Since being introduced from Asia in 1822, camphor laurels have been planted as a garden ornament and for their large shade cover.

Since being introduced from Asia in 1822, camphor laurels have been planted as a garden ornament and for their large shade cover.

IT'S known as the "Toowoomba tree" and they line the avenues of prestigious suburbs in the Garden City.

And since being introduced from Asia in 1822, camphor laurels have been planted as a garden ornament and for their large shade cover.

Now ubiquitous in Toowoomba, some residents are unaware that it's listed as a restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

It can be very destructive as it aggressively replaces native vegetation, threatening native animals like koalas.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, older trees develop a massive root system that can block drains and crack concrete structures.

Avedis (left) and Krikor Awedian walk near Toowoomba's famous camphor laurel trees in Campbell St, Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Kevin Farmer

Given the "noxious weed" - although fondly regarded by many - is so widespread in Toowoomba, The Chronicle asked environment and community portfolio leader Cr Joe Ramia if the council intended to plant more camphor laurels into the future.

Cr Ramia said the council had an exemption permit provided by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection to replant camphor laurels within Queens Park.

The species is used to support and enhance existing camphor laurel avenues within the park and their use is limited to the significant avenues and spaces.

He said the council did not replant camphor laurels unless they were planted in Queens Park.

Species selection for existing tree avenues is prescribed by the Street Tree Master Plan 2011.

One weed control expert who visited Toowoomba told The Chronicle he was "shocked" to see the noxious weed so prolific in the Garden City.

Camphor laurel