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Statement of Significance

The site of Brisbane City Botanic Gardens was selected as a public garden in 1828 by New South Wales Colonial Botanist Charles Fraser, three years after the establishment of the European settlement. Originally the garden was planted with food crops to feed the convicts. In 1855, a portion of the land was declared a 'botanic reserve' and Walter Hill was appointed as curator. The Queensland Heritage Register describes the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens as 'the most significant, non-aboriginal cultural landscape in Queensland having a continuous horticultural history since 1828, without any significant loss of land area or change in use over time.' It incorporates Brisbane's most mature gardens and features many rare and unusual species of plants. This Silky Oak is a good example of the largest of Australia's grevilleas. The species was identified by explorer and botanist Alan Cunningham in the Moreton Bay area at the time of his explorations in 1827 to 1829. During his journeying he established a route from the new settlement to the Darling Downs through the pass that bears his name. The Silky Oak’s distribution is restricted to rainforests from central New South Wales to central Queensland. It was highly valued for its distinctive silky-textured timber and its spectacular yellow brush-like racemes. In its natural state it has become quite rare, although it is frequently planted in streets, parks and gardens.
This tree is a fine mature example of the increasingly rare Grevillea robusta - the largest of Australia's grevilleas. Its impressive size and orange racemes make a significant contribution to this historic garden's landscape.
The tree is located in the north east part of the garden, between the pond and the Morning Star sculpture.