The 2011 postcode area has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to flora. Research shows the value of a property increases when its surrounding garden or enjoyable streetscapes are luxuriant.

And scientific research shows trees help to reduce carbon emissions by helping to conserve energy. For example, the correct placement of trees around buildings can create cooling zephyrs and shade, helping reduce the need for air-conditioning.

Trees cleanse the air by removing particulates from car exhausts, clean rain water, reduce excessive run-off, shield pedestrians from ultra violet rays, cool footpaths, add to an area’s aesthetic appeal and mark the seasons.

In our area we enjoy have a springtime, living florilegium, or collection of species which enhances streetscapes and treescapes.

London Plane trees (Platanus × acerifolia) form boulevards in Victoria and Macleay Streets, a design which originated in 19^th century France.

Robinia trees ( Robinia pseudocacia) add bright green semi-translucent leaves in Hughes Street. The flowering gum tree (Corymbia ficifolia) with its clusters of cloches (bell-shaped) flowerettes with delicate, small pink flowers adds a point of interest to passers-by on footpaths.

Magnolia grandiflora, also known as the White Magnolia with is plate-size white petals and large green, glossy leaves are a dramatic statement in Ithaca Road, Challis Avenue and McDonald Street, Potts Point.

Magnolia grandiflora (Latin for grandis ”big”, and flor- ”flower”)[ was one of the many species first described by the famous Swedish botanist, Linnaeus, in his 1759 edition of Systema Naturae.

And the Jacaranda tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia), a South American native, is also abundant, dropping its Lavender blue and purple petals adding and adding a dapple shade with its trumpet shaped leaves while underneath its branches it forms a carpet of colour that adds to its effect. Roslyn Gardens and Waratah Street highlight this species – see image above.

The Australian Christmas song “Christmas Where The Gum Trees Grow” refers to jacaranda trees, as the blooms are only seen in summer time, the song explains: “When the bloom of the jacaranda tree is here, Christmas time is near”.

The City of Grafton on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, is famous for its jacarandas. Each year in late October and early November, the city has a jacaranda festival.

And the historic jacaranda at the University of Sydney quadrangle signals to students that exam time is near.

By Andrew Woodhouse

Heritage Solutions