Sunday 4 January 2015

Cabbage Tree Palm, Farrer Place


As you can see from the clock tower on the Lands Department Building in the second image, I have not moved far from yesterday's image. Spring Street segues into Bent Street. The building up close in the second image is known as the Education Departmebt Building, even though this facade has "Dept of Agriculture" carved in stone above the door.

William Farrer (1845-1906) was a research scientist who did much to improve the wheat crop in Australia. This plaza was named in his honour in 1935.

The Cabbage Tree Palm is 'livistona australis', which grows up to 30 metres in height. Prior to European settlement, it dominated the vegetation of the Sydney area, and the City Council is replanting whereever possible. More about this part of Sydney, the government and bureaucratic hub, tomorrow.

6 comments:

Joan Elizabeth said...

I didn't know those palms were local ... thought they were more tropical. I learn lots of stuff in blogs.

Julie said...

I think they are local to the East Coast.

Jim said...

You picked a very quiet time to photograph that spot with no people around. That's usually my caper. ;) On weekdays it's always packed with people.

Julie said...

Hah! Indeed, Jim. Your ability in that regard has always astounded me! This was on Friday 2nd Jan about 1030am ... peeps all home in bed with sore head!

William Kendall said...

The architectural styles really appeal to me, as much of a contrast as there is there.

Joe said...

The cabbage tree palm are natures sky scrapers by the look of these photos Julie.