What is the name of the Australian Christmas tree?
Nuytsia floribunda
Nuytsia floribunda is a fascinating plant both aesthetically and biologically. Aesthetically, this Western Australian native tree or shrub produces a dazzling display of vivid yellow/orange flowers around December, giving rise to its common name of the Western Australian Christmas Tree.
What trees are used for Christmas trees in Australia?
The fast-growing Radiata pine (Pinus radiata) is Australia’s most common Christmas tree variety. It is a hardy, drought tolerant tree, which can grow over 2 metres tall in 3-4 years in many parts of Australia, compared to the 7-9 years and very cold climate required by most firs and spruces to reach the same height.
Where can Western Australian Christmas tree be found?
Southwestern Australian
The Western Australian Christmas Tree is endemic to the Southwestern Australian region. This region is the home to many unique species of plants and wildlife, some that interact with the small tree. Of more than 5,570 species of vascular plants found in southwestern Australia, nearly 2,950 are endemic (Caley, 2008).
How do Australian Christmas trees grow?
Growing: Sow seeds in plain sand or sterile seed raising mix, as bacteria and fungi in soil can rot seeds before they germinate. Sow individual seeds on soil surface in pots or sow a few together in larger pots or trays. Plant out when seeds sprout. Place in a cool, shaded position.
What is the real name of a Christmas tree?
Fir trees are a genus of the evergreen coniferous trees and are also a popular choice for the holiday season. The most popular fir trees used for Christmas include the noble fir, fraser fir and balsam fir.
What is the West Australian Christmas tree?
Nuytsia floribunda is a hemiparasitic tree found in Western Australia. The species is known locally as moodjar and, more recently, the Christmas tree or Western Australian Christmas tree, as the display of intensely bright flowers during the austral summer coincides with the Christmas season.
What plants make good Christmas trees?
The SA version is sweet bursaria, (Bursaria spinosa), an upright, prickly shrub that is covered in white flowers in summer. The NSW Christmas bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) is probably the best known of the native Christmas bushes, with its masses of bright red flowers.
What are the Christmas traditions in Australia?
Traditions include decorated hams, roast turkey, roast chicken, salads and roast vegetables. Christmas crackers are pulled before eating. More recently, as appropriate to the often hotter weather of the day, it has become popular to serve local seasonal produce such as cold meats, seafood and salad.
Are Australian Christmas trees parasites?
Australian Christmas tree, (Nuytsia floribunda), also called moodjar, parasitic tree of the mistletoe family (Loranthaceae), native to western Australia. The tree may grow to 10 metres (33 feet) or more and produces many yellow-orange flowers during the Christmas season. Its dry fruits have three broad leathery wings.
Can you grow Christmas trees from seed?
You can try growing your own Christmas trees from one small packet of seeds, which will contain enough for a small plantation if you’re lucky with them all! Or you can choose a small potted tree this year that you plant out in the garden once Christmas is over. …