Tulipwood tree
An interesting and tough small native tree is ‘Harpullia pendular’ commonly called the Australian Tulipwood tree. This is a rainforest tree which naturally occurs in tropical to sub tropical areas from Northern NSW to Queenslands North.
In the natural environment it can reach over 20m in height, however in cultivation it usually reaches from 6-12m+. Glossy dense evergreen foliage and usually a well formed crown makes this an excellent street tree.
New foliage emerges good bronze green, before turing to a good mid green. Flowers are followed by small red to orange berries that open to release rounded black seeds.
The root system seems to be non invasive and ‘Harpullia pendular’ grows well in full sun to part shade. A well drained humus rich soil is best. Also used as a shade tree and for roadside plantings.
How to Grow Harpullia pendula
A well drained soil is essential, wet soggy soils are not suitable. The type of soilis not that important, sandy soils or clay soils are suitable as long as drainage is good.
Growth rate is fast over the first few years in good soil and a warm climate. It them slows to a medium growth rate.
- Prepare soil well before planting, dig in extra organic matter if needed.
- Plant and water in well
- Mulch around the plant to maintain moisture
- Use a slow reease native fertiliser each spring at the recommended rate.
Pruning
You can prune the tree to maintain a denser crown and restrict height. Regulr light pruning is better than hard or heavy pruning.
Characteristics
- Fast Growing
- Dense Crown
- Yellow flowers in summer.
- Useful shade tree or street tree.
- Very pale green to white/yellow flowers followed by orange seed pods.
As this is a tree that tolerates dry conditions the Tulipwood tree is becoming more commonly used by councils in parks and gardens. Also useful as a windbreak or screening tree in the broader landscape.
One of the few problems with this useful native tree is that it is frost tender, so avoid planting in those conditions.
Available from the following suppliers
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