This is a tall growing tree form the sub tropical to tropical areas of Queensland. It forms a buttressed trunk and has almost horizontal branches.
Being a tropical rainforest tree it requires summer moisture and a good humus rich soil. In the garden it makes a striking feature or shade tree with its spreading branches.
The flowers are small and white forming beneath the foliage. Blue berries follow and they are edible. The fruit itself is bitter, especially if not fully ripe, it is mainly used when fully ripened and soft, for jams and chutneys.
The vitamin content is very high.
In flower it attracts butterflies to the garden.
As the canopy is fairly open, it does allow light though to understory plants which makes it very useful larger gardens and parks.
Care and Growing Conditions.
This is a tree that needs a warm climate and summer moisture to thrive.
It is not suited to small gardens, however in cooler climates the height will be greatly restricted, often to around 10 metres.
Mulch well around the tree to maintain a moist and cool root run.
Provide some extra water through the first summers, and a nay extended dry periods.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Elaeocarpus angustifolius (syn. Elaeocarpus grandis)
- Common Name – Blue Quandong, Blue Fig, Silver Quandong
- Position – Full sun to part shade.
- Soil – Well drained.
- Height – To around 40 metres, much smaller in cooler climates.
- Spread – To around 5 metres
- Growth rate – Fast in good conditions.
- Root system – Vigorous and should not be planted near drainage or sewerage lines.
- Foliage – Mid green and serrated on the leaf margins..
- Flowers – Small and white.
- Flowering time – Spring.
- Frost tolerant – Light frosts only
- Drought tolerant – Medium.
