Description
The American Bull Bay Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a large and excellent example of the species. It is approximately 15m in height with a spread of 10m and a trunk diameter of 0.7m at 1.0 m above the ground. It appears to be in very good condition.
There are also two closely clustered, self-sown Port Jackson Figs (Ficus rubiginosa f. rubiginosa), located on the upper northern sandstone wall and property boundary, which are prominent specimens. These multi-trunk, native figs have a combined canopy of 18 metres in diameter and extensive aerial roots which descend the wall. They support the scale and character of the location and are important contextual components in the broader Elizabeth Bay landscape but are not listed as significant items.
Significance
This tree has local significance as an individual specimen with aesthetic, visual, and historic values. It is believed that this Magnolia may be a remnant from the former gardens of the Elizabeth Bay House estate or possibly later period following subdivision (between 1865 and 1882).
Historical notes
he American Bull Bay Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is an exotic evergreen broadleaf species which has been used extensively in private gardens and public parkland throughout the City of Sydney LGA since the early nineteenth century. Mature specimens growing in the Botanic Gardens and large private estates, such as ‘Craigend’ were described in a number of articles of the NSW Horticultural Magazine, and Gardeners’ and Amateurs’ Calendar Volumes I-II, 1864-65 (Horticultural Society of Sydney). It appears to be present as a large tree in the 1943 aerial photos of the area and would therefore support its planting date being some time in the late 1800’s.
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