The Society for Growing Australian Plants (SGAP) was formed in 1957 to develop the
horticultural potential of
Australian native plants and preserve them through cultivation
With over 8,000 members throughout Australia, it is one of the largest horticultural societies in the country.
SGAP has made a significant contribution to understanding Australian flora, its cultivation and introduction
into nurseries and home gardens
Townsville SGAP is the oldest regional Queensland branch, founded in 1970, and provides a
focal point for people
interested in propagating, growing and appreciating our unique native flora
For information about our branch.......... Branch
News
Looking for something on
this website?
Books! Books! Books!
You can buy our two publications direct from
us......
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Many of our members are keen gardeners with decades of experience in
growing Australian native species. Some of the most successful flowering groups, such as
Grevillea and Callistemon, are readily available as species or hybrids from commercial
sources.
For information on all aspects of gardening in the Dry Tropics please
use this link:
Gardening
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The Townsville region encompasses a range of natural habitats that
support a wide variety of native flora
Between the coastal mangrove
communities and the rainforest environments of our highest peaks, we estimate there
are up to 1,500 plant species, encompassing the largest trees, to grasses, ferns
and mosses
Our natural environment is
often difficult to access and traverse, but the following link introduces four local environments
where you can explore some of these species:
Native
Species
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Polyalthia nitidissima
Annonaceae
Canary Beech
.JPG)
A bushy tree to 8m tall found close to creek banks.
Masses of pale (Canary?) yellow flowers cover the tree in axillary clusters.
Flowering now:
Dipodium ensifolium
Orchidaceae
Leafy Hyacinth Orchid
"Occurs in open forests and woodlands from the coast to the ranges, growing in well-drained
soil. It also survives in patches of open forest invaded by rainforest. In fire-prone areas the above ground parts
of the plant are commonly destroyed by fire and quickly replaced by new shoots. The stems of unburnt plants develop
into long lanky growths. The flowers are pollinated by small native bees."
Australian Tropical Rainforest Orchids
Lagunaria queenslandica
Malvaceae
Norfolk Island Hibiscus
This extravagant flower is an unexpected delight when viewed in a cow paddock on the
Mingela Range!
Lagunaria queenslandica, is a medium sized, uncommon tree of the dry tropics, occurring in inland
creeks.
Often associated with Melaleuca bracteata, this species is currently flowering profusely.
Reports of further sightings would be welcomed.
Mystery Tree
SGAP Townsville have been involved in unravelling the identification of an
unusual tree found on Mt Stuart
click on the image for more
information
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