Tree of the month: Murrogun
This rainforest tree, native to the Illawarra, can be found in the Wollongong area through to Stanwell Park, but mostly in the northern suburbs. It also grows along the coastal plain. It can be found both in rainforest and sclerophyll forest. Its leaf is similar to Camphor laurel, but without the ca
By Banksia Bush Care’s Kieran Tapsell
Cryptocarya microneura (Murrogun)
This rainforest tree, native to the Illawarra, can be found in the Wollongong area through to Stanwell Park, but mostly in the northern suburbs. It also grows along the coastal plain. It can be found both in rainforest and sclerophyll forest. Its leaf is similar to Camphor laurel, but without the camphor smell.
The bark is grey and slightly rough. The leaves are alternate and stalked from 60mm to 120mm long, with a conspicuous yellow midrib. It has small white flowers and they appear between September and November with fruits from January to February.
There is one mature tree in the circle of the Reserve, and there was a smaller one to the east of the Stanwell Avenue to Kiosk track, but it was ringbarked by deer. Some regrowth has sprung up from the roots, and it is now protected by a cage. There are 3 other smaller examples west of the Stanwell Avenue to Kiosk track, and 4 new trees have come up within the deer fence.
The ABC has advised me that the segment in Gardening Australia on the Banksia Bush Care site, which was initially programmed for 4 September 2022 has been postponed until later in the year. I will keep you informed when a new date has been scheduled.
