The turpentine tree is another Australian native tree local to where I live in Sydney, but does have a natural range further north and south of here. It is a rather unique tree with its interesting looking fruit. As a note to everyone, the tree does not smell of turpentine in any way (and I’m not sure where the name comes from). I always like to give the meaning of the binomial name, in the hope that people will find them less intimidating. Syncarpia is Greek for joined fruit, with glomifera means ball-like referring to the flower heads.

These lovely tall trees, that can reach 50 metres tall or more and live for around 500 years, are happiest in the transitional forests between wet schlerophyll forest and rainforest. Their preferred soil is a fertile clay soils derived from Wianamatta shale geology underneath. The bark of the tree is fibrous and thick with fissures in it.

Leaves are dull grew on the top while white and hairy on the bottom. They are ovate in shape and up to 11 cm long and 4 cm wide. These stiff, tough leaves are arranged opposite each other in pairs, often at the end of the stem appearing as though arranged in a whorls.

The flowers appear in spring, being cream in colour and a typical Myrtaceae family form with the showy stamens. They appear at the end of the trees branches in clusters. The flowers are followed by a fruit that is a woody aggregate, which can stay on the tree for years.

This tree is a rather valuable tree in my opinion. A lot of this value is in the fact that it supports a lot of wildlife. The trees are reliable in providing a large number of flowers every spring. These flowers are rich in nectar, which is food for many insects, birds and the grey headed flying fox, which is a threatened species. Ancient trees do develop hollows that are handy as a home for fauna, either for just shelter or as a nest for their young. Having a tree that supports plenty of wildlife within the wider landscape, whether it is in its natural forest environment or as a large garden or park tree, is essential. Wildlife should continue to have the home they have always had, no matter what some people think-humans aren’t the masters of the universe they like to think!

As a horticultural plant, it is also very useful. Although slow to establish, this tree is great as a large park and garden tree. Its timber is also very valuable as it is resistant to both termites and marine borer. The timber is resistant to salt water too, so is used as wharf piles. Apparently, London dock have been built using the wood of the turpentine tree. Timber from this tree is also used as telegraph poles and beams.

The turpentine tree is a favourite of mine (the curse of the gardener is that I have developed a list of too many favourite plants). Wherever I have worked as a horticulturalist, the turpentine has appeared somewhere in that work at almost every location so I have developed a large soft spot for it. I just tink it’s a lovely tree.

• https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/visit/environment/trees-shrubs-plants/turpentine
• https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/_resources/documents/environment/idigenous-trees/Fact-sheet-Syncarpia-glomulifera-Turpentine.pdf