To the north of The Bleeding-Heart Tree, in the next garden bed is a magnificent tall specimen of the Australian or Native Teak (Flindersia australia), which was named after Captain Matthew Flinders, one of Australia’s most famous early explorers.
It is found in subtropical and dry rainforests in northern NSW and QLD, and can grow up to 40 meters. It’s durable yellow-brown timber is highly valued for general building, flooring and fencing. The fruit of the native teak are unusual woody pods that open to form an attractive star-shape that often hand on the tree for some months.
“Flindersia australis at your service, named after the world-renowned Captain Matthew Flinders. What’s that, never heard of Flinders?”
Transcript
The commander of the HMS Investigator. He set about charting much of Australia’s coastline despite a series of trials and wild adventures. His detailed maps are the result of his highly disciplined practice. If you ask me, things need to be organized around here.
We can not just have trees weeping all the time, like that Lilly Pilly over there. One has to be strong, be malleable, and be able to adapt to new surroundings. We need stars just like my pods, do you see them? There must be some around here.
They even open up to the sun, cutting edge technology. They’re in high demand around here. Well, I can’t stand around gossiping to you, I’ve got important things to do.”
