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Statement of Significance

The Bat's Wing Coral Tree (Erythrina sp.) is located in the Monash University Systems Garden, which was established in 1972 as "living laboratory for science students". The garden features a number of rare and endangered species the Aroid family being particularly well represented. Other rare plants of note included the Cabbage Palm (Livistona australis) from East Gippsland, the Elephant Yam (Dioscera bulbifera) from Africa and a Maidenhair tree (Gingko biloba) grown from seed from a temple tree in Japan. At one time, the garden was linked to a network of 35 international universities and Botanic Gardens, which fostered plant and information exchange. This Bat's Wing Coral Tree (Erythrina sp.) is an outstanding specimen from the original garden. The consensus of experts is that thisis the best specimen of its kind in Melbourne and there is genuine surprise that its grown so well, far removed from its natural habitat in tropical parts of northern and north-east Australia