The MGS Forum

Plants for mediterranean gardens => Trees and Shrubs => Topic started by: hughjackman on February 08, 2014, 11:02:22 AM

Title: Tree ID'd as Grevillea robusta by Alessandra
Post by: hughjackman on February 08, 2014, 11:02:22 AM

I photographed this tree with distinctive shaped leaves last summer. It is about 3 metres high and is living in a garden about 600 metres above sea level in the Alpujarras, southern Spain. I have yet to see any flowers on it. Any ideas as to the id?  

Thanks very much,

Andy

Title: Re: Tree for Id
Post by: Alevin on February 08, 2014, 11:47:50 AM

Yes, it looks very much a a Grevillea robusta

Title: Re: Tree ID'd as Grevillea robusta by Alessandra
Post by: hughjackman on February 08, 2014, 07:06:12 PM

Alevin,

Just checked Grevillea on the internet. How on Earth can you recognise an Australian tree growing in Spain?

Thanks very much, much appreciated.

andy

Title: Re: Tree ID'd as Grevillea robusta by Alessandra
Post by: Joanna Savage on February 09, 2014, 06:54:38 AM

In its native habitat in Queensland it is known as Silky Oak. Perhaps some early pioneer was longing for English oaks.

Title: Re: Tree ID'd as Grevillea robusta by Alessandra
Post by: Fermi on February 23, 2014, 04:45:13 AM

Quote from: Joanna Savage on February 09, 2014, 06:54:38 AM

In its native habitat in Queensland it is known as Silky Oak. Perhaps some early pioneer was longing for English oaks.

Hi Joanna,
I could never see the reason for the naming of Australian trees after European ones until someone explained to me that they were named for the similarity of the timber, grain, etc. Not being a carpenter or worker in wood I can't verify this but I guess it makes sense,
cheers
fermi