The Queensland Dry Tropics encompasses two distinct geographical areas. For the purposes of Grow Me Instead, it begins at Gladstone and runs through Rockhampton to south of Mackay. It also includes the area from Bowen to Townsville and surrounds. The region is typically dry throughout most of the year yet often subject to incredibly wet periods during summer; the area is home to an interesting and diverse flora. It is important to remember an invasive plant in the neighbouring Sub-Tropics or Wet Tropics may not be invasive in such a generally harsh climate. Many of the invasive plants identified in this bioregion are also applicable to adjacent inland centres such as Emerald and Charters Towers. The information is useful throughout these inland regions however it would be prudent to seek sound local advice when making plant selection.
The Dry Tropics is home to many significant national parks and state forest areas. It is of paramount importance that sound plant advice is sought before planting adjacent to these sensitive areas. Consideration must be given to appropriate plant choice as birds and other animals can distribute seeds into nearby bushland and rainforest fringes causing destruction of natural habitat.
