There are a few beautiful trees like this one in Mainstreet Flinders. there were many Wattlebirds having a great time. I can't say that I have seen many trees this big and covered in flowres. I think, it is a Hibiscus Tree ?
little Wattlebird
Mon, 14/01/2013 - 14:45
#1
Araminta
little Wattlebird
Don't think it's a Hibiscus , flowers are too small . Could be what I grew up knowing as a pyramid tree or itchy tree . http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/167365/
Great pic anyway M-L
Neil
It looks very much like the tree you think it is, it was just beautiful, and very large, and covered in flowers. Thanks Neil.
M-L
Don't get drawn in by it's looks M-L , they have fine hairs in the seed pods from memory that seem to bury themselves into your skin.The tree in mum and dads backyard also was a home to caterpillars with fine hairs that seem to get into your skin as well . I remember scratching for days after we cut it down .
Neil
Thanks Neil, there was an elderly woman standing next to the tree, she told me, that she was allergic and it makes her itchy.
M-L
Norfolk Island Hibiscus Araminta
Thanks Correa, so someone standing next to the tree telling me it is some kind of Hibiscus, was on the right track.
M-L
That's what I know as Pyramid Tree Lagunaria pattersonii, a native of Queensland & Norfolk Island &, when in flower, loved by honeyeaters. When I was at primary school a favourite pastime was to shove a few pods down the neck of friends & colleagues. The things we used to do!
Ooh! That brought back memories of when I did my jungle survival training in 1972. They told us to beware of the Dendrocnide Moroides plant, also known as the Stinging Tree.
It is actually a shrub and has lovely, broad, soft-looking leaves. However, it has one of the most toxic stings of any plant and the pain can last for weeks or months! In fact, it is so toxic it can kill humans, dogs and even horses! Apparently, some marsupials, insects and birds can safely eat the leaves.
Our instructor gave us some very sound advice: Do not try to eat it - and definitely don't wipe yer bum with it!
Roly
Healesville
https://www.flickr.com/photos/36062443@N04/sets/72157632450588204/
Very sound advice Rolyd.
We knew it as the itchy powder tree and it was common in school plantings and is still planted as both a street and public garden tree there is one in front of our neighbors house - it was also common to put the pods inside the back of people's clothes as Woko said but I think it caused as much of a problem for the doer as the done! Nice identifying photo M-L.
Alison
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"the earth is not only for humans, but for all animals and living things."