Tracing back roots of wonderful rain trees

DOES any reader know anything of the origin of the rain trees that are so much a part or the Ross River area landscape, say downstream from Condon or Riverway?

They are possibly seen at their best in Anderson Gardens where some of them must span 40m, and in the rainforest section of the Palmetum, where their upper story (along with tamarind and mango trees) provided the optimum necessary conditions for the establishment of the lush lower story rainforest species that are in evidence there today.

I know they are an introduced species, and I always believed they were planted by the Chinese market gardeners who would, no doubt, have operated in those areas where the rain trees are now in such evidence.

I always thought they were of Asian origin, but I think there are two types and one species seems to have originated in Central America or thereabouts. Any takers?

Probably a lot of towns folk have seen Anderson Gardens up close and personal, but for those who have yet to cross the Palmetum off their to-do list, I advise you to do it now when the whole park area is at its verdant best.

Definitely a sight to behold where one could get lost in the wonders of nature, and, of course, the two necessary ingredients – water and the workers, so vital in the maintenance of such a priceless asset. Hats off to the person or persons whose brainchild it was.

Never lose sight of our past! DON MORRIS,

Cranbrook.