Stringybark Garden

Useful Information

The Stringybark Garden features a collection of plants that are well adapted to withstanding or regenerating after fire. Fire features heavily in our landscape and as a result, over millions of years, large portions of Australia’s flora have evolved certain abilities and strategies to ensure they can successfully regenerate after a bushfire. The collection of Asteraceae, Ericaceae, Fabaceae, Proteaceae and Asphodelaceae species in this garden are perfect examples of the relationship between fire and flora.

On display in the the Stringybark Garden:

  • Several species of Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea species), as well as the Kingia (Kingia australis), which are all well over 100 years old.
  • Stringybark eucalypts including Eucalyptus obliqua.
  • Collection of species from the plant families Asteraceae and Fabaceae, which are typical ‘pioneer plants’, meaning they colonise sites post-fire.
  • Display of heaths (Epacris species) and Banksia which are typically well-represented in sandy heathland - a vegetation type that is very often subjected to fire.

Key Plants

Messmate Stringybark

Eucalyptus obliqua

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Grass Tree

Xanthorrhoea species

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Holly-leaved Mirbelia

Mirbelia dilatata

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Dargan Hill Monarch

Xerochrysum bracteatum

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Firewood Banksia

Banksia menziesii

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Dogwood

Cassinia leptocephala

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Messmate Stringybark

<em>Eucalyptus obliqua</em>

The first eucalypt described by French botanist Jean L’Heriter in 1778. A small to tall tree endemic to eastern Australia. It is noticeable for its large leaves with oblique (asymetrical or unequal) base.

Notes from the Curator - Kaishan Qu

The intent of the Stringybark Garden is to tell the story of Australian plants which can regenerate after fire and recreate the feeling of a sandy heathland. The eucalypts form the base structure of this garden and provide dappled shade throughout. A wide variety of shrubs with different heights were selected to achieve a display of different textures and colours. True to our frequently burned sandy heathlands, the garden comes alive with vibrant colour in the springtime as many of the low-growing shrubs bloom in unison. The garden is bookended by two straight hedge rows, which act to enclose the rest of the garden.