blue mountains, citrus smelling plant

[polas]

Hi,
I encountered those plants recently. They have a very strong smell and are reaching 2m in height. What are they? I have never seen them before. Does anyone know? So far google gave me no real answers.

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[michael_p]

No idea but it does have a wild tobacco (https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/TobaccoBush) look about it.

[polas]

No idea but it does have a wild tobacco (https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/TobaccoBush) look about it.

that was my first guess as this grows only next to an old coal mine and maybe the workers planted it nearby. It has an incredibly powerful scent though (the leaves).

[tom_brennan]

Most likely Calomeria amaranthoides (Incense Plant).
https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi- ... ranthoides

Native colonising species, all over the place post the fires.

[polas]

Most likely Calomeria amaranthoides (Incense Plant).
https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi- ... ranthoides

Native colonising species, all over the place post the fires.

looks like a match! thank you Tom.

[tom_brennan]

For those who are interested, the Incense Plants in Morton NP are all in flower now - it's quite impressive (less so when you have to wade through them)

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[tom_brennan]

Interestingly, Incense Plants are biennials.

Since they popped up mid 2020, post the fires, and are in flower at the moment, there may be a massive die-off this winter?

[Hughmac]

They are growing in profusion in moist, sheltered parts of Starlight's Trail too. I've been waking this district for 30 years, and been through plenty of recent fire grounds over that time, but have never seen them growing anything like they are at present. Their current dominance is astonishing, although probably related to the amount of rain we have experienced since the fires as they seem to favour moist conditions. They are clearly going to produce a massive seed bank for the next fire event.