Shingleback coastal habitat in South Australia

[Lea]

There are a few species of pine, but you are right, they are out of place and all were introduced.

The Norfolk Pine originated on Norfolk Island which was originally a convict settlement that housed criminals from the mainland. The Norfolk Pine was extremely useful for sailors and ship makers because a mature trunk was basically a full ship mast. .

The Aleppo Pine was brought to Australia from Europe and were imported because they were effective cover for houses and they reminded the owners of the large oak trees that surrounded many of the large oak trees in England!

I know these specific trees were here at the request of king Edward, of England, around 1912. I think it's the radiata, but I'm not 100% without checking and I can't remember my source!

[Nae]

But...Skinkies love me Haha, just yesterday one was walking around outside, so I did my normal crouch down next to him and say hello and check him over - The little dude walked over to me, and sat on my feet. Mum almost fell off her chair laughing, it was the first time I have ever been scared of a shingle - I thought he was going to eat my toes!!!

We too have Norfolk pine near the beach here, they really are quite strange to see. They have taken almost all the beach side ones down around here though, except for the ones lining the main road and a couple in the beach side parks in my town.