There are an estimated 20,000 or more species of Australian flowers and plants.  Due to the vastness of the Australian Continent with the varying climatic regions and the soil conditions, the species of plants and flowers are extremely diverse.From the rain forests of Northern Queensland to the snowcapped mountains of New South Wales or the sandy desolate desert of the Nullabor plains – the flowers and plants are equally as varied. Flora exists in the climatic regions irregardless of the conditions:   Tropical rainforest  Temperate rainforest  Sclerophyllous forest (leathery and spiky)  Woodlands (both wet and dry)  Mulga scrubs (dry desert vegetation)  Savanna and Steppe (grasslands in tropical / sub tropical and semi arid climates)  Alpine grasslands (vegetation in the higher altitude Australian Alps)  Desert Many of the flowers and plants are unique to Australia – interestingly though, counties such as Israel are now growing Australian plants for commercial purposes.

Australian flowers are important as a major national resource and this is further substantiated by its increasing national and international commercial use.  The range of products sourced by Australian plants and flowers is extensive.  These include cut flowers and foliage, potted plants, plants for landscaping and regeneration projects, foods, medicinal products and essential oils, wood and fibre products.  The most common tree in Australia is the Eucalypt, of which there are about 500 different species. Eucalyptus trees are found in almost all regions of Australia, and have become known as the iconic 'Aussie tree'. Another family well known are the Acacia and Wattle species - the Golden Wattle is Australia's national floral emblem.

The desert regions feature beautiful, hardy flowering plants like the Kangaroo Paw and the Sturt's Desert Pea. Because of the unique bird and insect species who assist in pollination, flowers have devleoped unique appearances designed to attract particular creatures - such as the Grevillea and Hakea.

Species such as the Banksia, with hard, woody flower pods, are designed especially to germinate after bush fires - the flames burn the pod and release the seeds into the nutrient rich, post-fire soil where they sucessfully grow in the new generation bush-land Due to the uniqueness of the types on plants and flowers available in Australia, they are a constant drawcard to many Australian tourists. The vast array of species and the magnificent colors display and never  Each State within Australia has a Floral Emblem:   Australia - Golden Wattle  Australian Capital Territory - Royal Bluebell  New South Wales - Waratah  Northern Territory - Sturt's Desert Rose  Queensland - Cooktown Orchid  South Australia - Sturt's Desert Pea  Tasmania - Tasmanian Blue Gum  Victoria - Common Heath  Western Australia - Red and Green Kangaroo Paw  Animals benefit due to shelter, pasture and forage for livestock and nectar for honey production.  Our flora is a major drawcard for tourists.