Cotton Tree

Round the turn of the year the Redlands gets a seasonal lift from the flamboyant South American Poinciana. Less appreciated, but equally eye-catching through summer, is our own "common old Cotton Tree." With its bounty of new, large lemony-yellow blooms above, and a carpet of yesterday's orange-tan flowers below, this robust species gives the perfect touch to any beach scene. Even more attractive is where the tree grows beside a tidal creek, which nicely reflects the Yesterday-and-Today blossoms.

Some folk don't seem aware that the sturdy Cotton Tree is a Hibiscus, and True Aussie at that. The species (H. tiliaceus) belongs to the quite small group of Hibiscus native to Australia. It is found in the wild from across N.T. and down the Qld. Coast into northern N.S.W. Salt tolerant, the tree flourishes on sandy beaches and among mangroves from just above high water mark; and is equally happy as a park or roadside specimen. (But, too vigorous for your small back garden!)

In earlier times, Aborigines had many uses for the Cotton Tree: outer bark for nets and fishing line cord, inner bark as a remedy for boils and headaches, buds and shoots for food. But unaware of History, kids of my generation knew the Cotton Trees as an integral part of seaside holidays on the Sunshine Coast. This writer fondly remembers that old timer for which the suburb of Cotton Tree, near Maroochydore, is named. The elderly tree remains in fair shape, considering the generations of juvenile arms and legs that abused its tolerant branches. Ah, happy memories of the very basic camping facilities of pre-WW2; in particular when a king tide flooded all the tents.

A bit further on in time: when I first saw Victoria Point there was a well-established Cotton Tree near the water's edge by the camping area (present site of Air Sea Rescue). It disappeared mysteriously, possibly in a "Tidy Up"? What an asset it could have been for today's rather sparse picnic area! The Thompson's Beach Cotton Trees aren't very happy examples of the species, but do flower bravely in their season. And, over on Peel Island and Coochie, big old H. tiliaceus still defy time, tide, and the human element. Long may they remain.

PS: I was recently asked by a beachgoer, in genuine interest, "how they manage to get the cotton from those trees!!"