitable for screening once they 

reach a particular height, however as they mature and the lower foliage drops they become 

less effective. Careful planning incorporating a mixture of appropriate trees, shrubs and 

understorey plants will provide a long term screen. Pruning encourages dense branching and 

the best screening plants should tolerate some pruning. Consideration of sight lines from 

elevated living areas or multistorey buildings is often overlooked and can require larger trees 

strategically placed to give privacy instead of using only shrubs. 

Climbers can be incorporated into screening design by growing them over lattice, wire fences 

or pergolas. Narrow spaces can be treated successfully in this way. 

4. Bird attracting 

Birds utilise vegetation for food, shelter, and nesting materials. Plants provide food in the 

form of nectar, fruit and seeds. Insects are associated with most plants and are an important 

food source for birds. Insects should be regarded as a positive aspect in the garden rather than 

pests. Some birds prefer dense prickly shrubs for protection or nesting sites, while others 

require hollows in old trees. Existing old trees with hollows are invaluable and worth 

preserving, providing they are safe. Consider pruning existing dead trees and retaining them. 

Potential habitat for a variety of birds can be created on site by selecting a diversity of plant 

species. Creating plantings with structural diversity, ie a range of vegetation levels, texture 

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and densities is just as important in attracting birds as selecting plants for a food source. 

Choose seed and nectar producing plants, utilise plants that flower at different times and 

underplant with prickly species to create a dense cover from predators and encourage insects. 

5. Bush tucker/ Aboriginal use 

The Aborigines were intimately aware of their environment and nurtured a precise knowledge 

and understanding of the local flora. Except for a few shreds of superficial information, 

knowledge of the skilful use of plants that was learnt and passed on for hundreds of 

generations is now lost to the people of the Shire 

Berries, stems, roots, gum, nectar and seeds were a large part of the aborigines diet. Bark was 

fashioned into canoes and used to wrap food prior to cooking, while timber was made into 

tools and utensils. The fibre of many local plants was an important resource in the 

manufacture of hand woven nets and bags. 

The regular onset of flowering by specific plants was read like a calendar, indicating the 

appropriate time for the collection of molluscs, crabs, fruits and other events. 

Many people find it fascinating knowing the traditional uses of indigenous plants. 

Incorporating them into a landscape design adds special interest while promoting an 

appreciation of Aboriginal skills and culture. 

• Before tasting any bush tucker further advice should be sought from experts or relevant 

literature. 

6. Rainforest garden 

The Sutherland Shire contains small littoral rainforest communities along sheltered bays near 

the coast, in the national parks at Towra Point and Palm Jungle. Small remnants are located 

in urban areas including Darook Park, Marina Crescent Reserve, Lilli Pilli Point and Grays 

Point reserves. The northern limit of the Illawarra subtropical rainforests occur in the Shire 

on the banks of the upper Hacking River in the Royal National Park. 

Rainforest trees in the Shire don’t grow as tall as the same species growing in northern NSW 

or QLD because of limiting local environmental conditions such as cooler temperatures, 

poorer soils and less rainfall. Garden specimens mostly only reach a fraction of the potential 

size they attain in the local rain forests. 

The dense leafy foliage, interesting fruits and their longevity make rainforest plants excellent 

specimens when cultivated in sheltered gardens with adequate soil moisture. Native 

rainforest birds such as the Brown Pigeon, White Headed Pigeon and Satin Bowerbirds can be 

attracted to rainforest fruits in urban gardens. Creating a rainforest garden should only be 

attempted where moist sheltered conditions exist. 

Selecting plants for shaded south facing slopes or sites between buildings can be difficult. If 

space permits, rainforest trees and shrubs can be utilised in these situations. As they grow 

beyond the shaded area they are mostly capable of tolerating the exposure to full sun. 

Rainforest gardens benefit from heavy mulching. Soil fertility and structure is improved, 

moisture is retained and weeds are suppressed.

7. Feature plant 

Feature plants need to possess strong aesthetic qualities, which allow them to be used 

independently, and not necessarily part of a mass planting. They need to be long lived, have a 

strong predictable form and usually display attributes such as attractive flowers, fruits and/ or 

bark. Often they are used as specimen plants to provide shade in lawns and courtyards or as a 

focal point in the landscape. 

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Urban Environment Zones in the Shire 

The urban areas in the Shire can be divided into four major environment zones based broadly 

on topography and geology (see adjoining map). 

The ability of a landscape project to integrate into the surrounding environment depends 

partly on selecting plant species that occur naturally nearby. Coastal Banksias Banksia 

integrifolia for example, not only perform well on the coast but also help to create a sense of 

place. You expect to see them around the coastal zone and they look right. Grown at Menai, 

Coastal Banksias would look out of place. To maintain species integrity plants should be 

selected from the recommended Urban Zone, even though they may still be able grow in other 

zones. If “native” plants and “cultivars” are used this is not critical. 

Coastal and estuarine 

The ancient sand dunes of Kurnell, Cronulla and parts of Woolooware are among the harshest 

environments in the shire. Plants have to tolerate salt laden winds and soil that are welldrained 

and extremely low in nutrients. Species grown under these conditions are much 

smaller and compact than if they are grown in protected environments. Plants should be 

spaced at higher than average densities to reduce the effects of exposure to strong winds. 

The Sutherland Shire drains into 3 main river systems, the Woronora, Hacking and Georges 

Rivers. Their tidal foreshores often provide a saline environment with conditions similar to 

the coast. Many coastal plant species have a range that extends along the edges of bays and 

into the saltmarshes of our major estuarine systems. 

In protected coastal locations and sheltered bays with adequate soil moisture, many species 

typical of littoral rainforest can be successfully cultivated. 

Sandstone slopes & gullies 

The majority of the Shire is situated on sandstone slopes. Outcrops of sandstone and open 

Eucalypt forests are typical natural features of these urban landscapes. The characteristic 

grey sandy soils are derived from Hawkesbury Sandstone and are low in nutrients and organic 

matter. Frequently encountered are pockets of clay sub-soil derived from shale lenses. 

A variety of microclimates exist depending on slope, aspect, available moisture, soil depth 

and other features of the site. A diverse range of plants are adapted and can be cultivated in 

these habitats. Many rainforest species are particularly useful in shady gullies. 


This zone is usually exposed to drying winds, full sun, and receives little surface run-off. The 

soils are shallow, low in nutrients and consist of weathered sandstone, gravely ironstone or 

pockets of clay. It is a harsh environment supporting low woodland vegetation with similar 

species to sandstone slopes, though not growing as tall. Scribbly Gums, Bloodwoods and 

Stringybarks dominate the natural vegetation. Higher areas in Engadine, Loftus, Gymea, 

Woronora Heights and Jannali are some suburbs in this zone. 

Heavy clay/ shale plateaus 

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The uppermost geological stratum in the Shire is the Wianamatta Shale group. It exists as 

isolated clay and shale capping over the predominant Hawkesbury Sandstone layer. Suburbs 

in this zone include areas of Menai, East Heathcote, Kirrawee and Caringbah. The soils are 

higher in nutrients, have a high water holding capacity and are relatively deep. The 

indigenous vegetation is characterised by open forests dominated by Turpentine, Grey 

Ironbark and occasionally Sydney Blue Gums. 

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Plant Characteristics 

Showy flowers 

Some of our indigenous flora is quite spectacular and well known like the Waratah, Gymea 

Lily, Bottle Brush and Christmas Bush. Other species have more modest and unusual flowers 

and go largely unnoticed such as the Trigger Plants, Guinea Flowers, Pomax and Rusty 

Petals. Plant breeders and nursery persons have developed several groups of plants to 

produce large showy flowers including many Grevilleas, Bottle Brushes and Melaleucas. 

Plant breeding has also increased the flowering period of some species. While some species 

are selected for their showy flowers, the over use of prolific flowering cultivars with rich 

nectar has however raised issues among scientists of the resulting changes to bird populations 

in urban areas. 


Our local vegetation not only possesses unique and interesting flowers but also produces 

unusual and sometimes bizarre fruits (a structure produced after flowering that contains seed 

is called a “fruit”). The familiar Gum nuts, Wattle pods, Banksia cones and the fleshy 

Lillypilly add an interesting dimension to the garden. Children can collect, decorate and 

propagate new plants from these and other fruits and seeds. Floral arrangements can be 

enhanced by the addition of interesting fruit and seedpods. 

Rare/ uncommon 

Many nationally registered rare or threatened plants occur in the Shire within national parks, 

crown land and bushland reserves. Several plants are considered threatened under the NSW 

Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) and are indicated as such. Other species have a 

limited distribution in the Shire and are considered locally uncommon or significant, even 

though they may be adequately conserved or occur frequently in other parts of NSW or 

Australia. 

Propagating and introducing rare or uncommon plants into cultivation, can help preserve and 

bring to the attention of the community species that may otherwise be endangered or 

unknown. 

The Rare Or Threatened Australian Plant database (ROTAP) by Hartley & Leigh (1996 ) uses 

a coding system to indicate the degree of risk rare plants are exposed to. This national system 

has been used in this booklet and is summarised below. 

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Rare Or Threatened Australian Plant Coding System 

Distribution code: 

1 Known only from original specimen collected 

2. Geographic range < 100km 

3 Geographic range > 100km. 

Conservation status: 

X Presumed extinct. 

E Endangered. Serious risk of disappearing in the next few decades. 

V Vulnerable. Not presently endangered but at risk by incremental losses 

through changed land use. 

R Rare. Represented by a large population in a restricted area or a small 

population spread over a large area. 

K Poorly known species, suspected of being in one of the above categories. 

C Population reserved in national park or reserves 

Size- class of all reserved populations: 

a Adequately reserved (> 1000 plants) 

i Inadequately reserved (< 1000 plants) 

t Total population reserved 

+ Natural distribution beyond Australia 

- Reserved population size not accurately known 

Example 

Acacia pubescens 2VCa 

A rare shrub confined to the Sydney region found in open forests on clay soils. It has a 

geographic range of less than 100 km; vulnerable due to urban expansion and has over 1000 

plants adequately reserved, some within national parks or nature reserves. 

Plants may be listed as uncommon. For example Hackberry (Celtis paniculata), is a tree 

considered locally uncommon as it is only recorded in the Shire at isolated occurrences at 

Grays Point, Lilli Pilli Point and in Royal National Park. However it is found in littoral 

rainforests from Kiama to Queensland and therefore is not listed on the nationally rare or 

threatened species list. 

Height 

The height that a plant will reach in a landscape planting is probably the most difficult 

characteristic to determine. The heights of plants in the table indicate their expected range 

under cultivation. 

A plant grown on the coast, exposed to harsh environmental conditions, may exhibit a dense 

low form only a metre tall. The same plant may reach several metres if cultivated in a garden 

in a sheltered gully. Conversely a tree may reach enormous proportions in the subtropical 

rainforests of the Royal National Park, however if grown on the poorer sandstone soils in the 

Shire it will only attain a fraction of its potential height. 

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The Water Gum (Tristaniopsis laurina) for example, occurs along the upper Hacking River as 

a large 30m tree. Old specimens used as street trees in the Shire often only reach 3-4m. 

Several species such as the Port Jackson Mallee (Eucalyptus obstans) are maintained at a 

height of 2.5m by the pruning effects of the natural fire regime. In an urban situation the 

exclusion of fire will allow these and other species to grow taller than they normally do. To 

maintain many species in a dense low habit, or mallee form, they can be pruned close to the 

ground (coppiced). The plants will re-shoot from a swollen rootsystem or lignotuber below 

the soil in the same way they do after fire. 

Width 

The width of a plant can be greatly affected by the amount of available space and the amount 

of light it receives. Single trees in an open sunny position often develop a broad spreading 

crown. When planted in a grove the same tree may only produce a narrow sparse canopy. 

Shrubs will perform in a similar manner in response to light and this will need to be taken into 

account when selecting for a specific site. Species in the selection table marked with an “x” 

usually have long rhizomes (underground stems) or stolons (stems that run above the ground) 

and are capable of spreading over a wide area. 

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SPECIAL USES 

Constructed wetlands, detention & retention ponds 

Stormwater management increasingly involves the construction of devices to control drainage 

on site. Water, sediment and nutrients are collected in ponds that function to reduce the 

impacts of stormwater run off on adjoining areas. When integrated into the site, these 

devices can create an interesting and practical water feature that enhances the landscape 

project. A wide range of aquatic plants can be selected to develop habitat for amphibians, 

birds and insects. 

If the pond can be constructed with a relatively long edge compared to the surface area, with 

variable water depths, a more diverse assemblage of vegetation and potential fauna habitat 

can be created. Remember to incorporate areas around the pond with gentle gradients and a 

gap in the vegetation to provide easy access for animals. 

The stylised pond can be divided into 3 zones according to the depth, flow and permanence of 

water. The width of zones can be manipulated to accommodate the volume of water being 

controlled and the space available on site. Some ponds with only small intermittent bodies of 

water being detained, may not contain a Zone 1 or a Zone 3. Ponds are dynamic and even 

natural ponds can completely drain in dry periods. The upper parts of water plants may die 

off, however many have underground structures such as rhizomes that are capable of reshooting 

when moisture levels return. For more detailed information about managing urban 

stormwater and the construction of ponds and wetlands, refer to publications listed in the 

reference section of this guide. 

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Zone 3 

Stylised stormwater management pond/ wetland 

Zone 2 Zone 1 

Mostly with some permanent water. Will 

tolerate drying for short periods. Suitable 

emergent species: 

Baumea articulata 

Eleocharis sphacelata 

Juncus krausii 

Phragmites australis 

Phylidrum lanuginosum 

Schoenoplectus littoralis 

Schoenoplectus mucronatus 

Schoenoplectus validus 

Typha domingensis 

Typha orientalis 

Zone 2 

Inundated during rain 

periods. Boggy soils. 

Suitable species: 

Baumea juncea 

Baumea rubiginosa 

Carex appressa 

Cyperus species 

Gahnia species 

Isolepis inundatus 

Isolepis nodosus 

Juncus species 

Pasplum distichum 

Persicaria decipians 

Persicaria lapathifolia 

Restio tetraphyllus 

Schoenoplectus mucronatus 

Sporobolus virginicus 

Blechnum species 

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Zone 3 

Transition zone 

consisting of woody 

shrubs and trees tolerant 

of moist conditions, 

compatible with 

surrounding vegetation. 

Suitable species: 

Banksia oblongifolia 

Banksia robur 

Callistemon species 

Elaeocarpus reticulatus 

Leptospermum species 

Lomandra longifolia 

Melaleuca species 

Viminaria juncea 

Deciduous trees 

Australia has very few native deciduous trees. The few native plants we have are mostly 

semi-deciduous and do not necessarily shed their leaves during summer. Often they are 

tropical plants that loose their leaves in response to dry conditions rather than triggered by 

short day lengths as is the case with cooler climate plants. The benefits of deciduous trees to 

the urban landscape are their unique ability to provide heavy shade in the summer, and 

sunlight in the winter, to outdoor living spaces. Preference should still be for the selection of 

indigenous plant to provide the appropriate shade. The correct placement of evergreen trees 

with consideration of summer and winter sun angles can often create the desired effect. 

Below is a list of deciduous trees including exotic species that integrate reasonably well into 

the landscape, perform well in the Shire and are not invasive to bushland.

Recommended deciduous trees for Sutherland Shire 

Botanical Name Common Name Description 

Acer negundo 

Box Elder Fast growing species 12- 15m tall with a broad spreading 

crown. Leaves are compound with 3-5 bright green 

(only plants with male 

leaflets turning golden in autumn. Only male plants 

flowers) 

should be grown as the female plants readily self seed in 

bushland. North American origin. 

Celtis australis Celtis 

Fraxinus oxycarpa 

‘Raywood’ 

Sapium sebiferum Chinese 

Tallowwood 

Hardy fast growing species 12- 15m tall with a rounded 

canopy. Ovate dark green leaves with toothed margins, 

turning pale yellow in autumn. Dark foliage blends well 

with indigenous plants. Popular shade tree for amenity 

planting. Southern European origin.. 

Claret Ash Upright small to medium tree 10-15m tall with a narrow 

canopy. Compound leaves are dark green turning deep red 

in autumn. Prefers fertile soils. Useful where space does 

not permit a broad crown. Mediterranean and Southern 

Europe origin. 

Quick growing small tree 6- 8m with a rounded canopy of 

large heart shaped leaves turning red & golden yellow. 

Useful small species, though contrasts with indigenous 

plants. Southern China origin.. 

Toona australis Red Cedar Large indigenous rainforest tree, smaller in cultivation 8- 

12m with mid green compound leaves, with pink new 

growth turning pale yellow in autumn. Prefers moist rich 

soils & protection from strong winds. 

Ulmus parvifolia Small-leaf Elm Slow growing small tree 8- 10m with a broad dense 

canopy. Small elliptical leaves with serrated margins 

turning dull yellow in autumn. Hardy species that blends 

well with indigenous plants making it the prefered species 

if a deciduous tree is required. China, Korea & Japan 

origin. 

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Bush fire prone areas 

Fire is an integral component of the Australian environment and is essential in maintaining 

our species diversity and a healthy ecosystem. The viability of most of the Shire’s plant 

communities depends on fire to regenerate and its long-term exclusion is detrimental. 

The dilemma of living in a bushland environment is that the very thing that usually attracts 

residents to live there can be a potential threat to life and property. A combination of 

proximity to bushland, topography and aspect contribute in determining whether a property is 

considered to be in a bush fire prone area. 

Objectives 

When designing and landscaping in fire prone areas the aim should be to maintain the 

aesthetic qualities and ecological integrity of the bushland whilst reducing the risk of 

bushfires to homes. The primary consideration should be to sensible house design. Further 

strategies for reducing the risk of bushfire can be achieved through: 

• maintaining low fuel levels in fire protection zones; 

• altering the structure of the existing vegetation through thinning, pruning and slashing; and 

• selecting new plants that are less flammable and placing them in ways to reduce risk.. 

Fire protection zone 

The interface between bushland and residential areas can be referred to as the Fire Protection 

Zone (FPZ). It is made up of an inner Fuel Free Zone (FFZ) and an outer Fuel Reduced Zone 

(FRZ). The width of these zones is determined by the Sutherland Shire Council Fire Control 

Officer and is calculated on the aspect, slope, vegetation type and size of the adjoining 

reserve. 

Species selection 

In areas that require planting, species need to be selected that minimise the effects of 

bushfires. Many publications promote the use of low flammable plants with leaves low in oil 

and with a high moisture content such as rainforest species. Areas of the highest fire risk are 

on top of ridges where rainforest plants have difficulty in adapting to the exposed conditions 

and poor soils. Also rainforest plants do not compliment the typical open forests and 

woodland of the sandstone ridges. It must be remembered that during intense fires, any 

vegetation will burn and it is only that some plants are less flammable than others. The use of 

rainforest plants may be appropriate in some cases, however the modification of the existing 

vegetation is a better strategy. Indigenous trees with smooth barks such as Smooth-barked 

Apple Angophora costata and Grey Gums Eucalyptus punctata have proven to be more fire 

resistant than rough-barked species. Strategically placed trees can act as a shield against 

ember attack and radiant heat to an otherwise exposed dwelling. 

It is important that exotic species are avoided that potentially invade bushland. Even exotic 

grasses such as Kikuyu invade bushland and also require high levels of maintenance when 

used in the Fuel Reduced Zone. Native grasses on the other hand require infrequent mowing 

to maintain low fuel levels, and their use in the FRZ can also allow smaller native herbs, 

including terrestrial orchids to survive. 

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Guidelines for vegetation management of fire prone areas 

in Sutherland Shire 

BUSHLAND FUEL REDUCED ZONE FUEL FREE ZONE 

(FRZ) (FFZ) 

Maintain low fuel levels The purpose of this zone is to reduce fuel The purpose of this zone is to prevent fuel 

through hazard reduction levels & the ability of the fire to spread & fire from extending up to the building 

burning. (In some cases this from the ground into the canopy by the by the following strategies: 

may be impractical and fuel 

may need to be removed 

following strategies: 

mechanically.) 

• Thin trees to form a discontinuous • Maintain cleared areas close to the 

canopy 

house. 

• Use low flammable plants. 

• Position pools, driveways or paved 

• Retain smooth-barked spp & remove areas between the house and potential 

stringy or rough-barked trees. 

threat. 

• Remove lower branches of trees to • Do not stack potential fuel against the 

raise the canopy. 

building. 

• Do not plant understorey shrubs. • Individual trees of low flammability 

• Use groundcover plants, turf or 

can be utilised in this zone to protect 

native grasses. 

against radiant heat & intercept wind 

• Maintain low levels of ground fuels blown embers. 

by raking leaves & branches. • Do not allow limbs to overhang the 

In some areas the existing native 

house. 

vegetation can be maintained through • Maintain the ground free of fuel by 

infrequent slashing. 

raking leaves & branches 

(Adapted from Ku-ring-gai Council brochure- Landscaping and Planting Guidelines for Fire Prone Areas of Ku-ring-gai.) 

19

Native plants recommended for fire prone areas in Sutherland Shire 

TREES 

Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple 

Banksia integrifolia Coast Banksia 

# Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle 

# Ceratopetalum apetalum Coachwood 

# Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash 

Eucalyptus haemastoma Broad-leaf Scribbly Gum 

Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum 

Eucalyptus racemosa Narrow-leaf Scribbly Gum 

Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum 

Ficus rubiginosa Port Jackson Fig 

# Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree 

# Guioa semiglauca Guioa 

# Rapanea howittiana Brush Muttonwood 

# Rapanea variabilis Muttonwood 

# Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum 

GROUND COVERS & GRASSES 

Carpobrotus glaucescens Native Pig Face 

Cissus antarctica Kangaroo Grape 

Danthonia spp Wallaby Grasses 

Dichondra repens Kidney Weed 

Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsaparilla 

Hibbertia scandens Trailing Guinea Flower 

Microlaena stipoides Weeping Meadow Grass 

Oplismenus aemulus Basket Grass 

Poa affinis Poa 

Scaevola calendulacea Dune fan-Flower 

Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass 

Viola hederacea Native Violet 

# Rainforest species 

20

Swimming pool surrounds 

When selecting plants for use around pools the qualities that are often sought are: 

• Ability to provide screening for privacy 

• Only a minimum amount of leaf fall 

• Durability in high traffic areas 

• Tolerant of some chlorine or salt 

• Provide a “lush tropical” look 

Designing around pools does not necessarily mean that the area should be reminiscent of a 

tropical rainforest-swimming hole in Cairns surrounded by palms. Many rainforest plants do 

well around pools due to their luxuriant foliage that does not readily drop leaves. However 

there are many other options and the result could just as easily reflect our local swimming 

holes in National Park framed by Gymea Lilies, Grass Trees and Banksias. 

Consideration needs to be given to the existing vegetation when installing a pool. Often large 

sections of tree roots are severed or covered with fill to enable pool installation and provision 

of some useable flat space. An alternative to benching on sloping sites is the use of decking 

which allows the original soil profile to be preserved whilst accommodating the need for level 

areas. This technique can prevent the detrimental practice of filling around existing trees. 

Safety issues need to be addressed when planting around pools. Vegetation must not be 

placed so children can use it to climb over safety fences. The use of climbing plants over 

safety fences should be avoided, however separate screens incorporating lattice and climbers 

can satisfy screening requirements. 

There is a large range of plants that can be successfully used around pools depending on the 

theme of the landscape, existing environmental conditions, site constraints and species 

availability. 

21

A selection of suitable plants for around swimming pools 

TREES 

Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly 

Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash 

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Bangalow Palm 

Backhousia myrtifolia Grey Myrtle 

Banksia serrata Old-man Banksia 

Celtis paniculata Hackberry 

Ceratopetalum apetalum Coachwood 

Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash 

Endiandra sieberi Corkwood 

Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree 

Livistona australis Cabbage Palm 

Syzygium species Brush Cherry/ Lilly Pilly 

SHRUBS 

Austromyrtus tenuifolia Narrow-leaf Myrtle 

Baekea linifolia Swamp Baekea 

Banksia marginata Silver Banksia 

Banksia spinulosa Hairpin Banksia 

Bauera rubioides Dog Rose 

Cassine australis Red-fruited Olive-plum 

Correa alba Coastal Correa 

Correa reflexa Native Fuchsia 

Eupomatia laurina Native Guava 

Pittosporum revolutum Large-fruited Pittosporum 

Synoum glandulosum Bastard Rosewood 

Tristania neriifolia Water Gum 

GROUND COVER 

Dichondra repens Kidney Weed 

Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsaparilla 

Hibbertia scandens Snake Vine 

CLIMBERS 

Aphanopetalum gummiferum Gum Vine 

Billardiera scandens Apple Berry 

Cissus antarctica Kangaroo Vine 

Morinda jasminoides Jasmine Morinda 

TUFTED PLANTS 

Crinum pedunculatum Crinum Lily 

Dianella species Flax Lilies 

Doryanthes excelsa Gymea Lily 

Lomandra fluviatalis River Lomandra 

Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush 

Macrozamia communis Burrawang 

Restio tetraphyllus Tassel Rush 

FERNS (Most species) 

22

CULTIVATION NOTES 

Indigenous plants in cultivation are usually subject to different conditions from their original 

environment. Soils of higher fertility, more available moisture, less competition and the 

exclusion of browsing and bushfires is characteristic of the urban landscape. The desire to 

manipulate the growth habit of plants has often made necessary the need to prune, fertilise or 

irrigate. 

Soil preparation & fertilising 

Soils in Sutherland Shire are mostly derived from Hawkesbury sandstone and are shallow in 

depth, very low in nutrients, poorly structured, and acid by nature. In spite of their 

impoverished character, they support a rich and fascinating flora. If you are fortunate to have 

a relatively undisturbed site, soil preparation may only involve ripping, to remedy compacted 

soils, or the use of herbicide to control weeds prior to planting and mulching. Preserving any 

remnant vegetation at this stage is extremely worthwhile, not only ecologically, but plants 

otherwise unattainable, such as orchids, lilies or species from the Epacridaceae family may be 

present and can be incorporated into the new landscape. Sites with relatively natural or 

undisturbed soils will not require fertilisers. Don’t be concerned about a rocky sandstone soil 

as this will prove to be an excellent substrate on which to develop an indigenous garden. 

Perhaps only a few handfuls of soil will be required around the rootball at the planting stage. 

Unfortunately most sites have had a history of soil degradation through the addition of 

fertilisers, lime and organic matter to enable the cultivation of lawns, vegetables and exotic 

plants. High nutrient soils cause rapid leggy growth in indigenous plants, that become easily 

dislodged in wet windy conditions, and are prone to insect attack. No added fertilisers should 

be used in old garden sites or soils that support lush herbaceous weeds indicating high 

nutrients. 

The most detrimental practice is the inversion of the natural soil profile through earthworks. 

Since the advent of slab construction in housing, with the associated cut and fill, landscapers 

are usually left with clay subsoil to plant in. Gypsum can assist by improving soil structure in 

this situation. If a garden mix “soil” has to be used, then it should have a pH of 5-6 , contain 

up to 50% river sand and be low in Phosphorus. A specialist landscape supplier can blend a 

soil mix appropriate for native plants. 

If growth is unusually slow, the foliage yellowing or shows symptoms of nutrient deficiency, 

then slow release fertiliser with trace elements and low phosphorus levels for native plants 

can be applied. 

Watering 

Choosing the most suitable plant for a site will mostly alleviate the need for long-term 

irrigation and a costly watering system. Good design, appropriate plant selection and the use 

of mulch in a project may result in the need for watering only during the early establishment 

stage. Conversely, if a site is inherently wet it may be more appropriate to select plants for 

moist situations rather than attempting to improve drainage. Our indigenous plants have 

stood the test of time to survive the climate extremes. 

In planter beds, sites with limited soil depth, or narrow sites between buildings that are often 

sheltered from direct rainfall, the installation of a micro-irrigation system may be necessary. 

23

Mini-sprinklers or drippers can be the most efficient means of watering under these 

circumstances. Consider using a water tank for this purpose. 

Watering at the time of planting is most crucial and great care should be taken to ensure both 

the planting holes, and containerised plants are well irrigated before removal and placing in 

the ground. 

Pruning 

Pruning native plants can simulate what occurs through bushfires or browsing. Indigenous 

plants have a range of mechanisms to survive fire, and understanding how each species 

responds to fire relates to how they can be pruned. 

Many species have the ability to re-sprout from protected buds, underground stems or 

lignotubers. These plants tolerate heavy pruning, to maintain their compact shape, produce 

fresh new growth and stimulate flowering. Native grasses and most other monocotyledons 

including Lomandra, Dianella, sedges and rushes can tolerate, and usually benefit from, 

severe pruning (not Grass Trees). Also ferns with underground rhizomes can all likewise 

pruned to ground level to rejuvenate the colony. Other plants in this group are most of the 

Myrtaceae family including the genera Melaleuca, Callistemon, Leptospermum, Baekea, 

Acmena, Syzygium and the mallee Eucalypts. Most indigenous climbers can also be heavily 

pruned. 

Some species rarely re-sprout from hot fires and have another strategy to survive. Plants in 

this group produce seeds that store in the soil until a fire stimulates germination, while the 

parent plant usually dies. The family Fabaceae (pea flowers) is well represented in this group 

including the genera Acacia, Pultenaea, Dillwynia, Bossiaea and Daviesia. These species 

generally are only short lived and benefit from only light pruning to maintain a compact shape 

and increased flowering. 

Another strategy is the production of woody fruits to protect seeds from fire. The family 

Proteaceae including Banksia, Hakea, Petrophile and Grevilleas belong to this category. 

These species generally do not tolerate very hot fires and likewise heavy pruning. Regular 

light pruning after flowering is the best recommendation if pruning is seen as necessary. 

Plant spacing, container size & planting 

Planting density largely depends on the desired finished character of the project. If the 

creation of a natural landscape is required then closer spacings will give the effect of the local 

bushland, where plants compete for light and space, and the overall composition is an 

integrated unit. If a more open well spaced effect is desired, where each plant is allowed to 

achieve its potential dimensions, then lower planting densities will be necessary. 

The amount of maintenance a project will receive, the harshness of the site and the prevailing 

weather conditions should also influence plant spacings. Expected plant fatalities are better 

compensated for in the original planting rather than resulting in an underplanted landscape or 

necessitating subsequent follow up plantings that have to catch up. 

Autumn is regarded as the optimum time to plant, as the demand on plants for water is low. 

Temperatures are cool and growth rates are slow, while the soil is still warm. Timing is most 

critical when planting large difficult sites eg. road verges or coastal rehabilitation where there 

is no irrigation. 

24

Choosing the most appropriate initial plant size can greatly determine the outcome, as well as 

the process of a project. Smaller containers (forestry tubes ~ 0.24 litre containers) have 

proven to have many advantages over advanced plants, however on some projects a 

combination may work best. Shrubs and ground covers in tubes, with some strategically 

placed advanced specimens (containers 5 litre or more) to give some initial impact, is an 

effective approach. The following table compares both container sizes. 

Comparison of container sizes at planting stage 

Tubes 

(Container size~0.24 litre) 

Higher establishment success rate 

Low cost per unit 

Less on going maintenance required (can be planted 

with only initial watering in) 

Easier to handle and transport 

Easier to plant. Particularly in natural shallow rocky 

soil profiles 

Support staking not necessary 

More likely to be planted at higher densities due to 

low costs and ease of planting 

Minimum initial impact 

Advanced plants 

(Container size~5 litre or greater) 

More likely to suffer stress at establishment stage 

High initial cost per unit 

Require more on going maintenance especially 

irrigation till established 

More difficult to handle and transport 

Require more labour/ cost/ time to plant 

Usually require staking 

25 

More likely to result in an under planted landscape due 

to extra costs 

Create a greater initial impact

Insects and disease in the garden 

Insects are essential to life on earth, our very existence depends on them! Insects play a vital 

role in all healthy functioning ecosystems. They have evolved intimately with the local flora 

and other fauna resulting in unique complex partnerships and associations. Many plants rely 

on specific insects for pollination and seed dispersal to ensure the continuation of their 

species. Likewise many insects are dependent on a single plant species for their survival. 

The lifecycle of the endangered beetle Menippus fugitivus at Grays Point is completely reliant 

on the Hackberry Tree Celtis paniculata for its survival. 

Damage to plants from insects causes concern for many gardeners and horticulturists. The 

Bangalay Eucalyptus botryoides is a common tree around our coastal areas. Every year the 

leaves are attacked by tiny sucking insects called psyllids or lerps that feed on the foliage and 

create a sticky sugary covering to protect them. The damaged foliage turns brown and from a 

distance the trees may look as if they are dying. Expert horticulturists and textbooks often 

advocate various techniques using insecticides to solve the perceived problem. A better 

understanding of the local ecology would reveal that many birds including the beautiful tiny 

Spotted Pardalote feeds extensively on the psyllids. If we managed to exterminate the 

Eucalyptus lerps we would surely risk losing the pardalotes. The Bangalays always manage 

to survive and the old damaged leaves are replaced in the spring with new growth. There are 

an infinite number of examples of relationships between flora and fauna that demonstrate how 

everything is connected and reinforce the benefits of using indigenous plants in the landscape. 

Most serious diseases of native plants relate to pathogenic fungi or nutrient deficiencies and 

toxicities. The cause of these problems can usually be traced to poor selection of species for 

the site, altered soil and drainage conditions including excessive organic matter and overwatering. 

Remember the flora of the Sutherland Shire is mostly adapted to sandstone soils 

with low nutrients. 

In nature only the strongest survive and sometimes we need to adopt this principle in 

landscape projects. Choosing the most appropriate plant and initially over planting, or 

removing plants that are prone to continued insect damage or disease is a much more sensible 

approach than tackling the symptoms of poor selection with insecticides or chemicals. 

Most horticulture books portray insects as pests and have chapters devoted to eradicating 

them. Take a fresh approach and discover and enjoy the diversity of insects in your garden 

and learn how they interact with the plants and the local ecosystem. Instead of looking at a 

chewed leaf and wondering what has been eating my plants, be excited about the important 

habitat your plants are providing for the local fauna! 

28

Environmental weeds 

Most of the weeds invading bushland were once or still are plants cultivated in people’s 

gardens. The dumping of garden refuse into bushland is causing enormous environmental 

degradation with spreading weeds causing loss of biodiversity and changes to fauna habitat. 

Weed seeds are also inadvertently spread into bushland by wind, water and birds. 

To assist in protecting our environment, the following noxious and environmental weeds of 

the Sutherland Shire should be removed from gardens. The Council can help with the 

identification of plants and the appropriate control techniques if required. 

Noxious Weeds 

WEEDS IN SUTHERLAND SHIRE 

These are noxious plants in the Sutherland Shire and must be removed or 

controlled by landowners under the Noxious weeds Act 1993. 

Botanical Name Common Name Origin Category 

Acacia karoo Karoo Thorn Africa W1 

Alternanthera philoxeroides Alligator Weed South America W1 

Cabomba spp. Cabomba North America W4g 

Cestrum parqui Green Cestrum South America W2 

Chromolaena odorata Siam Weed S/E Asia W1 

Chrysanthemoides monilifera Bitou Bush South Africa W3 

Centaurea maculosa Spotted Knappweed North America W1 

Centaurea nigra Black Knappweed North America W1 

Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass South America W2 

Eichhornia crassipes Water Hyacinth South America W1 

Equisetum spp. Horsetail North America W1 

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides Senegal Tea Plant South America W1 

Harrisia spp. Harrisia Cactus North America W4f 

Hieracium spp. Hawkweeds North america W1 

Hypericum perforatum St. John’s Wort Europe; Western Asia W2 

Kochia scoparia Kochia Eurasia W1 

Lantana camara Lantana Red & Pink Flower Europe via Sth America W2 

Ludwigia peruviana Ludwigia South America W2 

Miconia spp. Miconia South America W1 

Nassella tenuissima Mexican Feather Grass Nth & Central America W1 

Opuntia spp. Prickly Pear South America W4f 

Orobanche spp. Except O. minor : Boomrapes, except Common & Nth America, Europe W1 

O. cerua var. Australiana 

Australian Boomrape 

Parietaria judaica Asthma Weed Europe W3 

Parthenium hysterophorus Parthenium Weed Central & Sth America W1 

Pistia stratiotes Water Lettuce Cosmopolitan W1 

Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant Asia; Africa W2 

Rubus fruticosus Blackberry Europe W2 

Salix spp. (excluding S. babylonica) Willows (not Weeping Willow ) Europe/ Asia/ Nth Africa W4g 

Salvinia molesta Salvinia Brazil W1 

Toxicodendron succedaneum Rhus Tree East Asia W2 

Noxious Weed Control Categories 

W1 Nnotifiy SSC Council. The weed must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed. 

W2 The weed must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed. 

W3 The weed must be prevented from spreading and its numbers and distribution reduced. 

W4f The weed shall not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed. 

W4g The weed must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed. 

29

Environmental Weeds 

WEEDS IN SUTHERLAND SHIRE 

(These plants invade bushland and should be 

removed and not planted) 

Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle Western Australia 

Acer negundo Box Elder North America 

Acetosa sagittatus Turkey Rhubarb South Africa 

Ageratina adenophora Crofton Weed Mexico 

Ageratina riparia Mist Flower Mexico 

Anredera cordifolia Madiera Vine South America 

Araujia hortorum Moth Vine South America 

Arundo donax Giant Reed Europe, Asia, India 

Bambusa spp. Bamboo China 

Bryophyllum tubiflora Mother of Millions Madagascar 

Cardiospermum grandiflorum Balloon Vine Asia; Africa; America 

Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel China; Japan 

Coprosma repens Mirror Bush New Zealand 

Coreopsis lanceolata Coreopsis North America 

Cotoneaster spp. Cotoneaster Europe, Asia 

Cytisus scoparius Scotch Broom Europe 

Delairia odorata Cape Ivy Africa 

Ehrharta erecta Veldt Grass South Africa 

Eragrostis curvula African Love Grass Africa 

Erigeron karvinskianus Erigeron Daisy Central America 

Erythrina X sykesii Coral Tree Asia 

Genista monspessulana English or Montpellier Broom Mediterranean 

Hedera helix English Ivy Europe 

Hydrocotyle bonariensis Kurnell Curse South America 

Ipomoea indica Morning Glory Asia 

Ligustrum lucidum Large Leaf Privet East Asia 

Ligustrum sinense Small Leaf Privet East Asia 

Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle China; Japan 

Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper South Africa 

Nephrolepis cordifolia Fish Bone Fern Queensland 

Ochna serrulata Ochna South Africa 

Paraserianthes lophantha Crested Wattle/ Albizia Western Australia 

Persicaria capitata Japanese Knot Weed Asia 

Polygala myrtifolia Polygala Africa 

Protasparagus aethiopicus Asparagus Fern South Africa 

Protasparagus plumosus Climbing Asparagus South Africa 

Psoralea pinnata African Scurf Pea South Africa 

Salix babylonica Weeping Willow Asia 

Senna pendula var.glabrata Cassia South America 

Senecio angulatus Climbing Groundsel South Africa 

Syagrus romanzoffiana Cocos Palm South America 

Thunbergia alata Black-eyed Susan Africa 

Tradescantia albiflora Wandering Jew South America 

Vinca major Blue Periwinkle Mediterranean 

30

PLANT DESCRIPTIONS 

(In alphabetical order according to botanical name.) 

Abbreviations: 

RNP Royal National Park 

NSW TSC Act NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) 

Indigenous 

Acacia binervata (Two- veined Hickory) 

Broad-leaved medium sized tree with yellow globular flower heads in spring. The Aborigines used the bark as a 

fish poison. Found in rainforest margins eg. Lady Carrington Drive, RNP & occasionally on richer clay ridge 

tops eg Waterfall. Attractive specimen tree for protected and fertile sites. 

Acacia brownei (Prickly Moses) 

Low prickly shrub with short needle like leaves & small round bright yellow flower heads in winter/ spring. 

Scattered across the Shire on well-drained sandstone & clay soils. Similar to the more common A. ulicifolia but 

with brighter flowers. 

Acacia decurrens (Green Wattle) 

Spectacular fast growing small tree with large feathery compound leaves & bright yellow flowers late winter/ 

spring. The trunk often exudes gum that is edible. Restricted to shale/ clay plateaus eg. Menai. Outstanding 

species for winter colour. 

Acacia elongata (Swamp Wattle) 

Medium dense shrub with long narrow leaves. Spectacular gold globular flowers cover the branchlets in winter/ 

spring. Striking plant common to sunny watercourses eg. Temptation creek RNP. Suitable as a fill in shrub for 

moist sunny sites. 

Acacia falcata (Sickle Wattle) 

Slender open shrub with distinctive broad bluish/ green sickle-shaped leaves. Pale yellow flowers in autumn/ 

winter followed by long attractive seed pods. The bark was used by Aborigines as a fish poison. Mostly 

confined to clay/ shale areas eg. Menai & Barden Ridge. Good garden specimen for the area. 

Acacia floribunda (Sally Wattle) 

Graceful weeping foliage & abundant yellow flower spikes covering the shrub during spring make this a popular 

plant. Naturally occurring along shady creek banks & eg Woronora Valley & upper Hacking River. Proven fast 

growing garden species that tolerates dappled shade. 

Acacia hispidula (Rough Hairy Wattle) 

Interesting low spreading shrub with oblong sandpaper textured leaves. Small pale globular flower heads occur 

through the year. Occasional through the Shire on exposed ridges or sandstone slopes eg. Woronora Hts, Menai 

& Jannali. Useful for understorey or low fill in planting. 

Acacia implexa (Hickory) 

Medium sized broad leaved tree. Pale globular flower heads in late summer followed by unusual twisted seed 

pods. Aborigines used the bark to poison fish. A long lived species scattered throughout the Shire eg. Carina 

Bay Reserve, Como. 

Acacia irrorata (Green Wattle) 

Small tree/shrub with feathery leaves & golden globular flower heads during summer. Parrots are attracted to 

the long black seed pods. Fast growing, but only short lived. Very common species in shady gullies beside 

creeks. 

Acacia linifolia (Flax- leaf Wattle) 

31

Low arching shrub with slender foliage & pale yellow globular flowers in summer/ autumn. Very common 

understorey shrub on sandstone slopes eg. Jannali Reserve. Aborigines used the strips of bark for cordage. 

Hardy plant for mixed plantings on well drained sites. 

Acacia longifolia (Sydney Golden Wattle) 

Broad spreading shrub with long dark green leaves. Renown for the masses of golden flower spikes in spring. 

Common to open forests across the Shire. Leaves were used by aborigines as a fish poison. Fast growing ,short 

lived species for well drained soils. 

Acacia maidenii (Maiden’s Wattle) 

Medium tree with long dark green leaves & pale yellow flower spikes in summer/ Autumn followed by twisted 

seed pods. Locally restricted to the rainforests in the south of RNP. Useful for rainforest gardens and richer 

soils. 

Acacia myrtifolia (Myrtle-leaf Wattle) 

Small compact shrub with broad dark green leaves & red young stems. Bright yellow globular flowers occur 

through the winter. Common understorey shrub for sunny well drained sites. 

Acacia obtusifolia (Blunt-leaf Wattle) 

Large spreading shrub with long broad leaves. Showy pale yellow flower spikes during summer. Usually 

growing close to creeks but in well drained soils eg. Heathcote Creek. 

Acacia parramattensis (Sydney Green Wattle) 

Small tree/ shrub with feathery foliage & pale yellow globular flower heads in spring/ summer. Parrots are 

attracted to the bunches of seed pods. Common in the Shire. Fast growing & adaptable to a wide range of 

conditions. 

Acacia parvipinnula (Silver-stem Wattle) 

Attractive fast growing shrub/ small tree with fine feathery leaves and striking silver/ grey trunk & branches. 

Restricted to the shale/ clay plateaus where it is common, eg Menai Park. Ornamental species best for rich moist 

soils. 

Acacia pubescens (Downy Wattle) 

Upright open shrub with crowded feathery light green leaves & downy branchlets. Abundant racemes of 

globular golden yellow flower cover the bush in spring. Nationally rare (3VCa) and vulnerable on the TSC 

Act, with a small population on Bishop Rd, Menai. Successful hardy plant for clay/ shale & sandy soils. 

Acacia sophorae (Coastal Wattle) 

Broad spreading shrub with large leaves & covered in golden yellow flower spikes in early spring. An 

important sand binding plant of coastal dunes eg. Captain Cook Drive, Kurnell. Aborigines roasted the ripe 

pods & picked out the seeds. 

Acacia stricta (Straight Wattle) 

Narrow upright shrub with stiff dark green leaves. Bright yellow globular flower heads scattered along the 

stems in spring. Similar to A. suaveolens but less common & a narrower seed pod. Scattered on ridge tops with 

ironstone influence eg. Loftus ridge. Hardy garden plant for full sun in sandy soils. 

Acacia suaveolens (Scented Wattle) 

Slender open shrub with stiff leathery pale green/ blue leaves. The pale yellow globular flowers have a sweet 

scent followed by distinctive spoon shaped pods. Very common throughout the Shire as an understorey shrub 

on sandstone. Attractive garden specimen for well drained sandy sites. 

Acacia terminalis (Sunshine Wattle) 

Compact medium shrub with large glossy compound leaves, large globular yellow flower heads in autumn / 

winter & beautiful broad flat falcate seed pods. Common throughout the Shire. Attractive shrub for well 

drained to dry sandy conditions in full sun. 

Acacia ulicifolia (Prickly Moses) 

Well known small prickly shrub with short needle like leaves & pale yellow globular flower heads in autumn/ 

winter. Very common on poor sandstone soils. Hardy plant requiring good drainage. 

32

Acmena smithii (Lilly Pilly) 

Handsome tree with glossy ovate leaves, spectacular fluffy flowers followed by white to mauve fleshy fruits 

eaten by Rosellas, Top Knot & Wonga Pigeons and Currawongs. A bush tucker plant but only barely palatable! 

Moderately common in deep gullies and rainforests where it can become large. A hardy, reliable shade or 

specimen tree rarely exceeding 12m in cultivation. 

Actinotus helianthi (Flannel Flower) 

Prized herbaceous species often difficult to maintain in cultivation. Grey/ green felty foliage & soft cream/ 

green flowers in spring/ summer are a delightful sight in the bush. Common on open sunny well drained 

sandstone slopes. The plants are fairly short lived & their continuation relies on germination of seed to produce 

new plants, (usually after fire.) Keeping soil free of mulch can assist in germination. 

Actinotus minor (Lesser Flannel Flower) 

Miniature relative of the Flannel Flower. Dainty flowers only 1cm diameter present most of the year. 

Sprawling shrub mingling among the undergrowth of sheltered forests on sandstone throughout the Shire. 

Adiantum aethiopicum (Maidenhair Fern) 

Delicate low fern with wiry black rhizomes & stipes. Common understorey species forming dense colonies in 

wet semi-shaded gullies on sandy soils. Easily established even in sheltered sea side areas. Many cultivars are 

used for indoor plants but the straight species is best for outdoors. 

Adiantum formosum (Giant Maidenhair) 

Handsome tall fern with black shiny rhizomes & stipes. Restricted to the rainforests in RNP on rich moist soils, 

forming large colonies. Readily established in shady moist sites with soils high in organic matter. 

Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair) 

Low shortly creeping fern with raspy leaves often found in moist sandstone crevices but not in large colonies. 

Reported to be a hardy species for semi-shaded position. 

Allocasuarina diminuta ssp. diminuta (She-0ak) 

Low spreading shrub with thin branchlets and attractive cones. This is a rare species only found at west Menai 

along Heathcote Road and Holsworthy Military Area in ironstone heath. A poorly known species suitable for 

dry rocky situations. This is a slow long lived species. 

Allocasuarina distyla (Scrub She-oak) 

Broad shrub forming a dense thicket of needle like branchlets turning rusty with terminal male flowers during 

winter. Female flowers produce large attractive cones favoured by cockatoos & parrots. Common on sandy 

ridge tops with ironstone influence eg. Heathcote, Loftus & Waterfall. Tough plant tolerating dry conditions 

with periods of waterlogged soils. 

Allocasuarina littoralis (Black She-oak) 

Open small tree with needle like branchlets & quaint woody cones. Most common She-oak in the Shire, but 

rarely planted. Raindrops turn to jewels & the wind whistles through the foliage. Self mulching tree adaptable 

to most sunny sites. 

Allocasuarina nana (Dwarf She-oak) 

Low spreading shrub with dense pine like foliage & attractive woody cones. Uncommon in the shire, growing 

on exposed gravely ridge tops in RNP eg. Wises Track. Hardy plant for poor soils periodically waterlogged & 

preferring full sun. 

Allocasuarina torulosa (Forest Oak) 

Medium tree with open graceful foliage & a beautiful coarsely textured pale trunk. Similar to A. littoralis but 

less common, confined to richer soils & rainforest margins eg. Bola Creek RNP & Menai Park. Black & white 

cockatoos eat the cones. Worthy of much greater use in landscape projects. 

Alphitonia excelsa (Red Ash) 

Large rainforest tree, smaller in cultivation with a leafy canopy. Undersurface of leaves is white. Aborigines 

rubbed the leaves in water to create a cleansing lather & the inner bark for strong fibre to make fishing lines. 

Common along Lady Carrington Drive RNP, but otherwise only known from Grays Point Reserve. Effective 

specimen/ shade tree for protected sites. 

33

Angophora bakeri (Narrow-leaf Apple) 

Beautiful small tree with drooping fine leaf foliage & rough bark. An attractive show of cream blossom, sought 

after by insects & birds during summer. Common exposed ridges eg. Jannali Res & Woronora Hts. On deeper 

soils in the Woronora Valley may reach 15m. Suitable where a Eucalypt may be too large. 

Angophora hispida (Dwarf Apple) 

Spectacular shrub with unusual large stiff hairy leaves. New growth & flower buds are red. Huge clusters of 

cream/ yellow flowers in spring cover the plant, attracting beetles. Common on exposed ridges in RNP. A plant 

with enormous potential that looks good all year round. 

Angophora costata ((Smooth-barked Apple) 

Majestic tree with smooth flesh coloured bark & sinuous branches that defy gravity. When flowering in early 

summer the trees can be readily seen over the valleys. Very characteristic & loved tree of the Shire. Old 

specimens provide essential habitat for parrots & arboreal mammals. 

Angophora floribunda (Rough-barked Apple) 

Enchanting spreading tree similar to A. costata but with rough bark. Uncommon in the Shire with a few 

scattered specimens around Cronulla eg. Gunnamatta Park. The last splendid natural stand is located on the 

alluvial flats of the Woronora River. 

Anisopogon avenaceus (Oat Spear-grass) 

Tall sparsely clumping grass with long graceful flower stems & large pendulous seed heads. Common on 

sandstone slopes & ridges eg. Jannali Reserve, creating an attractive display in summer. Rarely seen in 

cultivation though a pleasant addition to a mixed planting on sandy soils. 

Aotus ericoides (Common Aotus) 

Small shrub with yellow/ red “pea” flowers densely covering the stems in spring. Common species on sandy 

soils eg Kurnell, Engadine & throughout RNP. A colourful plant rarely cultivated useful for dry sandy soils to 

add spring colour. 

Aphanopetalum resinosum (Gum Vine) 

Twining climber with glossy elliptical leaves with toothed margins & small green flowers in spring. Moderately 

fast growing rainforest species restricted in the shire to RNP. Prefers rich soils with adequate water & semi 

shade where it will become quite dense. 

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (Bangalow Palm) 

Along with the Cabbage Palm the only palm in the Shire. Tall slender trunk with rings from old leaf scars. 

Large divided leaves form an open graceful crown. Very rare to the Shire with only a few specimens found 

along Lady Carrington Drive RNP. Will grow in full sun or shade but requires ample water. Not really 

characteristic of the Shire, but if a palm has to be grown it is a good choice. Needs wind protection or leaves 

will brown at the tips. Doesn’t drop many leaves but they are 2 metres long. Suitable for around pools in 

clumps of closely grown specimens. 

Aristida vagans (Three-awned Spear-grass) 

Small slender clumping grass with dainty flower spikes. Common on sandstone & clay soils in open forests. 

One of several inconspicuous 3-Awned Spear grasses for mixed plantings. 

Asplenium australasicum (Birds-nest Fern) 

Tufted large fern with a rosette of broad undivided fronds usually an epiphyte or lithophyte in rainforests eg. 

Bola Creek, RNP. Hardy species requiring high humidity & good drainage, will grow in the ground but not 

tolerating waterlogged conditions. 

Astroloma humifusum (Cranberry Heath) 

Prostrate woody shrub with small blue/ green leaves with minutely toothed margins & attractive tubular deep red 

flowers in summer followed by globular edible sweet fleshy berries. Scattered in the Shire but not common, 

found on exposed sandstone or clay ridge tops eg. Kareela Golf Course, Princess Highway. Occasionally 

available in local nurseries, suitable for sun to semi-shade. 

Austrofestuca littoralis (Coastal Fescue) 

34

Dense tufted grass with narrow grey/ green leaves & dense flower spikes. Found only on coastal sand dunes eg. 

north of Wanda beach. Suitable accent plant for coastal gardens or restoration work. 

Austromyrtus tenuifolia (Narrow-leaf Myrtle) 

Compact small shrub with narrow, glossy, aromatic foliage. Small white flowers are conspicuous in spring and 

summer. Rare in the Shire only known from a few locations along the rocky creek bed of the Woronora River. 

An attractive long lived species for moist soils in full sun to semi-shade. 

Backhousia myrtifolia (Grey Myrtle) 

Hardy large shrub becoming a small tree in rainforests. Often multi-stemmed or growing in dense thickets. 

Glossy ovate leaves & yellow/ green terminal flowers in summer. Mostly confined to creek banks & shady 

gullies. Will tolerate hard pruning to form an effective long lived screen. 

Baekea imbricata (Heath Myrtle) 

Small dense shrub with crowded leaves neatly arranged along stems & small white flowers almost hidden in the 

leaf axils in summer/ autumn. Common on sea cliffs or moist heath & woodland eg. Coast Walk, RNP. 

Baekea linifolia (Swamp Baekea) 

Graceful slender shrub featuring drooping branches, delicate linear scented foliage & small white flowers in 

summer. Typical along undisturbed creek banks. Requires moist soils & tolerates dappled shade. 

Banksia ericifolia (Heath-leaf Banksia) 

Sturdy dense shrub with fine foliage. Orange/ red cylindrical flower spikes up to 200mm long decorate the plant 

in winter, attracting insects, birds and possums. Aborigines rinsed the flowers in water to extract a sweet 

nutritious drink. Widespread in heath & woodland. Common cultivated shrub for sunny sites tolerating periods 

of waterlogging. 

Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia) 

Robust tree with dark green foliage that show white when turned to the wind. Large yellow flower spikes 

during autumn encourage nectar-feeding birds. Most common & useful in sandy exposed conditions on the 

coast. 

Banksia marginata (Silver Banksia) 

Rounded bushy shrub, dense dark green foliage with silvery undersurface & small upright yellow flower spikes 

scattered throughout the plant for an extended period. Attractive shrub common in a variety of habitats. Fast 

growing species for well drained soils. 

Banksia oblongifolia (Swamp Banksia) 

Low spreading shrub with stiff dark green leaves, the new growth covered in rusty coloured hairs. Yellow/ green 

flower spikes are produced in autumn/ winter. Scattered on moist sunny sites eg. Wonga Reserve. Slow 

growing but hardy & attractive. 

Banksia robur (Swamp Banksia) 

Unusual low broadly spreading shrub with huge 200mm long stiff leathery leaves. New growth is covered in 

rusty coloured hairs. Large green/ cream flower spikes are produced in summer through to winter. Confined to 

swampy heath eg Uloola Swamp RNP. A lignotuber is produced, allowing heavy pruning if necessary. A 

feature for boggy sites. 

Banksia spinulosa (Hairpin Banksia) 

Small bushy shrub with fine foliage & stiff angular branches. Large orange flower spikes tinged with black 

from autumn to spring. Common understorey shrub on sandstone sites eg. Jannali Reserve. Slow growing but 

long lived shrub commonly cultivated. 

Banksia serrata (Old Man Banksia) 

Sculptured small tree with a beautifully textured & gnarled trunk with serrated leaves creating an open canopy. 

Bears huge flower spikes in autumn and familiar “Banksia Men” cones. Widespread and suitable for dry sandy 

soils. 

Bauera microphylla (White River Rose) 

35

Petite low growing shrub with white single pendulous flowers in spring/ summer. Uncommon, found in moist 

heath or creek banks in RNP & Barden Ridge. Useful small plant for wet areas in full sun/ semi-shade. 

Bauera rubioides (Dog Rose, River Rose) 

Dense scrambling shrub with small leaves. Dainty pink flowers cover the bushes from winter through to 

summer. Growing in unpolluted watercourses where it forms large thickets. Requires a moist semi-shaded 

position. 

Baumea articulata (Jointed Twig Rush) 

Upright sedge spreading by rhizomes, with hollow chambered cylindrical stems 5-10 mm diameter & attractive 

seed heads. Restricted to freshwater lagoons & swamps eg. Marley Lagoon RNP. Attractive species suitable for 

constructed ponds & wetlands. 

Baumea rubiginosa (Soft Twig Rush) 

Slender erect sedge with flattened narrow leaves & dense flower heads. Common along slow moving creeks & 

swamps eg. Flatrock Creek RNP. Not too vigorous species suitable for ponds & edges of constructed wetlands. 

Baumea teretifolia (Wrinkle-nut Twig Rush) 

An erect sedge with cylindrical leaves and small dense flower heads. It is moderately common to freshwater 

wetlands including Jibbon and Bundeena lagoons. It is an important habitat species for many frogs. An 

attractive species useful for wetland rehabilitation and ponds. 

Bertya brownii (Bertya) 

Upright attractive shrub with neat oblong leaves. Flowers are obscure & small. Nationally rare (2RC-) only 

recorded in the Shire at one site at Mill Creek, Menai. Grows in sheltered semi-shaded gullies on sandstone. 

Little known species that should perform well in cultivation. 

Bertya pomaderroides (Hazel Bertya) 

Medium upright shrub with small glossy oblong leaves & tiny flowers. Found in shady gullies but not common 

eg. lower Woronora Valley. Little known shrub for sandy protected sites. 

Billardiera scandens (Apple Berry) 

Slender climber/ ground cover with hairy variable leaves & modest green/ cream bell shaped flowers in spring 

producing sausage shaped sweet fleshy fruits. Common in open forests on sheltered sandstone slopes. Nonvigorous 

though hardy species that can be planted among shrubs in most situations. 

Blandfordia nobilis (Christmas Bells) 

One of the jewels of the bush. Slender upright tufted herb with narrow grass like leaves, vivid orange & yellow 

bells hang in clusters from tall flower stems in summer. Common on heath & woodland eg Curra Moors RNP. 

Suitable for low nutrient, poorly drained soils in full sun. 

Blechnum camfieldii (Water Fern) 

Tall fern with fishbone like fronds forming a small trunk in dry conditions, but a spreading habit in swampy 

sites. Uncommon to the Shire (its southern limit), found at Botany Bay NP in freshwater swamps with B. 

indicum. Attractive species for full sun to dappled light in poorly drained sites. 

Blechnum cartilagineum (Gristle Fern) 

Attractive fern with light green fishbone like fronds & red new growth. The most common Blechnum species in 

the Shire, found in sheltered moist sandstone gullies eg. Coonong Creek Reserve. Aborigines roasted the thick 

rhizome. Hardy slow growing species for filtered light. 

Blechnum indicum (Swamp Water Fern) 

Tall erect fern with dark green fishbone like fronds. Spreads by long creeping rhizomes forming dense colonies 

in freshwater swamps with Broad Leaf Paperbarks. Aborigines roasted the thick rhizome as an important food 

source. Restricted mostly to Botany Bay NP, Kurnell. Uncommon to the shire where it is at its southern limit. 

Readily cultivated in swampy conditions. 

Blechnum minus (Soft Water Fern) 

Similar to B. camfieldii, forming short trunks, also uncommon though distribution extends to Tasmania. 

36

Blechnum nudum (Fishbone Water Fern) 

Small tufted fern with fishbone like fronds & forming a short black scaly trunk not forming dense colonies like 

other local species. Scattered along shaded creek banks but not common. Suitable for small ornamental ponds. 

Boronia floribunda (Pale Pink Boronia) 

Upright small shrub with attractive compound aromatic leaves & spectacular pale pink scented flowers in spring. 

Scattered in the shire in sheltered open forest & woodland eg. lower Beethoven Reserve Engadine & Heathcote 

Creek Requires moist but well drained sandy soil in semi-shade. Difficult to maintain in cultivation, mulch is 

beneficial. 

Boronia ledifolia (Sydney Boronia) 

Small compact shrub with compound aromatic leaves & a profusion of pink flowers in late winter/ spring. 

Common across the Shire in heath, woodland & open forests on sandstone. Can be difficult to maintain in 

cultivation, requires well drained moist soil in full sun / semi shade. 

Boronia serrulata (Native Rose) 

Small slender shrub of exceptional beauty. Broad leaves with serrated margins pressed against the stems & 

vivid pink aromatic rose like flowers make this an outstanding specimen. Nationally rare (2RC- ) restricted to 

moist heath on sandstone ridges in RNP eg. Wises track. Can be difficult to maintain in cultivation, requiring 

moist but well drained sandy soil. 

Bossiaea heterophylla (Variable Bossiaea) 

Beautiful small open shrub with flattened green stems & masses of yellow/ orange ‘pea’ flowers in winter/ 

spring . Very common understorey plant throughout the shire on sandstone slopes eg. Jannali Reserve. Grows 

well in cultivation on well drained sandy soils. 

Bossiaea stephensonii (Bossiaea) 

Small slender shrub similar to B. heterophylla except leaves are hairy & have large stipules. Grows on 

sandstone & clay soils eg. Loftus ridge. Useful fill in shrub for full sun / semi shade. 

Bractantha bracteatum (Golden Everlasting Daisy) 

Upright narrow herbaceous shrub with golden yellow papery flower heads in spring/ summer. Confined to rich 

soils in sunny openings in tall forests in the southern end of RNP. Useful as cut or dried flower & spring colour 

to mixed native plantings. Many cultivars are available. 

Bursaria spinosa (Black Thorn) 

Spiky upright shrub with small white flowers in autumn followed by persistent papery capsules. Confined to 

clay/ shale locations eg. Menai & Kirrawee. Useful pioneer species for revegetation work in these areas. 

Callicoma serratifolia (Black Wattle) 

Pretty small tree often with multiple dark slender trunks. Large leaves with serrated margins, bronze new growth 

& white undersurface. Wattle-like flowers during summer. Typical along creek banks. Especially useful for 

watercourse restoration work. 

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) 

Familiar stiffly branched shrub with lanceolate leaves & deep red ‘bottlebrush’ flowers in autumn attractive to 

nectar feeding birds. Common in rocky watercourses & swamps. Heavy pruning will rejuvenate old specimens. 

Hardy species preferring moist sunny sites. 

Callistemon linearis (Narrow-leaf Bottlebrush) 

Open spreading shrub with stiff narrow leaves & bright red ‘bottlebrush’ flowers in spring & summer attractive 

to nectar feeding birds. Common in the Shire on poorly drained clay/ shale plateaus & rocky creek beds eg. 

Bottle & Heathcote Creeks. Useful for creek bank restoration or mixed shrub gardens in wet sunny locations. 

Callistemon pinifolius (Green Bottlebrush) 

Low spreading to dense upright shrub scattered in the area in coastal wet heath, swamp margins or clay/ shale 

plateaus eg. Kurnell, Menai & coastal RNP. Unusual yellow/ green flowers & narrow rigid foliage make it an 

attractive specimen suitable for a variety of moist sunny sites. 

Callistemon subulatus (Dwarf Bottlebrush) 

37

Very attractive small shrub with dense weeping foliage & abundant deep red terminal flower spikes in spring & 

summer. Restricted in the shire to the rocky creek beds of upper Woronora river. Not commonly cultivated but 

suitable to poorly drained sunny sites. 

Callitris muelleri (Mueller’s Cypress) 

One of two ancient species of conifer trees indigenous to the Shire. Uncommon on dry rocky slopes. Narrow 

upright form with dense foliage make this a dramatic accent plant or tall narrow screen. 

Callitris rhomboidea (Port Jackson Pine) 

Similar to C. muelleri, with finer drooping foliage. Scattered across the Shire, this spectacular floristic relic can 

be a practical addition to the landscape in most dry difficult situations. 

Calochlaena dubia (Soft Bracken) 

Soft tall fern with large much divided fronds, spreading by long rhizomes to form dense colonies in sheltered 

sandstone gullies. One of the most common ferns, similar to Bracken but softer & paler green. Hardy species 

for moist soils that periodically dry out. As with most creeping ferns, the fronds can all be pruned to ground 

level rejuvenating the colony. 

Calytrix tetragona (Fringe Myrtle) 

Variable shrub depending on habitat. Bright green dainty foliage with spectacular star like white/ pink flowers 

making a spectacular show in late winter & spring. Reasonably common in coastal & ridge top heath eg. Kurnell 

Peninsular, Woronora Hts & RNP. Beautiful shrub for moist sunny or deep sandy sites. 

Carex appressa (Tall Sedge) 

Tall leafy clumping sedge with narrow raspy leaves & slender flower spikes in summer. Fairly common along 

drainage ditches & rainforests beside creeks. Suitable for an accent plant in moist rich soils or ponds & wetland 

restoration. 

Carpobrotus glaucescens (Native Pigface) 

Herbaceous ground cover with thick succulent leaves triangular in section & bright pink daisy like flowers 

intermittently through the year followed by fleshy edible fruits. Aborigines ate both the leaves & fruits. 

Common on coastal sand dunes. Excellent dense species for full sun, sandy soils near the coast. 

Cassine australis (Red-fruited Olive-plum) 

Small tree/ shrub with luxuriant large ovate glossy leaves. The modest flowers are compensated by the vivid 

marble- sized orange fruits during Autumn & winter that attract rainforest birds. Found locally in rainforests eg. 

Lilli Pilli Point & Burning Palms RNP. Suitable for protected coastal landscapes, unfortunately not readily 

available. 

Cassinia aureonitens (Golden Cassinia) 

Upright dense shrub with narrow dark green leaves. The dense terminal clusters of small vivid yellow flowers 

are outstanding in spring/ summer. Uncommon to the Shire in sheltered often shady forests eg. Woronora 

Valley & Lady Carrington Drive RNP. A plant whose potential has just been realised by the horticulture 

industry as a garden shrub & a long lasting cut flower. 

Cassinia uncata (Bent Cassinia) 

Upright compact shrub with small narrow leaves. Dense heads of white/ pale yellow flowers in summer. 

Scattered in the shire as an understorey plant in dry open forests. Mostly overlooked but potentially an attractive 

shrub for cultivation & cut flowers. 

Casuarina glauca (Swamp She-oak) 

Large upright tree with needle- like branchlets forming dense foliage when young, though more open with age. 

Remarkable tree for sandy saline environments near the coast & estuaries where it is common. Widely planted 

in the Shire. Allocasuarina littoralis is a better choice away from the coast. 

Celtis paniculata (Hackberry, Native Celtis) 

An unusual small tree with large dull dark green leaves & a broad canopy. The smooth grey bark is a special 

feature of the tree. Small flowers followed by purple/ black berries attractive to rainforest birds. Locally rare 

with a significant stand at Grays Point Res that is host to the endangered population of beetle Menippus 

fugitivus. Potentially a useful ornamental plant for cultivation. 

38

Centella asiatica (Swamp Pennywort) 

Low herbaceous groundcover spreading by rhizomes. Leaves are rounded with serrated margins 1-2cm dia. 

Looks similar to Native Violet except the flowers are insignificant & not quite as vigorous. Common in moist 

sheltered sites on sandstone or clay. It is renowned for its healing and medicinal properties in Australia and 

overseas. 

Ceratopetalum apetalum (Coachwood) 

Variable sized tree with large glossy leaves & a smooth blotched trunk. Bright red flowers similar to NSW 

Christmas Bush in summer. Large in the RNP rainforests, however a slender small tree/ shrub in sandstone 

creek beds. Requires moist soils. 

Ceratopetalum gummiferum (NSW Christmas Bush) 

Deservedly one of the most popular shrubs in the bush & in cultivation. Dense dark green foliage and masses of 

terminal white flowers followed by red sepals in summer. Characteristic shrub of the Shire in open forests, 

reaching a tree in local rainforests. Requires a moist but well drained sunny site. 

Christella dentata (Binung) 

Slender tall clumping fern with dull green fronds. Common along creek banks in shaded gullies. Easily 

cultivated for shaded moist sites. 

Cissus antarctica (Kangaroo Vine, Native Grape) 

Vigorous climber with large glossy toothed leaves climbing by tendrils. Small inconspicuous flowers produce 

black grape like fruits favoured by rainforest birds & once eaten by aborigines, though astringent unless very 

ripe. Found in rainforests even by the coast eg. Darook Park Cronulla. Robust species tolerating full sun or 

shade providing there is adequate moisture. Provides dense shade over a pergola or used as a ground cover for 

large areas. 

Cissus hypoglauca (Water Vine, Native Grape) 

Extremely robust tendril climber with glossy leaves with 5 leaflets radiating from the one point & producing 

thick stems which when cut drip copious amounts of drinkable water. Small flowers produce edible black grape 

like fruits attractive to rainforest birds. Found in moist gullies & rainforests. Useful for covering large pergolas, 

requiring moist fertile soil in full sun or dappled light. 

Clematis aristata (Old Man’s Beard) 

Similar to C. glycinoides except leaves are fleshy & deeply toothed, less common. 

Clematis glycinoides (Old Man’s Beard) 

Slender though vigorous climber with thin textured trifoliate leaves with sparsely toothed margins. White star 

shaped flowers are produced in profusion during spring. Common on sheltered sandstone slopes. Aborigines 

used the crushed leaves to cure headaches. Hardy, very attractive ornamental species useful for covering fences 

or lattice work in most situations. 

Clerodendrum tomentosum (Hairy Clerodendron) 

Tall shrub with large hairy, strongly veined leaves. White terminal flowers in spring are followed by persistent 

red sepals & black shiny berries. Common understorey shrub in sheltered gullies & rainforest margins eg. 

Thompson’s Bay Reserve, Illawong & RNP rainforests. An unusual species rarely seen in cultivation. 

Commelina cyanea (Scurvy Weed) 

Low spreading vigorous ground cover with fleshy lanceolate leaves & blue flowers. Very common in moist 

shaded sites. Can spread over large areas, its vigour relating to available moisture. 

Correa alba (Coastal Correa) 

Rounded small shrub with grey/ green round leaves paler below & white star shaped flowers in winter. 

Restricted to the exposed coastal zone in moist heath or hind dunes eg. Botany Bay NP, Kurnell. Proven 

landscape plant for exposed coastal situations. 

Correa reflexa (Native Fuchsia) 

39

Variable attractive small shrub with many forms. Dark green heart shaped hairy leaves & red, green or cream 

tubular pendulous flowers in winter. Common plant in sheltered forests in semi-shade. Many cultivars are 

available. 

Crinum pedunculatum (Crinum Lily) 

Large stout herbaceous clumping plant with fleshy broad strap leaves. Large loose white flowers are produced 

on thick fleshy stems in summer. Uncommon around the coast & estuaries eg Bonnet Bay. Aborigines crushed 

the leaves as to cure marine stings. Suitable as bold accent plant near the coast with adequate water. 

Crowea exalata (Crowea) 

Small open shrub with soft light green foliage & bright pink bell shaped flowers in winter. Scattered through 

the Shire in shady protected valleys eg. Mill Creek, Menai. Appropriate fill in shrub for dappled light in moist 

sandy soils. 

Crowea saligna (Crowea) 

Small upright shrub with large lanceolate leaves & prominent large waxy pink flowers through winter. 

Occasional in the area on well drained sandy slopes in open forests eg. Rutherford Reserve, Cronulla. Attractive 

species for winter flowering & semi shaded position. 

Cupaniopsis anacardioides (Tuckeroo) 

Handsome long lived small/ medium tree with glossy large leaves & interesting clusters of yellow/ orange fruits 

in When grown in the open, forms a magnificent broad canopy. Restricted to the protected coastal zone in 

littoral rainforest and Kurnell Dune forest.eg Jibbon, Kurnell & Darook Park. 

Cyathea australis (Rough Tree Fern) 

Tree fern with a stout trunk & a dense canopy formed from large fronds. Uncommon naturally in the Shire 

occurring in rainforests in RNP. Popular in cultivation tolerating full sun if provided with sufficient moisture. 

Cyathea cooperi (Straw Tree Fern) 

Fast growing tree fern with slightly narrower trunk diameter than C. australis, scattered in rainforests in RNP. 

Widely cultivated & becoming naturalised in some urban bushland. Tolerates full sun if given ample water & 

mulched. 

Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed-wire Grass) 

Dense tufted grass with unusual flower spikes on slender wiry stems in summer. Similar to Kangaroo Grass but 

different flowers. Scattered in open forests on dry sandy soils & clay in full sun to partial shade. Hardy species 

for mass planting that can be cut back close to the ground occasionally to rejuvenate. 

Dampiera purpurea (Dampiera) 

Upright small shrub with rounded dark green hairy leaves & purple flowers in spring. Scattered in sheltered 

open forests on sandstone eg. Prince Edward Park. 

Dampiera stricta (Blue Dampiera) 

Small open shrub inconspicuous when not in flower. Deep purple flowers spring/ summer. Common in the 

Shire on moist heath & open forest. Fill in shrub for moist sunny sites. 

Danthonia species (Wallaby Grasses) 

Dense tufted grasses with narrow leaves & fluffy seed heads on slender stems in spring/ summer. Common 

plants suitable for a wide range of conditions. Plants tend to wither & brown off over winter. Suitable for fill in 

plants or rehabilitation work. 

Darwinia diminuta (Darwinia) 

Small prostrate/ to upright woody shrub with tiny narrow leaves & unusual red & white flowers. Nationally 

rare (2RCi), restricted to exposed ridges mostly already developed in the Shire eg. Woronora Hts, Engadine & 

Heathcote NP. Worthy of growing for protection of the species. 

Darwinia grandiflora (Darwinia) 

Small prostrate woody shrub similar to D. diminuta except slightly larger flowers & always prostrate in habit. 

Nationally rare (2RCi). 

40

Davallia pyxidata (Hare’s Foot Fern) 

Creeping fern with stiff rhizomes covered in soft brown scales & leathery light green fronds. Mostly a 

lithophyte scattered in the area in sheltered forests. Slow growing species for small gardens. 

Daviesia corymbosa (Bitter Pea) 

Attractive small open shrub with broad leathery leaves. Yellow/ red “pea” flowers appearing in spring. 

Moderately common shrub on sandstone slopes eg. Prince Edward Park. Colourful shrub for dry sandy 

locations. 

Daviesia mimosoides (Bitter Pea) 

Medium shrub with weeping foliage reminiscent of an Acacia. Sprays of pale yellow/ brown “pea” flowers in 

early spring. Uncommon in the Shire on deep sand only recorded at Botany Bay NP, Kurnell. 

Dennstaedia davallioides (Lacy Ground Fern) 

Tall creeping fern with large delicately divided dark green fronds forming dense colonies on moist sandy creek 

flats. Common in rainforests in RNP. Easily cultivated in cool shaded sites. 

Deyeuxia quadriseta (Reed Bent Grass) 

Loosely tufted grass with grey/ green leaves & attractive dense seed heads in summer. Scattered on moist soils 

in dappled light. Suitably mass planted or mixed among ground cover vegetation. 

Dianella caerulea (Blue Flax Lily) 

Tufted herbaceous plant with glossy strap leaves, slightly toothed margins. Beautiful bright blue flowers with 

yellow stamens on tall slender spikes in summer. Small decorative rich blue berries are edible, though full of 

seeds. Being widespread it would have been an important food for the local Aborigines. Very common species 

with 2 varieties in the Shire, D.var. producta has a more elongated form. They prefer sandy soils. Proven to be 

an attractive species adaptable to a wide range of conditions. 

Dianella prunina (Flax Lily) 

Robust tufted herb with glossy strap leaves strongly tinged purple/ crimson & bright blue flowers on tall stems 

in spring followed by bright blue berries. Similar to D. caerulea but larger & different leaf colour. Rare in the 

Shire only recorded in one location in Heathcote NP on an exposed sandstone ridge. Very attractive species 

with enormous ornamental potential. 

Dianella revoluta (Mauve Flax Lily) 

Similar & less common than D. caerulea, but a more compact plant. Leaves are not toothed & are inrolled 

slightly. 

Dichelachne crinita (Long-hair Plume Grass) 

Slender dense tufted grass with ornamental softly hairy seed heads on tall graceful stems in spring/ summer. 

Moderately common on sandstone & clay. Ornamental species for mass planting or revegetation work. Freely 

seeds from parent plants becoming weedy if only a single specimen is required. 

Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed) 

Very low growing herb with rounded kidney shaped leaves, spreading by rhizomes to create a carpet of foliage. 

Common species tolerating a wide range of conditions. Has successfully been used for a hardy lawn alternative 

in sun or semi-shade with adequate moisture that rarely requires mowing. Can be purchased from seed in most 

nurseries. 

Dicksonia antarctica (Soft Tree Fern) 

Tree fern with thick stout trunk covered in old frond bases. Large crown of dark glossy leathery leaves. Only 

recorded in the Shire occasionally in the deep rainforest gullies of southern RNP. Found in deep rainforest 

gullies. Slow growing species requiring some shade & ample water. 

Dillwynia floribunda (Eggs and Bacon) 

Small compact shrub with ascending branches of dense narrow dark green leaves. Golden yellow & red ‘pea’ 

flowers crowd the upper stems making a spectacular show in late winter/ spring. Common component of 

exposed heath especially local National Parks. Rarely seen in cultivation, suitable for sandy soils moist to 

moderately dry. 

Dillwynia parvifolia (Small-leaf Dillwynia) 

41

Small spreading shrub with tiny crowded leaves & clusters of yellow terminal ‘pea’ flowers in spring. 

Uncommon to the shire preferring rich clay soils eg. Hall Dr Reserve, Menai. Suitable for heavier soils in full 

sun/ semi-shade. 

Dillwynia retorta (Eggs and Bacon) 

Small prickly shrub with yellow/ red “pea” flowers from winter through to summer. One of the most 

widespread & common plants to the Shire. Hardy colourful shrub for well drained sandy soils. 

Dioscorea transversa (Native Yam) 

Slender twining climber with attractive glossy heart shaped leaves & 5-7 prominent veins. Inconspicuous 

flowers in spring produce decorative 3 winged brown papery capsules. The swollen tubers were eaten by 

aborigines. Rare in the Shire found in rainforests in RNP. Attractive species for small areas. 

Dodonaea triquetra (Hop Bush) 

Upright shrub with small unusual flowers followed by decorative bundles of dangling paper fruits, green turning 

brown in spring. Common plant on dry sandstone slopes. Fast growing & hardy, useful for regeneration work 

& mixed shrub gardens. 

Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustifolia (Sticky Hop Bush) 

Medium size shrub with attractive dark green leaves with an interesting sticky surface. The small flowers 

produce decorative winged fruit. A very rare plant in the Shire only known from rainforest margins in the RNP 

eg Forest Island walk. Makes a hardy feature shrub for protected areas in full sun to semi-shade. 

Doodia aspera (Rasp Fern) 

Low creeping fern spreading by short rhizomes, with coarse raspy fishbone like fronds. New growth is vivid red 

or pink making it a very attractive species. Common in sheltered gullies & rainforests on sandy as well as rich 

soils. Slow spreading species popular & hardy from full sun to shade in moist soils. 

Doryanthes excelsa (Gymea Lily) 

Enormous unmistakable clumping plant with strap leaves to 2m. Striking, flamboyant blood red flower heads 

are produced on erect 3-4m leafy stems in late winter to summer. Common on dry sheltered sandstone slopes. 

Aborigines roasted the young flower stems & roots. Spectacular plant for a bold feature. May not flower each 

year often requiring a bushfire to stimulate flowering. 

Echinopogon caespitosus (Hedgehog Grass) 

Loosely tufted grass with attractive small flower heads in summer. Common & suitable among ground herbage 

in a wide range of conditions. 

Ehretia acuminata (Koda) 

Upright narrow medium sized tree with large glossy leaves. Small summer flowers followed by masses of 

orange edible berries. Uncommon in the Shire, found along the upper Hacking River RNP. A proven hardy fast 

growing ornamental tree for protected moist sites. 

Elaeocarpus reticulatus (Blueberry Ash) 

Narrow medium tree with dark glossy leaves, decorative white bell shape flowers in summer followed by rich 

blue berries from autumn to winter. A widespread, ornamental & hardy species commonly grown as a specimen 

or street tree. 

Eleocharis sphacelata (Tall Spike Rush) 

Large rush spreading by thick short rhizomes, with upright hollow chambered stems & small fluffy white 

flowers produced at their tips. Restricted to slow moving fresh water eg. Audley. Aborigines ate the 

underground stems and wove the soft leaves into mats. Attractive & useful species for ponds & wetlands 

providing shelter for aquatic birds frogs & invertebrates. 

Endiandra sieberi (Corkwood) 

Small bushy tree with glossy leaves & deeply textured trunk. Black 3cm fruit for most of the year. Rare in the 

Shire with a lovely stand at Darook Park. A prized tree for protected coastal areas. 

Epacris longiflora (Fuchsia Heath) 

42

Straggling small shrub with prickly, stem clasping leaves & familiar long tubular red & white tipped flowers for 

most of the year. Widespread on sheltered sandstone slopes often growing out of rock crevices. Difficult to 

propagate but sometimes available at local nurseries. Prized species for low nutrient sandy soils. 

Epacris microphylla (Coral Heath) 

Small stiffly branched upright shrub with minute leaves & masses of white bell shaped flowers packed into the 

leaf axils in winter/ spring. Common to moist sunny heath or woodland. Difficult to propagate but occasionally 

available. May be hard to establish in cultivation. For the enthusiast with poor sandy soils. 

Eriostemon australasius (Pink Wax Flower) 

Small shrub with long bluish/ green leaves & large waxy pink flowers in spring. Common in heath & open 

forest on sandstone. Showy shrub for well drained soils. Can be difficult to establish. 

Eriostemon buxifolius (Wax Flower) 

Small stiffly branched shrub with waxy foliage & stems covered in warty oil glands. Pink & white star shaped 

waxy flowers are very spectacular in spring. Common on moist sandy heath in RNP eg. Coastal Track. 

Occasionally available in nurseries but can be difficult to maintain in cultivation. Requires moist but well 

drained sandy soil. 

Eucalyptus agglomerata (Blue-leaf Stringybark) 

Large trees with a straight trunk & bluish foliage. Mostly confined to Heathcote NP with some grand specimens 

in the Woronora Valley. Aborigines lit rolled bundles of bark for torches. Suitable for sandstone slopes in open 

spaces. 

Eucalyptus amplifolia (Cabbage Gum) 

Medium/ large narrow upright tree with patchy smooth pale trunk & large broad leaves. Naturally rare in the 

Shire with a small population at Forbes Ck Woronora. Widely planted in streets & parks. Excellent tree for 

waterlogged soils. 

Eucalyptus botryoides (Bangalay) 

Large tree with rough bark. Foliage is seasonally attached by lerp insects which in turn Pardalotes feed on. 

Common & suitable for coastal plantings. 

Eucalyptus capitellata (Brown Stringybark) 

The most common Stringybark in the Shire. Small stunted tree on exposed ridges, larger on protected slopes. 

Cream flowers in Summer. Very hardy species. 

Eucalyptus consideniana (Yertchuk) 

Spreading open tree with rough bark, smooth upper branches & white flowers in spring. Rare to the Shire found 

on exposed ridges eg RNP & Engadine. A hardy tree for difficult conditions. 

Eucalyptus eugenioides (Thin-leaf Stringybark) 

Large dense stringybark often flowering abundantly in summer to autumn. Scattered throughout the area eg 

Gymea, Miranda. 

Eucalyptus globoidea (White Stringybark) 

Medium/ large spreading tree with straight stringybark trunk, cream flowers during summer & autumn. 

Aborigines utilised the fibrous bark for making rope & cord. Common on both clay & sandstone ridges, eg 

Kirrawee, Heathcote and Menai. 

Eucalyptus gummifera (Bloodwood) 

Medium/ large tree with rough tessellated bark & broad canopy. Flowers profusely in autumn. Aborigines used 

the sticky sap to treat their fibrous fishing lines making them waterproof. A familiar tree to Shire residents, 

common to sandstone ridges & slopes. 

Eucalyptus haemastoma (Scribbly Gum) 

Small/ medium tree with open canopy & spectacular smooth white trunk and limbs. Common on sandstone 

ridges & slopes. Slow growing but worth the wait. Very ornamental tree for poor soils providing dappled shade 

underneath. 

43

Eucalyptus leuhmanniana (Yellow Top Ash) 

Mostly a small mallee with large sickle shaped leaves & a smooth trunk. Large fruits & new growth bluish/ 

grey. Nationally rare (2RCa). Scattered on exposed sandstone ridges in RNP, Heathcote & Woronora Hts. If 

not exposed to fire can become a medium tree. Can be coppiced to maintain mallee form. 

Eucalyptus longifolia (Woollybutt) 

Rare to the Shire this large tree has rough bark, long narrow leaves & large showy pendulous fruits. Attractive 

cream flowers in summer. Small population adjacent to the park & railway station at Woolooware. 

Eucalyptus multicaulis (Whip-stick Mallee) 

Multi-stemmed mallee with smooth slender trunks & red branchlets on new growth. Flowering profusely in 

winter. Rare to the Shire scattered on sandstone ridge tops and slopes eg Woronora Hts, and Scouter’ Mountain 

RNP. Small tree for urban areas that needs to be coppiced to maintain a mallee habit. 

Eucalyptus oblonga (Common Sandstone Stringybark) 

Small stringybark with an open canopy. Common to ridge tops of clay & sandstone in the west of the shire eg 

Lucas Hts. Useful in harsh conditions, the open canopy allowing shrubs to be planted beneath it. 

Eucalyptus obstans (Port Jackson Mallee) 

Ornamental smooth trunk mallee with leathery leaves, white flowers in spring & summer, & large attractive 

capsules. Common on sandstone ridges in RNP, Kurnell & Burraneer Pt. Excellent plant for cultivation 

providing dense foliage for screening. On better soil will grow to a small tree unless coppiced. 

Eucalyptus paniculata (Grey Ironbark) 

Large robust tree with deeply furrowed ironbark , dark green foliage & pendulous cream flowers during winter. 

Conspicuous to the shale plateaus that have now mostly been cleared eg Menai, Heathcote, Kirrawee & 

Caringbah where it should be planted if given enough space. In the past E. sideroxylon has been planted in these 

areas though not indigenous to the shire. 

Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt) 

Tree with straight rough trunk & smooth branches festooned with ribbons of shedding bark. This giant 

commonly dominates sheltered sandstone slopes. Long lived important canopy tree for parks, schools & open 

spaces. 

Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint) 

One of the most common trees in the Shire. Large spreading canopy, rough bark & smooth upper limbs. Grows 

on difficult rocky sandstone slopes. 

Eucalyptus punctata (Grey Gum) 

Large sturdy gum tree featuring an unmistakable apricot/ grey bark & broad canopy. Common & distinctive to 

the Shire but unfortunately not widely planted. Adaptable & fast growing, flowering in summer. 

Eucalyptus racemosa (Narrow-leaf Scribbly Gum) 

Striking large tree with smooth white upright trunk. Similar to & often intergrading with E haemastoma. 

Generally larger, faster growing & preferring clay soils eg Sutherland Cemetery & Burraneer Pk. An 

exceptionally appealing species worthy of greater landscape use. 

Eucalyptus resinifera (Red Mahogany) 

Variable tree, mostly tall & straight with stringy/ rough bark found on protected sandstone slopes. On exposed 

sites it is only a small spreading tree. Yellow flowers during summer. A hardy adaptable tree reasonably 

common in the Shire 

Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany) 

Medium spreading tree with coarse rough bark, large dark green leaves, attractive large buds, flowers & 

capsules. Uncommon, preferring low lying swampy areas by the coast eg Gwawley ck Sylvania. Fast growing 

species for coastal plantings. 

Eucalyptus saligna (Sydney Blue Gum) 

44

Large smooth barked tree with a spreading crown. Restricted to the clay/ shale plateau at East Heathcote & the 

rich soils of southern RNP. Mostly occur as hybrids with Bangalay E. botryoides. Landscaping and 

regeneration using this species should be restricted to these areas. 

Eucalyptus sieberi (Silver Top Ash) 

Variable small/ large tree depending on conditions. Features rough hard bark, red young branchlets & white 

flowers in spring. Widespread on ridge tops eg Engadine to Waterfall. Tough fast growing species. 

Eucalyptus squamosa (Scaly Bark) 

Unusual small tree with scaly bark, outstanding dark green/grey foliage & cream flowers in spring. Scattered 

but uncommon on ridges in the shire eg Kareela Golf Course, Yarrawarrah & Woronora Heights. Suitable small 

tree for exposed gardens with poor soils. 

Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum) 

Beautiful majestic large tree with a spreading crown. Trunk & branches smooth dappled cream/ brown. Prefers 

rich alluvial or shale soils eg along Woronora floodplain, Menai & Como. In the open it forms a broad shade 

specimen eg Gunnamatta Park. 

Eupomatia laurina (Native Guava, Bolwarra) 

An interesting medium shrub with handsome large glossy leaves from an ancient family of rainforest plants. 

Unusual cream flowers in December followed by fleshy tasty edible fruits. Restricted mostly forests in RNP. 

Aborigines used the strong fibre of the inner bark for fishing lines. Foliage plant for moist wet rainforest 

gardens. 

Euroschinus falcata (Ribbonwood) 

Outstanding medium sized tree with large decorative glossy light green leaves. A rainforest tree rare to the area 

with specimens at Grays Point Res, Marina Crescent Res & occasionally in RNP. Little known species not yet 

utilised in cultivation. For sheltered sites & rainforest gardens. 

Eustrephus latifolius (Wombat Berry) 

Vigorous but slender twining climber with light green shiny broad lanceolate leaves. Attractive clusters of white 

& purple flowers in spring followed by large fleshy edible orange berries make this a desirable garden species. 

Common in open forests on well drained sandstone slopes. 

Ficus coronata (Sandpaper Fig) 

Dense bushy small tree with unusual sandpaper-like leaves used by the Aborigines for that purpose. Curious 

black 2cm fruits formed on older branches are edible when ripe & attract rainforest birds. Common along creek 

banks in RNP and Kurnell but rare elsewhere. Suitable for bushtucker and rainforest gardens. 

Ficus rubiginosa (Rusty Fig) 

Vigorous spreading medium/ large tree with gnarled limbs & large leaves. Small fruits were eaten by aborigines 

& the strong inner bark used for fibre to make dilly bags, nets & fishing lines. Scattered in the area, often 

growing from rock shelves. Attractive species for parks & open spaces. 

Ficus superba var. henneana (Deciduous Fig) 

Spreading medium tree with sinuous branches, large leaves. Prominent 2.5cm spotted crimson fruit, attractive to 

rainforest pigeons. Aborigines ate the fruit & used the strong inner bark for nets, fishing lines & dilly bags. 

Rare in the shire with isolated specimens at Grays Point Res & RNP. Potential use for parks & as a specimen 

tree. 

Gahnia aspera (Sword Sedge) 

Dense small tufted sedge with sharply serrated leaves & short flower spikes producing attractive dark red seeds. 

Restricted to the shale soils of rainforests in RNP & Menai. Requires rich moist soils in sun or shade. Not 

commonly available though suitable as a water feature or understorey plant. 

Gahnia clarkei (Sword Sedge) 

Tall dense sedge with sharp finely serrated leaves & large open seed heads producing small red/ brown seeds. 

Common on poorly drained sites near rainforests, swamps & creek banks. Large hardy species suitable for 

revegetation work or edges of ponds. 

45

Gahnia erythrocarpa (Sword Sedge) 

Similar to G. clarkei, except found in open sunny sites often drying out. 

Gahnia sieberiana (Sword Sedge) 

Similar to G. clarkei except leaves are paler below, the most common species in the shire. 

Geitonoplesium cymosum (Scrambling Lily) 

Strong but slender twining climber/ scrambler with dark green lanceolate leaves & small clusters of pendulous 

white flowers in spring producing small black fruits. Common in open forests throughout the area on dry to 

moist sandstone slopes. 

Geranium homeanum (Northern Cranesbill) 

Herbaceous ground cover with slender rhizomes, delicately lobed leaves & small pale pink flowers. A modest 

plant found on moist sheltered slopes. Suitable for sheltered positions with adequate moisture, as a fill in plant 

that won’t climb over shrubs. 

Glochidion ferdinandi (Cheese Tree) 

Medium tree with a broad spreading crown of glossy light green leaves. Small flowers produce curious squat 

pumpkin or Dutch cheese shaped fruits with bright orange seeds. Common in open forests & sheltered gullies. 

Rarely used in cultivation but a magnificent hardy specimen tree, tolerating pruning if necessary. 

Glycine clandestinum (Lover’s Twine) 

Slender herbaceous twining climber/ ground cover with small trifoliate leaves & small purple ‘pea’ flowers most 

of the year. Common component of the ground cover vegetation in sheltered gullies on clay or sandstone. 

Suitable among shrubs in most situations. 

Gmelina leichhardtii (White Beech) 

Highly ornamental tree with a spreading crown, pale trunk & light green leaves. Bell shaped flowers in spring 

followed by blue fruits eaten by birds. Rare in rainforests in RNP eg. along Lady Carrington Drive. Requires 

moist soil but tolerates full sun from young forming a broad dense canopy. 

Gompholobium grandiflorum (Wedge Pea) 

Small shrub with trifoliate leaves. Large yellow pea flowers in spring. Reasonably common as an understorey 

shrub throughout the shire on dry sandstone slopes. Colourful species for semi shade. 

Gompholobium latifolium (Large-leaf Wedge Pea) 

Very similar to G. grandiflorum except slightly broader leaves. 

Gonocarpus teucrioides (Germander Raspwort) 

Neat compact small rounded shrub with tiny raspy leaves often tinged red. One of the most common plants in 

the shire in sheltered open forests. In cultivation it is more attractive than in the bush, suitable for a wide range 

of situations as a border or fill in foliage plant. 

Goodenia hederacea (Ivy-leaf Goodenia) 

Low growing herbaceous ground cover spreading by slender stolons. Leaves are variable creating a sparse 

cover with yellow flowers in spring/ summer. Common on sandstone & clay in filtered light. Suitable attractive 

fill in species that is not too vigorous. 

Grevillea buxifolia (Grey Spider-flower) 

Dense dome shaped shrub with small oblong leaves & beautiful woolly grey “spider” flowers in spring & 

summer. Common well known shrub on well drained sites eg. Jannali Reserve. Hardy plant for mixed shrub 

plantings. 

Grevillea diffusa (Red Spider-flower) 

Variable small shrub with lanceolate leaves & pendulous deep red ‘spider’ flowers in winter/spring. Attractive 

species common on sandstone slopes, tolerating some shade. 

Grevillea linearifolia (Narrow-leaf Grevillea) 

Variable shrub with long narrow leaves & white/ pink “spider” flowers in spring. Uncommon in the shire on 

well drained sandstone slopes eg. Heathcote NP. Graceful shrub for mixed shrub plantings. 

46

Grevillea longifolia (Long-leaf Grevillea) 

Very broad spreading robust shrub with 150mm long leaves with coarsely serrated margins & silvery 

undersurface. Abundant deep red “tooth brush” flowers through spring & summer. Nationally rare (2RC-) 

occurring in the Shire along creek banks in the Woronora River, Mill & Heathcote Creeks. Hardy species for 

wet sites. 

Grevillea mucronulata (Green Grevillea) 

Small rounded shrub with spoon shaped leaves & unusual green “spider” flowers obscured among the foliage. 

Common feature of well drained sandstone slopes. Suitable for mixed shrub plantings. 

Grevillea oleoides (Red Spider-flower) 

Attractive open shrub with large dark green leaves & contrasting silver reverse. Large delicate pendant red 

“spider” flowers are eye catching through winter & spring. Common to the Shire in heath and sandstone slopes. 

Tolerates periods of poor drainage & some shade. 

Grevillea sericea (Pink Spider-flower) 

Slender foliage & an open habit with pink flowers from winter through spring. The most common Grevillea in 

the area on sandstone slopes. Requires good drainage. 

Grevillea sphacelata (Grey Spider-flower) 

Rounded small shrub with narrow dark green leaves & terminal small grey ‘spider’ flowers in spring. Similar to 

G. buxifolia but smaller in all aspects. Common on well drained sandstone slopes eg. Jannali Reserve. 

Guioa semiglauca (Guioa) 

Medium shrub/ small tree featuring decorative large dark green leaves with a pale undersurface. Restricted to 

littoral & temperate rainforests eg. Lilli Pilli Point, Darook Park & Towra Point. Suitable for protected coastal 

plantings & rainforest gardens. 

Haemodorum planifolium (Bloodroot) 

Loose tufted herbaceous plant with long sprawling flattened leaves & tall branched stem bearing unusual black 

flowers in spring. Common on dry sandstone slopes eg. Jannali Reserve, inconspicuous unless flowering. 

Aborigines ate the roasted swollen roots. Curious slow growing species for mixed plantings. 

Hakea dactyloides (Broad-leaf Hakea) 

Small to medium shrub with various forms. The most common of the 2 flat leaf Hakeas in the shire. White 

Grevillea-like flowers cover the stems in spring & smooth woody fruits persist through out the year. Common 

large understorey plant on sandstone slopes. Useful screening plant that would usually be more appropriate than 

the more commonly planted H. salicifolia. 

Hakea gibbosa (Needlebush) 

Dense prickly shrub with hairy terete leaves & cream “Grevillea” like flowers in spring followed by large 3cm 

woody fruits. Birds are attracted to the nectar & the nesting habitat provided. Common to exposed sandstone 

ridges & slopes with good drainage. 

Hakea propinqua (Needlebush) 

Very prickly medium shrub with needle like leaves & cream flowers followed by enormous 3.5cm woody fruits. 

Moderately common on exposed sandstone ridges especially around Heathcote/ Engadine. Excellent bird 

attracting plant for nectar feeders as well as shelter for small birds. 

Hakea salicifolia (Willow-leaf Hakea) 

Medium dense shrub, the least common of the 2 local species with flat leaves. Mostly confined to a few moist 

gullies eg. Woronora River. Over used in cultivation seen as a panacea for every situation. Hardy with white 

spring flowers followed by warty persistent fruits. 

Hakea sericea (Bushy Needlebush) 

Dense prickly shrub with needle-like leaves. Masses of white Grevillea-like flowers from late winter through 

spring followed by curious large woody fruits. Very common on well drained sandy slopes & ridges. Fast 

growing, useful for encouraging birds to the garden. 

47

Hakea teretifolia (Daggerbush) 

Broad stiffly branched shrub forming impenetrable thickets of sharp needle-like foliage. White flowers among 

the leaves in summer & autumn & unusual slender woody fruits persistent along the stems. Excellent shrub for 

attracting & protecting small birds. Requires plenty of space. 

Hardenbergia violacea (False Sarsaparilla) 

Slender fast growing climber/ ground cover with oblong dark green leaves & prominent venation. Deep purple 

‘pea’ flowers in spring followed by decorative smooth black pods. Very common in open forests on sandstone 

slopes. Popular colourful landscape plant with several cultivars available. 

Helichrysum elatum (White Everlasting Daisy) 

Tall narrow herbaceous shrub with broad lanceolate leaves covered in woolly hairs & white terminal daisy 

flower heads in early spring. Confined mostly to rich shale soils in sunny clearings in the southern end of RNP. 

Easily grown species. 

Hibbertia bracteata (Guinea Flower) 

Medium open shrub with attractive glossy light green lanceolate leaves & large single yellow flowers winter to 

summer. Occasional in moist shaded sandstone valleys. Uncommon in cultivation but an ornamental species 

suitable to urban gardens. 

Hibbertia dentata ( Guinea Flower) 

Slender twining climber with broad ovate glossy toothed leaves, red new growth & large 3-4cm dia single 

yellow flowers in spring/ summer. Common in shaded moist gullies. Foliage is sparse, suitable for climbing 

among shrubs. 

Hibbertia empetrifolia (Trailing Guinea Flower) 

Low trailing shrub with slender branches & small oblong leaves slightly hairy & bright yellow flowers scattered 

among the foliage in spring/ summer. Restricted to clay/ shale soils eg Menai Park. Attractive species for heavy 

soils. 

Hibbertia linearis (Showy Guinea Flower) 

Variable small species with linear to lanceolate leaves & masses of yellow single flowers through winter & 

spring. Common in coastal heath & open forests on sandy moist soils. 

Hibbertia monogyna (Guinea Flower) 

Upright small shrub with glossy leaves notched at the apex. Abundant single yellow flowers in winter/ spring. 

Moderately common throughout the shire in sheltered well drained gullies. Suitable for winter colour in moist 

sandy soils in dappled light. 

Hibbertia nitida (Shiny Guinea Flower) 

Attractive small upright shrub with glossy leaves and abundant flowers during spring. Nationally rare (2RC-), 

though scattered in open forest in the Shire, eg Coonong Creek; Prince Edward Park and the Woronora Valley. 

Suitable for semi-shade positions in well drained soils. 

Hibbertia obtusifolia (Grey Guinea Flower) 

Variable shrub from prostrate to erect with small spoon shaped leaves & abundant yellow flowers from winter to 

early summer. Scattered on moist heath in coastal RNP. Commonly cultivated, suitable for most soils in full 

sun / semi-shade. 

Hibbertia riparia (Erect Guinea Flower) 

Small pretty upright shrub with soft green slender foliage. Large lemon yellow flowers with 5 petals for an 

extended period from winter to summer. Common in heath & open forest on sandy moist soil. Useful in mixed 

plantings to add winter colour. 

Hibbertia scandens (Snake Vine) 

Vigorous ground cover/ climber with thick large light green elliptical leaves & large 6-8 cm dia golden yellow 

flowers. Common on the coast in deep sand or in open forests. Hardy plant creating a colourful screen or dense 

ground cover in full sun with adequate water. 

Hibbertia serpyllifolia (Guinea Flower) 

48

Dense compact prostrate woody shrub/ ground cover with small shiny oval leaves & masses of yellow flowers in 

spring. Uncommon species found on the moist, low nutrient soils of the coastal heaths, south of Bundeena RNP. 

Potentially an ornamental species for massed planting creating ground cover or as a border shrub. 

Histiopteris incisa (Bat’s Wing Fern) 

Tall slender creeping fern with large soft pale green fronds. Moderately common forming small colonies in 

sheltered sandstone gullies & wet cliff crevices. Reported to be easily established in cool shady moist sites. 

Hovea linearis (Hovea) 

Sprawling open shrub with long narrow dark green leaves & deep purple ‘pea’ flowers in spring followed by 

swollen air filled pods. Occasional understorey shrub in open forests on well drained sandy soils eg. Loftus 

Crown Reserves. 

Hydrocotyle pedunculata (Pennywort) 

Ground cover spreading by rhizomes with lobed rounded softly hairy leaves & tiny inconspicuous flowers. 

Common in sheltered moist areas forming dense cover. Suitable for heavy shade. 

Hydrocotyle tripartita (Pennywort) 

Creeping dense ground cover with tiny glossy trifoliate leaves & insignificant flowers. Rare in the area only 

recorded on the rich soils of the southern rainforests in RNP, usually in sunny clearings or forming part of the 

turf in picnic areas. Suitable as a lawn alternative in moist soils. 

Hypolepis muellerii (Harsh Ground Fern) 

Creeping fern with light green lacy divided fronds, spread by vigorous rhizomes forming dense colonies. 

Common in sheltered gullies usually along creek banks eg. Coonong Creek. An attractive species for large 

moist areas with full sun to filtered shade. 

Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass) 

Broad leafy grass spreading by long rhizomes. Attractive silky white flower spikes sporadically or in masses 

after fire or mowing. Common in open sunny sites on clay & sandstone usually growing in large colonies. 

Aborigines chewed the starchy rhizomes. Suitable for median strips or large difficult sites. It can be mown to 

rejuvenate & stimulate flowering. 

Ipomea brasilliensis (Goatsfoot Convolvulus) 

Robust long creeping ground cover with strong stolons & rhizomes, sparse round leathery leaves 50-80mm dia 

& large pink trumpet shaped flowers in summer. Rare in the shire only recorded at Jibbon Beach sand dunes. 

Aborigines chewed the roots. Useful for beach restoration work in the area. 

Indigofera australis (Native Indigo) 

Erect delicate shrub with soft compound leaves & long racemes of pink pea flowers during spring. Common on 

rainforest margins & shady gullies eg Bundeena Reserve; Lady Carrington Drive RNP. Suitable for sites 

protected from strong winds. Tolerates some shade preferring richer soils. 

Isolepis inundata (Swamp Club Rush) 

Small bright green tufted sedge with dainty seed heads. It is common in many damp places tolerating full sun or 

dappled light. Suitable for small damp areas. 

Isolepis nodosus (Knobby Club Rush) 

Erect clumping sedge with narrow cylindrical leaves & ball like seed heads most of the year. Very common in 

damp places along exposed coastal headlands. Easily cultivated in moist soils suitable for margins of ponds and 

poorly drained sites near the coast. 

Isopogon anemonifolius (Drumsticks) 

Charming dense small shrub with leathery much divided leaves & unusual terminal heads of pale yellow flowers 

mostly in spring produce unusual persistent globular cones. Very common on dry sandstone slopes. Slow 

growing long lived shrub attractive throughout the year. 

Isopogon anethifolius (Drumsticks) 

49

Beautiful compact small shrub with light green leaves divided into terete segments. Unusual terminal yellow 

flower heads spring & summer are followed by persistent globular cones. Not as common as I. anemonifolius, 

occurring in similar habitats. 

Juncus continuus (Rush) 

Dense upright tufted sedge with pithy narrow cylindrical leaves & hanging seed heads most of the year. 

Common in sunny poorly drained sites. Easily cultivated for use around ponds and watercourse restoration. 

Juncus krausii (Sea Rush) 

Tall leafy rush with dense seed heads in summer found in saltmarshes & brackish estuaries eg. Towra Point. 

Useful for restoration work in these areas providing wading birds with protection. 

Juncus planifolius (Broad Rush) 

Low grass like tufted sedge with shiny leaves & open flower heads on tall stems. Common throughout the area 

freely colonising damp sunny ground. Suitable for watercourse restoration & pond margins. 

Juncus usitatus (Common Rush) 

Dense tufted sedge with slender cylindrical pithy leaves & hanging seed heads most of the year. Common on 

sunny damp places. Attractive species for watercourse restoration, ponds & constructed wetlands providing 

habitat for frogs and birds. 

Kennedia prostrata (Running Postman) 

Long creeping ground cover/ twining climber, with trifoliate leaves & bright red ‘pea’ flowers in spring. Less 

common & not as vigorous as K. rubicunda. Popular cultivated species for sunny locations as a climber or 

groundcover on sandy soils. 

Kennedia rubicunda (Dusky Coral Pea) 

Rampant climber/ ground cover with long twining stems, trifoliate leaves with broad elliptical leaflets. Large 

dull red ‘pea’ flowers in spring followed by long straight hairy seed pods. Common throughout the Shire on 

clay & sandstone. Suitable for bushland restoration work rather than domestic gardens. 

Kunzea ambigua (Tick Bush) 

Spreading large shrub with papery bark & small crowded leaves. White fluffy flowers along the stems of new 

growth in summer. Very common shrub on moist heath & dry exposed sandstone ridges. Hardy for low 

maintenance plantings. 

Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea) 

Compact rounded shrub with crowded small leaves. In spring a brilliant show of pink globular flower heads 

cover the bush. Common on heath & scrub in RNP eg Curra Moors. Worthy of much more frequent use in 

moist sunny sites. Prune regularly to maintain a dense habit and abundant flowers. 

Lambertia formosa (Mountain Devil) 

Rigid dense shrub with dark green foliage. Unusual red/ white flowers sporadically through the year attract 

birds. The “Mountain Devil” fruits are seldom formed in Sydney. Common on dry sandstone slopes. Long 

lived & slow growing. 

Lasiopetalum ferrugineum (Rusty Petals) 

Small variable shrub with oblong to lanceolate leaves covered below with a felty layer of rusty hairs. Unusual 

pendulous cream felty flowers in spring. Common in the Shire on sheltered sandstone slopes. Potentially a 

useful small plant for sandy soils in full sun to dappled shade. 

Lasiopetalum rufum (Rusty Petals) 

Small compact shrub with long narrow oblong leaves dark green above & felty below. Clusters of pendulous 

pale red flowers adorn the plant in spring. It is common on exposed ridges & sandstone slopes in the Engadine 

& Yarrawarrah area. Very ornamental species for poor sandy soils. 

Leptospermum arachnoides (Spidery Tea-tree) 

Low prostrate stiffly branched shrub with small prickly leaves & white 5 petalled flowers in summer followed 

by woody capsules. Very common on wet heath & sandstone slopes eg Jannali Reserve. Very hardy plant for 

sunny sites with poor drainage. 

50

Leptospermum continentale (Prickly Tea-tree) 

Open shrub with prickly foliage, white flowers spring to summer & cup shaped capsules persisting throughout 

the year. Uncommon in the Shire on moist sunny heath/ woodland eg Buttenshaw Hts RNP. Offers good 

protection for small birds. 

Leptospermum grandifolium (Woolly Tea-tree) 

Rounded shrub with attractive elliptical grey/ green leaves, white flowers with woolly sepals. Unusual densely 

hairy capsules. Common in creek beds across the Shire. Overlooked by the horticulture industry, a useful plant 

for moist sunny positions. Can be pruned heavily to maintain vigour. 

Leptospermum juniperinum (Tea-tree) 

Narrow upright shrub with small dense foliage but not prickly. White flowers cover the bush in spring & 

summer. Moderately common in wet sunny areas eg. Australia Rd Reserve Lucas Hts. A good dense screen for 

narrow spaces that can be pruned regularly to maintain its dense habit. 

Leptospermum laevigatum (Coastal Tea-tree) 

Twisted trunks & small ovate leaves create a dense thicket. White flowers in winter/ spring followed by dainty 

capsules. Limited to the coastal sands & exposed headlands eg Kurnell & RNP beaches. Not suitable for use 

away from the coast where it becomes large & awkward. 

Leptospermum parvifolia (Small-leaf Tea-tree) 

Small open shrub with tiny blunt leaves & white 5 petalled flowers in spring. Rare to the Shire only recorded on 

exposed ridges in Engadine. Easily grown hardy fill in plant for sunny poorly drained soils. 

Leptospermum polygalifolia (Lemon-scented Tea-tree) 

Medium to large shrub with long graceful branches of soft light green lemon scented flowers during spring. 

Cup shaped woody capsules persist through the year. One of the most common tea trees in the Shire on wet 

sunny sites. Fast growing & hardy plant that will re-sprout after heavy pruning. 

Leptospermum squarrosum (Pink Tea-tree) 

Small compact shrub with angular branching & prickly foliage. Large pink/ white flowers in autumn followed 

by persisting smooth cup shaped capsules. Common in damp heath & clay soils flowering best in open sunny 

positions. Hardy attractive species for mixed plantings. 

Leptospermum trinervium (Paperbark Tea-tree) 

Tall shrub with papery bark & small elliptical leaves. White flowers during winter & spring, capsules not 

persisting. Very common on dry to moist sandstone slopes. Hardy, tolerating drier sites than other 

Leptospermum spp. 

Livistona australis (Cabbage Palm) 

Tall attractive palm with giant fan shaped fronds on a slender trunk. Growing in groves in sheltered moist 

gullies often near the coast eg. Bundeena & Garie Beach. Aborigines ate the flesh from the trunk apex (which 

kills the tree), & utilised the fine fibrous leaves to manufacture fishing lines, nets & rope. Useful as an accent 

plant, though the leaf stalks have sharp spines. 

Lobelia alata (Coastal Lobelia) 

Sprawling low herb with sparse linear foliage & dainty 3 petalled lilac flowers in spring/ summer. Confined to 

damp rock crevices in coastal cliffs & rainforest watercourses. 

Lobelia dentata (Native Lobelia) 

Erect small herbaceous shrub with variable lanceolate leaves & bright blue dainty flowers on delicate stems in 

winter through to summer, especially after fire. Scattered on dry sandy soils in dappled light eg. Fahy Creek 

Gully, Loftus. Attractive species mostly overlooked by the horticultural industry. 

Lobelia gracilis (Native Lobelia) 

Very similar to L. dentata though more common & petals are broader. 

Logania albiflora (Logania) 

51

Small to medium shrub with glossy mid green lanceolate leaves. Outstanding sprays of white sweetly perfumed 

flowers in spring. Widely distributed but not common, in sheltered shady sandstone slopes eg. Woronora 

Valley. Ornamental species for well drained sites. Maybe difficult to establish. 

Lomandra fluviatilis (River Lomandra) 

Dense tufted grass like plant with dark green flat narrow leaves. Flowers are inconspicuous. Nationally rare 

(3RC- ) occurring between rocks in creek beds eg. upper Woronora River, Flat Rock Creek & South-west Arm 

Creek RNP. Has not been utilised in cultivation but potentially a very ornamental hardy species for sun or shade 

in moist soils. 

Lomandra longifolia (Spiny Mat-rush) 

Forms large tussocks with coarse strap leaves & spiky flower heads in spring & summer. Very common in 

most plant communities. Aborigines ground the seeds for flour & utilised the foliage for strong fibre. Used 

extensively for median strip & low maintenance plantings in the most difficult situations. 

Lomandra multiflora (Lomandra) 

Small tufted herbaceous plant with stiff leathery strap leaves & very attractive cream/ yellow flowers in spring. 

Common on sandstone & clay eg. Hall Drive Reserve, Menai where it is common. Hardy species not readily 

available but worthy of cultivation in small gardens. 

Lomatia myricoides (River Lomatia) 

Large open shrub with long lanceolate leaves sparsely toothed. Cream Grevillea-like flowers in summer 

followed by black woody boat shaped fruits filled with papery yellow seeds. Common along creek banks in 

deep gullies eg. upper Woronora River & tributaries of the upper Hacking River. Prefers ample moisture but 

tolerates drier conditions where it will grow smaller. 

Lomatia silaifolia (Wild Parsley) 

Small compact stiffly branched shrub with deeply divided leathery foliage. Creamy ‘Grevillea’ like flowers are 

arranged in tall spikes during summer especially after fire. Curious boat shaped woody capsules contain seeds 

with papery wings. Common on sandy soils on ridges & sheltered slopes. Unusual plant requiring low nutrient 

soils. 

Macrozamia communis (Burrawang) 

Impressive species from the ancient cycad group of plants with long palm like leaves radiating from an 

underground trunk. Large pineapple like cones produce curious orange seeds on the female plants which can be 

poisonous if eaten. Aborigines ate the starchy trunk & processed the seeds before eating them. Slow growing 

but long lived hardy plant for well drained sandy soil & filtered light. 

Marsdenia rostrata (Common Milk-vine) 

Robust twining climber with soft dull green broad elliptical leaves & clusters of small yellow/ cream flowers 

producing papery fruits containing hairy seeds. Rainforest species eg Darook Park & RNP. Requires rich moist 

soil & a sheltered semi-shaded position. Will provide a dense cover for a lattice or mesh screen. 

Marsdenia suaveolens (Sweet Scented Doubah) 

Slender slow growing small climber with dark green leathery leaves & sweetly scented small white flowers in 

summer. Scattered in sheltered gullies. Suitable small plant for mixing with shrubs. 

Melaleuca armillaris (Bracelet Honey-myrtle) 

Rounded dense shrub/ small tree with fine foliage & cream flowers in spring. Common & suitable right on the 

coast eg. Kurnell. It has been inappropriately planted away from the coast where it becomes large & prone to 

blowing over. 

Melaleuca deanei (Deane’s Honey-myrtle) 

Dense small shrub with papery bark & elliptical leaves. Cream/ yellow terminal bottle brush like flowers in 

spring. Nationally rare (3RC-) and listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act. Restricted to a few populations in 

heath & moist exposed sandstone ridges in RNP, Heathcote NP, Menai & Lucas Hts. Seed is often not viable 

but once propagated is an easily grown plant for sunny wet sites. 

Melaleuca decora (White Feather Honey-myrtle) 

52

Large shrub to a medium tree with a attractive dense crown of narrow leaves and a papery bark trunk. White 

feathery flowers are conspicuous in summer attracting insects and birds. Rare to the Shire only recorded in 

Menai Park and Barden’s Ridge on clay, poorly drained soils. More common to the west of the Shire on the 

Cumberland Plain. Very similar to the more common M. lineariifolia. Hardy long lived species for clay and 

poorly drained sites. 

Melaleuca ericifolia (Swamp Paperbark) 

Upright tall shrub with fine foliage similar to M. armillaris. Attractive cream bottle brush like flower spikes in 

spring. Occurs in sandy coastal swamps around Botany Bay eg. Captain Cook Drive Kurnell and Georges River 

near Alfords Pt. More suitable for cultivation than M. armillaris. 

Melaleuca nodosa (Ball Honey-myrtle) 

Small rounded compact shrub with terete spiky leaves. Masses of dense terminal yellow flowers are eye 

catching in spring. Common on the coast & headlands in heath & shallow poorly drained soils eg. Burraneer Pt, 

Darook Park & RNP. Very attractive shrub for coastal plantings with adequate water. 

Melaleuca lineariifolia (Snow in Summer) 

Graceful small/ medium tree with papery bark, narrow leaves & a profusion of fluffy white flowers in Summer. 

Widespread on swamp margins or estuarine communities behind Casuarina glauca eg The Glen Res Bonnet 

Bay. Hardy ornamental tree as a specimen or screen preferring moist soils. 

Melaleuca quinqenervia (Broad-leaf Paperbark) 

Upright tree with a narrow canopy & broad stiff leaves. Large cream ‘bottlebrush’ like flowers create a 

spectacular display in autumn. Aborigines used sheets of bark as a sling for carrying a baby, supporting a 

broken limb or as a disposable raincoat. Commonly grown but naturally restricted to swampy areas near the 

coast eg. Kurnell. Durable tree hardy even in dry conditions. 

Melaleuca squamea (Swamp Honey-myrtle) 

Very attractive compact shrub with crowded leaves & small terminal pink flower heads during spring. 

Moderately common in wet sunny heath & creek banks in the local National Parks. Hardy plant for wet sunny 

sites. Regular pruning will help maintain a dense habit. 

Melaleuca squarrosa (Scented Paperbark) 

Upright medium shrub with neatly arranged opposite leaves & small yellow sweetly scented bottle brush like 

flowers in spring. Moderately common forming thickets along slow moving sunny creeks in RNP. Under 

utilised long lived shrub for wet sunny locations. Regular tip pruning will ensure a dense habit and abundant 

flowers. 

Melaleuca styphelioides (Prickly Tea-tree) 

Small symmetrical, upright paperbark tree with prickly foliage and white ‘bottlebrush’ flowers in summer. A 

handsome species growing in protected moist gullies eg. Woronora Valley. Aborigines used sheets of bark as a 

sling for carrying a baby, supporting a broken limb or as a disposable raincoat. Worthy of much wider use as a 

screen or specimen tree. 

Melaleuca thymifolia (Thyme Honey-myrtle) 

Low shrub with corky bark and dense foliage with narrow aromatic leaves. Feathery purple flowers in spring. 

Scattered on, moist soils, heath & swamp margins on sandstone & clay eg. Menai. Has been cultivated for many 

years as a hardy plant for moist soils in full sun. 

Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Meadow-grass) 

Tufted grass with attractive weeping seed heads. Very common in sheltered sites often forming a dense sward. 

Easily spread by seeds & can be mown to create a hardy lawn in sun or dappled light, preferring ample moisture. 

Mirbelia rubiifolia (Mirbelia) 

Sprawling low understorey plant with oblong dark green leaves & prominent veins. Deep purple ‘pea’ flowers 

in spring/ summer add colour to the ground cover herbage. Common on heath in sunny moist soils. 

Mirbelia speciosa (Mirbelia) 

53

Upright small shrub with narrow oblong leaves grouped in 3’s along slender stems. Eye catching bright purple 

‘pea’ flowers in spring. Rare to the shire only recorded in a few locations on exposed sandstone ridges eg. 

Ulloola Falls track, RNP. Likely to be a hardy plant for poor moist sandy soils. 

Morinda jasminoides (Jasmine Morinda) 

Attractive slender twining climber/ scrambler with glossy lanceolate leaves & small cream flowers which 

produce decorative orange round fruits once eaten by aborigines. Occasional through the Shire in moist 

sheltered gullies eg. Thompson’s Bay Reserve, Illawong. Suitable dense screen for moist rich soils in full sun or 

dappled light. 

Myoporum acuminatum (Mangrove Boobialla) 

Medium to large shrub with large lanceolate leaves. Small white flowers in spring/ summer followed by edible 

pink/ blue fleshy fruits. Occasionally found around sandy coastal & estuarine communities eg. Grays Point 

Reserve & Kurnell. Suitable for protected coastal plantings. 

Olearia microphylla (Small-leaf Daisy Bush) 

Rounded shrub with scented tiny dark green foliage & a profusion of white daisy flowers in spring. Moderately 

common on sandstone slopes & clay plateaus eg. Hall Drive Reserve Menai. Hardy ornamental shrub for a 

range of soils in sunny locations. 

Olearia tomentosa (Hairy Olearia) 

Dense rounded shrub with ovate hairy leaves & white daisy flowers covering the bush in spring/ summer. 

Recorded on sea cliffs in RNP & the Woronora Valley, Woronora. Hardy shrub for a variety of situations. 

Omalanthus populifolius (Bleeding Heart) 

Large shrub/ small tree with unexpectedly large heart shaped leaves, occasionally red. Common on disturbed 

sites as a pioneer plant. Unusual fast growing plant for contrasting foliage. 

Oplismenus aemulus (Basket Grass) 

Normally a weak spreading grass, but with high soil nutrient & moisture levels, can become a dense ground 

cover with soft broad leafy foliage. Can be mown or used in heavy traffic areas in sun or shade. 

Ozothamnus diosmifolium (Everlasting Paper Daisy) 

Upright shrub with narrow crowded leaves & large compact heads of stunning white flowers in summer. 

Common on sandstone slopes & clay plateaus eg. Menai. Brilliantly attractive shrub for mixed shrub plantings 

or cut flowers. Rarely utilised in cultivation. 

Pandorea pandorana (Wonga Vine) 

Vigorous twining climber with glossy compound leaves & showy masses of cream flowers in spring. Common 

in sheltered gullies & rainforests. Adaptable climber for moist rich soils in sun or dappled light. Grows quickly 

to provide a dense screen over a pergola or fence. Several cultivars are available with golden or pure white 

flowers. 

Parsonsia straminea (Monkey Rope) 

Vigorous twining climber with large broad lanceolate leaves creating dense leafy foliage. Small cream flowers 

produce fascinating long 150-200mm cylindrical pods in spring/ summer containing masses of fluffy seeds. 

Common in rainforests & sheltered coastal gullies eg. Bundeena Reserve & upper Hacking River RNP. Rarely 

seen in cultivation but potentially a very attractive species for a wide range of conditions even sheltered coastal. 

Paspalum distichum (Water Couch) 

A low mat forming grass common along slow moving water courses and fresh water pond margins eg. 

Honeysuckle creek, Como & Engadine wetland. Useful for detention ponds & wetland restoration, quickly 

covering & protecting wet areas frequently inundated. Available through specialist nurseries. 

Passiflora herbertiana (Native Passionfruit) 

Rampant slender climber with tendrils & softly hairy dull green leaves with 3 lobes. Large cream to pink 

flowers produce edible fruits similar to the cultivated species. Restricted to the moist rainforests of southern 

RNP where it is common. Suitable for covering pergolas or lattice screens requiring adequate moisture & fertile 

mulched soils. 

54

Patersonia glabrata (Smooth Purple Flag) 

Spreading tufted herbaceous plant with flat rigid leaves & outstanding large pale purple flowers with 3 petals on 

stout stems in spring/ summer. Grows in exposed sandy heath & open forests. Beautiful species suitable for 

sunny moist sites but not commonly available. 

Patersonia sericea (Silky Purple Flag) 

Similar to P. glabrata except deeper coloured flowers, slightly shorter leaves & more upright habit. 

Pelargonium australe (Coast Geranium) 

Trailing herb with large hairy lobed leaves & stems with small terminal clusters of pink flowers in summer. 

Scattered on the coast on deep sandy hind dunes eg. Kurnell. Best for beach-side gardens or sand dune 

rehabilitation. 

Pelargonium inodorum (Wild Geranium) 

Delicate spreading or tufted small herb with rounded leaves with serrated margins. Modest pink flowers in 

spring. Uncommon in the Shire on sheltered sandy slopes or clay soils eg Prince Edward Pk, Woronora. Pretty 

low plant for dappled shade. 

Pellaea falcata (Sickle Fern) 

Creeping fern with dark shiny green fishbone like fronds spreading by slender rhizomes. Common on sheltered 

sandstone slopes & rainforests tolerating periods of dryness. Desirable species forming slow spreading non 

invasive colonies. 

Persicaria decipiens (Slender Knot Weed) 

Spreading low herb with large dull green lanceolate leaves with purple markings. Small pink flower spikes 

mostly in summer. Aborigines used the crushed leaves as a fish poison. Found in slow moving creeks & 

drainage ditches tolerating high nutrients & pollution. Useful for shallow ponds & watercourse restoration. 

Persicaria lapathifolia (Pale Knot Weed) 

Similar to P. decipiens but larger. 

Persoonia pinifolia (Pine-leaf Geebung) 

Dense medium shrub with graceful arching branches & soft bright green pine like foliage. Bears sprays of 

yellow terminal flowers in summer followed by attractive succulent fruits eaten by aborigines. A prized hardy 

plant, the only Geebung readily available due to difficulty in propagation. 

Petrophile pulchella (Cone Stick) 

Erect narrow shrub with delicately divided leaves. Showy cream flowers followed by persistent woody cones. 

Very common throughout the shire. Hardy for well drained, poor rocky soils. Can be pruned to keep dense. 

Petrophile sessilis (Cone Stick) 

Unusual upright rigidly branched shrub with stiff divided prickly leaves. Creamy yellow terminal flowers 

followed by persistent woody cones. Common on well drained sandy or rocky soils. Suitable for mixed 

plantings on difficult soils. 

Phebalium dentatum (Phebalium) 

Dense medium shrub with long slender leaves & abundant yellow flowers in spring. Scattered in sheltered 

sandstone valleys eg. Heathcote Creek & upper Woronora Valley. Outstanding plant for semi-shade though not 

commonly available. 

Phebalium squamulosum (Phebalium) 

Variable shrub with oblong leaves covered below in silvery brown scales & pale yellow clustered flowers in 

spring. Common on heath & drier sandy forests especially in RNP. Hardy showy species tolerating a wide 

range of conditions in cultivation. 

Phragmites australis (Common Reed) 

Tall leafy aquatic grass with cane like stems & loose fluffy flower heads in summer. Spreading by thick 

rhizomes forming dense stands in slow moving creeks or brackish water eg. Oyster Creek, Jannali. The new 

shoots & rhizomes were eaten by aborigines. Vigorous species browning off in winter suitable for creek & 

wetland restoration. 

55

Phylidrum lanuginosum (Frog’s Mouth) 

Upright tufted herb with spongy strap leaves & quaint yellow flowers along erect stems in summer. Common 

on the margins of freshwater ponds & wetlands tolerating periods of dryness & partial submersion. Non 

vigorous species for restoration work. 

Phyllanthus hirtellus (Thyme Spurge) 

Open low shrub with tiny glossy leaves & inconspicuous flowers. A very common component of ground cover 

vegetation in open forests. Suitable fill in plant for most sites. 

Phyllota phylicoides (Bush Pea) 

Small shrub with ascending branches & dense compact linear leaves. Terminal heads of yellow ‘pea’ flowers in 

spring/ summer. Common in heath & open forests on sandstone slopes & exposed ridges. Rarely cultivated 

though potentially a hardy species for a wide range of conditions. 

Pimelia linifolia (Rice Flower) 

Open elegant small shrub with evenly spaced narrow leaves & very attractive white rounded flower heads 

mostly winter/ spring. Aborigines used the remarkably strong bark for string. Very common understorey plant 

in the area on sheltered sandstone slopes. Difficult to propagate but occasionally available. 

Pittosporum revolutum (Hairy Pittosporum) 

Neat rounded shrub with large lanceolate leaves. New growth & leaf undersurface covered in soft rusty hairs. 

Large yellow trumpet shaped flowers in spring are followed by curious warty orange fruits with sticky red seeds. 

Widespread on sheltered moist slopes eg. Burraneer Park. Hardy ornamental that doesn’t become a weed like P. 

undulatum. 

Planchonella australis (Black Plum) 

Medium size tree, smaller in cultivation, with glossy dark green foliage. Large fleshy golf ball size fruits are 

edible and ripen in January to an attractive glossy black. An uncommon rainforest plant found along the upper 

Hacking River in RNP. Very hardy tree for moist sheltered situations in bush tucker and rainforest landscapes. 

Platycerium bifurcatum (Elkhorn Fern) 

Large epiphytic or lithophytic fern with enormous divided fronds forming a nest like arrangement. Only found 

in the Shire in rainforests in RNP. Very common in cultivation suitable for rainforest gardens or shaded areas 

with high humidity. Should be attached to timber boards or rainforest trees rather than Eucalypts that shed their 

bark. 

Platylobium formosum (Handsome Flat Pea) 

Open shrub with dark green heart shaped leaves distinctly veined. Scattered yellow ‘pea’ flowers in spring. 

Common understorey plant on well drained sandy soils. Attractive even when not in flower. 

Podocarpus spinulosus (Plum Pine) 

Unusual ground cover species from the ancient conifer group of plants. Dark green long glossy leaves with 

separate male & female plants & black succulent edible fruits. Uncommon in sheltered sandstone gullies 

forming a loose network of foliage among other ground cover vegetation. 

Polymeria calycina (Swamp Bind Weed) 

Slender climber or ground cover with broad arrow shaped leaves & pink bell shaped flowers from spring 

through to the end of summer. Uncommon in the Shire on moist shale sites eg. Hall Drive Reserve, Menai. 

Attractive species for rich moist soils. 

Polyscias sambucifolia (Elderberry Panax) 

Erect shrub with large soft compound leaves usually contrasting with surrounding foliage. Small green terminal 

flowers produce blue succulent fruits attractive to birds. An unusual plant common on sandstone slopes. 

Polyscias elegans (Celerywood) 

Small tree with a broad spreading crown of huge compound leaves. Unusual rainforest tree is rare in the Shire. 

A few remnant specimens grow at Lilli Pilli Point and in RNP. Fast growing species with small purple flowers 

followed by black fruits attractive to rainforest birds. Suitable for rainforest gardens & revegetation. 

56

Polystichum australiense (Shield Fern) 

Tufted coarse fern with short rhizomes & very divided leathery fronds. Common in sheltered gullies & 

rainforests mostly in RNP. Readily cultivated in most shady moist soils. 

Pomaderris andromedifolia (Pomaderris) 

Small dense woody shrub with dark green elliptical leaves. Striking terminal clusters of bright yellows in 

spring. Scattered in the Shire on sandstone & clay soils eg. Woronora Valley & Menai. Hardy long lived shrub 

deserving more widespread use. 

Pomaderris discolor (Pomaderris) 

Medium erect shrub with large lanceolate leaves, pale and hairy below. Creamy flowers in spring. Moderately 

common in sheltered valleys throughout the Shire. Useful shrub for semi-shaded positions. 

Pomaderris ferruginea (Rusty Pomaderris) 

Medium dense woody shrub with large dark green lanceolate leaves softly hairy below. Compact terminal heads 

of creamy flowers in spring. Scattered through the Shire in moist sheltered gullies mostly in RNP and the 

Woronora Valley. Hardy useful shrub not known to be cultivated. 

Pomaderris intermedia (Pomaderris) 

Upright medium shrub with large lanceolate leaves softly hairy below. Similar to P. elliptica & P. lanigera. 

Scattered through the shire on sandstone slopes. 

Pomaderris lanigera (Woolly Pomaderris) 

Upright woody shrub with large lanceolate leaves with soft rusty hairs below. Large clusters of yellow flowers 

in spring are a feature. Moderately common on clay/ shale plateaus eg. Menai. 

Pomax umbellata (Pomax) 

Quaint tiny shrub with small elliptical leaves & tiny flowers arranged in dainty heads that persist for most of the 

year. Very common among ground cover vegetation on sandstone. Shown to respond to cultivation, suitable for 

full sun or dappled shade. 

Pratia purpurascens (White Root) 

Small creeping ground cover with dark green leaves purple below & edible fleshy tap roots. Common in a wide 

range of conditions on sandstone & clay. Suitable for revegetation projects as it can become weedy in an 

ornamental garden. 

Prostanthera densa (Cliff Mint-bush) 

Bushy small shrub with broad lanceolate hairy leaves & delicate pink flowers in spring. Nationally rare (3vci) 

also listed Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act. Occurring in the Shire at Bass & Flinders Point & Bundeena on 

moist sandstone soils exposed to salt winds. Ornamental species that should be more widely grown. 

Prostanthera linearis (Narrow-leaf Mint-bush) 

Slender medium shrub with long narrow scented foliage & dainty pale pink flowers spring/ summer. Scattered 

in moist shady valleys eg. upper Woronora Valley & Heathcote Creek. Particularly useful for shady positions 

often short lived. Prune to maintain dense growth & abundant flowers. 

Prostanthera sieberi (Mint-bush) 

Dense medium shrub with small strongly aromatic leaves & prolific dainty mauve flowers in spring. The most 

common Mint Bush in the Shire preferring rich soils in shady valleys eg. Forest Island track RNP. Attractive 

garden specimen. 

Pseudanthus pimeleoides (Pseudanthus) 

Erect compact woody small shrub with long narrow pointed leaves & dense white ‘leafy’ flowers in autumn. 

Uncommon in the shire, found along rocky creek banks eg. The Needles, Woronora River. Beautiful shrub 

occasionally available in local specialist nurseries. 

Pteris tremula (Slender Brake) 

Slender tufted fern with large soft lacy fronds. Common in moist sandstone crevices and shady gullies. Easily 

cultivated in any moist semi-shaded position. 

57

Pultenaea blakelyi (Blakely’s Bush Pea) 

Tall shrub with small oblong leaves & yellow ‘pea’ flowers through spring. Common in the south of the shire 

on shady sheltered slopes eg. Lady Carrington Dr & Garawarra Ridge RNP. Useful for mixed shrub & 

understorey plantings. 

Pultenaea daphnoides (Large-leaf Bush Pea) 

Dense upright medium shrub becoming large in shaded gullies. Appealing broad dark green leaves & large 

heads of yellow/ orange ‘pea’ flowers late winter/ spring. Common on sandstone slopes eg. Fahy Creek 

Yarrawarrah. Very attractive & hardy species. Prune to maintain dense growth. 

Pultenaea elliptica (Bush Pea) 

Small attractive shrub with hairy elliptical leaves & heads of orange & red ‘pea’ flowers in spring/ summer & 

occasionally through the year. Common in open forests on sandstone slopes. Hardy species for sandy soils. 

Pultenaea flexilis (Graceful Bush Pea) 

Tall shrub with dainty small oblong leaves & yellow ‘pea’ flowers in spring. Similar to P. blakelyi but more 

common eg. lower Woronora Valley. Useful colourful understorey shrub for well drained soils. Requires 

pruning to maintain dense growth. 

Pultenaea hispidula (Rough-leaf Pultenaea) 

Low bushy shrub with long arching branches & softly hairy foliage. Abundant yellow ‘pea’ flowers in spring. 

Found on ridge tops with clay influence eg. Loftus ridge where it is common. Similar to P. villosa but more 

common in the Shire. Attractive species for clay or sandstone in full sun to semi-shade. 

Pultenaea linophylla (Bush Pea) 

Open small shrub with distinctive oblong leaves broader at their apex. Small terminal heads of yellow ‘pea’ 

flowers in spring. Scattered through the area in heath & open forests on sandstone. Suitable for moist to dry 

sandy soils as a fill in shrub. 

Pultenaea stipularis (Fine-leaf Bush Pea) 

Small dense shrub with long soft narrow foliage & compact terminal heads of yellow ‘pea’ flowers in spring. 

Common on sandstone slopes in woodland & open forests . Spectacular plant for well drained soils in full sun 

to partial shade. 

Pultenaea villosa (Hairy Bush Pea) 

Dense low shrub with long arching branchlets & soft downy foliage. Abundant bright yellow ‘pea’ flowers in 

spring make an attractive show. Restricted to clay/ shale eg Menai. Commonly cultivated in native gardens. 

Rapanea howittiana (Brush Muttonwood) 

Beautiful small tree with smooth shiny leaves & tiny flowers in spring followed by clusters of purple fleshy 

fruits along the older stems. Only found in rainforests eg RNP, Lilli Pilli Point & a small remnant in sheltered 

Yowie Bay. Attractive species for rainforest gardens or protected sites with moist soil. 

Restio tetraphyllus (Tassel Rush) 

Slender graceful rush with glossy elegant branchlets. Uncommon in the Shire in swampy sites near the coast eg 

Botany Bay NP, Kurnell where it forms dense stands. Very attractive species only recently becoming available 

in nurseries. Suitable for ornamental ponds. 

Rhagodia candolleana (Sea-berry Saltbush) 

Prostrate shrub with thick glossy ovate leaves & inconspicuous flowers producing bright red edible fleshy fruits. 

Uncommon, restricted to coastal & estuarine vegetation often behind mangroves eg Grays Pt. Suitable for 

coastal plantings. 

Rhodamnia rubescens (Scrub Turpentine) 

Large shrub/ small tree with rounded crown of broad lanceolate, softly hairy leaves with prominent venation. 

Small white scented flowers in spring produce clusters of red/ brown berries. Restricted to rainforest gullies in 

RNP. Very attractive species, hardy & long lived for fertile moist soils in sun or shade. 

Ricinocarpos pinifolius (Wedding Bush) 

58

Rounded medium shrub with soft long narrow leaves & striking large single white flowers in spring. Scattered 

on well drained sandstone slopes. Difficult to propagate though occasionally available. Spectacular species for 

the enthusiast. 

Rubus hillii (Broad-leaf Bramble) 

Scrambling plant with thorny stems, large lobed leaves paler below & edible raspberry like fruits. Restricted to 

rainforests in RNP eg. Lady Carrington Drive. Attractive species in spite of the thorns, not too vigorous. 

Rubus parvifolius (Native Raspberry) 

Scrambling species with thorny stems, small leaves & edible small raspberry like fruits. Scattered in moist 

gullies & rainforests on shale & sandstone soils. Attractive in spite of thorns, not too vigorous. 

Rulingia dasyphylla (Kerrawang) 

Dense upright shrub with large softly hairy lanceolate leaves & loose terminal clusters of star like white flowers 

in winter/ spring. Only recorded in the Shire at Menai Park where it is an understorey plant. Aborigines used 

strips of bark for strong fibre to make bags & cordage. Attractive species for fertile soils. 

Rulingia hermanniifolia (Rulingia) 

Prostrate woody ground cover with small glossy leaves & abundant small white flowers in spring. Nationally 

rare (3RCa) but locally common on sandstone heath in RNP & Botany By NP. Prefers full sun in moist sandy 

soils. Widely cultivated species. 

Sarcopetalum harveyanum (Pearl Vine) 

Slender twining climber with long stems & large glossy heart shaped leaves. Inconspicuous flowers & small 

cream fruits. Common in rainforests & sheltered gullies. Attractive foliage makes this a hardy dense climber 

providing a dense screen, for moist rich soils in full sun to semi-shade. 

Sarcomelicope simplicifolia (Yellow Wood) 

Small tree with glossy elliptical leaves on long stalks. Small cream flowers followed by hard brown berries 

eaten by rainforest birds. Common in rainforests north of Sydney, however rare in the Shire eg. Lilli Pilli Point 

& RNP. A fast growing species in cultivation responding to fertilisers & mulching. 

Scaevola calendulacea (Dune Fan Flower) 

Dense ground cover with fleshy broad elliptical leaves, pale blue fan shaped flowers throughout the year & 

round fleshy edible purple berries. Restricted to coastal sands eg. Kurnell. Attractive species performing well in 

exposed coastal gardens. 

Scaevola ramosissima (Purple Fan Flower) 

Open spreading ground cover with long rambling hairy stems, toothed leaves & large purple fan shaped flowers 

in spring/ summer. Scattered in sheltered sandstone gullies. Attractive species not forming a dense cover but 

providing interest to a mixed ground cover vegetation. 

Schizomeria ovata (Crab Apple) 

Large dominant tree in subtropical & littoral rainforests. Large glossy leaves, blotched smooth trunk and edible 

bitter fruits attractive to rainforest birds, make this a useful species. Rare outside of RNP with a lovely stand in 

Marina Crescent Reserve. 

Schoenoplectus littoralis (Bog Rush) 

Dense clumping sedge spreading by short rhizomes with slender pithy stems supporting attractive dense 

drooping seed heads. Uncommon in the area in brackish wetlands eg. Metromix Wetland, Botany Bay. Provides 

habitat for aquatic birds. 

Schoenoplectus mucronatus (Rush) 

Slender tufted sedge with fleshy stems, triangular in section & small tightly clustered seed heads. Uncommon 

on pond margins & along slow moving creek banks eg Audley. Suitable for restoration work & ornamental 

ponds. 

Schoenoplectus validus (River Club Rush) 

Similar to S. littoralis except found along slow moving freshwater creeks. 

59

Smilax glyciphylla (Native Sarsaparilla) 

Tough slender climber/ scrambler with wiry stems climbing by tendrils. Broad ovate leaves with 3 distinct 

veins, small cream flowers followed by black glossy berries. The leaves can be chewed or made into a bitter/ 

sweet tea. Very common in open forests on dry sandy soils. Hardy species for screening over mesh or wire 

fences in full sun. 

Spinifex sericeus (Coastal Spinifex) 

Robust spreading grass with long tough stolons & blue/ green softly hairy leaves. Female flower heads are 

spherical and roll along the beach. Common sand dune species on the coast eg Cronulla. Useful for 

stabilisation work. 

Sporobolus virginicus (Salt water Couch) 

A creeping fine leaf grass forming a dense swathe. This grass has largely been overlooked for its potential as a 

lawn near the sea. It can be mown or left natural only growing 200mm high. It will grow in pure sand but needs 

a little moisture and is very salt resistant. It is common along estuaries near mangroves or slow moving water eg 

Grays Point, Kurnell & Bonnie Vale. 

Stenocarpus salignus (Scrub Beef Wood) 

Tall shrub becoming a small tree in local rainforests. Dark green glossy leathery leaves & white ‘Grevillea’ like 

flowers in summer. Occurs in local rainforests & sheltered gullies eg. Bola Creek RNP & The Needles, 

Woronora River. Hardy, handsome species for moist soils in sun or shade. 

Stephania japonica (Snake Vine) 

Attractive, moderately vigorous twining climber with large shiny rounded leaves, small flowers & decorative 

clusters of red fleshy berries. Common in littoral & temperate rainforests eg. Darook Park & RNP. Ornamental 

foliage plant for screening & probably ground cover in moist fertile soils in semi-shade. 

Stipa pubescens (Spear Grass) 

Loosely tufted grass producing attractive large pendulous seed heads in summer. Common in open forests on 

dry sandy soils eg Jannali Reserve. Ornamental species for low mixed ground cover vegetation where the 

flower stems can protrude above. 

Stylidium graminifolium (Trigger Plant) 

Tufted grass like herb inconspicuous when not flowering. Bright pink dainty flowers arranged in erect spikes 

can be triggered with a stick to imitate an insect pollinating them. Common in sheltered open forests throughout 

the Shire. Interesting species for a wide range of conditions. 

Stylidium laricifolium (Giant Trigger Plant) 

Slender upright herb with narrow light green foliage & a single spike of pale pink dainty flowers in spring that 

can be set off as in other Trigger plants. Moderately common on sheltered sandstone slopes eg. Lady Carrington 

Drive RNP. Interesting small plant for shady sites. 

Syncarpia glomulifera (Turpentine) 

Large dominating tree with rough bark, dark green leaves & curious “space ship” capsules. An indicator of 

shale/ clay soils eg Menai, Kirrawee & East Heathcote. Usually associated with Grey Ironbark. Long lived 

species gradually being removed through urban development. 

Synoum glandulosum (Bastard Rosewood) 

Erect woody shrub or small spreading tree with large compound shiny compound leaves & small pink/ white 

flowers followed by conspicuous red 3 chambered fruits. Uncommon, restricted to rainforests & deep shaded 

gullies eg Darook Park & upper Hacking River. Hardy, very attractive fast growing species for moist soils. Can 

be pruned to keep dense. 

Syzygium australe (Brush Cherry) 

Very ornamental tree developing a dense crown. Shiny leaves with red new growth. Cream fluffy flowers in 

summer followed by clusters of edible pink/ red berries attractive to birds. Occasional tree in RNP rainforests. 

Prefers moist sites but will tolerate a range of conditions including full sun. 

Syzygium oleosum (Blue Lilli Pilli) 

60

Densely bushy small tree with glossy lanceolate leaves. White flowers in summer followed by charming pale 

blue edible berries attractive to rainforest birds. Uncommon in RNP rainforests & occasionally elsewhere eg. 

Burraneer Point & Darook Park. A very ornamental species rarely cultivated, though hardy & easily grown. 

Syzygium paniculatum (Magenta Lilli Pilli) 

Robust tree with a dense crown of glossy leaves. Decorative white flowers followed by clusters of juicy edible 

purple berries attractive to rainforest pigeons. Nationally rare (3VCi) also listed Vulnerable on the NSW TSC 

Act, with an important population along Captain Cook Drive, Kurnell. Widely planted in gardens where it is 

hardy, providing a dense shade cover. 

Tasmania insipida (Pepper Bush) 

Small shrub with large glossy oblanceolate leaves & fleshy stems often tinged red. Green small flowers produce 

red/ purple berries. Common along shady creek banks in rainforests eg. Bola Creek RNP. Suitable foliage plant 

for moist rich soils in shady positions. 

Telopea speciosissima (NSW Waratah) 

Much revered plant of unquestionable beauty. Upright sparsely branched shrub with majestic blood red terminal 

flower heads in spring followed by decorative woody fruits containing neat rows of winged seeds. Scattered on 

moist but well drained rocky sandstone slopes. Aborigines utilised the rich nectar .Can be difficult to establish. 

Ensure soil is low in phosphorus & well mulched. Prune severely (simulating the effects of fire) after flowering 

every few years to maintain vigour & ensure abundant future flowering. 

Tetragonia tetragonoides (Warrigal Cabbage) 

Sprawling shrub/ ground cover with fleshy leaves & stems. Common close to the coast & estuaries eg Swallow 

Rock Reserve Grays Point. The leaves were eaten by aborigines & early settlers. Suitable for coastal gardens & 

restoration of salt marshes. 

Tetratheca neglecta (Black-eyed Susan) 

Low growing woody shrub with small narrow leaves grouped in whorls of 6 around the stems. Single 

pendulous purple flowers with black centres in spring. Nationally rare (3RC-) though common where it occurs 

in the Shire on sandstone ridges eg. Jannali Reserve. Ornamental species for sandy soils. 

Tetratheca shiresii (Black-eyed Susan) 

Small open shrub with slender stems with variable narrow leaves & beautiful pendulous purple flowers with 

black centres in spring. Uncommon in the shire found on exposed sandstone ridges in RNP eg. Walumarra 

Track. Attractive species for sunny moist sites as a fill in shrub amongst ground cover vegetation. 

Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass) 

Dense tufted grass with green/ bronze narrow leaves & attractive drooping seed heads in summer. Very 

common in a wide range of conditions. Proven to be an adaptable fast growing species for bushland restoration 

& mass planting in low maintenance areas. Can be occasionally mown to rejuvenate. 

Todea barbara (King Fern) 

Large tufted fern with a short trunk & long glossy leathery fronds. Forms large clumps beside creeks in shaded 

gullies & rainforest eg. Bola Creek RNP. Spectacular species for rainforest & fern gardens. 

Toona ciliata (Red Cedar) 

Renown for its valuable red timber. Large broad tree deciduous in late winter. Scattered along Lady Carrington 

Drive RNP. Occasionally planted in gardens where it only reaches a proportion of its potential height. Prefers 

moist rich soils, responding to fertilisers & mulch. A practical tree for winter sun/ summer shade. 

Trachymene incisa (Trachymene) 

Tufted small herb with delicate lacy leaves & pretty dense white flower heads in summer. Uncommon in the 

area on sandstone slopes eg Burraneer Park. The swollen tap root was eaten by aborigines. Hardy species 

tolerating dry conditions. 

Trema aspera (Native Peach) 

Open tall woody shrub with neatly arranged soft lanceolate leaves with finely toothed margins. Small flowers & 

tiny black fruits cluster in the leaf axils. Only found in or close to rainforests eg Lady Carrington Drive RNP. 

Handsome shrub for sheltered sites & fertile soils. 

61

Tristania neriifolia (Water Gum) 

Small dense shrub with glossy lanceolate leaves & showy yellow flowers in summer. Common in rocky creek 

beds eg. Woronora River & tributaries. Attractive throughout the year. Hardy for moist sunny to semi-shaded 

positions. 

Tristaniopsis laurina (Water Gum) 

Variable tree with dark green glossy leaves, rounded canopy & sculptured pale trunk. Clusters of showy bright 

yellow flowers during winter. Common along watercourses in the Shire. Popular & hardy in cultivation being 

successfully used for street trees, screening & a shade tree. An important species for creek bank restoration. 

Typha domingensis (Bull Rush) 

Vigorous, tall emergent aquatic plant with spongy flat leaves & spreading by thick rhizomes. Dense brown 

flower heads are produced on stout erect stems in spring/ summer. Found & suitable for use in fresh slow 

moving water in creeks & wetlands. Provides habitat for aquatic birds, frogs & invertebrates. 

Typha orientalis (Bull Rush) 

Similar to T. domingensis, except much more common & slightly larger in all its parts. 

Veronica plebeia (Speedwell) 

Herbaceous ground cover with broad leaves with serrated margins & small clusters of blue flowers in summer. 

Scattered in sheltered ground cover vegetation in filtered light. Ornamental species forming a low dense cover 

requiring moist soils. 

Viminaria juncea (Native Broom) 

Tall upright shrub with arching light green leafless branchlets. Long sprays of bright yellow ‘pea’ flowers are a 

highlight in spring. Common on sunny swampy ground or banks of slow moving creeks. Very hardy fast 

growing species for moist clay or sandstone soils even tolerating salt spray. Useful around water features. 

Viola hederacea (Native Violets) 

Dense mat forming ground cover with rounded leaves & erect blue & white flowers most of the year. Common 

in shaded rainforest floors. Popular garden plant that can spread over large areas in moist shaded sites. Flowers 

are an interesting addition to salads. 

Wahlenbergia communis (Blue Bells) 

Small slender herb with upright stems & pale blue bell shaped flowers, larger than the more common W. 

gracilis, in spring/ summer. Prefers moist clay soils eg. Menai. Easily cultivated often freely regenerating from 

seeds. 

Wahlenbergia gracilis (Blue Bells) 

Low clumping herb with tiny blue bell shaped flowers in spring/ summer. Common, growing freely on moist 

soils. Useful border plant in sun or shade . 

Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) 

Broad dome shaped shrub with dense green/ grey foliage & white flowers most of the year. Common along the 

coastal zone & hind dune communities. Widely used in landscaping as a trimmed hedge or low screen. 

Performs well even with salt spray. In shade away from the coast becomes large & more open. 

Xanthorrhoea arborea (Grass Tree) 

Extraordinary plant characteristic of the Australian bush. Long arching linear leaves radiate from a thick trunk. 

Some specimens live for several hundred years developing trunks over 1.5 m tall. Stout flower spikes are 

produced in spring/ summer depending on the last fire. An important genus for aborigines. Flowers produce 

copious nectar; flower stems were used for spear shafts & fire making; resin from the trunk was used for 

cementing tools. Scattered on dry sandstone slopes. Plants are protected & should only be purchased with a 

NPWS tag. 

Xanthorrhoea media (Grass Tree) 

Similar to X. arborea except leaves are slightly narrower. Most common species on dry sandstone slopes. 

Xanthorrhoea resinosa (Grass Tree) 

62

Similar to other species except preferring wet heath & poorly drained sites, often on the exposed coast. Does 

not develop an above ground trunk as in other species. 

Xanthosia pilosa (Hairy Xanthosia) 

Variable small spreading shrub with hairy toothed leaves & inconspicuous green/ cream flowers. Common but 

mostly unnoticed species found in dry open forests. Useful fill in plant for shady dry situations. 

Xanthosia tridentata (Rock Xanthosia) 

Prostrate low shrub with straggling stems, tiny toothed leaves & inconspicuous flowers. Smaller than X. pilosa 

but just as common. Useful species for moist to dry sandy soils in dappled light. 

Xylomelum pyriforme (Woody Pear) 

Erect open shrub with large stiff leathery leaves, toothed when young & strongly veined. Creamy flowers in 

spring, but not every year. Large woody, pear shaped fruits are an interesting feature, containing 1-2 large seeds 

eaten by aborigines. New growth is covered in felty hairs. Scattered on sandstone slopes & deep sandy hind 

dunes eg. Botany Bay NP, Kurnell. Requires similar conditions to the Waratah which it may be confused with 

when not in flower. Slow growing feature plant. 

Ziera smithii (Sandfly Zieria) 

Delicate rounded shrub with trifoliate, aromatic leaves & small clusters of modest star white flowers in spring. 

Aborigines rubbed their skin with the leaves to repel insects. Scattered in sheltered forests usually in semishade. 

Useful fill in or understorey plant. 

Native 

Acacia binervia (Coast Myall) 

Medium tree with bluish/ grey foliage & contrasting bright yellow flower spikes. A long lived species naturally 

occurring between Port Macquarie & the south coast. Often planted as a garden specimen or park specimen 

suitable for the coast. 

Austromyrtis dulcis (Midyin Berry) 

Low broad shrub with soft lanceolate leaves & bronze new growth. Prolific white flowers in spring produce 

attractive round fleshy edible fruits tasting of sweet cinnamon. From northern NSW & QLD on coastal dunes. 

Shown to be adaptable for most soils in full sun to semi-shade. 

Baekea virgata ‘‘Nana’’ (Dwarf Swamp Myrtle) 

Very dense low spreading shrub with light green small oblong leaves & masses of white Tea Tree like flowers in 

spring/ summer. Popular long lived hardy shrub for a wide range of conditions including poorly drained soils. 

Banksia integrifolia ‘Prostrate’ (Groundcover Banksia) 

Unusual prostrate form of the species creating a robust low shrub/ ground cover with large flowers for sunny dry 

sites. 

Brachycome multifida (Swan River Daisy) 

Low spreading shrub/ ground cover with soft lacy divided foliage & blue daisy flowers in spring & summer. 

Popular rockery or border plant with several cultivars available. Suitable for well drained soils in full sun to 

dappled shade. Tolerates pruning to maintain vigour. 

Callistemon ‘Candy Pink’ (Bottlebrush) 

Medium dense shrub with stiff lanceolate leaves & abundant showy pink flowers in spring & autumn. Suitable 

for moist or clay soils in full sun. Prune after flowering to maintain dense habit. 

Callistemon ‘Captain Cook’ (Bottlebrush) 

Dwarf form of C. viminalis with dark green pendulous foliage & red flower heads in spring. Hardy cultivar 

tolerating a wide range of conditions, though preferring moist sunny sites. Unfortunately some seedling grown 

plants are sold that do not retain their dwarf habit. Can be pruned hard after flowering to maintain dense habit. 

Callistemon ‘Endeavour’ (Bottlebrush) 

63

Medium to tall dense shrub with bright green broad lanceolate leaves & large bright red brushes in spring & 

autumn. Often used in medium strips in the Shire. Hardy cultivar with a long flowering period. Can be slow 

growing in dry conditions. Can be pruned after flowering to maintain vigour. 

Callistemon ‘Hannah Ray’ (Bottlebrush) 

Large dense shrub with soft weeping foliage & large red brushes in spring / autumn. Common fast growing 

cultivar for heavy screening in most soil types. 

Callistemon ‘Kings Park Special’ (Bottlebrush) 

Large dense shrub with soft dark green lanceolate leaves & weeping habit. Masses of large red flower heads in 

spiring. Hardy & popular fast growing cultivar for most situations. 

Callistemon ‘Western Glory’ (Bottlebrush) 

Medium compact shrub with stiff lanceolate leaves & long red flower heads in spring. Hardy in most situations, 

though slow growing in dry conditions. 

Callistemon ‘White Anzac’ (Bottlebrush) 

Low dense shrub with lanceolate leaves & white flowers in spring/ summer. Very hardy species preferring a 

moist sunny position. 

Correa baeuerlenii (Chef’s Cap Correa) 

Rounded dense shrub with attractive glossy dark green leaves, contrasting red stems & unusual green/ cream 

tubular flowers during winter. Nationally rare (3VCa ) occurring on the south coast of NSW but common to 

cultivation. Splendid species preferring moist soil & semi-shaded position. 

Correa decumbens (Correa) 

Low broad prostrate shrub with dull green leaves & erect tubular red with yellow tipped flowers throughout the 

year (most species have pendulous flowers). A SA species requiring full sun to partial shade & good drainage. 

Correa ‘Dusky Bells’ (Correa) 

Low spreading shrub with dull green leaves & large deep red tubular flowers in spring/ summer. Requires good 

drainage & moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade with adequate moisture. 

Dampiera diversifolia (Dampiera) 

Dense low suckering ground cover with dark green foliage & contrasting bright blue flowers spring & summer. 

Popular WA species for cultivation in sunny sites with adequate moisture. 

Eriostemon myoporoides ‘Profusion’ (Wax Flower) 

Rounded dense small shrub with waxy aromatic grey/ green leaves & a mass of white star shaped flowers in 

spring. Hardy plant for full sun/ semi-shade & moist well drained soils. 

Grevillea banksii (Grevillea) 

Large open shrub/ small tree mostly with a single trunk & a dense crown of strongly divided foliage. Huge red 

flower spikes spring through to summer. Attractive species with an extended flowering period for sunny well 

drained site. 

Grevillea ‘Clear View David’ (Grevillea) 

Dense broad medium shrub with narrow pointed leaves & terminal clusters of crimson ‘spider’ flowers from 

winter to early summer. Hardy cultivar for sunny well drained soils. 

Grevillea ‘Gaudichaudii’ (Grevillea) 

Robust prostrate shrub/ ground cover with deeply lobed leaves & deep red toothbrush like flowers through 

winter & spring. A natural hybrid from the Blue Mts. Hardy plant for sunny well drained locations. 

Grevillea ‘Honey Gem’ (Grevillea) 

Tall dense shrub with large deeply divided feathery leaves & huge orange flower spikes most of the year. An 

exceptional cultivar best in fairly rich moist soils. 

Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’ (Grevillea) 

64

Upright tall shrub with long lanceolate, coarsely toothed leaves & bronze new growth. Dark red ‘toothbrush’ 

flowers from late winter to early summer. Proven to be a hardy cultivar in most situations. 

Grevillea juniperina ‘Prostrate’ (Grevillea) 

Low spreading shrub with prickly foliage & spidery flowers in spring/ summer. Many coloured forms are 

available from yellow to red. Reliable cultivar for sunny well drained sites. 

Grevillea ‘Moonlight’ (Grevillea) 

Dense rounded medium shrub with finely divided foliage & creamy white flower heads for most of the year. 

Attractive cultivar for well drained sandy soils. 

Grevillea ‘Mt Tamboritha’ (Grevillea) 

Low spreading dense shrub with dark green oblong leaves & spidery pink/ white flowers from winter to 

summer. Requires well drained sandy soil in full sun. 

Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’ (Grevillea) 

Medium woody shrub with deeply divided leaves & large red/ orange terminal flower heads for most of the year. 

Similar to G. ‘Robyn Gordon’ but slightly taller & orange tinged flowers. Very hardy in sunny positions. 

Grevillea ‘Poorinda Constance’ (Grevillea) 

Medium dense shrub with narrow linear leaves & Bright red ‘spider’ flowers for most of the year. Shown to be 

an adaptable quick growing cultivar. 

Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ (Grevillea) 

Well known medium shrub with large deeply divided leaves & loose crimson terminal flower heads for most of 

the year. Grows in a wide range of conditions except for waterlogged soils. 

Grevillea ‘Royal Mantle’ (Grevillea) 

Very dense woody ground cover with long leathery lobed leaves & deep red toothbrush like flowers spring/ 

summer. Popular cultivar for well drained sunny locations. 

Grevillea ‘Superb’ (Grevillea) 

Medium rounded shrub with large deeply divided foliage & loose orange terminal flower heads for most of the 

year. Proven to be very reliable cultivar in sunny well drained sites. 

Hymenosporum flavum (Native Frangipani) 

Slender small tree with large glossy dark green leaves & large yellow/ white fragrant trumpet shaped flowers. 

Growing in rainforests & sheltered creek banks from QLD to Sydney but not recorded in the shire. Popular 

garden plant for moist shady sites. 

Leptospermum polygalifolium ‘Pacific Beauty’ (Tea-tree) 

Low spreading form with small glossy leaves & masses of white flowers in spring/ summer. Very hardy form 

for sunny moist sites. 

Macadamia tetraphylla (Macadamia Nut) 

Medium tree with a broad dense canopy of dark green leaves with sharply toothed margins. Large racemes of 

cream flowers followed by familiar edible nuts in summer. Native to northern NSW & QLD, a popular tree in 

Sydney gardens. Requires ample moisture and responds to mulching & low phosphorus fertilisers. 

Melaleuca bracteata ‘Revolution Green’ (Melaleuca) 

A dwarf form of the species with dark green fine leaf foliage & cream flowers in summer. A common & hardy 

plant for cultivation in moist locations. 

Melaleuca hypericifolia (Honey-myrtle) 

Dense medium woody shrub with arching branches & elliptical leaves. Habit varies depending on conditions. 

Attractive red ‘bottle brush’ like flowers in spring & occasionally through the year. Coastal species from south 

of Sydney. Widely planted & successful in sunny positions on most soils. 

Melaleuca nesophila (Showy Honey-myrtle) 

65

Tall woody shrub with dull green ovate leaves & striking rounded heads of purple flowers in summer. A WA 

species used extensively for shrub borders & screening. Long lived hardy species tolerating wet to quite dry soil 

conditions. Can be pruned heavily to rejuvenate old specimens. 

Pandorea ‘Golden Showers’ (Wonga Vine) 

Vigorous twining climber with glossy compound leaves & hanging clusters of decorative tubular bronze 

coloured flowers in spring/ summer. Popular cultivar for dense screening requiring ample moisture & flowering 

best in full sun. 

Pandorea ‘Snow Bells’ (Wonga Vine) 

Similar to P. ‘Golden Showers’ but brilliant white flowers. 

Pandorea jasminoides (Bower Vine) 

Vigorous twining climber with glossy compound leaves & showy large bell shaped pink flowers with a red 

throat flowering from spring to the end of summer. Similar to Pandorea pandorana with larger flowers. From 

the NSW north coast & QLD. 

Prostanthera incana (Velvet-leaf Mint-bush) 

Compact small shrub with hairy broad ovate, aromatic leaves. Abundant lavender flowers in spring. A 

tablelands species found in sheltered gullies. Ornamental plant for moist well drained sandy soils in dappled 

light. Requires regular pruning to maintain vigour & dense habit. 

Prostanthera ovalifolia (Oval-leaf Mint-bush) 

Medium upright to spreading shrub with aromatic elliptical leaves. Purple flowers are abundant in spring. 

Popular cultivated species for sheltered moist but well drained sites. Frequent tip pruning will maintain a dense 

habit & ensure abundant flowers. 

Scaevola albida (White Fan Flower) 

Suckering herbaceous ground cover with variable soft leaves & white fan shaped flowers most of the year. 

Adaptable species for full sun to semi-shade with moist well drained soils. 

Westringia ‘Blue Heaven’ (Westringia) 

Dense bushy medium shrub similar to W. fruticosa, but with pale blue flowers most of the year. Regular 

pruning will maintain a dense habit & prolific flowering. 

Westringia glabra (Westringia) 

Compact small shrub with broad ovate to linear dark green aromatic leaves & purple flowers mostly in spring & 

summer. Ornamental species for shady moist but well drained sites. 

66

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING 

Field Guide To The Native Plants of Sydney 

Les Robinson (1994). 

Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst NSW 2156 

Native Plants Of The Sydney District 

Alan Fairley & Phillip Moore (1989) 

Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst NSW 2156 

In association with The Society For Growing 

Australian Native Plants NSW Ltd 

Flora Of New South Wales 

Vol 1-4 

Gwen Harden (1993) 

Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney 

NSW University Press. Kensington NSW 2033 

Australian Ferns And Fern Allies 

DL Jones & S C Clemesha (1993) 

Currawong Press Chatswood NSW 2067 

Rainforest Trees of Mainland South- eastern Australia 

Alex Floyd (1989) 

Forestry Commission of NSW 

Inkata Press Sydney 

Useful Wild Plants In Australia 

AB Cribb & JW Cribb (1982) 

Collins Pty Ltd Sydney NSW 

Wild Food In Australia 

AB Cribb & JW Cribb (1986) 

Collins Pty Ltd Sydney NSW 

Rare Or Threatened Australian Plants 

JD Briggs & JH Leigh (1996) 

CSIRO Publishing Collingwood VIC 3066 

The NSW State Of The Environment Report 

Environmental Protection Authority NSW (1996) 

799 Pacific Highway 

PO Box 1135 Chatswood NSW 2057 

67

Green Web-Sydney. A Vegetation Management Plan For The Sydney Region 

Birgit Seidlich (1997) 

The Sydney Regional Organisations Of Councils 

C/- Sydney City Council Sydney NSW 2000 

Draft NSW Biodiversity Strategy 

(1997) 

National Parks & Wildlife Service. Hurstville NSW 2220 

Managing Urban Stormwater- Treatment Techniques 

and Constructed Wetland Operations & Maintenance Manual 

NSW Environment Protection Authority (1996;97) 

The State Stormwater Coordinating Committee. 

Chatswood NSW 2057 

Stormwater Management Policy and Guidelines 

Sutherland Shire Council (1997) 

Sydney Coastal Councils Group. Coastal Environment Centre 

PO Box 882 Mona Vale NSW 2103 

Managing your wetland- A practical guide for landholders 

Nan Oates (1994) 

Vic Wetlands Trust Inc.& 

The Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources. 

Sutherland Shire Urban Tree Policy 


Sutherland Shire Biodiversity Strategy 


Building in Bushfire-prone Areas 

G Caird Ramsay; Denis Dawkins (1993) 

CSIRO Division of Building, Construction and Engineering 

and Standards Australia 

68

SUTHERLAND SHIRE COUNCIL 

WHOLESALE NURSERY 

♦ Growers of a large range of quality Australian native 

and exotic trees, shrubs and groundcovers. 

♦ Specialising in local indigenous flora 

♦ Stock available in sizes from grow-tubes to semimature. 

♦ Contract growing services available. 

Address: 

345 The Boulevarde 

GYMEA NSW 2227 

Telephone (02) 9524-5672 Fax (02) 9524-9258 

Hours 

Monday to Friday 7.00am to 3.00pm 

69

P L A N T S E L E C T I O N T A B L E 

TREES 

Botanical Name Common Name 

Indigenous 


Landscape Use Urban Zone Plant Characteristics 

Acacia binervata Two Veined Hickory 3- 6 2-4 

Acacia decurrens Green Wattle 3-6 2-3 

Acacia implexa Hickory 4-6 2-4 

Acacia irrorata Green Wattle 4-6 2 . 4 

Acacia maidenii Maiden’s Wattle 4-8 3-5 

Acacia parramattensis Sydney Green Wattle 3-6 2-3 

Acacia parvipinnula Silver Stem Wattle 3-5 2-3 

Acmena smithii Lillypilly 3-8 3-5 

Allocasuarina littoralis Black Sheoak 4-6 3-3 

Allocasuarina torulosa Forest Oak 5-8 2-3 

Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash 4-8 3-5 

Angophora bakeri Narrow Leaf Apple 3-6 2-4 

Angophora costata Smooth Barked Apple 8-20 5-10 

Angophora floribunda Rough Barked Apple 8-20 4-10 

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Bangalow Palm 5-10 3 

Banksia integrifolia Coast Banksia 4-8 3-5 

Banksia serrata Old Man Banksia 3-4 2-4 

Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle 3-5 2-3 

Cassine australis Red Fruited Olive Plum 2-3 2-3 

Casuarina glauca Swamp Sheoak 4-8 3-4 

Celtis paniculata Hackberry 4-6 3-5 

Ceratopetalum apetalum Coachwood 4-8 3-4 

Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo 3-8 3-5 

Ehretia acuminata Koda 5-8 3-4 

Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash 4-8 2-4 

Endiandra sieberi Corkwood 3-6 3-4 

Eucalyptus agglomerata Blue Leaf Stringy Bark 6-20 4-10 

Eucalyptus amplifolia Cabbage Gum 10-20 4-8 

Eucalyptus botryoides Bangalay 10-20 6-8 

Eucalyptus capitellata Brown Stringybark 4-15 3-8 

Eucalyptus consideniana Yertchuk 10-15 7-10 

Eucalyptus eugenioides Thin Leaf Stringybark 12-20 5-10 

Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark 4-15 4-8 

Eucalyptus gummifera Bloodwood 3-15 3-10 

Eucalyptus haemastoma Scribbly Gum 4-12 4-8 

Eucalyptus luehmanniana Yellow Top Ash 3-5 3-4 

Eucalyptus longifolia Woollybutt 14-20 5-10 

Eucalyptus multicaulis Whip Stick Mallee 3-5 2-4 

Eucalyptus oblonga Sandstone Stringybark 4-6 3-5 

Wet areas 

Screening 


Bush tucker/ aboriginal use 


Feature plant 

Coastal & estuarine 



Clay/ shale plateaus 

Showy flowers 



Height- metres 

Width- metres



Eucalyptus obstans Port Jackson Mallee 2-5 2-3 

Eucalyptus paniculata Grey Ironbark 15-30 8-15 

Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt 15-30 8-10 

Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint 15-25 8-12 

Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum 10-25 5-8 

Eucalyptus racemosa Narrow Leaf Scribbly Gum 10-25 5-10 

Eucalyptus resinifera Red Mahogany 6-25 4-10 

Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany 10-20 4-8 

Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum 15-30 5-12 

Eucalyptus sieberi Silver top Ash 8-25 4-10 

Eucalyptus squamosa Scaly Bark 3-4 3-4 

Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum 15-35 6-12 

Euroschinus falcata Ribbonwood 5-15 4-8 

Ficus coronata Sandpaper Fig 3-4 2-4 

Ficus rubiginosa Rusty Fig 5-15 5-15 

Ficus superba var. henneana Deciduous Fig 5-10 4-8 

Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree 5-10 4-8 

Gmelina leichhardtii White Beech 8-15 4-8 

Guioa semiglauca Guioa 2-5 2-3 

Leptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea Tree 3-5 2-4 

Livistona australis Cabbage Palm 10-20 2-3 

Melaleuca linariifolia Snow in Summer 4-8 2-4 

Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad Leaf Paperbark 5-10 3-5 

Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly Tea Tree 4-8 2-5 

Planchonella australis Black Plum 4-8 3-4 

Polyscias elegans Celerywood 3-8 3-5 

Rapanea howitteana Brush Muttonwood 5-8 3-5 

Sarcomelicope simplicifolia Yellow Wood 3-6 3-4 

Schizomeria ovata Crab Apple 6-20 4-5 

Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine 15-25 5-8 

Syzygium australe Brush Cherry 3-8 3-5 

Syzygium oleosum Blue Lilli Pilli 3-5 2-3 

Syzygium paniculatum Magenta Lilli Pilli 5-15 4-10 

Toona ciliata Red Cedar 8-12 5-8 

Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum 3-10 3-5 

Native 

Acacia binervia Coast Myall 4-6 4-5 

Hymenosporum flavum Native Frangipani 5-8 3-4 

Macadamia tetraphylla Macadamia Nut 6-10 4-6 

Melaleuca bracteata + cultivars Melalueca 3-5 2-3 

Wet areas 

Screening 




Feature plant 





Showy flowers 




Width- metres

SHRUBS 1- 4m 


Indigenous 



Acacia elongata Swamp Wattle 1.5-3 1-2 

Acacia falcata Sickle Wattle 1.5-3 1-2 

Acacia floribunda Sally Wattle 2-4 2-3 

Acacia linifolia Flax Leaf Wattle 2-3 1-2 

Acacia longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle 2-4 2-3 

Acacia myrtifolia Myrtle Leaf Wattle 1.5 1 

Acacia obtusifolia Blunt Leaf Wattle 2-3 2-3 

Acacia pubescens Downy Wattle 2-3 1-2 

Acacia sophorae Coastal Wattle 1.5-3 2-3 

Acacia stricta Straight Wattle 1.5-2 1 

Acacia suaveolens Scented Wattle 1-2 1-1.5 

Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle 1.5-2 1-2 

Allocasuarina distyla Scrub Sheoak 2-3 2-3 

Angophora hispida Dwarf Apple 2-4 2-3 

Aotus ericoides Common Aotus 1-2 1 

Backhousia myrtifolia Grey Myrtle 2.5-4 1.5-3 

Baekea linifolia Swamp Baeckea 1.5-2.5 1-2 

Banksia ericifolia Heath Leaf Banksia 2-3 2.5 

Wet areas 

Banksia marginata Silver Banksia 1.5-3 1.5-2.5 

Banksia oblongifolia Banksia 1-2 1-2 

Banksia robur Swamp Banksia 1-1.5 2 

Banksia spinulosa Hairpin Banksia 1.5 1 

Bauera rubiodes Dog Rose 1-2 1-2 

Bertya brownii Bertya 1-2 1 

Bertya pomaderroides Hazel Bertya 1.5-2.5 1.5 

Bursaria spinosa Blackthorn 2-3 1 

Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush 2-3 1-2 

Callistemon linearis Narrow Leaf Bottlebrush 1-2 1 

Callistemon pinifolius Green Bottlebrush 1-2 1-2 

Callistemon subulatus Dwarf Bottlebrush 1.5 1 

Callitris muelleri Mueller’s Cypress 3-5 1-2 

Callitris rhomboidea Port Jackson Pine 3-5 1-2 

Calytrix tetragona Fringe Myrtle 0.5-1.5 1 

Cassinia aureonitens Golden Cassinia 1.5-2 1 

Cassinia uncata Bent Cassinia 1.5-2 1 

Ceratopetalum gummiferum NSW Christmas Bush 2-4 1-3 

Clerodendrum tomentosum Hairy Clerodendrum 2 1.5 

Daviesia corymbosa Bitter Pea 1.5 1 

Daviesia mimosoides Bitter Pea 1-2 1 

Dillwynia retorta Eggs and Bacon 1.5 1 

Dodonaea triquetra Hop Bush 1-2 1 

Eriostemon australasius Pink Wax Flower 1 1 

Screening 




Feature plant 





Showy flowers 




Width- metres



Eupomatia laurina Native Guava 2-3 1.5 

Gompholobium grandiflorum Wedge Pea 1 1 

Gompholobium latifolium Broad Leaf Wedge Pea 1 1 

Grevillea buxifolia Grey Spider Flower 1-1.5 1.5 

Grevillea linearifolia Narrow Leaf Grevillea 1.5 1.5 

Grevillea longifolia Long Leaf Grevillea 2-3 2-3 

Grevillea mucronulata Green Grevillea 1 1 

Grevillea oleoides Red Spider Flower 1-2 1 

Grevillea sericea Pink Spider Flower 1.5 1 

Hakea dactyloides Broad Leaf Hakea 2-4 2 

Hakea gibbosa Needlebush 1,5-2 1 

Hakea propinqua Needlebush 1.5-2 1 

Hakea salicifolia Willow Leaf Hakea 2-3 2 

Hakea sericea Bushy Needlebush 2-3 1.5 

Hakea teretifolia Dagger Hakea 2 2 

Hibbertia riparia Erect Guinea Flower 1.5 0.5 

Indigophora australis Native Indigo 1.5 1 

Kunzea ambigua Tick Bush 2-4 2 

Kunzea capitata Pink Kunzea 1.5 1 

Lambertia formosa Mountain Devil 1-2 1 

Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea Tree 2 1 . 2 

Leptospermum grandifolium Woolly Tea Tree 2-3 2 

Leptospermum juniperinum Tea Tree 2 1 

Leptospermum polygalifolium Lemon Scented Tea Tree 2 1.5 

Leptospermum squarrosum Pink Tea Tree 1-2 1.5 

Leptospermum trinervium Paperbark Tea Tree 2 1-2 

Logania albiflora Logania 2 1.5 

Lomatia myricoides River Lomatia 2-3 1-2 

Melaleuca deanei Deane’s Honeymyrtle 1 . 2 1.5 

Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark 2-3 2.5 

Melaleuca nodosa Ball Honeymyrtle 1-2 1.5 

Melaleuca squamea Swamp Honeymyrtle 1-2 1 

Melaleuca squarrosa Scented Paperbark 2 1.5 

Myoporum acuminatum Mangrove Boobialla 2 2 

Olearia microphylla Small Leaf Daisy Bush 1-2 1.5 

Olearia tomentosa Hairy Olearia 1-2 1 

Omalanthus populifolius Bleeding Heart 2-3 2 

Ozothamnus diosmifolium Everlasting Paper Daisy 2 1 

Persoonia pinifolia Pine Leaf Geebung 2-3 2 

Petrophile pulchella Cone Stick 2-3 1.5 

Petrophile sessilis Cone Stick 2 1 

Phebalium dentatum Phebalium 2 1.5 

Phebalium squamulosum Phebalium 1-1.5 1 

Pittosporum revolutum Hairy Pittosporum 1-2 1.5 

Platylobium formosum Handsome Flat Pea 1 1 

Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax 1.5 1 

Pomaderris andromedifolia Pomaderris 1.5 1 

Pomaderris discolor Pomaderris 2.5 1.5 

Wet areas 

Screening 




Feature plant 





Showy flowers 




Width- metres



Pomaderris ferruginea Rusty Pomaderris 2-3 1.5 

Pomaderris intermedia Pomaderris 2-3 1.5 

Pomaderris lanigera Woolly Pomaderris 2 1 

Prostanthera linearis Narrow Leaf Mint Bush 1.5-3 1.5 

Prostanthera sieberi Mint Bush 2 1.5 

Pultenaea blakelyi Blakely’s Bush Pea 2-3 1.5 

Pultenaea daphnoides Large Leaf Bush Pea 1-2.5 1.5 

Pultenaea flexilis Graceful Bush Pea 2-3 1.5 

Pultenaea stipularis Fine Leaf Bush Pea 1-1.5 1.5 

Pultenaea villosa Hairy Bush Pea 1-1.5 1 

Rhodamnia rubescens Scrub Turpentine 2-3 2.5 

Ricinocarpos pinifolius Wedding Bush 1-1.5 1.5 

Rulingia dasyphylla Kerrawang 1-2 1.5 

Stenocarpus salignus Scrub Beefwood 2-4 1.5 

Synoum glandulosum Bastard Rosewood 2-3 2-3 

Tasmannia insipida Pepper Bush 1-1.5 1 

Telopea speciosissima NSW Waratah 1-3 1 

Trema aspera Native Peach 2-4 2 

Tristania neriifolia Water Gum 1-1.5 1 

Viminaria juncea Native Broom 2-3 1.5 

Westringia fruticosa Coast Rosemary 1-2 1.5 

Xylomelum pyriforme Woody Pear 2-3 1.5 

Zieria smithii Sandfly Zieria 1-2 1 

Native 

Callistemon 'Candy Pink' Bottlebrush 2 2 

Callistemon 'Captain Cook' " 1.5 1.5 

Callistemon 'Endeavour' " 2 2 

Callistemon 'Eureka' " 3-4 2 

Callistemon 'Hannah Ray' " 4 2 

Callistemon 'Kings Pk Special' " 4 3 

Callistemon 'Western Glory' " 2-4 2 

Eriostemon myoporoides Long Leaf Wax Flower 1.5-2 1.5 

Grevillea banksii Grevillea/ Spider Plants 2-3 2 

Grevillea 'Clear View David' " 2 2 

Grevillea 'Ivanhoe' " 2-3 2.5 

Grevillea 'Moonlight' " 2 2 

Grevillea 'Ned Kelly' " 1.5-2 1.5 

Grevillea 'Poorinda Constance' " 1.5 1.5 

Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' " 1.5 1 

Grevillea 'Superb' " 1-2 1.5 

Melaleuca hypericifolia Honeymyrtle 2.5 2.5 

Melaleuca nesophila Showy Honeymyrtle 2-3 2.5 

Prostanthera incana Velvet Leaf Mint Bush 1 1.5 

Prostanthera ovalifolia Oval Leaf Mint Bush 2-3 2 

Westringia 'Blue Heaven' 1.5-2 1.5-2 

Westringia glabra 1 1.5-2 

Wet areas 

Screening 




Feature plant 





Showy flowers 




Width- metres

Indigenous 

SHRUBS up to 1m 




Acacia brownei Prickly Moses 1 1 

Acacia hispidula Rough Hairy Wattle 1 1 

Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses 1 1 

Actinotus helianthi Flannel Flower 1 0.4 

Actinotus minor Lesser Flannel Flower 0.3 0.3 

Allocasuarina diminuta ssp. diminuta Sheoak 0.3 0.5-1 

Allocasuarina nana Dwarf Sheoak 0.5-1 1-1.5 

Austromyrtus tenuifolia Narrow Leaf Myrtle 1 1-2 

Baekea imbricata Heath Myrtle 0.4 0.3 

Bauera microphylla White River Rose 0.3 0.5 

Boronia floribunda Pale Pink Boronia 1 0.5-1 

Boronia ledifolia Sydney Boronia 0.6 0.5 

Boronia serrulata Native Rose 0.6 0.5 

Bossiaea heterophylla Variable Bossiaea 1 0.5 

Bossiaea stephensoni Bossiaea 0.5 0.5 

Bracteantha bracteatum Golden Everlasting Daisy 0.5 0.3 

Callistemon subulatus Dwarf Bottlebrush 1 1 

Correa alba Coast Correa 1 1 

Correa reflexa Native Fuchsia 1 1 

Crowea exalata Crowea 0.5 1 

Crowea saligna Crowea 0.6 0.4 

Dampiera purpurea Dampiera 0.5 0.4 

Dampiera stricta Blue Dampiera 0.4 0.2 

Darwinia diminuta Darwinia 0.5 0.5 

Dillwynia floribunda Eggs and Bacon 0.5 0.4 

Dillwynia parvifolia Small Leaf Dillwynia 0.3-1 0.5 

Epacris longiflora Fuchsia Heath 0.5-1 0.5 

Epacris microphylla Coral Heath 0.5 0.3 

Wet areas 

Eriostemon buxifolius Wax Flower 0.3-0.5 0.3-0.5 

Gonocarpus teucrioides Germander Raspwort 0.3 0.3 

Grevillea diffusa Red Spider Flower 1 1 

Grevillea sphacelata Grey Spider Flower 0.5 0.5 

Helichrysum elatum White Everlasting Daisy 1 0.3 

Hibbertia bracteata Guinea Flower 1 0.5 

Hibbertia empetrifolia Trailing Guinea Flower 0.3 0.6 

Hibbertia obtusifolia Grey Guinea Flower 0.2 0.5 

Hibbertia linearis Showy Guinea Flower 1 0.4 

Hibbertia monogyna Guinea Flower 0.6 0.4 

Hibbertia nitida Shining Guinea Flower 1 0.5 

Hovea linearis Hovea 0.5 0.3 

Isopogon anemonifolius Drumsticks 1 0.5-1 

Isopogon anethifolius Drumsticks 1 0.5-1 

Lasiopetalum ferrugineum Rusty Petals 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5 

Lasiopetalum rufum Rusty Petals 1 1 

Leptospermum arachnoides Spidery Tea Tree 0.5 1 

Leptospermum parvifolia Small Leaf Tea Tree 0.5 0.5 

Lobelia dentata Native Lobelia 0.3 0.1 

Screening 




Feature plant 





Showy flowers 




Width- metres



Lobelia gracilis Native Lobelia 0.3 0.1 

Lomatia silaifolia Wild Parsley 0.4 0.4 

Melaleuca thymifolia Thyme Honeymyrtle 1 1 

Mirbelia rubifolia Mirbelia 0.3 0.3 

Mirbelia speciosa Mirbelia 0.4 0.2 

Pelargonium australe Coast Geranium 0.3 1 

Pelargonium inodorum Wild Geranium 0.2 0.2 

Persicaria decipiens Slender Knot Weed 0.5 0.5 

Persicaria lapathifolia Pale Knot Weed 1 1 

Phyllanthus hirtellus Thyme Spurge 0.3 0.3 

Phyllota phylicoides Common Phyllota 0.5 0.5 

Pimelia linifolia Rice Flower 1 1 

Pomax umbellata Pomax 0.2 0.2 

Prostanthera densa Cliff Mintbush 0.5-1 0.5 

Pseudanthus pimeleoides Pseudanthus 1 1 

Pultenaea elliptica Bush Pea 0.5-1 0.5 

Pultenaea hispidula Rough Leaf Pultenaea 0.5 0.5 

Pultenaea linophylla Bush Pea 0.5-1 0.5 

Rhagodia candolleana Seaberry Saltbush 0.5 1 

Stylidium laricifolium Giant Trigger Plant 0.5-1.5 0.1 

Tetratheca neglecta Black Eyed Susan 0.2 0.3 

Tetratheca shiresii Black Eyed Susan 0.2 0.3 

Trachymene incisa Tracymene 0.3 0.3 

Wahlenbergia communis Blue Bells 0.3 0.2 

Wahlenbergia gracilis Blue Bells 0.3 0.1 

Xanthosia pilosa Hairy Xanthosia 0.5 0.4 

Xanthosia tridentata Rock Xanthosia 0.2 0.3 

Native 

Austromyrtis dulcis Midyin Berry 0.5-1 1 

Baeckea virgata 'Nana' Dwarf Swamp Myrtle 0.3-0.5 1 

Brachycome 'Break-O-Day' Swan River Daisy 0.3 0.5 

Brachycome multifida Swan River Daisy 0.3 0.5 

Callistemon citrinus 'White Anzac' 1 1 

Correa baeuerlenii Chef's Cap Correa 1 1 

Correa decumbens Correa 0.2 1.5 

Correa 'Dusky Bells' Correa 0.7 1-2 

Grevillea 'Mt Tamboritha' Soft Leaf Grevillea 0.5 1 

Leptospermum polygalifolia 'Pacific Beauty' 0.5 1 

Wet areas 

Screening 




Feature plant 





Showy flowers 




Width- metres

CLIMBERS 


Indigenous 



Aphanopetalum resinosum Gum Vine 

Billardiera scandens Apple Berry 

Cissus antarctica 

Cissus hypoglauca Water Vine 

Clematis aristata Old Man’s Beard 

Clematis glycinoides Old Man’s Beard 

Dioscorea transversa Native Yam 

Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry 

Geitonoplesium cymosum Scambling Lily 

Glycine clandestinum Lovers Twine 

Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsaparilla 

Hibbertia dentata Guinea Flower 

Hibbertia scandens Snake Vine 

Kennedia rubicunda Dusky Coral Pea 

Marsdenia rostrata Common Milk Vine 

Marsdenia suaveolens Sweet-scented Doubah 

Morinda jasminoides Jasmine Morinda 

Pandorea pandorana Wonga Vine 

Parsonsia straminea Monkey Rope 

Passiflora herbertiana Native Passionfruit 

Sarcopetalum harveyanum Pearl Vine 

Smilax glyciphylla Native Sarsparilla 

Stephania japonica Snake Vine 

Native 

Pandorea 'Golden Showers' Wonga Vine 

Pandorea 'Snow Bells' Wonga Vine 

Pandorea jasminoides Bower Vine 

Wet areas 

Screening 




Feature plant 





Showy flowers 




Width- metres

GRASSES & TUFTED PLANTS 


Indigenous 



Anisopogon avenaceus Oat Spear Grass 1-1.5 0.5 

Aristida vagans Three Awned Spear Grass 0.3 0.2 

Austrofestuca littoralis Coastal Fescue 0.5 0.5 

Baumea articulata Jointed Twig Rush 1 x 

Baumea rubiginosa Soft Twig Rush 1 1 

Baumea teretifolia Wrinkle Nut Twig Rush 1 1 

Blandfordia nobilis Christmas Bells 0.5 0.1 

Carex appressa Tall Sedge 1 0.5 

Crinum pedunculatum Crinum Lily 1-1.5 1.5 

Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass 0.5 0.5 

Danthonia species Wallaby Grasses 0.4 0.4 

Deyeuxia quadriseta Reed Bent Grass 0.5 0.3 

Dianella caerulea Blue Flax Lily 0.5 0.5 

Dianella prunina Flax Lily 0.6 0.5 

Dianella revoluta Mauve Flax Lily 0.5 0.5 

Dichelachne crinita Long Hair Plume Grass 0.5 0.5 

Doryanthes excelsa Gymea Lily 1.5-2 2 

Echinopogon caespitosus Hedgehog Grass 0.3 0.2 

Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike Rush 1 x 

Gahnia aspera Sword Sedge 0.8 0.5 

Gahnia clarkei Sword Sedge 1.5 1.5 

Gahnia erythrocarpa Sword Sedge 1.5 1.5 

Gahnia sieberiana Sword Sedge 1.5 1.5 

Haemodorum planifolium Strap Leaf Bloodroot 1 0.3 

Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass 0.6 x 

Isolepis inundata Swamp Club Rush 0.5 0.5 

Isolepis nodosus Knobby Club Rush 0.5 0.3 

Juncus continuus Rush 1 1 

Juncus krausii Sea Rush 1 x 

Juncus planifolius Broad Rush 0.4 0.4 

Juncus usitatus Common Rush 0.6 0.5 

Lomandra fluviatilis River Lomandra 0.4 0.5 

Lomandra longifolia Spiny Mat Rush 1 1.5 

Lomandra multiflora Lomandra 0.3 0.2 

Macrozamia communis Burrawang 1-1.5 1.5 

Microlaena stipoides Weeping Meadow Grass 0.1-0.5 x 

Paspalum distichum Water Couch 0.3 x 

Patersonia glabrata Smooth Purple Flag 0.3 0.3 

Patersonia sericea Silky Purple Flag 0.3 0.3 

Phragmites australis Common Reed 2.5 x 

Phylidrum lanuginosum Frogsmouth 1 0.3 

Restio tetraphyllus Tassel Rush 1.5 1-2 

Schoenoplectus littoralis Bog Rush 1.5 x 

Schoenoplectus mucronatus Rush 1 x 

Wet areas 

Screening 




Feature plant 





Showy flowers 




Width- metres



Schoenoplectus validus River Club Rush 1 x 

Spinifex sericeus Coastal Spinifex 0.3 x 

Sporobolus virginicus Salt Water Couch 

Stipa pubescens Spear Grass 1.5 1 

Stylidium graminifolium Trigger Plant 0.3 0.1 

Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass 0.5 0.5 

Typha domingensis Bull Rush 2 x 

Typha orientalis Bull Rush 2 x 

Xanthorrhoea arborea Grass Tree 1 1 

Xanthorrhoea media Grass Tree 1 1 

Xanthorrhoea resinosa Grass Tree 1 1 

Wet areas 

Screening 




Feature plant 





Showy flowers 




Width- metres

GROUNDCOVERS & SCRAMBLERS 




Indigenous 

Astroloma humifusum Craneberry Heath 0.2 0.5 

Billardiera scandens Appleberry 0.3 1 

Carpobrotus glaucescens Native Pig Face 0.1 1.5 

Centella asiatica Swamp Pennywort 0.1 x 

Cissus antarctica Kangaroo Grape 0.3 3 

Commelina cyanea Scurvy Weed 0.2 x 

Darwinia grandiflora Darwinia 0.1 1 

Dichondra repens Kidney Weed 0.1 x 

Geitonoplesium cymosum Scrambling Lily 1 2 

Geranium homeanum Northern Cranesbill 0.2 1.5 

Glycine clandestinum Lover’s Twine 0.2 x 

Goodenia hederacea Ivy Leaf Goodenia 0.2 0.5 

Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsaparilla 0.1 2 

Hibbertia scandens Snake Vine 0.3 2 

Hibbertia serpyllifolia Guinea Flower 0.1 0.3 

Hydrocotyle pedunculata Pennywort 0.1 x 

Hydrocotyle tripartita Pennywort 0.01 x 

Ipomoea brasilliensis Goatsfoot Convolvulus 0.1 x 

Kennedia prostrata Running Postman 0.2 2 

Lobelia alata Coastal Lobelia 0.1 0.3 

Microlaena stipoides Weeping Meadow Grass 0.1 x 

Oplismenus aemulus Basket Grass 0.1 x 

Podocarpus spinulosus Plum Pine 0.3 x 

Polymeria calycina Swamp Bind Weed 0.2 0.4 

Pratia purpurascens White Root 0.1 x 

Rubus hillii Broad Leaf Bramble 0.1 2 

Rubus parvifolius Native Rasberry 0.5 2 

Rulingia hermanniifolia Rulingia 0.1 0.5 

Scaevola calendulacea Dune Fan Flower 0.1 1 

Scaevola ramosissima Purple Fan Flower 0.1 1 

Tetragonia tetragonoides Warrigal Cabbage 0.3 1 

Veronica plebeia Speedwell 0.1 1 

Viola hederacea Native Violet 0.1 x 

Native 

Banksia integrifolia 'Prostrate' Groundcover Banksia 0.3 3 

Dampiera diversifolia Dampiera 0.2 0.5 

Grevillea 'Gaudichaudii' Grevillea 0.3 2 

Grevillea juniperina 'Prostrate' Grevillea 0.5 2 

Grevillea 'Royal Mantle' Grevillea 0.2 3-4 

Scaevola aemula Fan Flower 

Scaevola albida White Fan Flower 0.1 1 

Wet areas 

Screening 




Feature plant 





Showy flowers 




Width- metres

FERNS 


Indigenous 



Adiantum aethiopicum Maidenhair Fern 0.3 x 

Adiantum formosum Giant Maidenhair 0.5 x 

Adiantum hispidulum Rough Maidenhair 0.2 0.4 

Asplenium australasicum Birds Nest Fern 0.5 1 

Blechnum camfieldii Water Fern 0.5-1 x 

Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern 0.4 x 

Blechnum indicum Swamp Water Fern 0.5-1 x 

Blechnum minus Soft Water Fern 0.3 0.5 

Blechnum nudum Fishbone Water Fern 0.3 0.3 

Calochlaena dubia Soft Bracken 0.5 x 

Christella dentata Binung 0.6 1 

Cyathea australis Rough Tree Fern 2-3 2 

Cyathea cooperi Straw Tree Fern 2-3 2 

Davallia pyxidata Hare’s Foot Fern 0.2 0.5 

Dennstaedtia davallioides Lacy Ground Fern 0.5-1 x 

Dicksonia antarctica Soft Tree Fern 1.5-2 1.5-2 

Doodia aspera Rasp Fern 0.2 x 

Histiopteris incisa Bat’s Wing Fern 0.5 1 

Hypolepis muellerii Harsh Ground Fern 0.5 x 

Pellaea falcata Sickle Fern 0.2 x 

Platycerium bifurcatum Elkhorn 0.8 0.8 

Polystichum australiense Shield Fern 0.4 0.5 

Pteris tremula Slender Brake 0.4 0.4 

Todea barbara King Fern 1-1.5 1-2 

Wet areas 

Screening 




Feature plant 





Showy flowers 




Width- metres

Sutherland Shire Plants - Sutherland Group

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