Plants of the Littoral Rainforests NSW North Coast

Updated May 2025

On the NSW Mid North Coast and North Coast you will discover many Littoral Rainforests that have an abundance of native plants. Here are a few of the more beautiful, including some edible species.

WHAT IS A LITTORAL RAINFOREST?

A Littoral Rainforest is a closed forest and usually in close proximity to the ocean and won't necessarily be huge. The forest will have a closed canopy obscuring much of the sky with its thick coverage of trees, vines and vegetation, such as the one above. The NSW Littoral rainforests are protected thanks to the Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

The photos from this post have been taken on the One Mile Beach Littoral Rainforest Boardwalk and Frewins Walk in Forster, NSW. The boardwalk forest is situated between the golf course and the One Mile Beach. Not far from this boardwalk, you can stretch your journey to include the walk from Bennetts Head, Frewins Walk and Bicentennial walk.

The first photo of this article was taken on the coastal walk between Bennetts Head and the One Mile Beach sand dune that is also home for many beautiful rainforest plants. It was in this canopy I came across a juvenile brown snake. On the subject of baby snakes, be warned; their bite can be far more poisonous than an adult as they have no control on how much they inject.

These images were taken on the Forster Boardwalk.

LITTORAL RAINFOREST PLANTS

Hairy Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum tomentosum)

This delicate, fragrant flowering plant is a favourite among night-flying moths, which act as its primary pollinators. Its sweet scent and soft blossoms also attract birds and butterflies during the day, making it a beautiful and beneficial addition to any garden or native landscape.

Lilly Pilly (Syzygium spp.)

Lilly Pillys are a popular choice for Australian home gardens, known for their glossy green leaves and pretty, edible crimson berries. While the plant wasn’t fruiting at the time this photo was taken, their berries usually appear in summer and are a favourite among birds.

Ribbonwood (Idiospermum australiense – commonly known as ‘Idiot Fruit’)

Also known as the 'Idiot Fruit', Ribbonwood gained notoriety in 1971 when cattle on a Daintree property consumed its toxic seeds and died. This large rainforest tree features bumpy bark and is considered one of the most primitive flowering plants in the world.

Spiny-headed Mat Rush (Lomandra longifolia)

This hardy, grass-like plant forms dense tussocks up to one metre tall. Its long, strap-like leaves have traditionally been used by Aboriginal people for weaving baskets and mats, and even for making fishing nets..

Black Apple (Planchonella australis)

The Black Apple bears edible fruit that resembles a plum and is a known bush tucker food. When ripe, the sweet fruit falls to the ground, but keep in mind: in protected rainforests, it is illegal to collect or remove any plant material—even what has already fallen.

Conservation Note:Protecting Australia’s rainforests and national parks is essential for preserving biodiversity, but it also brings complex challenges. One such challenge is the accumulation of dry leaf litter, fallen branches, and dead plant matter on forest floors — particularly in areas where land management policies prohibit removal, even of naturally shed materials. During the catastrophic 2019–2020 bushfires, often referred to as the Black Summer fires, this build-up significantly increased fire intensity in some protected areas. Balancing ecological preservation with proactive land and fire management is an ongoing debate in Australia. While these restrictions help protect delicate ecosystems from human interference, they can also contribute to fuel loads when not balanced with cultural burning or clearing practices. In fact, the Bushfire Royal Commission identified fuel load management as one of the key elements needing reform to reduce future risk. At the time of writing in early 2020, my home was still filled with thick smoke weeks after the fires, a stark reminder of the devastation and the need for nuanced conservation strategies that honour both the land and the safety of those who live near it.

Source:Australian Government Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements – Final Report (2020): https://naturaldisaster.royalcommission.gov.au

Cabbage Tree Palm (Livistona australis)

A personal favourite, the Cabbage Tree Palm brings a special serenity to the rainforest. These striking palms can grow up to 30 metres tall, with lush green leaves reaching 3–4 metres in length. Their name comes from the edible growing tip, which resembles a cabbage. Traditionally, the bark has been used for weaving, thatching, and crafting fishing nets.

Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifolia)

A much-loved native, Coastal Banksias produce nectar-rich flowers that attract parrots and other wildlife. The Worimi people, traditional custodians of this land, would soak the flowers in water to create a sweet drink. You may also recognise Banksias from May Gibbs’ beloved children’s stories. Their dried cones are often used in crafts and floral arrangements..