W.A. Weeping Peppermint

There are a number of W.A. Weeping Peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) trees spread around the grounds, with larger examples found in the Lady Kyle Garden.

This includes one planted by His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex during a visit to Government House on 24 November 2002.

Traditionally known by the Noongar names of Wanil, Wonnow, Wonong or Wannang, the tree had many traditional uses:

• Leaves were often used as an antiseptic.
• Sapling trunks were used as spear shafts.
• Branches used as digging sticks.

Belonging to the Myrtaceae family, the W.A. Weeping Peppermint is found in south-west coastal areas of Western Australia.

It can reach up to 14 metres in height with a graceful dome shape and pleasant weeping foliage. 

With maturity it forms a large fiborous trunk, and bears attractive white flowers resembling those of the tea-tree.