Guioa semiglauca (Guioa or Wild quince)

Guioa semiglauca is a rainforest tree that reaches about 15 metres, but can grow higher. There is a large specimen on the right-hand side of the track from Stanwell Avenue to the kiosk in the Stanwell Avenue Reserve. It seems to be one of the few trees able to keep growing through lantana as it is one of the most prolific species with 225 examples in the Reserve. However, it loses its lower lateral branches early, and they become a target for being destroyed or severely damaged by deer rub once the lantana, Ochna or Senna have been removed.

The tree is easily identified by turning over the leaf. The bark is dark grey to charcoal, particularly as it gets older. It has flowers and red fruits in the forks of the leaves.

Weed of the Month: Senna pendula (Cassia)

Senna pendula (or Cassia) is an invasive weed. It has a beautiful yellow flower, followed by a long bean containing its seeds. It has invaded many parts of the escarpment and can be very clearly seen when it is flowering in April and May.

It can grow to 4 metres and the stems are dark and tough to cut. It is relatively easy to pull out when young.

Its leaves look like a native tree, Breynia (Breynia Oblongifolia), but Senna has opposite leaves and Breynia has alternate leaves and is harder to pull out.

Best time to remove Senna? When it’s flowering and distinguishable from Breynia.