Peanuts are not the only things that grow around Kingaroy. Quite a wide variety of eucalypts, both indigenous and cultivated, may be seen if you keep your eyes open.

The high altitude (43 metres) and the rich red soil makes Kingaroys conditions similar to Toowoomba, except that Kingaroy is somewhat drier. In the valley and lower slopes of the area, along which all the main roads run, the most common species are Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Narrow-leaved Ironbark (E. crebra), Grey Box (E. moluccana) and Broad-leaved Apple (Angophora subvelutina), with some Silver-leaved Ironbark (E. melanophloia) and Fuzzy Box (E. conica). On the ridges and plateaux, some areas support a dry rainforest dominated by Flindersia and Acacia, while everywhere there is a tall eucalypt forest comprising Spotted Gum (E. maculata), Pink Bloodwood (E. intermedia), Grey Gum (E. punctata), White Mahogany (E. acmenoides) and Gum-topped Ironbark (E. decorticans).

Of the species cultivated in Kingaroy itself, probably the most conspicuous and outstanding is the Mugga Ironbark (E. sideroxylon), with its jet-black trunk, grey-green foliage and pink flowers throughout spring. Many fine specimens can be seen at street and park plantings. Equally attractive, though not as striking, is Yellow Box (E. melliodora), which is also used in some of the parks.

The conditions are conducive to the culture of Western Australian species. Coral Gum (E. torquata) is quite common and well established. Occasional specimens of Swamp Mallet (E. spathulata), Gungurru (E. caesia) and Marri (E. calophylla) can be found, and they appear to do very well.

The cold winters have not prevented the wide and successful use of several coastal, subtropical species. There are many large specimens of Flooded Gum (E. grandis) thriving in parks and school grounds. Cadagi (E. torelliana) is common and develops a very dense canopy. Lemon-scented Gum (E. citriodora) has been planted for many years and invariably becomes a graceful specimen tree. One example of Shirleys Ironbark (E. shirleyi) seen at the state school looked very healthy and, although only small, was flowering profusely. Tallow Wood (E. microcorys) and Swamp Mahogany (E. robusta) are apparently recent introductions to the area and look promising.

Several species from southern states, which cannot easily be grown elsewhere in Queensland, are grown here. The Willow Peppermint (E. nicholii), native to the New England Tableland, does superbly well at Kingaroy. Every garden there should have one! Victorian Blue Gum (E. bicostata) is understandably widely used as its juvenile leaves (large, blue and stalkless) are a very attractive feature. Other southern species occasionally seen are the Argyle Apple (E. cinerea) and South Australian Blue Gum (E. leucoxylon).

The old faithful River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis) is sometimes grown and, as usual, it is reliable and fast growing.

Chinchilla White Gum (E. argophloia) is growing in a couple of gardens and in a school grounds, but deserves to be more widely cultivated, as it is a truly beautiful tree. It is erect with dense pendant foliage commonly retained to near ground level. The bark is smooth and white, and the creamy flowers are abundantly produced. It is very rare in its natural habitat, but has proved to be very adaptable in cultivation. There are many fine specimens at Dalby.

The range of eucalypts and other native trees that could be used as garden subjects is vast and largely untapped. The increasing use of Australian trees for street, park and garden plantings is very heartening.