Addresses
Type of place
Tree/s
Period
Interwar 1919-1939
This is an image of the local heritage place known as Fig Tree
Fig Tree
Addresses
Type of place
Tree/s
Period
Interwar 1919-1939
This Ficus Benjamina (fig) tree is believed to have been planted around the 1920s when tree planting was being promoted as a means of street beautification by the then curator of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Ernest Walter Bick. Its age also coincides with extensive road improvement works on Logan Road, conducted in the mid 1920s by the fledgling Greater Brisbane Council. The large and prominent tree makes a significant contribution to the streetscape of Logan Road from its corner siting.
Geolocation
-27.508877 153.052237
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (B) Rarity; (E) Aesthetic; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
Geolocation
-27.508877 153.052237
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (B) Rarity; (E) Aesthetic; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
History
This Ficus Benjamina is estimated to be between sixty and eighty years old. Although its exact age is not known it is possible that its appearance on Logan Road coincided with extensive road improvements along Logan Road in the inter war years.
Walter Hill, Brisbane Botanical Gardens’ longest serving curator, introduced many species of fig trees to Brisbane in the 1890s, of which the Ficus Benjamina is one. Many were used for the beautification of Brisbane streets. This was encouraged by local community groups and the Council during the interwar years. Evidence that this tree was planted to improve the visual amenity of Logan Road is indicated by the existence of another tree of the same species further along the road as well as its proximity to the kerb.
The curator of the Gardens in the interwar years, Ernest Walter Bick, used his position to influence to actively encourage tree planting projects by community groups and others around Brisbane suburbs. The existence of this tree is most probably an outcome of the higher profile that Bick gave to the planting of trees during his and curatorship.
This tree is a significant contribution to the Logan Road Streetscape. It was most likely planted at a time of rapid interwar growth in the Greenslopes district and is valued by the community.
Description
This is a beautiful fully mature and healthy Ficus species tree. It is a venerable specimen and its majestic appearance and size provide a great visual impact due to juxtaposition of the large scale, textures and colours.
Statement of significance
Relevant assessment criteria
This is a place of local heritage significance and meets one or more of the local heritage criteria under the Heritage planning scheme policy of the Brisbane City Plan 2014. It is significant because:
References
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Sim, J. C. R. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Conservation Study: Final Report. Vol 2. Brisbane: Brisbane City Council. 1995
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised September 2020)