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That's interesting that you find only 5-15% of the vegetation is tropical looking in your area... I guess the "tropical" or "subtropical" look isn't that popular there because it would look too out of place for some people. I'm thinking more along the lines of Canberra and Hobart vs. say Broome and Darwin...
For me what looks tropical and subtropical are tall evergreen broadleaf trees with tall feather palms everywhere.. (CIDP etc.).
We have evergreen broadleaf "shrubs" here in Vancouver as opposed to trees. Even the Southern Magnolia which looks magnificent in the Southern US looks like a large shrub here. Windmill and other palms look like small sticks compared to what palms look like in subtropical and tropical areas... that's what differentiates it for me.
Windmills look quite impressive once they get to about 12-15 metres, and all the fur peels off. A lot of them look ratty until that time though.
I think a lot of it depends on what people do with their gardens in a particular area. The affluent suburbs of any city tend to have a more tropical look as their owners are prepared to spend more on landscaping, exotic plants, etc.
Do you consider Eucalyptus to look temperate/Mediterranean rather than tropical?
Usually mediterranean.
Many eucalytpus resmebles broadleaf deciduous trees I've seen, only tougher looking with leathery leaves.
Reminds me of long dry spells and mild winters (else they'd be zapped by hard-frost)
I think a lot of it depends on what people do with their gardens in a particular area. The affluent suburbs of any city tend to have a more tropical look as their owners are prepared to spend more on landscaping, exotic plants, etc.
Water bills are a big reason too in WA.
Though it makes me wonder about temperate deciduous as they are often quite thirsty too.
More native veg in the country because they are easier, better adapted to local rain/moisture patterns,
plus they're less likely to splurge on landscaping costs.
Yes, Trachycarpus can look quite tropical, though they look terrible in full sun here.
I think coastal south Texas has the same problem, the really tropical vegetation is overshadowed by millions of Washingtonia palms. Matamoros, Mexico, directly across the border, lines its streets with royal palms, ficus, and royal poinciana. All of these plants would be common on the U.S. side if you removed all of the 'less-tropical' Washingtonia palms.
Tall windmills can look good, but I think they're better suited to be part of a group of other lush plants and trees, rather than a stand-alone palm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ColdCanadian
But their winters are SO COLD! (by Aussie standards)
Albury might be colder in winter and with less sub-tropicals than what I've seen of the inland SW.
Wavehunter would probably like to know that there are Cfa places in Australia that get frosts.
Winters are colder than inland SW. Summers have similar temps, but are wetter, yet still have low levels of humidity. It doesn't look or feel subtropical, but can still support some exotic species.
I don't think I've ever seen a windmill palm over 4 metres.
Can you post a picture?
Er.., no sorry. I'm hoping to find a digital camera under the christmas tree this year, and my ancient dialup setup makes downloads a major mission.
The tallest one I've heard about around here was 17 metres and was planted in the 1880's, It was cut down to make way for a rose garden. There seemed to have been a lot planted around that time, which are in the 10-15 metre range. They look similar to a mature Washingtonia robusta, but with smaller proportions. CIDP's have only been planted around here for about 40 years and don't have much more than about 6-7 metres of trunk. There are some in the botanical gardens (60 km away)planted in the 1860's and they would have trunks 20 metres tall, considering how many there are around here (thousands), the townscape will look very different in 20 years or so.
Wavehunter would probably like to know that there are Cfa places in Australia that get frosts.
Winters are colder than inland SW. Summers have similar temps, but are wetter, yet still have low levels of humidity. It doesn't look or feel subtropical, but can still support some exotic species.
Ahh…how refreshing when the old man sees that there is at least a few people out there who know that ALL subtropical climates (Cf/Cs/Cw) can (and will) get frosts now and then. If they did not – they would be classed as tropical climates – lol.
Another point worth mentioning for those of you out there who know how important climate “genetics” truly are in creating the local flora and fauna: The “look” of subtropical climates (esp in the heart of the subtropical zone from 25 to 35 latitude) will not often look “lush and tropical" like a south Vietnam or Costa Rican rainforest. Since subtropical high pressure (H) genetically dominates these latitudes much of the year - subtropical climates often have a drier, sun pulverized look to their vegetation. Yes, you’ll often find palms and other broadleaf evergreens growing/mixed in - but is the plants that can easily take heat, sun, and drought that are often the mainstays of true subtropical environemnts.
Here in the USA subtropical zone - whether a plant is in Los Angeles, Tucson, Houston, or Charleston…it had better be tough to the heat, sun, and drought to survive long term.
Yes, Trachycarpus can look quite tropical, though they look terrible in full sun here.
I think coastal south Texas has the same problem, the really tropical vegetation is overshadowed by millions of Washingtonia palms. Matamoros, Mexico, directly across the border, lines its streets with royal palms, ficus, and royal poinciana. All of these plants would be common on the U.S. side if you removed all of the 'less-tropical' Washingtonia palms.
I'm surprised Trachycarpus even grow there. They get sun blasted here, so would have to look terrible there. I agree with Ttad, they look better as a part of other plantings. I have 50-100 of them and they won't see direct sunlight for another 20 years or so, when they emerge through the cover of the bush they are in.
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(by Aussie standards) 
