Historic Australian Oaks: Federal Oak, Melbourne
Historic Australian Oaks: Federal Oak, Melbourne
Parliament House on Spring Street, Melbourne is home to a tree of national interest in Australia.
The Algerian oak, or Quercus canariensis, is known as the Federal Oak, and was planted by Sir Henry Parkes, a key figure in the federal movement.
Its significance lies in its associations with the Australasian Federal Convention, the first meeting of statesmen from the different colonies to agree to the idea of Federation. The conference also signalled the beginning of the constitutional conventions designed to frame a Federal Constitution.
The conference was considered a breakthrough in the move towards Federation, and it was Henry Parkes one of the \'Fathers of Federation\' who planted the oak tree that remains an enduring symbol of a key moment in the birth of a nation in February 1890.
Give an oak tree for
any occassion
A baby oak tree is the
perfect present for nearly any
occasion or event. Flowers can
last a matter of days, but an oak
tree can thrive and live for a
hundred years (if you want it to!)
Interesting facts about
oak trees
The oak tree is a very strong and sturdy wood, and represents many things, including that of the concept of longevity, and of wisdom. This is a tree that stands the test of time
