Queensland Tree Waratah

~ Alloxylon flammeum ~

PROTEACEAE

This tropical rainforest tree, once prominent in Far North Queensland, has been reduced to small numbers due to agriculture and land clearing. Its home, Mabi Forest, is a particular type of rainforest found in Far North Queensland and a critically endangered ecological community. A variety of plants and animals make their homes in Mabi Forest, including the nationally threatened Mabi, also known as Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi), and the Spectacled Flying-fox (Pteropus conspicillatus). Other species, such as the Musky Rat-kangaroo (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus) and the nationally endangered Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius), used to occur in Mabi Forest; however, the remaining patches of forest were too small for them to survive so they are now locally extinct. Here, the Queensland Tree Waratah has been illustrated with a popular visitor, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita).

WHERE TO LOOK

The Queensland Tree Waratah is listed as vulnerable and can best be seen under protection in the national parks listed below and also in cultivated form throughout Meanjin (Brisbane). In the wild they are only found in the Atherton Tablelands in tropical Far North Queensland, in basalt and granite soils.

Locations → Queensland: Atherton Tablelands, Mount Hypipamee National Park, Danbulla National Park and State Forest, Crater Lakes National Park, Curtain Fig National Park and Hallorans Hill Conservation Park; NSW: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

FEATURES

In the wild, this plant can see heights of up to 25–33m though it generally grows to 10–15m in cultivation. Its leaves vary in shape and size throughout the tree’s life stages but, in adulthood, are deep green, glossy and 8–25cm in size. The tree’s bright-red to deep-orange inflorescences sit on the end of branches and are made up of around ten to 52 tubular flowers measuring 4cm. These flowers split open at the tips to display their nectar, making them very popular with the honey-eaters. If pollination occurs, the plant produces long fruit that mature to woody pods measuring 10cm long and containing 8–10 seeds.

FLOWERING SEASON

Winter and spring → Its red waratah flowers can be seen from August to October.

PLANTING

Plants and seeds are available online and at native nurseries. It’s recommended to pre-treat seed with a hot-water soak for 24 to 48 hours, with germination occurring between ten and 28 days. Plant in shade or part shade while establishing, and water well. Once established, this plant can tolerate dry spells, though it will always enjoy a little bit of shade.