Sculptures and features

Waite Arboretum is home to several rare and uncommon tree species not often found in public collections. Among them is Waddy or Acacia peuce, a tree that naturally occurs in only a few colonies east and west of the Simpson Desert in central Australia. Known for its exceptionally hard timber, Waddy is slow-growing and highly drought-tolerant.

Another remarkable species is Cape Ebony or Euclea pseudebenus, a small yet striking tree with graceful, pendant branches. Native to the arid stony and sandy deserts of Southwest Africa, it thrives in areas with very low rainfall, showcasing its resilience in harsh conditions.

The Arboretum is home to over 20 species listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species –  IUCN

Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa, Red Gum E. camaldulensis and Blue Gum E. leucoxylon occur naturally in this area, with some pre-settlement trees still remaining. Native shrubs include Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha, Sweet Bursaria Bursaria spinosa, Sticky Hop-bush Dodonaea viscosa , Native Apricot Pittosporum angustifolium and Native Lilac Hardenbergia violacea.

Sheep were once used to manage grass, but after grazing ceased in 1991, the native understorey has regenerated. Now, Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma species, Spear-grass Austrostipa species, Climbing Saltbush Einadia nutans and Windmill-grass Chloris truncata thrive, along with other small native plants. The Arboretum preserves valuable remnants of the original Adelaide Plains flora.

The watercourse development began in 1994, with meanders, ponds, and native water plants. Originally built by Peter Waite in the early 1900s, the dam has since been enlarged and now receives water from both a bore and stormwater. A palm and cycad walk has been established along the watercourse, in collaboration with the Palm & Cycad Society of SA.