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Robert Powell: Tree Pictures, South-Western Australia

Peppermint (Agonis flexuosa)
Peppermint (Aboriginal name: wonnil) is common in the lower South-West.  In Perth, at the northern end of its range, it has only a limited occurrence, in City Beach and Swanbourne, and in places bordering the lower Swan Estuary — including Peppermint Grove, named after this tree.

Many people will know peppermint best as a pruned street tree, often in the shape of a large mop!  Natural, unpruned specimens have a willowy appearance, and can be very graceful, particularly when young.  Older trees develop a thick trunk and lower branches and are full of interesting character.

The specimens in the photographs are in order from north to south.

© Text and photographs: Robert Powell