Cotton Palm, English Oak and Lilly Pilly Trees
197 Osborne Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Williamstown Beach Heritage Precinct
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Statement of Significance
The trees, comprising a Cotton Palm (Washington Robusta), English Oak (Quercus Robur) and two Lilly Pillys, established c.1900-1930 at 197 Osborne Street, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?The trees at 197 Osborne Street, Williamstown are of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, they are important for their ability to illustrate garden fashions in Williamstown during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. (AHC criteria A4 and G1)
Aesthetically, the oak and palm are significant as locally rare mature examples of these species, within a suburban garden context. They enhance the setting of the house and make an important contribution to the historic landscape character of Osborne Street. (AHC criteria B2 and E1)
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Cotton Palm, English Oak and Lilly Pilly Trees - Physical Description 1
There is a mature Washingtonia robusta at the rear of a much extended Victorian era weatherboard house, with a large English Oak in front, plus two lilly pillys. The oak and the palm are typical of planting in the Victorian-era and Edwardian-era with the lilly pilly being more of an Edwardian-era or inter-war choice.
Botanica (1997) provides the following descriptions:
Washingtonia robusta (Cotton Palm)
This species, taller and more slender than Washingtonia filifera and with a more tapering trunk, occurs naturally in north-western Mexico. It grows to 80 ft (24 m) and its crown is 10 ft (3 m) across. The shiny, bright green leaves, almost circular, are less deeply segmented than those of 'W. filifera'. The fruit are tiny dark brown berries'.
Quercus robur (English Oak)
Arguably the most famous of all the oaks and with a life span of 600 to 700 years, this species has spreading, heavily leafed branches providing good shade. Its 4 in (10 cm) long leaves are deciduous and remain dark green through fall (autumn). It eventually reaches a height of 120 ft (36 m) and trunks with a circumference of more than 70 ft (21 m) have been recorded. It is one of Europe's most valuable timber trees. 'Fastigiata' is grown for its narrow, upright habit, while 'Concordia' is a rounded tree to 30 ft (9 m)'.
Syzygium sp. (lily pilly)
These 400 to 500 species of evergreen trees and shrubs, at one time included in the genus Eugenia, originated in tropical and subtropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, Australia and Africa. They are grown for their attractive foliage, flowers and berries. The edible berries-white, pink, magenta or purple-ripen in late summer to fall (autumn). The plants have a lush dense canopy of shiny green leaves; new growth in spring is often a contrasting red, pink or copper. The spring and summer flowers are mostly small with protruding white to mauve or crimson stamens giving a fluffy appearance.
Cotton Palm, English Oak and Lilly Pilly Trees - Integrity
Condition
Good.
Cotton Palm, English Oak and Lilly Pilly Trees - Physical Description 2
Context
Contributory to the Victorian-era house and the greater streetscape. Adjoining houses also have mature gardens.
Cotton Palm, English Oak and Lilly Pilly Trees - Historical Australian Themes
Creating private landscapes
Cotton Palm, English Oak and Lilly Pilly Trees - Physical Description 3
Associations
Unknown
Heritage Study and Grading
Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study
Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
Year: 2006
Grading:
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WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1639
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RESIDENCEVictorian Heritage Register H0487
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ST HELLIERSVictorian Heritage Register H0560
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