Australian senna

This Australian Senna (Senna aciphylla) was grown from seed and then planted next to Bapaume Road. In Queensland this species tends to be found west of the Great Dividing Range whereas in southern states it can be found to the east, in coastal regions. Nevertheless, it appears to be thriving and is providing an important ecological function by helping establish a mid-story layer below taller eucalyptus trees. It is also providing shade and cover from the exposed forest line next to the road. This last function, called edge sealing, is important because weeds often first get established here. So having a fast growing, hardy and shade-producing shrub is ideal to suppress weed intrusion.