Coastal Gardens

A planting guide for Broome

on the Dampier Peninsula
Healthy & attractive
Broome gardens
This guide provides practical and inspiring garden advice for people living in the
coastal town of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula. Water-wise local native
plants are attractive replacements for 'introduced plants' that can be harmful to
our coastal landscape that interconnects with Roebuck Bay and Cable Beach.

1 Using this planting guide

2 Discovering local coastal plants
3 How to use local coastal plants
4 Garden escapees
5 Gardening to keep Broome’s coastal waters clean
6 Tall trees
10 Medium trees
14 Small trees
18 Tall shrubs
22 Medium shrubs
26 Small shrubs & ferns
30 Grasses, herbs, ground covers & vines
34 Broome garden design
36 Arid garden design
38 Rainforest garden design
40 Growing local coastal plants
41 Sourcing local coastal plants
42 Useful resources
Using this planting guide

Getting started Using local coastal plants will give your garden a Broome flavour,
benefit your wallet and help protect and reduce your impact on the
productive coastal waters of Roebuck Bay and Cable Beach.

The plants in this book thrive in Broome’s soils and climate. Many are
cyclone tolerant and require less water than exotic plants. Local
plants have defence mechanisms to cope with pests, requiring fewer
pesticides than exotics. Less pesticides means less chemicals running
off your garden during heavy rain and entering Roebuck Bay via
stormwater drains. Other benefits are healthy soil and plenty of
birdsong, butterflies, frogs and small lizards in your garden.

This guide shows you how to create a thriving coastal garden. Step by
step, learn what plant works best for specific areas and different
landscaping styles, how to maintain your garden, and where to buy
local coastal plants.

You will also learn about the exotic plants to avoid in your garden
and how to identify environmental weeds.

Broome’s climate can be broadly characterised by two seasons: hot

wet summers and mild dry winters. Yawuru people, the Traditional
Owners of Broome, recognise six seasons. Learning about Yawuru
seasons builds understanding of how to look after the plants, animals
and coastal waters - including Roebuck Bay and Cable Beach.

1
Discovering local coastal plants

What is a Local coastal plants are species that naturally occur in Broome on the
local plant? Dampier Peninsula, and have evolved to suit local conditions. They
are also called ‘endemic plants’.

Why use Local coastal plants have a huge range of benefits:

local plants? They require minimal watering – conserving the water supply.
They are low maintenance.
Most are drought and cyclone tolerant.
They save you money and time.
They do not need fertiliser or pesticides, reducing polluted
garden run-off entering Roebuck Bay.
They adapt to landscaping styles and are visually pleasing.
They provide habitat, food and shelter for wildlife.
They provide a flowering garden year-round.

Local plants are a great option for coastal areas. They have adapted to
survive the harsh coastal conditions of Broome on the Dampier
Peninsula, including prolonged sun exposure, nutrient deprived soils,
limited water availability and cyclonic weather.
How to use local Local plants can be incorporated into your garden the same way as
coastal plants exotic plants. As you will discover in this guide, there is a local plant
for most garden situations e.g. bush tucker, screening, wet areas and
bird attracting. This guide shows you which local plants to use for a
particular effect and which weeds to beware of e.g. Neem Tree.

Tips on designing and maintaining your garden.

Identify areas in full sun, full shade or semi shade, then the local
plants that will thrive in these conditions.
Think about what the plants will look like when mature.
Identify areas where you wish to screen e.g. along a fence.
Avoid plants that will block line of sight along the driveway.
Prune to shape trees and shrubs in the first two years.
Landscape run-off areas e.g. paperbarks do well in wet areas.
Dig garden swales to capture rainwater and reduce run-off into
stormwater drains that discharge into Roebuck Bay.
Mulch plants, but not close to road as may run-off in heavy rain.
Grow annual herbs and ground covers on verge without mulch
so they propagate themselves.

3
Garden escapees

Are you Weeds are plants growing where they are not wanted, and they aren’t
harbouring just prickles and thistles! Some weeds, even those deemed ‘beautiful’,
known villians? escape from gardens and become serious environmental weeds,
posing a major threat to natural environments.

How do Weeds are problematic because they:

garden plants Smother and outcompete local endemic plants.
become coastal Reduce habitat, shelter and food for native wildlife.
invaders? Alter soil conditions.
Clog stormwater drains and impact Roebuck Bay water quality.
Are costly to control and eradicate.

Yes, you can help

Have a look at the pages titled ‘DON’T PLANT a garden escapee’ to
check which common garden plants are weeds. Remove weeds in
your garden to prevent these exotics being a source of further
infestation through seeding, and replace with the local coastal plants
suggested. Take this guide when making new plant purchases and
avoid exotics that are known weeds.

Here are some other easy things you can do. Use local coastal plants
in your garden. Dispose of weeds at the tip (free for green waste) or
compost. Contact Environs Kimberley in Broome to purchase a copy
of ‘Kimberley Weeds’ and learn how to eradicate weeds. Join the
Society for Kimberley Indigenous Plants and Animals to learn about
plants and lend a hand: www.environskimberley.org.au/skipa
Gardening to keep Broome’s coastal waters clean

Yes you can There are few places on earth with such productive coastal waters
help surrounding a large population centre. On the eastern side, Broome
has the rich marine ecosystem of Roebuck Bay (a Marine Park and
Ramsar site), and on the western side, famous Cable Beach.

With housing blocks in Broome contoured toward our roads and

most of the stormwater drains discharging into Roebuck Bay, we
need to minimise polluted run-off from our gardens.

Simple steps to Trap rainwater: Dig large depressions around plants - with the
reduce polluted downhill side built up to capture sheet rain. Fill depressions
run-off entering under the roof’s flow path to capture rainwater. For pathways,
Roebuck Bay
use gravel instead of cement to allow rain to sink into the soil.
Mulching: Apply mulch regularly, it captures and soaks up
water, reduces evaporation and improves soil structure - making
plants stronger and more pest resistant.
Watering: Establish a drip irrigation system to water seedlings.
Watering can be cut back once plants are established.
Remember to turn-off reticulation during wet weather.
Fertilising: A thick layer of mulch will help meet the nutritional
needs of local plants. Organic fertilisers like blood and bone
and native plant slow release can be used under mulch if
needed.
Lawn: Try growing more local plants and less lawn, as lawn
requires fertiliser that can run into stormwater drains during
heavy rain and become food for toxic blooms of Lyngbya
majuscula (Maiden’s Hair) in Roebuck Bay.

5
Tall trees
DON’T PLANT a garden escapee!

African Mahogany Khaya senegalensis

(Sub Saharan Africa)
The tree can grow to 20 m tall. In Broome it is shallow rooted and blows
over easily in a cyclone. Has attractive durable wood that has been used for
furniture. It seeds profusely and prefers monsoon vine thicket habitat.

Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera

Single trunked tree with large offensive spines at the
base of each frond. Fruit are attractive to birds and
animals and spread by all. A weed of areas with a high
watertable.

Tamarind Tamarindus indica

Tree growing to 20 m tall with large pods that contain sweet pulp around
the seeds. These pods are eaten and spread by birds and mammals. Has
good hard timber.
Tall trees
GROW ME instead!

Boab Adansonia gregorii

No other tree is more symbolic of the Kimberley, with its immense trunk
and striking silhouette. Leafless for most of the dry, boab trees produce
fragrant white flowers Nov-Feb and large woody pendulous fruits.
To 12 m, deciduous, drought tolerant, grow from seed.

Ironbark Eucalyptus jensenii

Hard timbered tree with black deeply furrowed bark.
Small cream flowers Jun-Sep. Attracts nectar feeding
wildlife. Slow growing.
To 12 m, drought tolerant, grow from seed.

Cable Beach Ghost Gum Corymbia paractia

Stately tree with grey knobbly bark on lower trunk and white smooth bark
on upper trunk and branches. Produces white scented flowers Oct-Dec,
attracting nectar feeding wildlife.
To 12 m, slow growing, drought tolerant, grow from seed.

Long-fruited Bloodwood Corymbia polycarpa

A handsome stately tree. Produces clusters of cream
flowers Mar-Jul and fruits in woody capsules. Attracts
nectar feeding wildlife.
To 15 m, evergreen with ample water, grow from seed.

7
Tall trees
GROW ME instead!

Coolamon Tree Gyrocarpus americanus

A distinctive Kimberley tree with a thick golden trunk, crooked spreading
branches and bright green, heart-shaped leaves. Tiny clusters of cream
flowers Nov-May and winged seed capsules, which spin as they fall.
To 12 m, deciduous, slow growing, drought tolerant, grow from seed.

Paperbark Melaleuca dealbata

Shady tree with a short trunk, papery bark and broad
weeping crown. Flowers with a sweet honey scent in
Sep. Attracts nectar feeding wildlife.
To 15 m, fast growing, grow from seed.

Leichhardt Pine Nauclea orientalis

A spreading shade tree with horizontal branching and heart-shaped,
glossy, deep green leaves. The hardy tree produces strongly perfumed, pink
pincushion flowers and woody fruits May-Nov.
To 10-20 m, semi deciduous, fast growing, grow from seed.

Mamajen Mimusops elengi

Erect ornamental with a dense crown and shiny dark
green foliage. Cream scented flowers Feb-May and ripe
edible fruit when bright red-orange.
To 12 m, evergreen, slow growing, grow from seed.
Tall trees
GROW ME instead!

Woollybutt Eucalyptus miniata

Attractive straight tree with dark woolly fibrous bark on lower trunk and
white smooth bark above. Pretty orange flowers in clusters May-Aug,
followed by large ribbed woody fruit. Attracts nectar feeding wildlife.
To 20 m, drought tolerant, grow from seed.

Silver Cadjeput Melaleuca argentea

Handsome tree with papery bark and a weeping crown
of soft silvery leaves. Produces honey scented cream
flowers Apr-Jul, which attract nectar feeding wildlife.
To 12 m, wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Styptic Tree Canarium australianum

Excellent specimen tree ideal for large gardens and street verges. Its
spreading canopy casts thick shade. The edible fruit can be cooked and
kernel eaten raw. Slow growing.
To 12 m, deciduous, drought-wind tolerant, grow from treated seed.

9
Medium trees
DON’T PLANT a garden escapee!

Chinee Apple Ziziphus mauritiana

(Tropical Africa)
A thorny spreading tree to 6 m tall with hooked spines. Edible ripe fruit
brown with white flesh. Spread by birds, animals and people who eat the
fruit and spread the seeds. A pan tropical and serious weed in Australia.

Leucaena, Coffee Bush Leucaena leucocephala

(Central America)
Rotund shrub to 6 m tall. Planted as cattle fodder under
irrigation in the north. A weed of roadsides and creeks
from the Pilbara to the Kimberley. Highly invasive.

Poinciana Delonix regia

(Madagascar)
Spreading tree to 8 m tall with brilliant red flowers in November. Has long-
lived seeds and prefers monsoon vine thicket habitat. The tree has been
planted throughout the tropics and can blow over in cyclones.

Yellow Flametree Peltophorum pterocarpum

(NE Australia and SE Asia)
Tree to 10 m tall with bright yellow flowers and bronze
pods. Commonly planted in Kimberley towns. Develops
a large crown and can blow over in cyclones.
Medium trees
GROW ME instead!

Bat’s Wing Coral Tree Erythrina vespertilio

Decorative tree with corky bark and thorns on trunk and branches. Leaves
shaped like open bat wings. Produces masses of orange-red, pea shaped
flowers, usually deciduous Aug-Nov. Extra water can prevent leaf fall.
To 10 m, deciduous, drought tolerant, grow from seed (poisonous).

Broad Leaf Paperbark Melaleuca viridiflora

The tree has thick papery bark and broad dark green
leaves. Produces a showy display of white, green or dull
red flowers Jan-Jul. Attracts nectar feeding wildlife.
To 10 m, wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Broome Bloodwood Corymbia zygophylla

The smallest local bloodwood, produces masses of white creamy flowers in
short clusters at the ends of branchlets Dec-Feb. Common in pindan
woodland around Broome, it is known for attracting native bees.
To 9 m, wind-drought tolerant, grow from seed.

Cocky Apple Planchonia careya

The pretty tree produces large white flowers at night,
which drop before sunrise Oct-Apr. Bark fissured, leaves
glossy and fruit green and shaped like a lemon.
To 8 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

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Medium trees
GROW ME instead!

Freshwater Mangrove Barringtonia acutangula

Spreading multi stemmed tree with glossy leaves and striking red
pendulous flowers produced periodically, followed by long green fruit.
Common on West Kimberley riverbanks.
To 8 m, deciduous, drought-wind tolerant, grow from fresh seed.

Gubinge Terminalia ferdinandiana

Spreading crown, pale green leaves and creamy nectar
rich flowers Oct-Mar. Produces edible fruit Jan-Feb with
the richest known source of vitamin C in the world!
To 10 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from fresh seed.

Marool Terminalia petiolaris

A shady tree that retains its foliage even after violent winds. Cream nectar
rich flowers Oct-Apr, edible fruit that turns maroon when ripe Apr- Dec.
Common in the monsoon vine thicket.
To 10 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from fresh seed.

Northern Kurrajong Brachychiton diversifolius

Conical well-formed crown and glossy light green
foliage. Greenish yellow flowers Jun-Oct and dark grey
boat shaped pods with yellow seeds.
To 8 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.
Medium trees
GROW ME instead!

Jigal Bauhinia cunninghamii

Deeply fissured grey-black bark, butterfly shaped leaves crimson when
new, blue-green when mature. Broad flat pods are bright red when young,
brown when mature. Red flowers are full of sweet nectar to drink.
To 8 m, long-lived, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Northern Swamp Box Lophostemon grandiflorus

Stable tree with a broad well-formed crown. Large
white-scented flowers Mar-Jul. Does not fruit unless
conditions suit. Slow growing.
To 7 m, wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Saltwater Paperbark Melaleuca alsophila

Attractive dense crown, white papery bark, fragrant leaves and cream
flowers Mar-Aug. Group plantings excellent for screening and nesting birds.
Does well in damp areas. Responds well to extra water in summer.
To 7 m, long-lived, salt tolerant, grow from seed.

Rosewood Terminalia volucris

Attractive shade tree with dark green glossy leaves,
profuse scented yellow-cream flowers and fruit in a two
winged nut Oct-Jan. Drought tolerant.
To 8 m, long-lived, grow from fresh seed.

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Small trees
DON’T PLANT a garden escapee!

Neem Azadirachta indica

Shady tree growing to 8 m tall with yellow succulent fruit. Birds eat the fruit
and young Neems establish under the bird’s roost trees. Once a Neem
seedling is 1 m tall it’s hard to pull out as it has a long taproot. Highly
invasive.
Small trees
GROW ME instead!

Boomerang Tree Hakea macrocarpa

The tree has an interesting architectural shape, corky grey bark, cream
bottlebrush flowers May-Sep and large woody fruits which split when ripe
to expel seed. Attractive to birds, mammals and insects when flowering.
To 4 m, slow growing, wind-fire tolerant, long-lived, grow from seed.

Ebonywood Diospyros humilis

An ornamental tree with dark green glossy leaves, small
yellowish flowers and tangerine coloured fruits when
ripe Oct-Dec. Excellent screening shrub. Slow growing.
To 6 m, wind-drought tolerant, grow from seed.

Celtis strychnoides
Attractive bushy fruiting tree with unusual three veined leaves. Produces
small white fragrant flowers Oct-Dec, edible fleshy fruits May-Jul scarlet
when ripe. Prefers sandy soils and occasional prune to keep tree bushy.
To 5 m, semi deciduous, fruit edible, grow from fresh seed.

Medicine Bark Ventilago viminalis

Pretty tree with weeping habit, fibrous bark and small
cream flowers followed by clusters of one winged seed
pods. Inner bark used to make antibacterial wash.
To 5 m, wind tolerant, grow from seed.

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Small trees
GROW ME instead!

Mangarr Sersalisia sericea

Sturdy spreading tree, dark green foliage and small dark purple fruit taste
similar to a date. Beehives containing ‘sugarbag’ often in trunk and flowers
popular with Red-winged Parrots. Extra water in first two years advisable.
To 6 m, evergreen, slow growing, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Sandpaper Fig Ficus scobina Benth.

The tree’s name refers to the roughly textured leaves.
Bears small green edible fruit, purplish black when ripe
with a sweet floral flavour. Semi deciduous.
To 3 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Pindan Walnut Terminalia kumpaja

Prized nut tree with corky fissured bark. Flowers and fruits Oct-Jan. The
outer ‘nut’ looks like a walnut after it has dried. Inside, corky wood protects
a kernel that is eaten raw and tastes better than an almond.
To 6 m, semi deciduous, drought-wind tolerant, grow from fresh seed.

Rock Grevillea Grevillea heliosperma

Attractive tree, red flowers attract wildlife (Apr-Jun),
large woody pods. Prefers well-drained sandy soils.
Lightly prune after flowering to keep compact habit.
To 4 m, evergreen, fast growing, grow from seed.
Small trees
GROW ME instead!

Prices Point Orange Pittosporum moluccanum

Decorative ornamental, glossy dark green leaves, white perfumed flowers
Feb-Aug, clusters of round fleshy orange fruits with sticky black seeds.
Gazetted as Declared Rare Flora so good to grow to ensure survival.
To 6 m, evergreen, fast growing, grow from fresh seed.

Yellow Hakea Hakea arborescens

A specimen tree, with long leaves, corky bark, small
pale-yellow flowers Dec-Mar. Thick woody fruits release
winged seeds. Slow growing but long life span.
To 4 m, drought-wind-fire tolerant, grow from seed.

Wild Apple Syzygium eucalyptoides

Pretty spreading tree with large, oval, light green leaves. Showy white
flowers Oct-Dec in dense clusters. Fleshy, white, edible, apple sized fruit
with a dry sharp taste. Flowers and fruit attract wildlife.
To 5 m, semi deciduous, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Silky Grevillea Grevillea pteridifolia

Slender tree, silvery foliage, nectar rich orange flowers
May-Oct attract wildlife. Prefers well-drained sandy soils.
Light pruning after flowering keeps compact.
To 5 m, fast growing, grow from seed.

17
Tall shrubs
DON’T PLANT a garden escapee!

Century Plant Agave americana

(Mexico and southern USA)
Has 1 m plus long leaves at base that have a very sharp point and barbed
edges. The flower heads are to 4 m tall. The plant forms formidable clumps.
A close relative is used to produce tequila.

Curry Tree Murraya koenigii

(Indian subcontinent)
Shrub to 4 m tall with aromatic leaves smelling of curry
and used to make curry powder, hence the common
name. Succulent fruit eaten and dispersed by birds.

Prickly Pear Opuntia sp.

(Americas)
Grows to 4 m tall, has flattened pad-like stems. This group of cacti contain
the famous invasive prickly pear, laid low by the cochineal mealy bug.
Frequently planted by early settlers due to their low water requirements.

Rubber Tree Calotropis procera

(Tropical Africa and Asia)
Shrub to 4 m tall, grey foliage and copious milky sap.
Flowers robust, waxy and pinkish. Large pods produce
copious volumes of silky windblown seed.

Yellow Bells Tecoma stans

(Central and South America)
Spreading tall shrub with yellow bell-like flowers that grows 4 m tall and
can spread from gardens into disturbed areas. After Koolan Island townsite
was bulldozed this species spread rapidly.

Yellow Oleander Cascabela thevetia

(Central America)
Shrub to 4 m tall, with yellow to pink tubular flowers
and large 2.5 cm diameter fruit. All parts of the plant are
toxic. Likes to establish in drains and creeks.
Tall shrubs
GROW ME instead!

Curly Wattle Acacia wickhamii

Beautiful compact spreading wattle that tolerates hard pruning, making it
ideal for screening and hedging. Its bright yellow cylindrical flowers are
followed by long fruit pods Mar-Jun.
To 3 m, fast growing, drought-wind tolerant, grow from treated seed.

Hopbush Dodonaea platyptera

Decorative shrub, dark green leaves, small greenish
flowers Feb-May, clusters of brown, winged, papery
seed pods. Evergreen shrub good for screening.
To 5 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Lollybush Clerodendrum floribundum

Hardy shrub with masses of white perfumed flowers and dark red, star-
shaped fruit bases. Light pruning keeps compact and promotes flowering.
Can form suckers from roots, remove to prevent plant becoming untidy.
To 4 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

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Tall shrubs
GROW ME instead!

Native Gardenia Gardenia pyriformis

A spreading dense shrub with mottled orange-yellow bark and spectacular
displays of large perfumed white flowers Feb-Sep, followed by small
pomegranate-like fruits.
To 4 m, semi deciduous, wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Melaleuca lasiandra
Attractive shrub, silvery silky leaves and scented cream
flowers in short spikes Apr-Dec. Ideal for tall borders and
screening. Responds to extra summer watering.
To 2-4 m, grow from seed.

Myoporum montanum
Erect bushy shrub with glossy deep green leaves. Profuse small white
flowers Jun-Aug, and attractive multicoloured berries. Suitable for hedges
and screening. Prune to shape and create new vigour.
To 3 m, salt tolerant, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed or cuttings.
Tall shrubs
GROW ME instead!

Silver-leaf Grevillea Grevillea refracta

Graceful open shrub, foliage deep green above and silvery below. Clusters
of yellow-orange or pink flowers Apr-Nov attract birds. Prefers well-drained
sandy soils. Lightly prune after flowering to keep compact.
To 4 m, grow from treated seed.

Pindan Wattle Acacia platycarpa

Slender shrub with prominent, dense cream flower-
balls Apr-May and large woody pods in spring. Prefers
sandy soils. Tolerates occasional hard prune.
To 4 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from treated seed.

Wickham’s Grevillea Grevillea wickhamii

Slender ornamental, holly-like leaves and spectacular yellow or red flowers
on spikes attract birds Jul-Oct. Ideal for rockeries or as a filler between trees
and shrubs. Lightly prune to keep compact.
To 4 m, grow from treated seed.

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Medium shrubs
DON’T PLANT a garden escapee!

Bellyache Bush Jatropha gossypiifolia

(Mexico and Central America)
Rotund shrub to 1.5 m tall, with dark green, brownish, glossy foliage.
Planted in the early gardens as it can survive without water. Poisonous and
the seed gives humans a bellyache if eaten. Highly invasive.

Cotton Gossypium hirsutum

(Americas)
Rotund mid shrub to 1.5 m tall with white and pink
flowers that produce white cotton balls. Shrubs long-
lived and persist for many years.

Candle Bush Senna alata

(Tropical America)
Upright shrub 1 to 4 m tall, with large spikes of yellow flowers and 4
winged pods. Favours protected areas with a high watertable such as
drains and lake fringes. It is a declared species in WA and the NT.

Tall Indigo Indigofera oblongifolia

(East Africa and India)
Bushy grey shrub to 1.7 m tall, with small light red
flowers. Sold as a garden plant in northern Australia in
1970’s. Has established on the De Grey flood plain.

Teddy Bear Cactus, Hudson Pear Cylindropuntia species

(Americas)
Cacti to 1 m tall, characterised by round stems and spines with barbs on
tips, which are hard to extract from flesh! Covered in shimmering spines.
Native animals have been found dead after entanglement in spines.
Medium shrubs
GROW ME instead!

Cable Beach Wattle Acacia bivenosa

Attractive bushy rounded or spreading shrub with blue-green leaves.
Produces brilliant golden-yellow, globular flowers in a dense display Apr-
Nov. Prefers open sunny position and prune unwanted branches at base.
To 3 m, fast growing, drought-wind tolerant, grow from treated seed.

Cajanus pubescens
A pretty spreading silvery-grey shrub with yellow pea
like flowers and grey hairy fruit pods.
To 2 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from treated seed.

Green Birdflower Crotalaria cunninghamii

A self propagating erect shrub, corky trunk, velvety grey green leaves, and
masses of green bird-like pea flowers year-round. Seeds in rattlepods Feb-
Nov. The poisonous plant can cause skin irritation.
To 3 m, perennial, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Conkerberry Carissa lanceolata

Prickly shrub with small white fragrant flowers and fruit
that is sweet and edible when black and ripe. One of the
most common plants in the Kimberley.
To 3 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

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Medium shrubs
GROW ME instead!

Moon Flower Capparis spinosa

Attractive low spreading shrub with leathery, rounded, dark green leaves
and large white-cream flowers, which open at night and close midmorning.
Attracts butterflies. Lightly prune to maintain shape.
To 3 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from fresh seed.

Net-veined Wattle Acacia retivenea

Attractive erect shrub with large veined grey foliage and
eye-catching bright yellow flowers. Fast growing and
ideal for a low water garden.
To 3 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from treated seed.

Kimberley Heather Calytrix exstipulata

Stunning ornamental with numerous branchlets and a spectacular display
of cream or pink-purple starlike flowers. Shrub is a favoured shade plant of
wallabies. Regular light pruning will maintain a compact shape.
To 3 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed or tip cuttings.

Silver Cassia Senna artemisioides

A pretty shrub with hairy grey leaves giving a silvery
appearance. Profuse, scented, bright yellow flowers and
papery wavy seed pods. Grows on well-drained soils.
To 3 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.
Medium shrubs
GROW ME instead!

Pavetta kimberleyana
Shiny green leaves and profuse, strongly scented, white flowers in showy
clusters. Green berries edible when ripe and black. Prefers well-drained
soils. Tip prune young plants and hard prune at maturity to keep shape.
To 3 m, grow from seed.

Yellow Hibiscus Hibiscus panduriformis

Attractive spreading ornamental with blue-green
velvety leaves and lots of showy bright yellow flowers
Jan-Aug. Benefits from extra summer watering.
To 2 m, grow from fresh seed.

Snowball Bush Flueggea virosa

Spreading multi stemmed shrub, dense clusters of small yellow-cream,
scented flowers Dec-Apr. Profuse small fleshy fruits, edible when white and
ripe. Tip prune early for a compact shape. Common in vine thicket.
To 2.5 m, deciduous, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

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Small shrubs & ferns
DON’T PLANT a garden escapee!

Chinese Gooseberry Physalis minima

Rotund spreading annual to 0.5 m tall with dark green foliage and yellow,
marble shape fruit surrounded by a loose papery sheath. Fruit are edible
and seed dispersed by birds, mammals and wind. Pan tropical species of
uncertain origin.

Dwarf Poinsettia Euphorbia cyathophora

(Americas)
Originating in the Americas. Upright semi perennial herb
with white sap and growing to about 1 m tall. A pan
tropical weed.

Snakeweed Stachytarpheta cayennensis

(Central and South America)
Upright short-lived perennial to 1 m tall, with blue flowers on long sinuous
flower heads. Herbivores don’t eat foliage and a serious weed of pastures.
Spread easily by water and a noxious weed in some Australian states.

Thorn Apple, Devils Trumpet Datura metel

Possibly originating in the Americas.
Rotund shrubby annual to semi perennial, with large
white flowers growing to 0.8 m tall and poisonous.

Rosella Hibiscus sabdarifa

(West Africa)
Upright annual herb with reddish-green foliage, pink flowers and inflated
red succulent fruit that is used for jam making. Grows to 1 m tall. Stock
don’t eat it and a weed of pastures.

Wild Basil Ocimum basilicum

(Tropical Asia)
Semi perennial herb growing to 0.5 m tall in disturbed
pindan soil that receives extra water, such as roadsides.
Small shrubs & ferns
GROW ME instead!

Acacia hippuroides
Pretty low spreading shrub 1.3 m across and small yellow flower balls Mar-
Sep. Prefers sandy soils. Ideal for rockeries, long strips or mass plantings.
Lightly tip prune from an early age and after flowering to maintain shape.
To 1 m, grow from treated seed.

Beach Cabbage Scaevola taccada

An attractive, verdant green, compact shrub. Produces
white flowers and fruits Mar-Jul.
To 2 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from cuttings.

Blueflower Rattlepod Crotalaria verrucosa

Attractive annual for gardens and rockeries, dark green leaves and purple
pea flowers Apr-Oct. Good as green mulch because it is a legume providing
nitrogen for the soil. Suitable for borders and mass plantings.
To 1 m, drought-wind tolerant, poisonous to stock, grow from seed.

Flinders River Poison Tephrosia rosea Benth. var. rosea

Erect shrub with silvery foliage, brilliant mauve to pink
flowers Jun-Sep. Suitable for most well-drained soils.
Ideal for rockeries and borders. Poisonous to stock.
To 2 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

27
Small shrubs & ferns
GROW ME instead!

Grey Whorled Wattle Acacia adoxa

Low spreading shrub with pretty smoky grey-blue leaves. Abundant yellow
fluffy flower balls Apr-Sep and fruits in flat sticky pods. Prefers well-drained
sandy soils. Ideal for rockeries, long strips and mass plantings.
To 1 m, fast growing, drought-wind tolerant, grow from treated seed.

Mangrove Fern Acrostichum speciosum

The clumping fern has large dark green leathery fronds,
which go reddish-brown when they have spores on
their backs in June. Likes ponds and shady boggy soil.
To 1.5 m, salt tolerant.

Native Cotton Gossypium australe

Attractive shrub has soft, hairy, grey to blue-green leaves, and large pink to
mauve hibiscus like flowers with deep mauve centres Apr-Nov. Prefers
sandy soils and regular tip pruning for a compact shape.
To 2 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from fresh seed.

New Holland Rattlepod Crotalaria novae-hollandiae

Has soft hairy leaves, bright yellow pea flowers and dark
brown pods, which rattle when mature. Ideal for
borders and a blaze of colour for a mass planting.
To 1 m, plant poisonous, grow from seed.
Small shrubs & ferns
GROW ME instead!

Northern Star Wattle Acacia stellaticeps

Attractive low spreading shrub with small dark green leaves. Masses of
yellow flowers as dense balls Feb-Nov and bright green pods erect above
crown. Prefers well-drained soil and light prune to maintain shape.
To 2 m, grow from treated seed.

Sandhill Wattle Acacia hilliana

Attractive low spreading shrub with yellow cylindrical
flowers Apr-Jun and sticky seed pods Sep-Nov. Good
ground cover for rockeries. Prefers well-drained soil.
To 1 m, grow from treated seed.

Ram’s Horns Senna costata

Attractive shrub with bright yellow flowers during dry season. Green,
turning dark brown seed pods. Prefers well-drained soils. Tip prune young
plants and hard prune when mature to maintain compact shape.
To 2 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Templetonia hookeri
Elegant slender wispy ornamental, fine foliage and pale
lemon flowers. Will tolerate dry conditions making it an
excellent specimen for rockeries and dry gardens.
To 2 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

29
Grasses, herbs, ground covers & vines
DON’T PLANT a garden escapee!

Caltrop Tribulus terrestris

A low lying, matt forming, annual herb with large buttercup-like flowers
and spiny fruit. Their common name originates from anti cavalry devices
used by the Romans that always have a spike pointing upwards. A pan
tropical and Mediterranean weed.

Darwin Pea, Butterfly Pea Clitorea ternatea

Weakly perennial leguminous vine with large blue to
white pea flowers. Now pan tropical.

Dissected Morning Glory Merremia dissecta

The Caribbean perennial vine has white flowers with a red centre and
distinctive divided leaflets. Now pan tropical.

Hairy Morning Glory Merremia aegyptia

Perennial hairy vine with white flowers that can grow
over low trees. The vine is a pan tropical weed and very
invasive.

Ivy Gourd Coccinia grandis

Strong perennial vine with red fruit that can grow into the tops of trees. It
has been grown in the Broome area for its young shoots that can be eaten
in Thai stir fries.

Rubbervine Cryptostegia madagascariensis

Perennial vine with milky sap when damaged, showy
pink flowers and pear-like seed pods that produce
volumes of windblown seeds.
Grasses, herbs, ground covers & vines
GROW ME instead!

Batchelors Buttons Gomphrena canescens

Fast growing herb, reddish stems and pretty, pink-purple flower heads in
spiky balls May-Jul. Makes a stunning mass display and likes warm, dry, free
draining conditions. Widely distributed across northern Australia.
To 40 cm, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Beach Bean Canavalia rosea

Trailing, beachside, attractive pink to purple pea shaped
flowers held above foliage on erect stalks. Thick woody
pods that explode when ripe Jan-Nov. Likes sandy soils.
Ground cover, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Beach Morning Glory Ipomoea pes-caprae

Fast growing decorative ground creeper. Trailing stems several metres long
with green leathery leaves and pink to mauve, trumpet-shaped flowers
year-round. Regular pruning prevents runners spreading too far.
Ground cover, annual, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Distimake davenportii
A ground cover that has soft crinkly hairy leaves and
attractive white flowers. Grows well in cultivation and
whilst it can climb, it is not aggressive.
Ground cover, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Bush Potato Ipomoea costata

Scrambling vine that will grow as a shrub and climb if given the
opportunity. Abundant, large, purple-pink, trumpet shaped flowers. Edible
tubers sought after by bilbies.
Vine, ground cover, fast growing, long-lived, grow from seed or cuttings.

31
Grasses, herbs, ground covers & vines
GROW ME instead!

Gomphrena flaccida
A decorative herb with masses of long-lasting, globe shaped, bright pink
flowers Mar-Aug. Mound shaped with light green foliage and splendid as a
mass planting. Best in full sun in well-drained soil. Good for cut flowers.
To 1 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Indigofera monophylla
A ground cover with silvery green leaves and a profu-
sion of mauve to pink pea flowers Jun-Aug. Occurs near
Eco Beach and east into the Great Sandy Desert.
Ground cover, drought tolerant, grow from seed.

Jacquemontia paniculata
A small twining vine with small pink flowers Mar-Jun, common behind the
coastal dunes in Broome. The vine is pretty and can be used to soften a
fence, or grown in hanging baskets, spilling over with delicate flowers.
Herb, vine, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Lemon Grass Cymbopogon procerus

The grass has aromatic, fluffy seed heads Apr-Jun.
Benefits from extra water over summer and removal of
old spent seed heads. Drought-wind tolerant.
To 2 m, grow from seed or divide from existing tufts.
Grasses, herbs, ground covers & vines
GROW ME instead!

Poison Morning Glory Ipomoea muelleri

Attractive prostrate, trailing or climbing, short-lived perennial vine, pink to
purple, funnel shaped flowers Mar-Dec, heart-shaped leaves. Individual
flowers last one day. Fast growing.
Vine, perennial, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed or cuttings.

Sea Purslane Sesuvium portulacastrum

Prostrate fleshy herb, pink flowers and easy to grow.
Sprawls to 1-2 m in diameter. Ideal for rockeries and to
cover bare ground between larger plants.
Ground cover to 30cm tall, grows easily from cuttings.

Tall Mulla Mulla Ptilotus exaltatus Nees

Spectacular herb, dark green foliage and masses of showy, large, mauve,
feathery flower spikes year-round. Needs well-drained soil. Good for mass
plantings, borders and cut flowers. Lightly tip prune to keep compact.
Annual herb to 0.5 m, drought-wind tolerant, grow from seed.

Weeping Mulla Mulla Ptilotus calostachyus

Delicate spreading herb with attractive, pink-white,
lamb tail like flowers on long thin weeping stems in
April. Remove old flower heads to prolong flowering.
To 1 m, grow from seed.

33
 Healthy
Broome & attractive
garden design
Broome gardens
This garden has a strong Broome flavour, with iconic bush tucker trees like Jigal and Gubinge,
ancient plants from Broome’s monsoon vine thickets, hardy plants that survive on the coastal
dunes, and wattles, hakeas, grevilleas and bloodwoods from the pindan woodlands.

Gravel path Mulch (up to 150 ml)

 Broome garden design

Tall trees Medium trees Small trees

Corymbia paractia Bauhinia cunninghamii Dolichandrone heterophylla
Eucalyptus jensenii Brachychiton diversifolius Hakea arborescens
Corymbia greeniana Hakea macrocarpa
Corymbia zygophylla Sersalisia sericea
Melaleuca alsophila Ventilago viminalis

Medium shrubs Small shrubs Grasses

Acacia monticola Acacia adoxa Cymbopogon procerus
Crotalaria cunninghamii Acacia stellaticeps Cyperus bulbosus
Gossypium australe Ficus scobina Benth. Triodia pungens
Jasminum didymum Tephrosia rosea Benth. Ptilotus exaltatus Nees

Ground cover Path Picnic table

Canavalia rosea
Gomphrena canescens

Seating
Birdbath

Wood step
35
 Healthy
Semi-arid & attractive
garden design
Broome gardens
Although Broome is often viewed as a tropical paradise, it has a harsh arid climate and we
need to grow plants that are adapted to the climate and cope with periods without water.
Gum trees, wattles, grevilleas, hakeas, paperbarks and mass plantings of mauve Mulla Mulla
and grasses, will create a beautiful semi-arid garden that is full of colour and birdlife.

Boab

Gravel path Mulch (up to 150 ml)

 Healthy
Semi-arid & attractive
garden design
Broome gardens

Tall trees Small trees Grasses

Adansonia gregorii Hakea macrocarpa Cymbopogon procerus
Eucalyptus miniata Ficus aculeate/brachipoda Ptilotus exaltatus nees
Eucalyptus jensenii Ficus scobina Benth. Templetonia hookeri

Medium shrubs Small shrubs Ground cover

Acacia retivenea Grevillea dryandri Distimake davenportii
Calytrix exstipulata Tephrosia rosea Benth. Ipomoea costata
Senna artemisioides Ptilotus sp.
Gomphrena sp.

Seating
Path Picnic table

Wood step
Birdbath

37
 Healthygarden
Rainforest & attractive
design
Broome gardens
Local coastal plants, particularly those in the monsoon vine thickets behind Broome’s sand
dunes, like a little extra water, so group them together to create a cool micro rainforest. Bush
tucker trees and shrubs, lilies with scented flowers, herbs, shiny leathery Mangrove Ferns and
delicate climbing ferns work well together, as they have similar water and light needs. A basin
to trap rain and water from irrigation, attracts frogs and birdlife and reduces run-off
from your garden into Roebuck Bay during wet weather.

Mulch (up to 150 ml) Gravel path

 Healthygarden
Rainforest & attractive
design
Broome gardens

Tall trees Medium trees Small trees

Canarium australianum Grewia breviflora Celtis strychnoides
Mimusops elengi Sersalisia sericea
Syzygium eucalyptoides
Diospyros humilis

Tall shrubs Medium shrubs Small shrubs & ferns

Myoporum montanum Pavetta kimberleyana Acrostichum speciosum
Plumbago zeylanica
Crinum angustifolium

Path

Seating
Profile view Basin to
retain excess
water in wet weather
39
Growing local coastal plants

When to plant? The optimum time is from September when the soil warms up and
plants come out of dormancy.

Planting Dig hole more than twice the size of the plant container and soak
well. Water seedling in its pot then plant, ensuring contact between
the soil and roots. Excavate a deep moat to trap rain and water from
irrigation. Plant seedlings early or late in the day when it’s cooler.

Watering Irrigate newly planted seedlings daily for one to two months with an
efficient drip system, then water twice weekly for a year. Thereafter
only water once a week, although vine thicket species do well with
twice weekly irrigation. Check drippers often for blockages and clear.

Mulching Organic mulch improves retention of water and root density, reduces
erosion and suppresses weeds. Top up regularly and keep away from
plant stem. Gravel and river stones are good too, they are
aesthetically pleasing and excellent for trapping rainwater.

Fertilising Fertilisers aren’t usually needed by local coastal plants. If you do

fertilise, apply organic, native plant, slow release fertiliser under
mulch so it doesn’t wash into stormwater drains which discharge into
Roebuck Bay. Follow product’s advice and don’t overuse.

Maintaining Most local coastal plants appreciate a light trim to keep their shape,
local plants promote growth and flowering. Pruning is best done after flowering.

Attracting A local coastal garden with a variety of trees, shrubs and ground
Wildlife covers will attract wildlife, even more so with a birdbath or fish pond.
 Healthy
Sourcing & attractive
local coastal plants
Broome gardens
There are three nurseries supplying local plants grown from seeds or
cuttings collected from Broome and the Dampier Peninsula.

Broome Nursery and Pets

512 Broome Road. 9192 1279

Kimberley Environmental Horticulture

0439 511 985
kimenvhort@yahoo.com.au https://northwestplants.net/

Mamabulanjin Aboriginal Corporation, 16 Dora Street, Broome

9192 1329
www.mama.org.au/gardening-landscaping/

Another way to source native plants is to join the local volunteer

Landcare group. The Society for Kimberley Indigenous Plants and
Animals (SKIPAS) meet weekly to propagate native plants, or
undertake ‘landcare’ projects. SKIPAS also go on field trips to
collect seed and learn about Kimberley plants and animals.
skipas@environskimberley.org.au

Keep an eye out for local plant giveaways run by the Roebuck Bay
Working Group, the Shire of Broome and SKIPAS.

Please note: Native flora (including flowers, stems, cuttings, seeds,

whole plants, timber and firewood) is protected in Western Australia
under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and Biodiversity
Conservation Regulations 2018. The collection of flora for both
commercial and non-commercial purposes requires a licence. Please
refer to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,
Parks and Wildlife Service website for further information
www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/plants-and-animals/licences-and-authorities

41
Useful resources

For more inspiration and information…

Websites FloraBase, the Western Australia database for Flora

https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/
Plants of the North West Australian Region
https://northwestplants.net/
Roebuck Bay Working Group www.roebuckbay.org.au
Society for Kimberley Indigenous Plants and Animals
http://skipas.wordpress.com/
Department of Agriculture and Food
www.agric.wa.gov.au/pests-weeds-diseases/weeds

Books Broome and beyond: Plants and People of the Dampier

Peninsula, Kimberley, Western Australia - Kevin F. Kenneally,
Daphne Choules Edinger and Tim Willing, 1996.
Kimberley Indigenous Trees in Broome - Tom Harley and Libby
Lovegrove, 2014.
Kimberley WEEDS - Environs Kimberley, 2016.
Mayi: Some bush fruits of Dampierland - Merilee Lands, 1990.
Plants of the Kimberley Region of Western Australia - RJ
Petheram and B Kok, 1983.
Pilbara Native Plants for Gardens and Landscapes - N Smith and
M Clark, 2014.
SKIPA Guide to Planting a Garden in Broome North - Society for
Kimberley Indigenous Plants and Animals, 2014.
Top End Native Plants - John Brock, 1988.
Valuable & Threatened: Monsoon Vine Thickets of the Dampier
Peninsula - Broome Botanical Society, 2013.
Native Plants for Top End Gardening - Nicholas Smith, 2007.
Weeds of the Wet / Dry Topics of Australia: A Field Guide
Nicholas M. Smith, Environment Centre NT, 2002.
Notes
Notes
Acknowledgements

This book has been produced by Roebuck Bay Working Group.

Written and compiled by Kandy Curran, weed descriptions by
Andrew Mitchell, garden designs by Philip Docherty & Christine
Howe-Piening, and expert help from Tom Harley (Kimberley
Environmental Horticulture), Philip Docherty (Society of Kimberley
Indigenous Plants and Animals), Christine Howe-Piening, Tim Willing,
Bruce Greatwich & Nicole Godfrey (Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions) and Dr Malcolm Lindsay (Environs
Kimberley).

Thanks to the Yawuru Traditional Owners for protecting and

preserving Broome’s land and sea country. Thanks to Dr Alexander
Watson, Grey Mackay, Julie Melbourne and Dr John Curran for
exemplary support throughout the project.

The Roebuck Bay Working Group also acknowledges and thanks the
people who provided their images for this guide: Kandy Curran, Tom
Harley, Philip Docherty, Lochman Transparencies, Roger Fryer, Jill
Newland, Forest & Kim Starr, Environs Kimberley, Darren Williams and
Ricki Coughlan.

Concept: Claire Lock, Rural Solutions SA.

The Roebuck Bay Working Group gratefully acknowledges the

Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management
Board for allowing their Coastal Gardens Planting Guide to be
adapted for Broome on the Dampier Peninsula.

Published by Roebuck Bay Working Group Inc, February 2019.

Desktop publishing by Ricki Coughlan.
Printed by Pindan Printing, Broome.
 Kimberley Region NRM
Lotteries House, Unit 11, 20 Cable Beach Road, Broome WA 6725
https://rangelandswa.com.au/who-we-are-2/what-are-the-
rangelands/kimberley/

This book has been produced through funding from State NRM with
support from Royalties for Regions and Rangelands NRM through
funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare
Program.
With support from
Royalties for Regions
The advice contained in this publication is intended as a source of
information only. While all due care has been taken in compiling this
information, contributors to this publication do not guarantee that
the publication is without flaws and therefore disclaim all liability for
any errors or omissions, loss, damage or consequence which may
arise from any information given in this publication.