Destructive truth behind Australia's most 'spectacular' tree invading homes and gardens
While 'undeniably beautiful', jacaranda trees can wreak havoc on Aussie homes and gardens, and other native plants within our ecosystem.
They might just be one of the most "undeniably beautiful" and sought-after trees in Australia, and during springtime, line our streets with a majestic purple haze. But as people flock to suburbs and towns across the country known for an abundance of jacaranda trees, very few appear aware of their potentially harmful nature.
The signature tree has become synonymous with spring Down Under, especially in areas like Sydney's north shore and Grafton in northern NSW, among other places. But jacarandas aren't native to Australia at all, Luke Mosely from Gympie Landcare told Yahoo News Australia — explaining they originated in South America.
The iconic trees can wreak havoc on native flora which is why he and the Landcare team encourage locals to think twice before planting one. Jacaranda is regarded as an "invasive weed" in some parts of the country, including Queensland and NSW as they can "out-compete native species".
"They do flower in high numbers, that's obviously why they look so nice, but because they produce a lot of seed, they are wind and water dispersal, so they can get into ecosystems quite easily," he explained.
Jacarandas also "grow quite quickly", roughly 2-3 metres a year, he said. "This means they can outgrow most of our natives and then shade out many of the native species within the ecosystem".
Homeowners warned about 'spectacular' but damaging invasive trees
Jacarandas are also known to have an invasive root system which can strangle and damage nearby structures, including foundations, retaining walls, fences, driveways, paths and swimming pools — potentially causing significant damage to properties across the country.
"They're planted along nature strips a lot, and they get into stormwater drains," Luke said, and even regular pipes belonging to houses too.
"As far as a backyard plant goes, they're not really ideal. They can be manageable for the first few years, but once they start getting up around 10 metres, if you've got plants growing within your garden, they can suppress their growth as well as cause damage to structures"
Aussies encouraged to choose native plants instead
For these reasons, Luke and his team refuse to sell them at their Queensland-based nursery. At this time of year, Gympie Landcare is often inundated with requests from Aussies asking if they have the iconic trees for sale.
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"At Gympie Landcare, we’re all about nurturing and promoting native Australian flora that supports our unique wildlife and ecosystems. We’ve got plenty of local charm to offer," the team said.
"So if you’re looking for greenery that’s both beautiful and beneficial to our local environment, stop by and explore our range of native Australian plants instead."
One plant he recommended is the Melaleuca which "can grow quite tall and look pretty spectacular with colours of red to cream and yellow".
Other plants people should avoid in their gardens
It's not the only plant people have been warned about in recent months. Previously Professor Brett Summerell, Chief Scientist and Director of Science at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, told Yahoo that while "pretty" bougainvillaeas should also be avoided.
Previously, an Aussie gardener warned against including yuccas in gardens too. While harmless to look at, they have the potential to "destroy its surroundings", including the nearby house beside it with its sprawling roots, Steven from Zani’s Gardening said.
Meanwhile, Nathan Stafford, of Nathan's Lawns and Gardens, told Yahoo that ivy — an evergreen climbing vine in the Ginseng family — can be just as problematic. While it won't cause injury when touched, it has the potential to "rip apart" foundations if left unmaintained he warned.
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