Two people walign along Postmans Track through coastal vegetation, Rocky Cape National Park
Postmans Track, Rocky Cape National Park (photograph: Natalie Mendham)

Plants

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​​​The diversity of Tasmania's vegetation is astounding - mosaics of alpine herb fields​​ and colourful heathland, ancient rainforests, tracts of native grasslands and dry windswept coastal vegetation. 

Tasmania can lay claim to some of the most ancient plant species on earth, including the oldest known plant clone on earth, King's Holly (estimated at least 43,000 years); the tallest flowering tree, Giant Ash; and a large array of small beauties such as terrestrial orchids. On forest floors live a rich array of ferns, mosses and fungi while sea beds and reefs are home to hidden forests of seaweeds and marine plant life. With such breathtaking and irreplaceable diversity comes a responsibility to understand, manage and protect the plant life of Tasmania.

Have a look through for more information on some of Tasmania's most distinctive plants. You'll find these throughout our national parks and reserves. For more information on plant communities and conservation programs, please see​ The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania's Flora of Tasmania webpage​.​​

In this Topic

  • Blue gum
    The blue gum is Tasmania’s floral emblem and a critical habitat for the endangered swift parrot.
  • Buttongrass
    Buttongrass forms part of a unique habitat throughout Tasmania from subalpine mountain tops to coastal valleys, often growing in nutrient poor organic soils.
  • Common heath
    Common heath can be found around the State and blooms in a range of hues from whites and pinks through to deep reds.
  • Cushion plants
    Cushion plants are actually a community of different plants that all have the same cushion-like, clumping form of growth.
  • Fagus
    The fagus, an ancient Gondwanan relict.
  • Giant ash
    The giant ash has impressive credentials; tallest tree species in Australia; second tallest tree species in the world; and tallest flowering plant on earth.
  • Leatherwood
    Leatherwood is well-known to both locals and visitors for the distinctive tasting honey produced from its nectar.
  • Pandani
    The distinctive and other-worldly pandani is the world's tallest heath plant.
  • Pencil pine
    This precious Gondwanan species is often located around tarns, streams and lakes due to its complete intolerance of fire.
  • Silver banksia
    Banksias are a common and widespread species found in many different habitats, from sea level to mountain tops.
  • White flag iris
    The white flag iris is a perennial flowering plant, known for its beautiful white flowers.