AMERICAN GARDENER

The Australian Pine, commonly known as She-oak (Casuarina equisetifolia), belongs to the family Casuarinaceae, which includes about 90 species across four genera. It is classified within the genus Casuarina, named for its resemblance to the cassowary bird’s feathers due to its needle-like branchlets. The species name equisetifolia derives from its horsetail-like foliage, resembling the genus … Read more

Native Australian trees are iconic elements of the continent’s diverse landscapes, ranging from arid deserts to lush rainforests. Renowned for their resilience, they adapt to extreme climates, including drought, fire, and poor soils. These trees are vital to ecosystems, supporting wildlife and contributing to cultural heritage. Many feature vibrant flowers, aromatic leaves, or unique bark, … Read more

The Australian Flame Tree, scientifically known as Brachychiton acerifolius, is a member of the Malvaceae family, which includes hibiscus, cocoa, and other tropical plants. It belongs to the genus Brachychiton, comprising about 31 species, mostly native to Australia. Historically, it was classified under the Sterculiaceae family as Sterculia acerifolia by botanist George Bentham, but taxonomic … Read more

Trees with purple flowers are prized for their vibrant, eye-catching blooms that transform gardens into stunning displays. These deciduous or semi-evergreen trees, ranging from small to medium in size, produce clusters of purple, lavender, or magenta flowers, often in spring or summer. Their vivid colors make them ideal as focal points or accents in diverse … Read more

Desert Rose, scientifically known as Adenium obesum, belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which includes other ornamental plants like oleander and periwinkle. It is part of the genus Adenium, comprising about 5–12 species of succulent shrubs and trees native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The species name obesum refers to its thickened, often swollen stems, … Read more

Australian Willow, scientifically known as Geijera parviflora, is a member of the Rutaceae family, which includes citrus plants and other aromatic species. It belongs to the genus Geijera, comprising about seven species of shrubs and trees native to Australia and New Caledonia. The species name parviflora derives from Latin, meaning “small-flowered,” referring to its inconspicuous … Read more

Palo Blanco, Mariosousa willardiana, belongs to the Fabaceae family (legume family) within the subfamily Mimosoideae. The genus Mariosousa, named after Mexican botanist Mario Sousa, includes about 13 species, split from the Acacia genus following the 2005 International Botanical Congress due to DNA evidence distinguishing non-Australian acacias. Previously known as Acacia willardiana or Mariosousa heterophylla, its … Read more

Coastal Rosemary, scientifically known as Westringia fruticosa, belongs to the Lamiaceae family, commonly referred to as the mint family, which includes aromatic plants like rosemary and lavender. It is part of the genus Westringia, comprising about 30 species native to Australia. The species name fruticosa comes from Latin, meaning “shrubby” or “bushy,” reflecting its growth … Read more

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia and related species) is a versatile, low-growing perennial ground cover prized for its vibrant foliage and spreading habit. Part of the Primulaceae family, it offers a range of cultivars and related species with varied colors, textures, and growth patterns, making it ideal for borders, containers, rock gardens, or hanging baskets. While … Read more