Dry rainforests evolved from the ancient Gondwana rainforests but have been reduced today to tiny remnants scattered across the Kimberley, Top End, Cape York and down the east coast of Australia. The nearest natural occurring dry rainforest to Dubbo is located in the North Hunter Valley, approximately 4 hours away.
Many of the local species of plants are closely related to dry rainforest species.
History
The Oasis Valley which was officially opened in April 2013 provides a living link to Australia’s biogeographical history and promotes the conservation of the threatened 'dry rainforests'. To help fund the boardwalk at the Oasis Valley Dubbo City Council received $50,000 from Destination NSW. The local community has been heavily involved in the development of this garden through planting programs.
Element of the garden
Significant elements within Oasis Valley include:
• A 65 metre boardwalk that follows a flowing creek
• Over 40 different dry rainforest species representing 16 families and 27 genera
• Plantings have been grouped together according to their families to make it easier for students of biology and botany to compare their characteristics
Plants in the garden include:
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COMMON NAME
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BOTANIC NAME
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Kauri Pine
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Agathis robusta
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Bunya Pine
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Araucaria bidwillii
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Hoop Pine
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Araucaria cunninghamii
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Wollemi Pine
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Wollemia nobilis
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River Sheoak
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Casuarina cunninghamiana
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Coach Wood
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Ceratopetalum apetalum
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Black Cypress Pine
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Callitris endlicheri
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Gymea Lily
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Doryanthes excelsa v excelsa
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Giant Spear Lily
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Doryanthes excelsa v palmeri
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Blueberry Ash
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Elaeocarpus reticulatus
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Crows Ash
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Flindersia australis
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White Cedar
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Melia azedarach v australasica
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Wyalong Wattle
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Acacia cardiophylla
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Knife-Leaf Wattle
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Acacia cultriformis
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Pretty Wattle
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Acacia decora
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Moreton Bay Fig
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Ficus macrophylla
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Small Fruited Fig
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Ficus microcarpa
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Small-Leaved Fig
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Ficus obliqua
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Creek Lilly Pilly
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Acmena smithii
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Lemon Ironwood
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Backhousia citriodora
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Tallow Wood
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Eucalyptus microcorys
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Brush Box
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Lophostemon confertus
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Snow In Summer
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Melaleuca linariifolia
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Prickly Paperbark
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Melaleuca styphelioides
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Turpentine
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Syncarpia glomulifera
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Creek Cherry
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Syzygium australe
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Lilly Pilly
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Syzygium paniculatum
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Water Gum
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Tristaniopsis laurina
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Weeping Lilly-Pilly
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Waterhousia floribunda
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Native Frangipani
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Hymenosporum flavum
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Native Daphne
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Pittosporum undulatum
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Plum Pine; Brown Pine
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Podocarpus elatus
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Soap Tree; Red Ash
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Alphitonia excelsa
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Flame Tree
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Brachychiton acerifolius
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Western Kurrajong
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Brachychiton australis
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Rusty Kurrajong
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Brachychiton bidwillii
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Queensland LaceBark
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Brachychiton discolor
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Kurrajong
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Brachychiton diversifolius
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Queensland Bottle Tree
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Brachychiton rupestris
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Grass Tree
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Xanthorrhoea australis
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Grass Tree
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Xanthorrhoea glauca
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