A Journey Around the World in 20 Trees: Oceania and America

Discover some of the most interesting trees from around the world, without stepping foot outside Madrid's Royal Botanic Garden.

Royal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

Cabbage TreeRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

The Royal Botanic Garden in Madrid (RJB-CSIC) is home to a diverse collection of trees from every continent in the world. Join us as we go on a journey around the world, looking at trees from Oceania and America.

Bottle TreeRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

Kurrajong / Brachychiton populneus

Heading to southeastern Australia, our next tree is the kurrajong, or bottle tree, which is found in very sandy areas as well as on rocky ground. Its seeds can be toasted and eaten, though the fine hairs on them can cause skin and eye irritation.

Australian PineRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

Australian pine tree / Casuarina equisetifolia

This pine tree can be easily spotted in Australia, reaching up to 115 feet (35 m) in height. Its bark is rich in tannins, which is why it is used to treat diarrhea in traditional medicine. This plant is widely celebrated in the world of bonsai trees.

Golden PineRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

Cabbage tree / Cordyline australis

Hopping from Australia to New Zealand, we find a tree that is native to this region. Its roots are rich in carbohydrates, and the Maori roast them and eat them. The tree is also a source of fiber that is used to make ropes, clothes, and shoes.

Cabbage TreeRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

Silky oak / Grevillea robusta A. Cunn

Native to Australia, the silky oak, or silver oak, grows in coastal areas. Many musical instruments are made from its wood. People with sensitive skin may get dermatitis if they touch it.

Virginia PersimmonRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

Common persimmon / Diospyros virginiana

Traveling from Australia to North America, the next tree we find is the common persimmon, or sugar plum. Its juicy fruit is rich in vitamin C and is used to make desserts, and even beer.

American Black WalnutRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

American black walnut / Juglans niara L.

Continuing the journey through North America, the American black walnut is commonly seen in this landscape and can grow to about 148 feet (45 m) high. But this tree has a nasty trick up its sleeve, producing a substance called juglone that stops other plants in the undergrowth from growing.

Hawthorn of the osagesRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

Osage orange / Maclura pomifera

This tree, also known as hedge apple, is native to North America. The Osage Nation (Midwestern Native Americans) used wood from this tree to build bows and painted themselves with its yellow dye before battle. Its abundant prickly thorns stop livestock from eating it.

Parana PineRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

Paraná pine / Araucaria angustifolia

This tree is also called the Brazilian pine after its native country, but it can also be found in Paraguay and Argentina. Its pine nuts are very popular with humans and birds, and its wood is important to the Brazilian economy since it is exported to many countries.

Panama BarkRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

Manio macho / Podocarpus nubigenus

This tree grows in southern Chile and Argentina. It is of great biogeographical interest because of its close resemblance to the New Zealand species Podocarpus torata. It is very difficult to differentiate between the two.

Maniu maleRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

Soap bark tree / Quillaja saponaria Molina

This tree originates from central Chile, though its Spanish name, Corteza del Panamá, would suggest otherwise. In Chile, it is also called quillay. The Mapuche people used its bark as a detergent for washing clothes. Despite the wintry Madrid weather, this tree blooms and bears fruit in the Royal Botanic Garden every year.

Canary PalmRoyal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)

If you haven't already done so, continue your journey …

Complete your journey around the world in 20 trees in this article, where you'll find species from Europe, Africa, and Asia.

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