four more trees in the RBG: part 2*



5. Quercus canariensis  (Algerian Oak)
The Royal Botanical Gardens have about 75 trees that have been planted by, or in memory of, prominent people. 
This wonderful old oak tree was planted by William Guilfoyle at the entrance to his residence in 1873. Guilfoyle had only recently been appointed as Director of the Gardens and he planted the tree to commemorate the appointment. His former residence, known as Gardens House, is now used for functions.

6. Agathus robusta (Queensland Kauri Pine)

The majestic Kauri  is a coniferous tree,  a Queensland native. It belongs to the Araucariaceae family and once grew all over the ancient supercontinent of Gondwanaland.

They grow straight and tall - forest giants.  They used to be heavily logged for their highly prized timber. Now they are protected and no longer in danger of extinction in the wild. 

  7. Metasequoia glyptosroboides (Dawn Redwood) 

 We were fortunate to see this tree in the autumn, when it was dramatically cloaked in bright orange branchlets.  Now that it's winter, it will be leafless.  It is a conifer, but is unusual in that it is deciduous.

This tree was growing in prehistoric times. It was known to have existed 225 million years ago through the fossil record, but until 1942 was believed to be extinct. After the discovery of a few specimens in China, seeds were collected and distributed to botanical gardens around the world. Including Melbourne. 

The reason it is called Dawn Redwood is because of its age - that it existed in the dawn of history.
 8. Pinus patula (Mexican Weeping Pine) 

I don't usually like pine trees that much, but this one has a  soft, spreading, weeping habit that is very attractive.

Like the oak tree above, this is another commemorative tree with an interesting history.  In 1974  the Shah of Iran and his wife, the Shabhanu (Empress Farah), visited Melbourne where they were met with angry protests against their harsh authoritarian regime.  While here the Shabhanu planted this pine tree. Four years later they were driven out of Iran and into exile.

*Click here if you want to read the first post about four trees in the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens 

Comments

  1. Oh, I just love trees. So interesting to see the trees on your side of the world. Oak trees are so impressive. We lost several old oaks on a nearby island here during a recent storm - sad. On a painting trip I saw a tree that split in a storm but was then supported by timbers in such a way as to create a beautiful garden room. I thought it genius and it saved the tree. I enjoyed all the trees you highlighted!

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  2. Trees, I just love them, planted in the wrong position can be annoying if they create too much shade, especially in the cooler Summers which we have in Aberdeen.The Dawn Redwood looks stunning.

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  3. great photos! I bet that weeping pine is gorgeous.

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  4. I wonder if the last tree is the one in Victoria's London garden?

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  5. I can think of no better tree to plant for a person than an oak. What a beautiful one.

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  6. I like the Dawn Redwood this time. Happy to know that with the seeds they found, how it is distributed around the world.

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  7. I love old trees... they are beautiful old souls.

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  8. They look magnificent! I admire the efforts of the botanical garden in keeping them healthy and in very good shape. I like that weeping pine!

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  9. Big trees are awesome to look at..., knowing the hundred of years they got to go through. And Mexican Weeping Pine is rather exotic!

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