Majestic cycad replaces much-loved fig tree in Edge Hill

• Four-metre cycad replanted at Botanic Gardens entrance
• Tree rescued from development site, given second life
• Symbolic gesture honours community heritage and sustainability

Cycad brings new life to garden corner

A towering four-metre Cycas revoluta now graces the corner of Collins Avenue and McCormack Street in Edge Hill, filling the space left by the much-loved Weeping Fig, affectionately known as the Bucket Tree.

The original fig was removed three years ago after it was affected by Brown Root Rot (Pyrrhoderma noxium), a highly contagious and fatal root disease.

Since then, the site –an informal entrance to the Cairns Botanic Gardens – had remained empty as Council searched for a worthy replacement.

A rare rescue and replant

The newly transplanted cycad, estimated to be over 60 years old, was relocated from Patience Street in Manoora, where it was due for removal to make way for development.

Council acted quickly to preserve the significant tree, undertaking a careful extraction and transplanting process earlier this week.

Excavation began Monday, and by Tuesday the cycad had been lifted by crane and replanted at its new home.

A symbol of renewal

Division 7 Councillor Anna Middleton welcomed the planting, calling it a fitting tribute to the site’s legacy.

“This tree marks a new chapter for this corner of Edge Hill,” Cr Middleton said.
“The fact that we’ve been able to give another significant plant a second life here really resonates with the community and speaks to the values of sustainability and local character.”

She also shared a resident’s comment: “It’s a large, robust and one of the very few examples of the coastal cycads that once existed across suitable habitat where the city now persists.”

Community and Council in harmony

Mayor Amy Eden praised the collaboration that brought the project to life.

“This goes to show what can be achieved when Council works together with the community,” Mayor Eden said.

“We needed to find a tree befitting of such a high-profile location – the intersection effectively serves as an entrance statement to the Botanic Gardens precinct – and this cycad certainly ticks the box.

“It’s a beautiful plant and no doubt over time will become part of the fabric of this precinct, just like the Bucket Tree before it.”