Rainforest

Rainforests are rich in flora and fauna and very important to the ecology of this region and the whole planet. The Rainforests in the garden were planted in 1987 and consist of about 350 local species to represent five types of rainforest found on the NSW north coast. A large sign with a map at the edge of the rainforests opposite the Glasshouse shows the walking trails.

Closest to the Coffs Creek, and below a mature Blackbutt eucalpyt forest is the Developing Rainforest.  Many of the species here are capable of sprouting from stem suckers at ground level or from root suckers if they are burnt. Seed, which may be spread by bird or wind, can lay dormant in the ground until after a bushfire. 

The Palm Swamp Rainforest is dominated by Bangalow and Cabbage Tree palms which form much of the canopy. Smaller Walking Stick Palms and Palm Lilies (Cordyline species) can be found in the understory. The majestic Blue Fig or Quandong Tree (Elaeocarpus grandis) with its sprawling buttress roots thrive in this waterlogged area.

The Subtropical Rainforest is typified by trees which have large leaves such as Tamarind and White Ash. Specialty timber species such as Red Cedar, Red Carabeen, Red Bean, Tulip Oak and Silky Oak are found here. Yellow Carabeen and other rainforest trees have buttress root systems which provide habitats for ferns, shrubs and vines. Birds Nest ferns and Staghorn ferns are large epiphytes clinging to holds in the trees and thriving in this humid, sheltered environment.

Trees in the Temperate Rainforest are generally smaller in height and diameter, buttressing is less common, and vines are wiry rather than woody. The leaves of the trees are small, and species such as Coachwood, Crabapple and Sassafras, have toothed leaves. Epiphytes such as lichens and mosses can also be found here. The Dry Rainforest contains trees which can survive with lower rainfall. Some lose their leaves in the Spring. Other species, such as Hoop Pine, have small, thick leaves. Toothed leaves and spiny branches are adaptations to conserve water in the dry seasons.