Tough, Local Native Trees for Your School Yard - Australia

Healthy Habitat for Schools Fact Sheet 1

Tough, local native trees for your school yard

Common Names Species Name

Beefwood Grevillea striata

Black bean Castanospermum australe

Blackcurrant bush Antidesma parvifolium

Bombax, red silk cotton tree Bombax ceiba

Bottlebrush species Callistemon species

Broad leaved paperbark Melaleuca viridiflora

Burdekin plum Pleiogynium timorense

Cocky apple Planchonia careya

Golden grevillea Grevillea pteridifolia

Ironbark Eucalyptus crebra

Kapok Cochlospermum gillivraei

Moreton Bay ash Corymbia tessellaris

Native bauhinia Lysiphyllum hookeri

Native olive Chionanthus ramiflora

Northern swamp mahogany Lophostemon grandiflorus

Peanut tree Sterculia quadrifida

Pongamia Milletia pinnata

Common Names Species Name

Prickly pine Bursaria incana

Quinine bush Petalostigma pubescens

Red coondoo Mimusops elengi

Rusty pittosporum Pittosporum ferrugineum

Scaly ash Ganophyllum falcatum

Silver-leaved wattle Acacia holosericea

Soap tree Alphitonia excelsa

Sticky hop bush Dodonaea viscosa

Sweet blackthorn Bursaria tenuifolia

Terminalia Terminalia species

Tim tam Timonius timon

Townsville wattle Acacia leptostachya

Tuckeroo Cupaniopsis anacardioides

Tulipwood Harpullia pendula

Weeping melaleuca Melaleuca leucadendra

Whitewood Atalaya hemiglauca


Cyclone resistant trees for your school yard
Common Name Species Name Characteristics

Baeckea Babingtonia virgata This is a tall shrub 2m with small leaves and dense
branches that can be pruned to shape. It needs to be
well watered.

Bailey’s grevillea, Grevillea baileyana This tree grows up to 30m and should be planted while
white silky oak or small to allow a good root system to develop. The
golden oak strong nectar perfume attracts myriad insects and it
has been successfully grown in a wide range of soils
and climates. In open, drier areas it grows quite
happily but is sometimes prone to loss of branches by
wind.

Black tea tree Melaleuca bracteata It grows to 5-10m and tolerates heavy clays and high
pH and salinity. It is tolerant of most well drained soils
and situations; water logging and moderate frosts.

Bloomfield penda Xanthostemon It is slow growing and reaches a height of 5m. This
verticillatus shrub can stand in water during wet season. It is
suitable as a container plant.

Blue quandong Elaeocarpus grandis This rainforest tree can reach 35m and grows straight
with distinctively radiating branches, angled upwards
from the trunk at about 45 degrees. It provides the
favourite food of the Wompoo Pigeon.

Bottlebrush or Melaleuca viminalis This is a shrub to small tree 6-8m. It requires little
callistemon maintenance but appreciates regular watering. It grows
in a range of soils including sand, loam and clay. The
flowers attract insects and birds. This tree is very
tolerant of flooding and water logging.


Broad leafed Melaleuca viridiflora This grows up to 20m. It can grow in dry areas such
paperbark as a rocky headland in addition to swamps, with its
roots submerged for long periods of time.

Burdekin plum Pleiogynium This grows up to 20m and forms a dense shade
timorense canopy. It is usually found along watercourses in
riparian forest, vine thicket, gallery forest, beach scrub
and occasionally open woodlands. The fruit are edible
when raw, to ripen bury in sand or stored in a paper
bag. It has traditional uses – the Juru people made
boomerangs and other hard timber tools from them.
Plant used as a fish poison. It attracts red-tailed black
cockatoos and is flood and fire resistant.

Cherry satinash Syzgium leuhmannii This Lilly Pilly grows to 7m tall and 3m wide. It is a
decorative compact medium tree, is fast growing and
has foliage to ground level. The white flowers are
followed by fleshy red berries that are edible. The
trees can be used as screens, windbreaks, hedges,
bird attractants and garden ornamentals.

Cinnamon Cinnamomum This grows from 6-12m tall. The trees grow in full sun
zeylanicum and part shade and enjoy regular watering throughout
the year. The bark is dried and used as a spice; leaves
contain eugenol and are sometimes used as a
substitute for cloves. They have multi-stemmed trunks.

Cycads Cycas spp. They do not like getting their ‘feet’ wet. They can help
keep the soil cool in the hot climate and the soil moist
during the dry season.

Fan palms or Livistona spp. This grows up to 18m, is slow to establish and requires
cabbage tree full sun. The fruits are eaten by Pigeons.

Freshwater Carallia brachiata It is an excellent shade tree that grows to 5-20m. This
mangrove species is tolerant of strong winds. The fruit can be
eaten, the bark is traditionally used for medicine for
itching and the wood is used for making spears and
furniture. It is a useful nursery tree in revegetation
projects. It is tolerant of flooding and waterlogging but
sensitive to fire.

Griffith’s ash Fraxinus griffithii It grows to 8m high and 4m wide. This is a fast growing
small tree with attractive foliage.


Laurel Cryptocarya Laurel is a rainforest tree 30m high that attracts
hypospodia butterflies.

Leichhardt tree Nauclea orientalis This is a medium to tall tree up to 30m with a dense
crown and is deciduous. It is fast growing, hardy and
tolerant of flood prone conditions. The fruit are edible
when ripe (pale brown and soft) but contains bitter
tasting seeds. Traditional uses include crushing the
leaves or raw bark for a tea to induce vomiting, Using
bark as medicine for treating bruises, rheumatism,
fever and snake bites. Large leaves can be used as
plates. The trunk is soft and has been used for dug-out
canoes and coolamons (vessel for food and water).
The huge hawk moth larvae eat the leaves.

Mahogany Swietenia mehogani This is a fast growing, straight trunked, semi-deciduous
tree that grow to 9-21m. They can grow in full sun or
part shade, need regular watering and are tolerant of
most soil types. They have been found to even grow
in salty soils.

Mango bark, scrub Canarium Large rainforest tree that grows to 10-15. Separate
turpentine or brown australianum male and female plants. This tree has many cultural
cudgeree uses and is a hardy tree for revegetation projects.

Mango pine or Barringtonia This beautiful plant grows up to 20 m high and 8m
cassowary pine calyptrata wide. It has a large seed and cassowaries eat the
fruits.

Native sugar palm or Arenga australasica This plant forms a good windbreak and binds the soil
native honey palm together, reducing erosion.

Northern swamp Lophostemon This tree grows to 20m tall and 15m width. It prefers
mahogany grandiflorus hot overhead sun to dappled light and tolerant to most
soil conditions. Once mature, it has a high tolerance to
flood and fire.

Pongamia Millettia pinnata This grows to 15-25m tall and is deciduous. It is a
wide canopy tree well suited to intense heat and
sunlight. Its dense network of lateral roots and thin
long taproot make it extremely drought and wind
tolerant. It is a leguminous tree that is well adapted to
arid zones. Juices from the plant (as well as the oil)
have antiseptic qualities and are resistant to pests. It is
also flood tolerant.


Ribbon wood, pink Euroschinua falcata This is a great shade tree that grows up to 30m tall. It
poplar or maiden’s produces a lot of fruit which is edible by many species
blush of birds.

Sea/tropical almond Terminalia catappa This can grow to 30m tall. It is deciduous, the nuts are
edible and the oil extracted from the dried nuts is used
in cooking. It is a great shade tree.

Terminalia Terminalia This grows to 15-30m high. It is deciduous and is used
microcarpa in riparian revegetation projects to provide an upper
canopy. The flowers attract insects and the fruit
attracts numerous birds especially red-tailed black
cockatoos and fruit pigeons. It is tolerant of flooding
and periodic waterlogging.

Tuckeroo or Cupaniopsis This is a small tree growing to 15m. The seeds are
carrotwood anacardioides edible and the timber can be used. It is a hardy tree if
planted initially as a small tree and allowed to develop
a good root system. It is fire sensitive and has
moderate flood and salt tolerance.

Tulip oak Argyrodendron sp. This is a rainforest emergent growing 40-60m tall.

Tulip wood Harpulia pendula Its garden height is 7-10m and width is 2-3m. This is a
fast growing, small to medium evergreen tree with an
erect stem. It will tolerate dry conditions and most soil
types. It does not have invasive roots, has a dense
crown and does not grow high enough to disturb
overhead power lines. It requires full sun and is a great
shade tree.

Turkey bush or Leptospermum It is an excellent tall shrub 2-3m with fine leaves and
weeping tea-tree madidum flexible branches. It is often incorrectly sold as L.
brachyandrum.

White apple Syzygium forte This grows up to 30m. The fruits are eaten by
cassowaries and spectacled flying foxes.

White beech Gmelina leichhardtii In the garden it is 8-10m high and 8m wide. Its
rainforest height is 10-15m and 12m wide. It provides
part shade, is deciduous and well drained soil is
essential.

Yellow / golden Xamthostemon It is best planted as a small to 1m tall tree. Mass
penda chrysanthus flowering occurs one month later. It is a native with
non-invasive roots. It grows to 10m high and 4m wide.

References:

Calvert G. (2009) Bush friendly plants of the Burdekin Dry Tropics, NQ Dry Tropics,
Townsville.

Calvert G. (2010) The Burdekin Delta Tree Guide, Lower Burdekin Landcare Association,
Ayr.


Shade Trees for the School Yard
Common Species Name Comments
Names

Banyans Ficus Banyans are strangler figs with aerial roots. It
benghalensis is wind resistant.

Cluster fig Ficus racemosa This grows to 20m, is strongly buttressed and
deciduous in the dry season. It is tolerant of
floods and waterlogging but not to fire.

Forest siris Albizia procera This is a semi-deciduous tree that grows to
18m. It is found in a broad range of habitats
and is used in riparian and woodland
revegetation projects. They are used to
suppress weedy grasses and are moderately
tolerant of floods. The mature trees are tolerant
of fire.

Hairy fig or Ficus drupacea This is a spreading strangler fig that grows to
Drupe fig 30m.

Helicopter Gyrocarpus This is a deciduous softwood shrub from 1-6m
tree americanus tall with white flowers and winged seeds.

Native white Pipturus This is a small tree or tall shrub 3-10m. Male
mulberry argenteus and female trees separate. The female plants
are popular for bush tucker. It is intolerant of
fire.

Common Species Name Comments
Names

Northern Lophostemon This tree grows to 20m tall and 15m wide. It
swamp box grandiflorus has high tolerance of fire/floods when mature.

Peanut tree Sterculia This is a medium tree 5-10m. It is deciduous
quadrifida and grows in vine thickets, beach scrub and
riparian forests. The trees can resist cool fires.
It has traditional uses. These trees are often
used for coastal stabilisation projects.

Pongamia Millettia pinnata It grows from 5-10m and is tolerant of flooding
and waterlogging. Is used in flood prone
riparian revegetation projects as a foot path
tree and it can be used under powerlines or as
a screen planting.

Scaly ash Ganophyllum This grows from 10-32m. The fruit attracts
falcatum many bird species. It is moderately tolerant to
flood and salt breeze but is not fire tolerant.

Sea / tropical Terminalia This can grow to 30m. Associated with coastal
almond catappa vegetation, especially strandline communities
and beach forests including rocky shores and
edges of mangrove swamps.

Soap bush Alphitonia This is a large spreading shrub that grows to
excelsa 10m. It is intolerant of fire but is drought
resistant. It is often used in riparian and
woodland revegetation projects.

Terminalia Terminalia This grows to 15-30m high and has a shady
microcarpa upper canopy. It is deciduous in dry seasons.

White fig Ficus virens A large buttressed tree that grows from 15-
30m tall. It is found in a variety of soil types
and produces large aerial roots. The fruit
attracts many birds and bats while the trunk
provides hollows for other animals. It is
intolerant of fire.

References:

Calvert G. (2009) Bush Friendly Plants of the Burdekin Dry Tropics, NQ Dry Tropics,
Townsville.

Ayr.


What not to plant in your
school yard

There are many plants that are poisonous if eaten by
humans or animals and so are not suitable for the school
yard.

Toxic native species of Australia belong to about 70 of
the 200 plant families. The native plant groups that are
particularly toxic include the legumes (Fabaceae,
Mimosaceae), the nightshades and tobaccos
(Solanaceae), the spurges (Euphorbiaceae), the grasses
(Poaceae), the cycads (Cycadaceae, Zamiaceae), the
saltbushes (Chenopodiaceae), the riceflowers (Thymelaeaceae) and the buttercups
(Ranunculaceae).

Here is a list of some poisonous native Australian plants that should be avoided on
your school grounds:

Common Name Scientific Name

Blue flax lily Dianella revoluta

Bluebush pea Crotalaria eremea ssp. eremea

Bottle trees Brachychiton rupestris

Bracken Pteridium esculentum

Bracken fern Pteridium revolutum

Buttercup Ranunculus species

Butterfly flag Diplarrena moraea


Byfield fern Bowenia serrulata

Caustic vine Sarcostemma brevipedicellatum - formerly
S. australe

Chillagoe horse poison Crotalaria aridicola

Crab’s eye Abrus precatorius

Darling peas Swainsona species

Ellangowan poison bush Myoporum deserti

Finger cherry Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa

Flame tree Brachychiton acerifolius

Flaxweeds Pimelea species

Foxgloves Digitalis purpurea

Grass trees Xanthorrhoea species

Grey nicker-nut Caesalpinia bonduc

Groundsel or fireweed Senecio lautus

Idiot fruit Idiospermum australiense

Mapoon or ada-a Morinda reticulata

Milky pine Alstonia scholaris

Morgan flower Morgania floribunda

Mulga or rock fern Cheilanthes sieberi

Nardoo fern Marsilea drummondii

Native leek Bulbine bulbosa

Native tobaccos Nicotiana species

Nodding blue lily or blind grass Stypandra glauca - known as S.imbricata
and S.grandiflora


Oleander Nerium oleander

Pink rice flower Pimelea ferruginea

Plover daisy or flat billy buttons Ixiolaena brevicompta

Rattlepods Crotalaria species

Selenium weed Neptunia amplexicaulis

Sticky tail flower Anthocercis viscosa

Thargomindah nightshade Solanum sturtianum

Trefoil rattlepod Crotalaria medicaginea

Waxflower Hoya australis

Weir vine Ipomoea sp. aff. Calobra

White cedar Melia azedarach var. australasica

Wild parsnips Trachymene ochracea, T. cyanantha and
T.glaucifolia

Woolly waterlily or frogsmouth Philydrum lanuginosum

Yellow tail flower Anthocercis littorea

Reference:

Dr Ross McKenzie, 1997, Australian Native Poisonous Plants, Australian Native
Plant Society, viewed July 2011, http://anpsa.org.au/APOL7/sep97-4.html


Animal Attracting Plants
Attract native animals to your school yard with these plants:

Plants to attract honeyeaters:

• Callistemon species

• Grevillea species - particularly those with large flowers

• Lophostemon grandiflorus

• Melaleuca species

• Melicope rubra (syn Evodiella muelleri)

• Xanthostemon chrysanthus

Plants to attract fruit eating birds:

• Acmena hemilampra

• Chionanthus ramiflora

• Cupaniopsis anacardioides

• Diospyros geminate

• Euroschinus falcate

• Ficus species

• Livistona decora

• Livistona drudei

• Pittosporum ferrugineum

• Pleiogynium timorense

• Syzygium species

• Terminalia catappa

• Terminalia muelleri

Plants to attract insect eating birds:

• Bursaria tenuifolia


• Grevillea species


• Xanthostemon chrysanthus

Plants to attract parrots and cockatoos:

• Casuarina cunninghamiana

• Pleiogynium timorense

• Terminalia macrocarpa

Plants to attract butterflies:

Plant Species Butterflies

Aristolochia tagala Cairns Birdwing, Big Greasy,
Red-bodied Swallowtail

Brachychiton australis Common Aeroplane

Ficus species Common Crow, Two Brand
Crow

Graptophyllum species Orchard Swallowtail

Melicope elleryana Ulysses Swallowtail

Melicope rubra Ulysses Swallowtail

Terminalia cattapa Common Oak Blue

Whether you’re in a temperate, sub tropical or tropical area consider growing these plants to
attract butterflies:

Acacia species Grevillea species

Actinotus helinanthi Hakea species

Alphitonia excelsea Hoya species

Amyema species Hymenanthera dentate

Angophora species Hypocalymma species

Aristolochia deltantha Jacksonia scoparia

Banksia species Jasminum lineare

Brachychiton species Kunzea species

Brachyscome multifida Leptospermum species

Bracteantha bracteata Lomandra species

Breynia species Lomatia species

Buckinghamia celsissima Melaleuca species

Bursaria species Microcirtus species

Callicoma serratifolia Micromelum minutum

Callistemon species Microlaena stipoides

Calytrix tetragona Morinda species

Carex fascicularis Olearia species

Cassia species (some Passiflora species
now Senna)

Chionochloa species Poa species

Chrysocephalum species Pomaderris species

Craspedia canens Pultenaea species

Dianella species Senna species

Doryanthes species Tasmannia species

Eucalyptus species Thelionema aespitosa

Exocarpus cupressiformis Wahlenbergia species

Plants to attract gliders and possums:

• Acmena hemilampra


• Eucalyptus crebra

• Eucalyptus tereticornis

• Lophostemon grandiflorus


• Syzygium species

Plants to attract koalas:

• Eucalyptus crebra

• Eucalyptus tereticornis

Plants to attract lizards:

• Any tufted grass or rush

• Dianella atraxis

• Dianella caerulea

• Lomandra hystrix

• Lomandra longifolia

• Xanthorrhoea johnsonii

Heavily mulched gardens

Plants to attract useful insects:

Common plant name Desirable insects for your garden

Angelica, Queen Anne's Lacewings, ladybugs, hover flies, parasitic mini wasps and
lace and parsley tachinid flies.

Golden marguerite Lacewings, ladybugs, hover flies, parasitic mini wasps and
tachinid flies.

Alliums Hover flies and parasitic mini wasps.

Carrots Lacewings, hover flies, assassin bugs, big-eyed bugs and
parasitic wasps.

Bergamot/bee balm Hover flies

Coriander Lacewings, ladybugs, hover flies, parasitic mini wasps and
tachinid flies.

Common plant name Desirable insects for your garden

White clover Parasitic wasps and tachinid flies.

Candytuft Syrphid flies

Dill and fennel Lacewings, ladybugs, hoverflies, syrphid flies, tachinid flies
and parasitic wasps.

Goldenrod Ladybugs, hover flies, assassin bugs, big-eyed bugs and
parasitic wasps

Feverfew and thyme Hover flies

Lavender Hover flies

Yarrow Lacewings, ladybugs, hover flies and parasitic wasps.

Morning glory Ladybugs and syrphid flies.

Speedwell Ladybugs and hover flies.

Alfalfa Ladybugs, assassin bugs, big-eyed bugs, damsel bugs and
parasitic wasps.

References:

Calvert G. (2009) Bush Friendly Plants of the Burdekin Dry Tropics, NQ Dry Tropics,
Townsville.

Ayr.

Websites for further information:

State of Queensland, Environmental Protection Agency, May 2004, Mackay City Council,
July 2011 http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/register/p01362aa.pdf

Society for Growing Australian Plants Townsville Branch Inc., 2009 – June 2011, July 2011,
http://www.sgaptownsville.org.au/

Lowchensaustralia, 2009, Lowchensaustralia, viewed July 2011,
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/pests/plants.htm


Companion planting in your school yard
Planting or improving a herb or vegetable garden? Have you heard of the benefits of
companion planting?

‘Companions’ are planted close together in the garden because they help each other out.
This help may aid in pest control, pollination, improving growth and flavour, crop
productivity and attracting beneficial insects.

Allium

Use with vegetables (except peas and beans), fruit trees, flowering onions, garlic,
leek, onions, and flowering onions for aphids, carrot flies, tree borers, and weevils.
It protects roses from black spot, mildew and aphids but is believed to inhibit
growth of peas and beans.

Anise

Attracts predatory wasps, which prey on aphids. It may repel aphids and
improves growth of any plants growing near it.

Bachelor's buttons

This plant has nectar high in sugar so it is very attractive to hover flies, ladybug,
lacewings, and beneficial wasps.

Basil

Basil will repel flying insects (flies and mosquitoes) if planted between your tomato
plants. It is also helpful with tomato hornworms and asparagus beetles.

Bay leaves

Place fresh leaves in a container of beans or grains to repel weevils and moths.
Use for ladybug invasion by laying the leaves around the school.

Beans

Beans will enrich the soil by ‘fixing nitrogen.’ Legumes (beans and peas included)
add nitrogen to the soil.

Bee Balm

Use for attracting beneficial bugs and bees, plant with tomatoes to improve flavour
and growth.

Borage

Use around tomatoes, strawberries, and fruit orchards to repel tomato worms.
They add calcium, potassium and other minerals to the soil. They are great for
attracting honey bees and more than 100 beneficial insects. Borage may benefit
plants in close proximity by increasing their resistance to pests and disease.
Borage will self-seed.

Caraway

If you have hard, compacted soil, plant caraway to help loosen it up. It attracts
beneficial insects.

Castor Bean Plant

Repels mosquitoes.

Catnip

Use around eggplant to repel flea beetles, aphids, Japanese beetles, squash
bugs, ants, weevils, mosquitoes and mice.

Celery

Use near cauliflower, tomatoes, leek, and cabbage. It will repel white cabbage
flies.

Chamomile

Plant just a few around cabbage and onions for better flavour and improved
growth, even for failing plants. It attracts hoverflies and wasps.

Chervil

Will improve growth and flavour of radishes.

Chives

Repels many pests problematic to fruit tree and tomato plants. It increases
flavour and growth of carrots.

Citriodora

Repels mosquitoes.

Citronella grass

Plant in pots to repel mosquitoes.

Clover

A good cover crop to improve soil. It attracts beneficial insects. There are many
different types of clover, each one with qualities that benefit certain conditions.

Coriander

Plant near all vegetables to repel aphids, slugs, snails, spider mites, and attract
bees.

Dill

Plant around cabbage and it will improve growth and flowers. It attracts bees and
increases the growth of cabbage. Do not plant near carrots. Swallowtail butterfly
caterpillars will eat dill.

Elderberry

A general insecticide, the leaves encourage compost fermentation.

Fennel

Controls aphids, slugs, snails, spider mites and mosquitoes. It attracts beneficial
insects that are looking for nectar but can inhibit growth of many plants so plant
away from the garden.

Garlic

Repels ants, aphids, flea beetles, mosquitoes, ticks, onion flies, weevils, borers,
Japanese beetles and spider mites. Roses benefit from garlic since it repels
aphids. Crushed garlic is a good addition to any homemade insecticide spray.
Garlic cloves, placed in the ground around plants will deter slugs. Garlic is a
natural pesticide against mosquito larvae. Plant under peach trees to control leaf
curl and near roses to enhance scent.

Geranium

Repels cabbage worms and Japanese beetles. Spray house and garden plants
with geranium oil diluted in distilled water to discourage larvae from feeding. Plant
around grapes, roses, corn, and cabbage.

Henbit

Most insects are repelled by henbit.

Horehound

Add horehound to milk to kill flies. It also attracts bees to your gardens.

Hyssop

Will deter cabbage moths if planted around cabbage and grapes and may improve
growth for these plants.

Lamium

Repels potato bugs.

Lavender

Repels ants, aphids, moths, and fleas. Use the oil in insect sprays as flies and
mosquitoes don’t like the fragrance. Use lavender sachet bags to protect clothes
against moths. Excellent cut flowers.

Leek

Use near carrots, celery and onions to improve their growth and repel carrot flies.

Lemon Balm

Sprinkle around squash plants to deter squash bugs. Rub the leaves on your skin
to repel mosquitoes. Plant it near beehives and orchards to attract pollinating
bees.

Lemongrass (citronella es)

A good mosquito repellent.

Lemon Thyme

Plant in pots to repel mosquitoes.

Marigold

Encourages growth if planted near tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, beans, and
roses. Repels many insects like Mexican bean beetles and harmful nematodes
under ground.

Mint

Will improve flavour and growth if planted near cabbage and tomatoes. Repels
cabbage white moth. Use dried mint in sachet bags in the wardrobe to repel
clothes moth.

Mustard

Known as a trap crop to attract many insect pests. Plant near cabbage,
cauliflower, radish, brussel sprouts, collards, turnips, and kohlrabi.

Nasturtium

Repels aphids, ants, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, white flies, and borers near
fruit trees. Mainly cucumber and squash will benefit. Acts as a trap crop for
aphids. Repels borers near fruit trees.

Onion

Repels cabbage moths, aphids, weevils, carrot flies and mosquitoes. Controls
rust flies, some nematodes and red spiders. It may alter the growth of peas and
beans. Plant it near beets, tomato, lettuce, strawberry, cabbage, broccoli, and
cauliflower.

Oregano

Plant oregano near broccoli. It repels cabbage butterfly.

Parsley

Parsley repels carrot flies, rose, and asparagus beetles. Plant it near asparagus,
carrots, tomato and roses.

Peanuts

Peanuts will encourage the growth of corn and squash.

Peas

If planted near corn, it will provide extra nitrogen.

Pennyroyal

Deters ants, aphids, fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, flies, chiggers and cabbage
maggots. Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage will benefit from pennyroyal.

Peppermint (and other Mentha sp.)

Repels ants, aphids, cabbage loopers, cabbage grubs, flies, cucumber beetles,
flea beetles, squash bugs, whiteflies and mites. Ants dislike peppermint and so
you can prevent them from entering buildings by scenting cotton balls with
peppermint oil, spraying along shelves, and entryways. Grow near roses to deter
aphids. Scatter fresh or dried leaves around food to deter mice.

Petunia

This pretty flower is also beneficial in controlling asparagus beetle, leafhoppers,
certain aphids, tomato worms, and Mexican bean beetles.

Pyrethrum

Repels most insects like aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, ticks, and cabbage
worms.

Radish

Plant around cucumbers to deter cucumber beetles.

Rosemary

Repels cabbage moths, beetles, mosquitoes and slugs. Plant near beans, carrots
and cabbage.

Rue

Deters Japanese beetles. Roses and raspberries benefit from rue but most plants
have an aversion to it, so plant away from the vegetable garden.

Sage

Sage is a companion plant for broccoli, cauliflower, rosemary, cabbage and
carrots. It deters cabbage moth, beetles, carrot flies and ticks. Do not plant sage
next to cucumbers.

Soybeans

Plant soybeans near corn as they add nitrogen to the soil. It repels chinch bugs
and Japanese beetles.

Spearmint

This deters ants and aphids. Grow spearmint near roses to deter aphids. Scatter
fresh or dried leaves around food to deter mice.

Summer Savoury

Will improve growth of green beans and deter bean beetles.

Thai Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Is an effective mosquito repellent.

Thyme

Repels cabbage worms, flea beetles and cabbage maggots.

Tomato

Plant near roses and will protect them from black spot.

Wormwood (Artemisia)

Will deter black flea beetles, malaria mosquitoes, cabbage worm and butterflies.
When planted as a border it helps to keep animals and many bugs out of the
garden. It can improve the flavour and enhance the growth of plants.

Reference:

Lowchensaustralia, 2009, Lowchensaustralia, viewed July 2011,
www.lowchensaustralia.com/pests/plants

Fig Tree Community Garden, date unknown, Fig Tree Community Garden, viewed July
2011, www.figtree.org.au/companion_planting

Sustainable Gardening Australia, 2011, SGA, viewed July 2011, www.sgaonline.org.au


Prepare to plant
Before you start digging, what other preparation is required?

Do you have the right resources?

 Tools (gloves, bags, digging equipment, shovel and
rakes)
 Mulch
 Fertilisers and water crystals
 Stakes and ties
 Irrigation

Soil type and condition

Test your soil to check its pH and nutrient levels. There are
pH test kits available at your local nursery. Some plants prefer sandy soils while
others may prefer clay.

1. When the soil is moist, pick up a handful and squeeze it tightly in your
hand.
2. Try to pinch the soil into a ribbon.
 If the soil forms a ribbon up to 5cm long = clay soil.
 If the soil forms a ribbon only 2.5cm long = loam soil.
 If the soil falls apart easily and won't make a ribbon = sandy soil.

More information can be found on soil types on fact sheet 8.

What is the drainage like in your patch?

Dig a hole and fill it with 10cm of water. Return in two hours and if the water is
gone, there is good drainage. If not, you will need to consider which plant species
will most suitable and your irrigation methods.

Fertilise native plants with a slow release native fertiliser, treated with a water
retention polymer such as Terra Cottem Soil Conditioner™ to increase plant
establishment rates. Use a fertiliser low in phosphorus. To determine if your
fertiliser is suitable, check the N:P:K (nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium)
composition. You want the one that contains less than 3% P.

Using organic fertiliser means that run-off from school grounds into waterways will
carry less detrimental sediment and chemicals. Organic fertilisers are both
naturally occurring such as manure, worm castings, peat and seaweed, or
manufactured, such as bone meal, seaweed extract and more.

What time of year are you planting?

Planting just before or during the wet season (November to May) will require less
watering. If you plant during the dry season (June to October), plan for effective
irrigation. Will your plants require maintenance during the school holidays?

Plot out on your patch the height and width of plants when they are mature.
Calculate the distance needed from buildings, structures and other plants. Will the
roots disturb pathways at maturity?

Location, location, location…

Trees develop better root systems and can have fewer problems when grown in
mulched areas rather than lawn areas. The young tree is disadvantaged when its
roots are forced to compete with grass roots for water, nutrients and oxygen.

Plants can be sun or shade loving. Where should they be planted in relation to the
school buildings? Plants can also be sensitive to salt. How close is your school to
the ocean?

What is the topography of the school grounds? Is it flat or hilly? Where does the
rain water flow and collect in the yard? What direction does the wind normally
blow? Do you need to select species that are strong wind tolerant?

Some trees are known to be:

 drought resistant/tolerant

 fire resistant/retardant

 Flood resistant/tolerant

Plants grow at different rates. Fast growing trees have positive characteristics:

 Providing soil erosion protection

 Providing shade to suppress weeds

 Creating a cool surface for understory species to grow beneath

 Like full sun and respond well to disturbances such as fire

 Produce many seeds.

Fast growing plants include acacias, figs, the Leichhardt tree, the white mulberry
tree, the glueberry tree and the macaranga.

Slow growing species also have positive characteristics including:

 providing habitat for native animals

 providing extensive roots for erosion control

 excellent canopies for shading out weeds.

Slow growing tress includes the Burdekin plum, the native damson and the
pongamia.

References:

Cullen K., Herse K., Mangru (2003) From Seeds to Success: A bush regeneration
manual for Townsville, Thuringowa and the Burdekin, Tropical Urban production
and Landcare Group, Townsville.


Know your soil
The soils present in your school yard will depend on the history of the site. Some
common local soils include sandy loams near the coast, heavy clays further inland,
and a variety of soil types in areas along rivers and creeks that regularly flood.

Your school may also have soils that have been brought in from elsewhere. You
find out what soils are present by digging test holes, measuring the pH of the soils
and examining the texture of the soils (e.g., how much sand or clay is in the soil).

Determining your soil type and its characteristics will help you to choose suitable
long-living plants and create a low
maintenance garden. More
information on soil type can be found
in fact sheet 7.

Sandy soil has free-draining large
particles; good aeration and plants
thrive in it. However they cannot
retain water or nutrients well. Sandy
soils can be improved by adding
organic matter such as animal
manure or garden compost.

Clay soil has small particles to retain water and nutrients well. Although its
potential to have drainage problems can be difficult for plants to grow. Clay soil
can be improved by adding organic matter, coarse sand and gypsum. Gypsum
should be added at a rate of 0.5 to 1kg per square metre of soil.

Reference:

Yates Garden Guide (2006), HarperCollins Publishers, Australia.


How to plant in your school yard
10 Steps to planting:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the plant’s root
ball. Set asid soil in a neat pile and add planting mix if
necessary (1 part mix to 2 parts soil).
2. Loosen up the sides of the hole to promote root
penetration.
3. Make sure the roots are not tangled.
4. Add slow release fertiliser and water crystals.
5. Place the root ball in the hole so the top is sitting 3 cm
above the soil level.
6. Backfill with soil and fertiliser. Don’t backfill with
compost as it does not have oxygen. Pack firmly to
remove air pockets.
7. Create a well around your tree with soil to help retain
water and reduce water runoff.
8. Place mulch to a depth of 150mm around the base of your tree, but away
from the trunk to prevent rot.
9. Stake trees, large shrubs and other plants that could be damaged by the
wind. Use ties to secure your plant to the stake while allowing movement
and growth.
10. Thoroughly water the plant immediately and then regularly for 6 months.

Creating a natural visual and noise barrier along the school fence:

This should be comprised of flood tolerant trees and shrubs, planted to form a
closed canopy that will not require slashing. Plant the tallest trees towards the
fence with medium trees as spacers and a zone of medium trees and shrubs
across the boundary to create a complete ‘wall’ of vegetation.

Using the below diagram plant tall trees (T) at least 10m apart, with medium (M)
trees as spacers and a barrier of shrubs (S).

FENCE
TMTMMTM
MMMTMMT
MMMMMMMMMMMM
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Creating a fire resistant wall of trees:

Comprised of flood tolerant trees and shrubs, planted to form a closed canopy that
will not require slashing. Protected with a zone of fire resistant plants that suppress
grass growth – a ‘green fire break’ (GF).

These GF species need to be planted close enough together to form a continuous
canopy. Plantings should have a high canopy of tall trees in the middle, sloping
down to medium trees and shrubs to create a cool microclimate within.

FENCE
GF GF GF GF GF GF GF GF GF GF GF GF GF GF GF GF GF
MMTMMMTMMMT
TMMTMMTMM
MMTMMMMTMMMT
MMMMMMM
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Creating a forest for wildlife:

To create a forest community, tall trees should have a touching canopy above and
medium trees a touching canopy below. Studies have shown that birds revisit
gardens as much for their vegetative structure as they do for plant species.

Plantings should be approximately 1.5 to 2m apart with small and medium plants
used as spacers between the tall trees. The tall trees need space to grow up and
expand to their full size without competition.

Shrubs and medium sized trees seal forest edges and create a shady microclimate
within the forest reducing light levels and weeds.

Use the table below for the most ideal plantings of trees for your forest community.

Tall Medium Small Medium Tall

Medium Small Medium Small Medium

Small Medium Tall Medium Small

Medium Small Medium Small Medium

Tall Medium Small Medium Tall


Maintaining your new plants
You have new plants in your school yard. Now maintenance including watering,
mulching, weeding and pruning will establish your garden.

Watering

A general guide to watering new plants in Townsville’s dry and sunny
conditions is:
 Water your new tree slowly with one bucket of water as soon
as it is planted.
 The next day, add another bucket of water.
 Water once a week for the next 12 weeks.
 Water fortnightly and then monthly or until the tree is
well established.

However the above guidelines depend on a few factors
such as:
 Time of year. If you are planting before or during
the wet season you may not need to water as
much.
 Soil composition. If the soil is sandy you will
need to water more and if it is clay you will need
to water less.
 The tree’s natural habitat. If the tree is from a
wetland area it will need more water than a tree
from a rocky area.

Mulching

Make sure your plants are surrounded by mulch to help them retain water and to
prevent weeds from sprouting. To prevent stem rot, mulch should not touch the
plant’s stem. Your plants may need extra fertiliser and mulch over time.

Weeding

Weeds that grow around the trees compete for nutrients and water. Some can
quickly kill young plants. Remove all weeds before and after planting. Weed
control is usually required for five years after planting.

Pruning

Native plants can grow into thick bush shrubs, perfect for natural fences if pruned
properly. Plants need to be pruned lightly and regularly from the day they are
planted to six months. After that they only need pruning every few months.

Pruning can be safe and easy for teachers and students to do. Simply by pinching
off the soft growing tips, the plant is forced to then grow outwards instead of
upwards. This causes the plant to grow thick and bushy.

It is also useful to cut off any dead flowers and branches.

Other considerations for your new garden:

 Remove any dead branches, leaves and flowers.
 Replace any missing or broken stakes – especially if they are used to warn
people using lawnmowers or whipper snippers to stay away from your tree.
 Install signs if needed, for communication or interpretation.

References:

Greening Australia, 2007, Greening Australia, viewed July 2011,
www.greeningaustralia.org.au


Pest Animals of Queensland
Pest animals have environmental impacts. The following is a list of the common
declared pest animals under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route
Management) Act 2002 and some non-declared pest animals.

If you believe you have a pest animal on your school grounds or need more
information contact your local council.

The Townsville City Council pest animal number is 1300 878 001.

Or contact Biosecurity Office on 4760 1591 (Townsville) 4761 5700 (Charters
Towers).

 Aconophora (Aconophora compressa)
 African serval (Leptailurus serval)
 American corn snake (Elaphe guttata)
 Asian bag mussel (Musculista senhousia)
 Asian green mussel (Perna viridis)
 Asian honey bee (Apis cerana)
 Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus)
 Asian spined toad (Bufo melanostictus)
 Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera)
 Blackbird (Turdus merula)
 Blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra)
 Bumblebee, large earth (Bombus terrestris)
 Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
 Cane toad (Bufo marinus)
 Cobra (Naja spp.)
 Deer (feral) (if species unknown)
 Deer (chital, axis) (feral) (Axis axis)

 Deer (fallow) (feral) (Dama dama)
 Deer (red) (feral) (Cervus elaphus)
 Deer (rusa) (feral) (Cervus timorensis)
 Dingo (Canis familiaris dingo)
 Dog, wild (Canis familiaris)
 Exotic pest fish, aquarium fish
 Fallow deer (feral) (Dama dama)
 Feral cat (Felis catus)
 Feral goat (Capra hircus)
 Feral pig (Sus scrofa)
 Ferret (Mustela furo)
 Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta)
 Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
 Horse (feral) (Equus caballus)
 House mouse (Mus domesticus)
 Indian house crow (Corvus splendens)
 Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus)
 Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis)
 Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus species)
 Invasive ants (including fire ants, yellow crazy ants and electric ants)
 Lantana sap-sucking bug (Aconophora compressa)*
 Locust (Australian plague) (Chortoicetes terminifera)
 Locust (migratory) (Locusta migratoria)
 Locust (spur-throated) (Austracris guttulosa)
 Locust (yellow-winged) (Gastrimargus musicus)
 Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
 Red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)
 Red-billed quelea (Quelea quelea)
 Savannah cat (Leptailurus serval and felis cactus)
 Small hive beetle
 Spur-throated locust (Austracris guttulosa)
 Stoat (Mustela erminea)
 Varroa mite (Varroa destructor; pathogenic Varroa jacobsoni)
 Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
 Yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes)

Reference:

Primary Industries and Fisheries, 2011, Queensland Government, viewed July
2011, http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au


Weeds in your school yard
Weeds can have serious impacts on a school’s biodiversity. It is important to be
able to identify and remove them, generally by simply digging or pulling the weeds
out.

Weeds can be sneaky to identify. They can look like plants that are not weeds,
including native or endangered species. They can look very different in their
juvenile and mature stages.

A weed is a plant that is simply in the wrong place. They are often invasive, can
quickly spread and can have negative economical, environmental and social
impacts. Weeds may be introduced to Australia or are Australian and growing
outside their natural range. Around 28,000 plant species have been introduced
into Australia since European settlement. There are over 1166 species of
introduced plants in Queensland and Townsville has over 235 introduced plants
that is increasing at an average rate of nine new plants per year. Weeds costs
Queensland over $600 million per year.

Weeds can invade and replace native vegetation, alter species composition and
abundance, alter fire regimes and choke waterways. Weeds can affect animals by
reducing natural habitat and food. They can also be toxic plants.

Weeds are spread by humans (deliberate or accidental) or by animals, wind or
water. They can be controlled by many different methods including mechanical,
chemical, manual, mulching, hydrology, fire and by planting local native species
(biological).

How to identify weeds:

 Consult an expert such as staff from NQ Dry Tropics or Greening Australia
 Field guides

 Botanical keys
 Herbarium specimens
If a plant cannot be identified using online tools or weed identification publications,
correct identification can be gained by sending a sample to the
Queensland Herbarium. The website also provides information on
collecting and preparing plant specimens for identification.
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-
ecosystems/plants/queensland_herbarium/

Six steps to beating weeds:

1. Identify where the weeds are:
 Not present
 Scattered
 Dense
2. Work from weed free areas into the scattered
areas and then the dense areas.
3. Try to control weeds before they mature and set seeds.
4. Reduce germination by not causing extensive soil disturbance (such as
using machinery). Avoid using non-selective herbicides.
5. Encourage competition from native species.
6. Prevent weeds from entering your school grounds on vehicles or
machinery.
Where to find more information:

 Biosecurity Queensland: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_13149.htm
 Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries:
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_8331.htm
 Greening Australia: http://www.greeningaustralia.org.au/
 James Cook University: fact sheets on North Queensland weeds
http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/discovernature/weedscommon/index.htm
 The Australian Tropical Herbarium: http://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/cd-
keys/rfk/index.html
 Weed Spotters Queensland Network: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-
ecosystems/plants/queensland_herbarium/weed_spotters_queensland_net
work.html


Declared Plants of Queensland
A declared plant is a pest or weed that is targeted for control under state
legislation. They potentially have serious economic, environmental or social
impacts. Declared plants are classified into three
classes depending on their establishment in
Queensland.

• Class 1: has the potential to become a
serious pest
• Class 2: has already spread over
Queensland and gaining control is
considered to be very important
• Class 3: is commonly found in
Queensland and land owners are not
expected to try and control it.

It is the landholders responsibility to control declared weeds on their land. More
information can be found by calling Biosecurity Queensland (Department of
Employment, Economic Development and Innovation) on 13 25 23.

 
These plants are declared under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route
Management) Act 2002:
Class 1
 
• Acacias non-indigenous to Australia (Acaciella spp., Mariosousa spp.,
Senegalia spp. (other than Senegalia albizoides) and Acacia spp. (syn.
Vachellia spp.) other than Acacia nilotica and Acacia farnesiana)
• Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides)
• Anchored water hyacinth (Eichhornia azurea)
• Annual thunbergia (Thunbergia annua)

• Badhara bush (Gmelina elliptica)
• Bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera sub sp. rotundata)
• Bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides)
• Candleberry myrth (Myrica faya)
• Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana)
• Cholla cactus (Cylindropuntia spp. and their hybrids, other than C. spinosior, C.
fulgida and C. imbricata)
• Christ´s thorn (Ziziphus spina-christi)
• Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
• Fanwort (Cabomba spp. other than C. caroliniana)
• Floating water chestnuts (Trapa spp.)
• Fragrant thunbergia (T. fragrans)
• Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
• Harrisia cactus (Harrisia spp. syn. Eriocereus spp. are Class 1 and H. martinii,
H. tortuosa and H. pomanensis syn. Cereus pomanensis) are Class 2
• Honey locust (Gleditsia spp. including cultivars and varieties)
• Horsetails (Equisetum spp.)
• Hygrophila (Hygrophila costata)
• Kochia (Bassia scoparia syn. Kochia scoparia)
• Koster´s curse (Clidemia hirta)
• Lagarosiphon (Lagarosiphon major)
• Laurel clockvine (T. laurifolia)
• Limnocharis or yellow burrhead (Limnocharis flava)
• Madras thorn (Pithecellobium dulce)
• Mesquites (all Prosopis spp. and hybrids not yet found in Queensland are
Class 1) Prosopis glandulosa, Prosopis pallida and Prosopis velutina) are
Class 2
• Mexican bean tree (all Cecropia spp.)
• Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima)
• Miconia (Miconia spp.)
• Mikania vine (Mikania spp.)
• Mimosa pigra (Mimosa pigra)
• Peruvian primrose bush (Ludwigia peruviana)
• Prickly pear (Opuntia spp. not yet found in Queensland are Class 1) O. ficus-
indica (not declared) and O. stricta, O. aurantiaca, O. monacantha, O.
tomentosa and O. streptacantha are Class 2)
• Red sesbania (Sesbania punicea)
• Salvinia (Salvinia spp. other than S. molesta which is a Class 2)
• Senegal tea (Gymnocoronis spilanthoides)
• Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma)
• Siam weed (Chromolaena spp.)
• Spiked pepper (Piper aduncum)
• Thunbergia

• Water mimosa (Neptunia oleracea and N. plena)
• Water soldiers (Stratiotes aloides)
• Willow (Salix spp. other than S. babylonica, S. humboldtiana (syn. S. chilensis),
S. matsudana, S. x calodendron and S. x reichardtii)
• Witch weeds (Striga spp. other than native species)
• Yellow ginger (Hedychium flavescens)

Class 2:
• African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum)
• Annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
• Bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia and hybrids)
• Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana)
• Chinee apple (Ziziphus mauritiana)
• Cholla cactus
• Coral cactus (Cylindropuntia fulgida)
• Devil´s rope pear (C. imbricata)
• Snake cactus (C. spinosior)
• Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis)
• Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus)
• Giant sensitive plant (Mimosa diplotricha var. diplotricha)
• Groundsel bush (Baccharis halimifolia)
• Harrisia cactus (Harrisia martinii syn. Eriocereus martinii, H. tortuosa and H.
pomanensis syn. Cereus pomanensis)
• Hymenachne or Olive hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis)
• Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata, syn. P. lobata, P. triloba) other than in
the Torres Strait Islands
• Mesquites (Prosopis glandulosa, P. pallida and P. velutina)
• Mother of millions (Bryophyllum delagoense syn. B. tubiflorum, Kalanchoe
delagoensis)
• Mother of millions hybrid (Bryophyllum x houghtonii (syn. B. daigremontianum x
B. delagoense, Kalanchoe x houghtonii)
• Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata)
• Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus)
• Pond apple (Annona glabra)
• Prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica)
• Prickly pear
• Common pest pear, spiny pest pear (O. stricta; syn. O. inermis)
• Tiger pear (O. aurantiaca)
• Westwood pear (O. streptacantha)
• Tree pears:
• Drooping tree pear (O. monacantha syn. O. vulgaris)
• Velvety tree pear (O. tomentosa)

• Rat´s tail grasses
• American rat´s tail grass (Sporobolus jacquemontii)
• Giant Parramatta grass (Sporobolus fertilis)
• Giant rat´s tail grass (Sporobolus pyramidalis and S. natalensis)
• Parramatta grass (Sporobolus africanus)
• Rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora)
• Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)
• Sicklepods
• Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia)
• Foetid cassia (Senna tora)
• Hairy cassia (Senna hirsuta)
• Telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora)
• Thunbergia or blue thunbergia (Thunbergia grandiflora)
• Tobacco weed (Elephantopus mollis)
• Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
• Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

Class 3:
• African fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
• African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata)
• Aristolochia or Dutchman´s pipe (Aristolochia spp. other than native species)
• Asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus ´Sprengeri´, A. africanus and A.
plumosus)
• Athel pine (Tamarix aphylla)
• Balloon vine (Cardiospermum grandiflorum)
• Blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans, Rubus fruticosus agg.)
• Broadleaved pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius)
• Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)
• Captain Cook tree or yellow oleander (Cascabela thevetia syn. Thevetia
peruviana)
• Cat's claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati)
• Chinese celtis (Celtis sinensis)
• Harungana (Harungana madagascariensis)
• Kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum)
• Lantana or common lantana (Lantana camara)
• Creeping lantana (L. montevidensis)
• Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia)
• Privets
• Broad leaf privet or tree privet (Ligustrum lucidum)
• Small leaf privet or Chinese privet (L. sinense)
• Purple or ornamental rubber vine (Cryptostegia madagascariensis)
• Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata; syn. Wedelia trilobata)

• White ginger (Hedychium coronarium)
• Willows
• Pencil willow (Salix humboldtiana syn. S. chilensis)
• Tortured willow (Salix matsudana)
• Yellow bells (Tecoma stans)

References:

Declared Weeds of Queensland, Queensland Government Primary industries and
fisheries, viewed July 2011,
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_7005_ENA_HTML.htm


Cultural knowledge used in the garden
Aboriginal people have used Australia’s native plants for food, medicine, material
and tools for around 60,000 years. Many schools enjoy creating a bush tucker
garden to increase biodiversity, native wildlife and learn more about Aboriginal
culture.

The following table will help you in choosing your native plants that have cultural
uses:

Common Name Scientific Name Characteristics

Alexandra palm Archontophoenix The inner heart of the palm is edible
alexandrae after being peeled and cooked. The
large sheath at the base of the leaf
make plates/bowls. The leaves are
woven into baskets and the timber is
used for making spears.

Beach almond Terminalia catappa The seeds are edible after processing.

Beach apricot Ximenia americana The plum like fruit turns yellow/orange
when it is ready to eat.

Beach sheoak Casurina The timber is used to make hand spears
equisetifolia and firewood. The leaves and bark
have medicinal properties.

Blackbean tree Castanospermum The fruits and seeds are toxic and need
australe to be processed before consumption.

Bloodwood Corymbia intermedia The bark is used for medicine, firewood
and timber.


Blue fig/Poison fig Ficus albipila The blue edible fruits are covered in
white hairs. Fighting shields were made
from the wood of this tree.

Blue quandong Elaeocarpus The wood is used to make canoes and
angustifolius the blue/purple fruit are edible.

Broad leafed native Exocarpos latifolius This summer fruiting plant gives cherries
cherry that are red, yellow or orange.

Bulrushes Typha sp The young shoots are eaten raw. Pollen
from the flowers is eaten raw or baked.
The sap provides protection against
leeches.

Burdekin plum Pleiogynium The fruits are eaten or made into a jam.
timorense

Cloudy tea tree Melaleuca dealbata The flowers of the Cloudy Tea Tree
provide nectar. The leaves are used as
a medicine and the bark is useful as
insulation and for carrying food and
water.

Cocky apple Planchonia careya The fibrous twigs once pounded, can be
teased out to make a brush for painting
or to make twine. The large fruits are
edible. The bark is used to stun fish and
it has medicinal properties.

Hakea Hakea lorea The wood is used to make tools and
weapons. This plant has medicinal
properties.

Cottonwood/Native Hibiscus tiliaceus The inner bark is used for string and
hibiscus fishing line. The wood is used for
building rafts and firesticks.

Crabs eyes Abrus precatorius The hard seeds are used by Aboriginals
to decorate Ceremonial objects. They
are extremely poisonous.

Cypress pine Callitris intratropica The bark, wood, sap and leaves are
used for medicine, weapons and tools.

Goats foot morning Ipomoea pes-caprae The root and leaves have medicinal
glory properties and the root is also food.


Quinine tree Petalostigma The wood is used for spear throwers
pubescens and the fruit are used in medicine such
as to prevent malaria.

Dogs balls Grewia retusifolia The fruit is boiled down to make a
medicinal drink.

Geebung/Milky Persoonia falcata This plant is used for medicine and
plum weapons.

Herbert River Antidesma bunius The edible fruit are ripe when they turn
cherry red to black.

Jungle currant Antidesma The Jungle Currant produces currant-
ghaesembilla like fruit that provides an acid pulp
around a central stone.

Leichhardt tree Nauclea orientalis An infusion of crushed leaves was used
to treat ‘sore belly’ by inducing vomiting.
The bark was prepared to relieve
rheumatic pain and bruising. The trunk
was used to make canoes and the
leaves were used to protect damper
from ashes. Its flowers develop into
edible fruit. Fish poisons are made from
the bark and roots.

Moreton Bay ash Corymbia tessellaris Gum trees are famous for their
eucalyptus oil. Crushed leaves in hot
water provide relief from colds and their
timber was valuable for making
hardwood tools. The wood is favoured
for firewood and spears.

Native passionfruit Passiflora foetida This vine produces small, tasty yellow
fruits.

Native rosella Abelmoschus This plant has edible leaves, shoots and
moschatus roots.

Native grape Cayratia trifolia The purple/black fruit are edible.

Nicker nut Caesalpinia bonduc The seeds can be eaten after
processing and are used for necklaces.
The bark is ground into a powder to treat
aches and pains.


Northern beefwood Grevillea striata The seeds are edible after processing
and boomerangs were made from the
root or basal areas. This tree has
medicinal properties.

Peanut tree or Sterculia quadrifida This plant has medicinal manufacturing
Monkey nut and nutritional use. The leaves and
bark was made into twine and nets.

Rock fig Ficus platypoda Provides edible fruits that are rather dry
and tasteless unless soaked in water to
make a pulp.

Sandpaper fig Ficus opposita Its rough leaves are used for final
smoothing of wooden tools and
weapons. The fruit is eaten when ripe.
The leaves were used for medicine.

Screw palm Pandanus sp The fruit is edible after roasting. The
leaves were stripped into thin fibres to
weave mats and baskets.

The cupania tree or Cupaniopsis This has edible orange fruit.
Beach tamarind anacardioides

Wattle Acacia sp. Some wattles have edible gum which
was soaked in water with honey to form
a toffee. Roots were cooked and eaten
and the wood was used for
manufacturing weapons and tools. The
red and yellow wattle is used for fibres
to weave fishing string.

Weeping tea tree Melaleuca The flowers of the Cloudy Tea Tree
(paperbark) leucadendron provided nectar, the leaves were used
as a medicine and the bark was used for
shelters, bedding, slow burning torches
and for carrying food and water.

White apple Syzygium forte The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
subsp. forte Fish poison is made from the bark, seed
and leaves.

Wild orange Capparis canescens The fruit is eaten the plant is used to
make medicine.

References:

Aboriginal Bush Resources Self Guiding Plant Trail, Town Common Natural
History Association,, viewed July 2011,
http://www.soe-townsville.org/town_common/foodtrail/

Nywaigi Country: Our plants and their cultural uses, Wet Tropics of North East
Queensland Australia, Girringun Aboriginal Corporation and Nywaigi Land
Corporation, 2011.

A guide to native plant species for re-vegetation in the Upper Burdekin River
Region NQ, Girringun Aboriginal Corporation and Biotropica Australia, June 2008


Energy and water conservation
Energy Wise Planting

Tree planting around your school buildings not only increases
biodiversity, it can also help reduce your energy costs by up
to 30 percent. A well-planned landscape can reduce the
demand for artificial heating and cooling. Generally, planting
shade trees on the eastern, northern and western sides of
buildings will reduce the need for heating and cooling.

School buildings can get very hot during a dry tropics summer
as the sun radiates through windows. Reduce heat by planting
thick shady trees in front of windows.

To reduce the energy needed to power your airconditioner, keep them cool by
planting trees around them.

Do cold winds whip around your school? Plant a windbreak of trees to calm the
wind and increase warmth. In summer rows of trees redirect cooling breezes
through the school.

See Diagram 1 to see how deciduous trees to the north provide shade in summer
and allow sunlight to enter in winter.

Water saving ways

By planting smart you can help your school save water and money. Before you
plant, check your soil type and nutrient needs. Adding organic matter will improve
overall soil quality and reduce water and fertiliser needs.

Choose water saving or drought-resistant plants appropriate to the climate. Plants
with similar water needs should be placed together to maximise water efficiency
and to minimise cost. Once established, they will use less water.

Lawns use a lot of water. Only plant lawn where it is really needed. Ground cover
and mulch can be a good replacement for lawn. Placing mulch over the soil will
help cool the soil, reduce weed growth, slow erosion and minimise water
evaporation.

Place plants that have similar needs together. Use organic fertilisers and make
your own compost and mulch.

Use efficient watering systems such as sprinklers for grass and drip, spray or
bubble delivery systems for shrubs and ground covers. Adjust your irrigation
system to the changing seasons and regularly test that your system is working
properly.

Water the roots of plants not their leaves. Install a rainwater tank and a grey water
system. Trees that receive a longer soak on a regular basis deepen their roots and
‘grip’ into the ground. These trees are less likely to fall during a high wind event.
Fallen trees are often found with root systems only a few centimetres below the
surface.

Reference:

Energy efficient home design: How an energy efficient home can help you live in
comfort and save money, Queensland Government Environmental Protection
Agency, viewed July 2011,
http://qldenergyratings.com.au/media/Energyefficienthomedesign.pdf

Sustainable Gardening Australia, viewed July 2011,www.sgaonline.org.au/?p=674

Water Saving Outside the Home, Townsville City Council,viewed July 2011,
www.townsville.qld.gov.au/RESIDENT/WATER/CONSERVATION/Pages/outside.a
spx


Funding for school projects
Award/Grant Website/Contact Details Comments
BHP Billiton http://www.scienceawards.org.au/d The BHP Billiton Science Awards
Science Awards efault.asp provide many benefits to entrants
(students and teachers), and to
Contact: Lynn McDonald schools.
Phone: (02) 6276 6449 Check website for 2012
Fax: (02) 6276 6641 applications.
E-mail: Lynn.McDonald@csiro.au

Biological http://www.organicschools.com.au/ Applications for the 2012 program
Farmers of SubPrograms/LeaderSchoolsProgr will open in October 2011. Grants
Australia am/tabid/207/Default.aspx award a minimum of $1000 retail
Organic School value of gardening goods.
Gardens –
Leader School
Program

Bird Download the Application form Grants to preserve Australian
Observation ABEF 2011 vegetation and to its assist its
and wildlife.
Conservation http://www.boca.org.au/about-
Australia boca/downloadable-
documents#anchor

Call 1300305342 or email:
information@birdobservers.org.au

Coles School http://www.juniorlandcare.com.au/g Grants are up to $1000. Last
Garden Grant rants-2/coles-grant round for 2011 is due Friday 5th
August 2011.
Community http://townsville.qld.gov.au/commu One-off grants up to $5000.
Organisations nity/grants/Documents/CGP_Com Schools can apply for this grant if
Grants Program mOrg.pdf the project involves benefits for
the wider community.
Applications close: Last Friday of
October of each year and
Last Friday of March of each year.

Environmental http://www.environment.gov.au/edu Currently under review.
Education cation/programs/index.html
Grants

Ergon Energy http://www.ergon.com.au/communit Grants from $200 to $10,000.
Envirofund y--and--our-network/community- Applications close 20 July.
partnerships/envirofund

Envirofund Secretariat
Phone: 07 3228 7999
E-mail: envirofund@ergon.com.au

Gambling http://www.olgr.qld.gov.au/grants/g One-off grants of up to $35,000
Community cbf/index.shtml are allocated. The closing dates
Benefit Fund for applications are 28 February,
Call 1800 633 619 31 May, 31 August and 30
November. Schools must register
as the legal entity while the
Parents and Care givers
Association must register as the
sponsor organisation.

GrantsLINK http://www.grantslink.gov.au/ A directory that has information
about federal, state and local
Call 1800 026 222 (toll free) government funding programs.

Junior Landcare http://landcareonline.us1.list- Sign up to the Junior Landcare
Grants manage.com/subscribe?u=c87493 newsletter to get updates of new
8162801405204f0d115&id=bc74ee funding opportunities.
36a5

M A Ingram http://www.statetrustees.com.au/st Indigenous Australian mammals
Trust Grants ate-trustees-australia- and birds. Up to $5000. Due 15
foundation/private-charitable-trusts April each year.

Phone: (03) 9667 6740

McCain School http://www.mccainveggiepatches.c Applications close 19 August
Veggie Patches om/content/home/programinformati 2011. McCain is giving over
on.aspx $500,000 worth of vegie patch
equipment to primary schools.

National http://www.schoolsfirst.edu.au/sf- Grants for partnerships between
Australia Bank award-categories/ school and community that can
Schools First demonstrate improved educational
Awards outcomes. Awards range from
$25,000 to $100,000. Applications
close 29 July 2011.

Open Garden http://www.opengarden.org.au/ Applications usually open in May
Community each year. A total of $10,000 is
Grants Email qld@opengarden.org.au available for projects in
Queensland.

Optus https://communitygrants.optus.com Closing date for applications is
Community .au/ 5pm (AEST), Friday 12 August
Grants 2011.
Call 1300 729 320 or email
applications@communitygrants.opt
us.com.au

Project AWARE http://www.projectaware.org/project Further information about grants
Foundation /grants from September 2011.
grants
Email info@projectaware.org.au

Townsville City http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/co Townsville’s annual Environmental
Council mmunity/awards/Documents/Enviro Excellence & Sustainability
Environmental nmental%20Excellence%20and%2 Awards recognise environmentally
Sustainability 0Sustainability%20Awards%20201 sustainability contributions from
and Excellence 1%20Nomination%20Form.pdf schools and community groups.
Awards

Healthy Habitat for Schools

Land Management Plan

A land management plan will help you to achieve your goals in creating a biodiverse
school yard. The Healthy Habitat team can help you to determine these, or
recommend a consultant to provide additional help.

What is your biodiversity vision for your school?

What is the school’s background in biodiversity projects?

What water resources do you have in the school grounds?

Town water Tank water Bore water River/creek water Other

Is the water supply reliable? Does it have good water quality? Does it meet the
demands of the school now and in the future?

Mapping

As part of developing a clear plan for the property, satellite imagery and aerial
photography and overlays allow for monitoring of progress over time. Mapping
assistance is available from the Healthy Habitat team.

The following maps and overlays should be considered as part of your land
management plan:

 The base map is the aerial or satellite image. It will show the property
boundary and natural features
 Current land use and infrastructure overlay
 Future draft plans for the property and proposed management actions.

Regional ecosystems

The geology of the area has influenced the development of the soils that are
present. Certain plants are expected to grow on a particular combination of geology,
landform and soil. These plant communities are called regional ecosystems (RE's),
and they are mapped across all of Queensland. They are a good indicator of what
would have been present before European disturbance. They are an excellent
guide for planning native plantings.

If the school has the Lot number and Plan number or GPS coordinates for their
property they can access Regional Ecosystem and Remnant Maps and Regrowth
Vegetation Maps from the website: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-
ecosystems/biodiversity/regional_ecosystems/introduction_and_status/regional_eco
system_maps/index.php.

These maps show code numbers such as 11.3.35. You can then look up the codes
on the Regional Ecosystem website to get a description of the expected plants for
your area: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-
ecosystems/biodiversity/regional_ecosystems/index.php

Describe the soil of the school ground:

Sand Clay Loam

Describe the colour of the soil:

Black Brown Red White Grey Yellow

What position does the property occupy in the landscape?

Flat plains Low hills High hills Tidal flats

Beach Coastal sand dune River or creek flats

If your school has any creeks, rivers or drainage lines, is there any erosion or
bank stability issues?

What are the native plant species on your school grounds?

NATIVE PLANT AREA DENSITY (HIGH,
COVERED MODERATE OR LOW)

Do you have any pest animals on your property such as cane toads, feral pigs,
wild dogs, feral cats or wild horses?

What are the dominant weeds on the property?

WEED AREA DENSITY (HIGH,
COVERED MODERATE OR LOW)

Have you observed native fauna in the school grounds such as wallabies,
quolls, possums or snakes? Are you aware of any threatened species found
on or near the school grounds?

Action Plan
Please fill out the tables below to form your action plan:

WHAT ARE YOUR MANAGEMENT WHAT ARE THE ISSUES THAT MAY
GOALS? PREVENT YOU REACHING THESE
GOALS?
(e.g. Reduce weeds and pests)
(e.g identification of weeds)

APPROACH TO BE TAKEN

(Describe all the steps required to reach your goals)

ACTION COMPLETION DATE PERSON RESPONSIBLE

What order do the steps
need to be? What people
and resources can be
utilised?

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PERSON/GROUPS RESPONSIBLE

(e.g. how will information be recorded
so projects can be maintained and
sustainable over time?)

COMMUNICATION PERSON/GROUPS RESPONSIBLE

(e.g. How will achievements be
communicated/promoted and celebrated
to the school and wider community?)

Please fill out the evaluation table when the land management plan has been
implemented:

STRATEGY/ACTION ISSUES ACHIEVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS/
ENCOUNTERED
CHANGES

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