Top 20 Most Common Plants in Australia

Img leaf left

Img leaf right

Top 20 Most Common Plants in Australia

In Australia, you can find Golden pothos, Swiss cheese plant, Common sowthistle, Rubber tree, Tomato, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Most Common Plants

Golden pothos

1. Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Swiss cheese plant

2. Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Common sowthistle

3. Common sowthistle

Common sowthistle is a common weed originated in Europe and West Asia. Alongside many sister species that hard to distinguish, it is considered to be an invasive plant in many parts of the world. Its leaves with some bitter taste are editable either green as a part of a salad or cooked in various ways.

Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration

From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.

Download the App for Free

Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Fiddle-leaf fig

6. Fiddle-leaf fig

As its name implies, the fiddle-leaf fig has leaves that are shaped like a violin. Wildly popular as a houseplant, the Ficus lyrata makes an architectural statement with its unique and lush leaves. However, please be aware that this plant is finicky and can be hard to keep alive.

Arrowhead plant

7. Arrowhead plant

Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is a beautiful foliage plant, one of the most popular species of the Araceae family. Due to its air purifying qualities and good looks, arrowhead plant is often cultivated as a houseplant. Every part of this plant is toxic, so it's best to keep it away from kids and pets.

Jade plant

Looking like a miniature fairy tale tree, jade plant is one of the world's most popular succulents. Native to southern regions of Africa, Crassula ovata is well adapted to the dry warm air of modern homes. It grows slowly but lives for so long that plants get passed from generation to generation. It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and even mildly toxic to humans.

Australian cheesewood

9. Australian cheesewood

Australian cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum) is a tree that produces conspicuous orange, woody fruits. Australian cheesewood is considered a fast-growing species and has become invasive in Australia, South Africa, Hawaii, and Brazil. This species attracts moths and butterflies.

Common fern

10. Common fern

The so-called common fern (Pteridium esculentum) is native to Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and a number of Pacific islands. It has been introduced in other parts of the world. The native Maori people of New Zealand dried rhizomes of the common fern as a staple part of their diet. Aboriginal Australians, meanwhile, roasted a paste made from the root.

Peace lily

The peace lily gets its scientific name Spathiphyllum wallisii from a combination of the two Greek words ‘spath’ and ‘phyl’, which means spoon and leaves, respectively. The large graceful white spathe of the peace lily resembles a white flag, which is an international symbol of truce or peace.

Spiny-head mat-rush

12. Spiny-head mat-rush

This perennial herb, the spiny-head mat-rush or Lomandra longifolia, is commonly found in Australia. It is highly drought-tolerant and often used in roadside plantings in New Zealand and the United States.

Japanese camellia

13. Japanese camellia

The japanese camellia is a small tree or shrub with glossy green leaves and showy white, pink or red flowers. Native to Japan, it has since spread around the world and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, even becoming the official state flower of the U.S. state of Alabama. In China, it is considered a symbol of good luck and is a staple of many New Year's celebrations.

Corn plant

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

Ribwort plantain

15. Ribwort plantain

Ribwort plantain grows in a number of different habitats as long as it has enough sunlight. Its leaves have characteristic parallel veins that make it easy to identify. The heads of ribwort plantains get popped off in some common British children's games. Its seeds are critical food sources for songbirds, and its leaves are eaten by rabbits and deer.

Weeping grass

16. Weeping grass

Weeping grass is a perennial grass characterized by its slender, erect stems and fine-textured foliage, adapting it to thrive in sunny, open habitats. Its wispy seed heads emerge delicately, contrasting against the greenery. This species is distinguished by its preference for moist soils, where it forms dense tussocks, contributing to the stabilization of its environment.

Lemon

Lemon is a cultivated small evergreen tree known for its yellow, juicy, sour fruits full of citric acid. Its origins are unknown, but it was probably first created in India, China, or Burma as a hybrid of sour orange (Citrus × aurantium) and citron (Citrus medica). It is commercial fruit cultivated in warm regions around the world.

Snake plant

18. Snake plant

Snake plant can be considered a houseplant and an architectural display due to its sword-like leaves with bold striping patterns, which are distinctive and eye-catching. However, use caution with this plant because it is poisonous when ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and even swelling of the throat and tongue.

Serrated tussock grass

19. Serrated tussock grass

Serrated tussock grass has a long lifespan, lasting over twenty years in the wild. It is commonly found in meadows and pastures, where it has become a pesky weed. Livestock who feed on serrated tussock grass can develop indigestible balls which may lead to death. It is known to be a severe fire hazard, as it burns up to seven times more intensely than native grasses.

Anglegrass

Anglegrass is a dense, tufted grass that is mainly used as a forage grass for livestock, although the seed can be consumed by humans too. This grass is grazed by various wild animals, and, in Australia, it's one of the food sources for kangaroos.

Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Identify toxic plants around you

Easily find your perfect green friends

Get full care tips and tricks for your plants

Download the App for Free

Oceania > Australia

Australian Capital Territory

Northern Territory

New South Wales

South Australia

Western Australia

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants in Australia

Mask group

Most Common Toxic Plants

Australia's diverse climates, from tropical to temperate, create a hospitable environment for a plethora of flora, including , , and . These conditions contribute to the prevalence of toxic plants, posing risks to both the ecosystem and human health. As such, understanding and managing the spread of these plants is a continual challenge in the region.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers

Australia, with its diverse climate and soil conditions, nurtures a rich tapestry of native flowers. The arid regions of the Outback are home to stunning blossoms like , which thrives in the harsh desert environment. In the temperate coastal areas, adds vibrant colors to the landscape, while , with its strong ecological importance, can be found in the lush rainforests. These indigenous flowers not only showcase visual beauty but also symbolize the resilience and biodiversity of Australia's unique ecosystems.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Australia sheds its winter chill, Spring breathes new warmth, coaxing a tapestry of colors to emerge. Delicate blossoms like , vibrant , and fragrant herald the season. Their bloom not only punctuates the landscape with bursts of color and life but also symbolizes regeneration and growth, embodying the spirit of Spring down under.

Mask group

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Australia unfurls with vibrant blooms and balmy days, offering perfect conditions for fruit plants to thrive. During this season, , , and reach their harvest peak, bursting with fresh flavors. These fruits embody the rejuvenation of Spring, marking a time of abundance and culinary delight in local markets and gardens. Their arrival is celebrated as an annual reawakening of the land's bountiful essence.

Mask group

Most Common Fruits

Australia's diverse climate, ranging from tropical in the north to temperate in the south, along with its rich variety of soil types, provides ideal conditions for a multitude of local fruit plants. Plants such as , , and not only thrive in these environments but also bear significant cultural resonance within local communities. These fruits highlight the rich agricultural tapestry woven into Australia's cultural identity and contribute to the country's horticultural industry.

Mask group

Most Common Trees

Australia's diverse climatic and soil conditions are conducive for the growth of a variety of native trees. Among the emblematic trees of this region are the , , and . These trees hold immense cultural and ecological value within Australia. They contribute to the unique biodiversity and provide vital habitats for numerous native species. The , , and are an integral part of Australia's natural heritage, showcasing the country's rich flora.

Mask group

Most Common Weeds

Australia's warm climate and rich biodiversity provide fertile ground for a variety of garden weeds. Prolific nuisances like , , and readily infest local landscapes, challenging gardeners and conservationists alike. These common weeds, owing to their fast growth and resilience, often outcompete native flora, demanding regular and strategic management to curb their spread and mitigate their impact on domestic as well as wild Australian environments.

Mask group

Most Common Tall Trees

Australia's mild coastal climates and fertile soils provide an ideal backdrop for some of the world's tallest trees to soar towards the heavens. Among these, , , and standout as majestic natural skyscrapers, deeply rooted in the continent's diverse ecosystems. These towering species are not only ecological marvels but also carry significant historical resonance, representing Australia's lush, primeval landscapes and contributing to its unique biodiversity.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Australia may be cold and serene, but it is also home to a surprising abundance of blooming flowers. Despite the chill, certain plants like , , and brave the frosty environment. These flowers showcase their resilience and beauty, bringing a touch of color and symbolism to the winter landscape.

Copyright © Glority LLC Limited. All Rights Reserved.