For a long time coral trees have grown in large numbers in the area, but they are now being targeted for removal in areas like creeks and rivers.

Illawarra Noxious Weeds Authority manager David Pomery said because coral trees tend to break easily and reshoot they have the potential to form dams and block creeks.

"It is fair to say that there has been a fair bit of work done on eliminating corals from riparian corridors like creek beds in the local area and on this front we are making great ground," Mr Pomery said.

"In open spaces it isn't such a problem and in fact some farmers seem to like having coral trees as shade trees for their cattle," he said.

Mr Hawkins has several Illawarra flame trees on his property and looks forward to seeing them flower.

"I got my first seedlings from Riversdale farmer Bob Young back in the late 1970s and I planted them in the gully on my property and while not all survived, they certainly make a great display when they flower," Mr Hawkins said.

A visit from the district nurse last week highlighted people's tendency to mistake the two trees.

"The nurse said 'oh that's the tree they are trying to get rid of'," Mr Hawkins said.

"I explained the difference between the magnificent Illawarra flame and coral - there certainly is a big difference."

■ For the record, the reference to flame trees immortalised in the quintessential Cold Chisel song of the same name, referred to trees in Grafton.

Music for the song, from the band's album Twentieth Century was written by drummer Steve Prestwich.

Keyboard player Don Walker wrote the lyrics about the Grafton of his youth but has said the song is really "about any country town".

The video was shot in Oberon.