Ruqayyah Snyder
Western Australia is home to a diverse range of unique tree species, with the region's south-west corner being particularly well-known for its giant trees. The task of identifying these trees is challenging due to the wide variety of native species and the confusing common naming practices of early settlers. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a rewarding endeavour. Leaf characteristics, such as shape, margin, and toothed or wavy edges, play a crucial role in distinguishing between different tree species. Additionally, characteristics like bark, flowers, and fruit can also aid in identification. The use of field guides, containing detailed descriptions and full-colour photographs, can greatly assist in recognizing the distinct tree families and genera of Western Australia. Modern technology, such as the Picture This app, also offers a convenient way to identify trees through instant photo recognition, providing insights into their care, toxicity, and symbolism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaf shape | Ovate (egg-shaped), obovate (reverse egg-shaped), lanceolate (lance-shaped), oblanceolate (reverse lance-shaped), orbicular (rounded), falcate (sickle-shaped), rhomboid (diamond-shaped), deltoid (triangular), cordate (heart-shaped) |
| Leaf margin | Toothed (with callus tips or spines, finely toothed or notched), serrate, serrulate, ciliate, undulate (wavy), deeply lobed |
| Leaf structure | Simple (made up of a petiole and lamina) or compound; axillary buds may be present at the base of the petiole |
| Tree size | Some trees in Western Australia exceed 100 m³ in volume, including the Karri, Jarrah, Yarri, and Marri |
| Tree species | Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Tuart, Ghost Gum, White Ironbark, Sydney Blue Gum, Blackbutt, Sydney Peppermint, Red Flowering Gum, Smooth Bark Apple |
| Identification methods | Using field guides with photographs and descriptions, sketchbooks, reference books, apps (e.g. Picture This) |
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![A Primer of Forestry, with Illustrations of the Principal Forest Trees of Western Australia 1922 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Leaf characteristics
Leaf shape is another important characteristic. Common shapes include ovate (egg-shaped), obovate (reverse egg-shaped), lanceolate (lance-shaped), oblanceolate (reverse lance-shaped), and orbicular (rounded). Other descriptive terms for leaf shapes include falcate (sickle-shaped), rhomboid (diamond-shaped), deltoid (triangular), and cordate (heart-shaped).
Leaf margins, or edges, also vary among species. Toothed leaves can feature callus tips or spines and can be finely toothed or notched. Terms used to describe toothed leaf margins include serrate, serrulate, and ciliate. Some leaves have wavy margins, known as undulate, while others are deeply lobed or show only a few shallow lobes. It is not uncommon to find leaves with different margins on the same tree.
While not specific to Western Australia, Eucalyptus trees are prevalent in the region and have distinctive leaves. The leaves of Eucalyptus trees are often referred to as "gum nuts." They can vary in shape and size, even within the same species, and some Eucalyptus trees have hybridised, making identification more challenging.
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Bark, flowers, and fruit
Bark characteristics such as texture, colour, and scent are important for identifying native Australian trees. For example, the bark of the Coast Beard Heath shrub is brown with fine ridges, giving it a finely rough texture. The Camphor-scented Baeckea Triplarina volcanica has brown, stringy, and fibrous bark. The Candlenut Siris Aleurites rockinghamensis, which is found in tropical rainforests, has pale grey/brown bark with longitudinal fissures. The Tall Nightshade Solanum nobile, a shrub that grows up to 4 meters tall, has olive green bark covered in small blisters.
Some Australian trees have small flowers, such as the Coast Beard Heath shrub, which has flowers that measure 2 to 3mm in diameter. The Camphor-scented Baeckea Triplarina volcanica has small white flowers with nearly rounded petals, about 5 to 6mm in diameter.
The main types of fruits of Australian flowering trees are succulent berries and drupes, or dry pods, capsules, and follicles. The Coast Beard Heath shrub produces a fleshy drupe that is globe-shaped and up to 4mm in length. The Candlenut Siris Aleurites rockinghamensis produces a 3-lobed fruit that is more than 8cm across and matures from green to brown.
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Tree dimensions and volume
Leaf characteristics are also important in identifying tree species. The leaf/leaflet length measurements used in tree identification keys are the average dimensions of larger leaves/leaflets of mature trees or shrubs. These measurements are taken excluding the stalk. If your lamina (blade) measurements fall into the border regions of major leaf length categories, you should check listings in both relevant groups. Leaf margins can be toothed, finely toothed, or notched; they can also be serrate, serrulate, ciliate, or undulate. Leaf margins can be deeply lobed or show only a couple of shallow lobes. It is quite common to find leaves with different margins on the same tree. For example, the Firewheel tree has leaves that differ from lobed to entire.
The leaf shape is also important in identifying tree species. The most common leaf or leaflet shapes are ovate (egg-shaped), obovate (reverse egg-shaped), lanceolate (lance-shaped), oblanceolate (reverse lance-shaped), and orbicular (rounded). Other leaf shapes include falcate (sickle-shaped), rhomboid (diamond-shaped), deltoid (triangular), and cordate (heart-shaped). Some Australian tree species can feature more than one leaf shape on the same tree or branch, and the description may read that the leaf/leaflet shape is elliptic or ovate.
In addition to leaf characteristics, other vegetative features such as the presence of domatia and stipules can be used to identify tree species. Bark characteristics, flower and fruit features, and the size, shape, and form (collectively called the habit of the plant) are also important in identifying tree species.
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Tree naming and common misconceptions
The diversity of tree species in Australia can make it challenging to identify trees in their natural environment. This is further complicated by the common naming practices of early settlers, who often named trees based on similarities in timber grain, resulting in the same name being used for different tree families. For example, the term 'Oak' is used for multiple Australian tree families due to this early naming practice.
To accurately identify Western Australian trees, it is essential to look beyond common names and focus on distinct characteristics. Leaf characteristics, for instance, play a crucial role in tree identification. Simple leaves, composed of a leaf stalk (petiole) and a leaf blade (lamina), can be distinguished from compound leaves. Additionally, the presence of axillary buds, which can develop into new shoots or flowering stems, is a notable feature. These buds can vary in conspicuousness depending on the season and tree species, so a keen eye or a magnifying glass may be necessary.
The appearance of leaves also provides valuable clues. Toothed leaves may have callus tips or spines and can be finely toothed or notched. Undulate leaves have wavy margins, while lobed leaves exhibit shallow or deep lobes. It is not uncommon for a single tree to display different types of leaves, adding another layer of complexity to identification. Leaf shape is another distinguishing factor, with terms like ovate (egg-shaped), obovate (reverse egg-shaped), lanceolate (lance-shaped), and orbicular (rounded) used to describe the unique shapes of leaves.
Beyond leaves, other physical characteristics, such as bark texture, flowers, fruits, and overall tree structure, come into play when identifying Western Australian trees. The harsh Australian climate has led to adaptations in woody plants, with some eucalypt species adopting either a single-trunked habit or a mallee form depending on their environment. Deciduous trees, though less common in Australia, include notable species such as the Australian red cedar and white cedar, which offer aesthetic value with their coppery new growth and mauve blossoms, respectively.
When it comes to misconceptions, one common myth is that all large trees in Western Australia are protected. While some giant trees, such as the jarrah, have been thoroughly surveyed and protected, others have not received the same level of conservation attention. Additionally, while eucalypts are synonymous with Australia, it is worth noting that not all eucalypts are native to Western Australia, as some species thrive in the wet jungles of northern Australia.
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Regional differences
Western Australia has a unique set of trees, with the region's climate and geography influencing the types of trees that thrive there. The south-west corner of Western Australia, close to the coast, is home to the region's giant trees, which are predominantly Eucalyptus and Corymbia species. This region spans around 70,000 km², or 20% of the total area, and is characterised by a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and cool, wet winters.
The Eucalyptus species is well-represented in Western Australia, with some of the tallest trees in the state belonging to this genus. The Eucalyptus patens, or jarrah, is one of the most valuable tree species in the region. The largest jarrah trees were surveyed and protected decades ago, and they continue to be monitored and studied. The jarrah trees can be found in the southern area of the Jarrah Forest, along with other giants like the yarri and marri. The Warren region is home to the impressive karri trees, which are true forest giants with huge bases and limbs that reach impressive heights.
The Tuart Forest, located near Busselton, is another unique area where the giant tuarts (Eucalyptus gomphocephala) can be found. These trees are a sight to behold, with their majestic presence. The Tuart Forest is a significant ecological area, providing a habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal life.
Another notable species is the Corymbia ficifolia, commonly known as the red flowering gum. While it is native to Western Australia, it has also been widely planted as a street tree in other parts of the country, such as Sydney. The red flowering gum is known for its large gum nuts and vibrant floral display.
Identifying trees in Western Australia can be a challenging task due to the diverse range of native species and the early settlers' confusing common naming practices. Field guides, leaf characteristics, and mobile applications can aid in the identification process. The Picture This app, for example, provides quick insights into plant care, disease prevention, and treatment, although it may not include all Australian native plants. Additionally, some people prefer the adventure of using reference books and other physical resources for identification.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to identify Western Australian trees. You can refer to a field guide that uses characteristics such as leaves, bark, flowers, and fruit to identify trees. You can also refer to online resources that provide illustrations and descriptions of leaf shapes and margins. Additionally, some websites and apps can help identify trees through photographs.
Common leaf shapes include ovate (egg-shaped), obovate (reverse egg-shaped), lanceolate (lance-shaped), orbicular (rounded), falcate (sickle-shaped), rhomboid (diamond-shaped), deltoid (triangular), and cordate (heart-shaped). Leaf margins can be toothed, serrate, serrulate, ciliate, or undulate (wavy).
Yes, giant trees are found in the southwest region of Western Australia, close to the coast. These include the Eucalyptus species and the closely related Corymbia. Some specific giant trees include the karri, jarrah, yarri, marri, and red tingle.
Some common tree species in Western Australia include Eucalyptus, Acacias, Sydney Blue Gum, Blackbutt, Sydney Peppermint, Red Flowering Gum, and Smooth Bark Apple.
Identifying Australian tree species can be challenging due to their diversity and confusing common naming. It is recommended to collect leaf samples from mature trees and use resources like field guides or online identification keys based on leaf characteristics. Additionally, gum nuts (fruit/seed pods) can be useful for identification, especially for Eucalyptus trees.
