ARBORETUM
Macquarie University Arboretum
The Macquarie University Arboretum comprises all the trees and plants on campus. These trees, growing in natural and planted habitats, provide a valuable resource for teaching and research and a pleasing and relaxing environment for the enjoyment of staff, students and visitors to the university. The arboretum also provides habitat for many native birds and animals.
Breaking News
The Arboretum is starting to show its Autumn colours. We have the following guided tours in the Arboretum:
*Thursday 17 May 10am-12pm
*Saturday 30 June 10am-12pm
Please email Samantha Newton for more information.
Have a look at our recently updated Education page - we have added a section on wood cross sections and Dendrochronology.
Plant of the Week
Information and displays are prepared by Alison Downing, Kevin Downing and Roger Hiller. The display can be found in the E8C foyer.
Olive
Olive trees on campus. Image: Alison Downing
Olive oil and olives are now staples in most Australian households but this has only happened in recent years. Decades before their farms were bought for the Macquarie University campus, Italian families planted olive trees in the North Ryde area. There are still some of these original trees on campus, near the amphitheatre and near Culloden Road; a young olive tree has been planted in the forecourt of the new library in recognition of the early farmers.
Read up on previous Plants of the Week
What's in Flower
Frank Mercer Garden
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Hibsicus syriacus
Hibiscus tiliaceus
Gordonia sp.
Rhododendron spp
Glory Bush- Tibouchina granulosa
Earth Sciences Garden
Evergreen Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora
Bush Tucker Garden
Pale Vanilla Lily - Arthropodium milleflorum
Elsewhere on campus
Scribbly Gum - Eucalyptus haemastoma
Banksias
Blackbutt - Eucalyptus pilularis
Gardenias
Paperbarks - Melaleuca sp
More exciting information
In these web pages you’ll find information on
- The trees that can be found on campus, and their location
- A detailed history of the plantings at Macquarie University
- Special gardens
- A series of walks suitable for students of ecology, young people and the general community
- Our remnant native vegetation
- Bushland restoration and revegetation work
- Undergraduate coursework and projects
- Activities for primary and secondary students
Questions, comments and other feedback can be directed to the Arboretum project coordinator, Samantha Newton.