My quick lunch-time sketch of the Caretakers Cottage in Albert Park got dominated by an attention seeking Australian visitor. As you can see a massive Moreton Bay Fig tree has found its way into my view and dominated the composition.
As their name suggests they’re from Moreton Bay in Queensland, Australia and have grown to massive proportions. They look a little otherworldly with their massive buttressed root systems and massive horizontal branches.
These days they're generally considered a noxious pest as they are epiphytic, and will eventually strangle their host tree. A bit like some other Australian visitors — I’m thinking orchard and forest devouring possums and wallabies here, not Australians!
While it might now be illegal to grow Moreton Bay Fig tree seedlings in Auckland, we can at least enjoy these impressive beauties!