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Level of Significance

  • File
  • Local
  • Regional
  • State
  • National

Age (approx)

160yrs

Trees

1

Diameter

2m

Height - 33m

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1/6 images

Details

Common name
Strangler Fig
Botanical name
Ficus superba Miq. var. henneana
Type
Individual Tree
Condition
Good
Municipality
Toowoomba Regional (QLD)
Location
Boyce Gardens And Rainforest 6 Range Street Toowoomba QLD 4350
Access
Unrestricted
Significances
  • Remnant (Scientific)
  • Outstanding species (Scientific)
  • Location/Context (Social)
  • Landscape (Social)
  • Park/Garden/Town (Historic)
  • Person/Group/Institution (Historic)
  • Attractive (Aesthetic)
  • Species/Location (Aesthetic)
Date of measurement
27 Feb 2014
Date of classification
08 Dec 2014
Other register(s)
False

Statement of Significance

The rich, fertile soil, temperate climate and the interest of many of its citizens in things botanical has resulted in theToowoomba Region’s ability to grow a wide range of indigenous and non-indigenous plants. In 1860, the area was the first to hold an Agricultural Show in Queensland – 15 years before Brisbane. Walter Hill, the then Government Botanist and first Curator of the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, travelled to Toowoomba to advise with the design and planning of Queens Park and street plantings in Toowoomba. He subsequently imported many tree species from Europe, Asia and other parts of the world to be planted there. Hill Street in Toowoomba is named in his honour. The town attracts many visitors in September for its famous Carnival of Flowers, when people come from near and far to enjoy Toowoomba’s many parks and gardens.
The magnificent Boyce Garden, forest and park, which covers six hectares, was established as a private garden by leading Toowoomba businessman, Dr Leslie Boyce, and his wife Margaret, over a period of almost sixty years. Dr and Mrs Boyce gave the house and surrounding property to the University of Queensland in 1969, in trust for the enjoyment and education of the people of Australia.
This is the largest and most accessible strangler fig in Toowoomba, with prominent buttress roots and descending aerial roots. It is an important component of the small area of remnant rainforest of which it is a part. There is no sign of the existence of a previous host tree.
It is a very large strangler fig and an excellent example of this uncommon local rainforest species. As part of an accessible remnant rainforest vegetation that has been carefully preserved close to the town's centre, this is an uncommon location for the species as it is unusual in being so easily seen by the public. The tree makes an important contribution to the landscape of the historic Boyce gardens and commemorates Dr Leslie Boyce, and his wife Margaret, who recognised the importance of this small remaining area of escarpment rainforest on their land, and preserved and strengthened it so that the area and this tree are unique in suburban Toowoomba and easy for visitors and students to visit, enjoy and study. This is the largest and most accessible strangler fig in Toowoomba, with prominent buttress roots and descending aerial roots and is an excellent example of its species.
The tree is located about 50 medtres south of Range Street and 50 metres west of McKenzie Street. It is beside the path through the rainforest area. The ground is cleared below the tree and there is a seat beneath its canopy.

Notes

This species is uncommon in urban and suburban Toowoomba but probably occurs throughout the escarpment rainforests. Two other trees are known in the urban area, both on street corners and both probably relics of the pre-European vegetation. This tree is very significantly taller and larger than either of them.