Zoo Flora: African
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
The bird of paradise is a gorgeous plant that produces large, thick, green leaves with orange and blue spiky flowers that resemble exotic birds. This South African native is a food source for many nectar-eating birds and insects!
Distribution: South Africa
Height: 6 metres
Width: up to 4 metres
Season: Spring and Summer
Location at Australia Zoo: Bindi’s Island
Dragon Tree
Dracaena draco
This stunning succulent is widespread throughout Australia, America, Asia and Africa. It thrives in a tropical climate and is extremely slow growing. A mature dragon tree will develop a large, umbrella-like appearance. This tree is often referred to as a ‘dragon blood tree’ due to the red, blood-like sap that is secreted when it’s cut! The dragon tree is native to Canary Islands, where is it now considered endangered.
Distribution: Australia, Asia, America and Africa
Height: Up to 10 metres
Width: Up to 9 metres
Season: All year round
Location at Australia Zoo: Bindi’s Island
Staghorn Fern
Platycerium
The stunning staghorn is native to the southern hemisphere. They typically grow on other trees and rocks in order to catch rain water, leaves and debris from above. These ferns are best suited to lightly-shaded environments and thrive all year round!
Distribution: Australia, Africa, South America and Southern Asia
Height: 1 metre
Width: up to 1 metre
Season: All year round
Location at Australia Zoo: Throughout Australia Zoo
Triangle Palm
Dypsis decaryi
This unique palm is native to Madagascar! It is identified by palm fronds that grow almost upright from the trunk and then arch outwards to form the shape of a triangle. This palm can thrive all year round in the Madagascan environment.
Distribution: Madagascar
Height: 8 metres
Width: 3 metres
Season: All year round
Location at Australia Zoo: Koala – Keeper Talk area
Zanzibar Gem
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
The Zanzibar gem is a durable plant, preferring to inhabit the low-light, humid conditions of the east African environment. Although it rarely blooms, it is capable of producing a gorgeous, yellow flower. It is a low-set plant only reaching heights of approximately 60 centimetres!
Distribution: Eastern Africa
Height: Up to 60 centimetres
Width: Up to 45 centimetres
Season: Summer and Autumn
Location at Australia Zoo: Crikey Café