Central Australia Fauna & FloraCentral Australia Fauna Central Australia Flora

For the flora enthusiasts, Central Australia is far from being an arid desert region that is devoid of life, with many plant species to be found. Some plant species like the Red Cabbage Palm (Livistona mariae) in Palm Valley (Finke Gorge National Park), have an interesting story, whilst others like the Desert Oak (Allocasuarina decaisneana), are part of the sacred stories. Many native plants were and still are important food source for the local aboriginal people and have become popular in modern day cusines.

Red Cabbage Palms, Palm Valley, Finke Gorge National Park, 2007
Red Cabbage Palms Palm (Livistona mariae), Palm Valley, Finke Gorge National Park

A starting point for many visitors coming to Central Australia in anticipation of seeing some of the native flora is the Alice Springs Desert Park and the Olive Pink Botanic Garden. This will give you an insight into some of the flora in Central Australia, including some introduced species and feral plants.

Young desert oaks in foreground with Kata Tjuta in background
Young Desert Oaks (Allocasuarina decaisneana) in foreground with Kata Tjuta in background

Of course, when you start observing some of the plant species to be found here in Central Australia, pay close attention, as you may get the added bonus of seeing some of the creatures that live and feed on the plants, including leaf eating beetle species and flower loving native bees and wasps (among other insects).

Honey Grevillea (Grevillea eriostachya)
Honey Grevillea (Grevillea eriostachya), Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Check out some of the flora that have been seen and photographed here in Central Australia. Information can also be found about the flora throughout this site under various sections including:

Amyema sanguinea mistletoe, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Amyema sanguinea mistletoe, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Fork-leaved Corkwood (Hakea divaricata), Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary NT © Dorothy Latimer
Fork-leaved Corkwood (Hakea divaricata), Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary NT © Dorothy Latimer
Striped Mintbush (Prostanthera striatiflora), Kings Canyon
Striped Mintbush (Prostanthera striatiflora), Kings Canyon

This section is a work in progress…

Footnote & References

  1. Australian Plants June 1985 Vol 13 No 103, Wildflowers of Central Australia, Australian Native Plants Society, https://anpsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Australian-Plants/Australian-Plants-Vol13-103.pdf

Central Australia Fauna & FloraCentral Australia Fauna Central Australia Flora

Central AustraliaCentral Australia Attractions Central Australia Fauna & Flora Water in Central Australia Weather in Central Australia

Northern TerritoryCentral Australia Aileron Alice Springs Binns Track Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve Ernest Giles Road Finke Gorge National Park Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve Hermannsburg Historic Precinct Ilparpa Claypans Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve MacDonnell Ranges Mount Connor Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary Owen Springs Reserve Red Centre Way Drive Standley Chasm Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Watarrka National Park & Kings Canyon Wurre / Rainbow Valley