I'm sure the best bet would be Delonix Regia , Schizolobium Parahyba, Tectona Grandis, Balsa and many others.

Thanks ARAD - some interesting suggestions in there !

Delonix do very well in Rocky, but I dislike their tendency to kill everything underneath them, and their capricious root systems. The remainder are intriguing - from the photos I got from Google, they arent particularly attractive trees, but certainly seem to meet the 'fast-growing' criteria in spades. Its interesting that many of the plantation trees such as teak and balsa are rarely recommended as pioneer species, at least here in Oz - I assume that there must be a downside to growing plantation species in a domestic garden.

Artie, of course the breadfruit tree will grow fast and is SO handsome! If it grows where you are (and I bet it would)that would be such a wonderful option. Also, Macaranga Grandifolia,Ficus Dammaropsis,or even Ficus Lyrata.Or, your own native Deplanchea Tetraphylla.

More great suggestions, Arad, each with its own merits. I do have a morbid fear of the humble fig, due to the size some species can attain, but Deplanchea (the Golden Bouquet tree) wasnt even on my radar - it seems that I have led a sheltered life.

Thanks,

Artie

I would try using a another clumper Dendrocalamus minor var Amoenus (Ghost bamboo),i have seen these as 18 month specimens and the growth was awesome they also have large leaves which would be great for shade.I planted one last week,i'll keep you posted.
Cheers.

absolutely...i was just about to say a bamboo would do it...

i remember in fiji, which is around the same longitude/latitude as cairns (or maybe townsville???), i went on a jungle trek, and we came across a few bamboo plants that were at LEAST four metres in height, and the tour guide said they were less than 18 months old...

but then again, bamboo doesn't really provide much of a canopy...

Thanks Richard and Muzz, but I have to agree with Muzz that bamboo doesnt really strike me as a canopy plant : it lacks that spreading habit at the top which characterizes most shrubs and trees. As I indicated in my initial post, I would probably have used bamboo for my fenceline if I had known about the clumping varieties 12 months ago, although I suspect that it would have sparked calls to the council from my neighbours :)

When I consider my 'perfect' plant, its a tough set of attributes to match:

* min 3m tall, and at least 2m wide, but not too large for my 700 sq m block
* fast-growing, but not a weed
* tough, but not a weed
* able to handle -2 C to 45 deg C, in full sun
* able to make the transition to part-shade when other plants begin to grow around it
* attractive foliage
* pest and disease resistant
* moderate water requirements

The closest thing that I've found to date is the humble lillypilly, although my Murrayas are also doing well. The most astounding discovery has been the change in my soil wrought by a little TLC - from baked clay to wonderfully crumbly, friable soil. To those who are struggling with heavy clay, dont lose faith - keep the compost and mulch up to it, and you'll be pleasantly surprised in 6-12 months.

I still say check out ghost bamboo,it really provides great shade and has larger than average leaves.However for a tree,i would also suggets a Pink Euodia,they are rather nice ,grow fast and attract birds.

Artie, no-one has mentioned it (and maybe they have good reasons) but one of the fastest shade trees I have planted, is the Australian native 'Macaranga tanarius' . It is used to re-establish a rainforest by giving you quick shade for small palms etc. It can then be removed later (if you wish) once understorey plants have established. Another quick one is Cassia javanica which is a beautiful tree even though it is not native. It will form a canopy in about 2.5 years but it is semi-deciduous which you may not want. cheers Don

Thanks for even more great suggestions, Richard and Don. I certainly cant complain that I didn't get a response to my query !

Its interesting to find out that the Euodia and Macaranga, both trees that I was 'semi-aware' of, are fast growers. I have seen Cassia's described as environmental weeds on several sites, but the magnificent specimen in my neighbours yard is most welcome as its branches steadily find their way into my backyard. The ghost bamboo will need to wait - if I elect to move within the next 12 months (Rocky is tipped to 'take off' price-wise any day now :)), I'll definitely consider bamboo if I need a screen. Compared to native shrubs, its an expensive option, but you do get a lot of plant for your money.

Blue quandong, silky oak, bangalow and alexandra palms, plus many eucalypts such as Sydney blue gum, are among the natives that come to mind. And of course I wouldn't plant anything BUT natives.
Tony