A native plant that can be grown for the flowers or the fruit, Atractocarpus fitzalanii, (syn Randia fitzalanii) is commonly called both Native Gardenia and Yellow Mangosteen.
The flowers have an attractive perfume as they appear in spring, the fruit that follows are nut like, however with a soft sweet pulp. The fruit is used for making jams, it it used in salads and can also be eaten fresh
The foliage is attractive, which makes it a popular small to medium shade tree. The fruit contains multiple seeds, so growing for the fruit is probably for the enthusiast.
The fruits themselves have a harder time outer shell, around 7cm in diameter and with a pale almost white pulp.
The actual taste of the fruit is variable, different plants have different tasting fruit, some better than others. Fruit from a good variety will be large with small seeds, it will also be sweet. Propagation has been from the better tasting plants by cuttings, rather than from seed.
How To Grow Native Gardenia – Basic Care
These are a small tree, a moderate growth rate and the root system is not regarded as being invasive.
Best grown in tropical to sub tropical climates this is a rainforest tree. It requires a humus rich moist yet well drained soil. The native gardenia can be grown further south as long as it is in a warm protected position, frost free and with adequate
water over summer.
Protection from strong winds is recommended. We also suggest mulching around the plant and keeping the area beneath the tree weed free.
Young or seedling trees are susceptible to leaf burn so protection from hot sun at an early age is recommend. Ideally this plant would be grown with some protection from hot afternoon sun.
Additional water through dry summer periods may be required.
Pruning Atractocarpus fitzalanii
Pruning is generally not required except for the removal of dead or damaged branches, or to prune to size and shape. You can, if desired prune them to a smaller rounded shape or even a hedge.
Propagation
It is possible to grow the native gardenia from seed, however, the actual taste of the fruit is variable, different plants have different tasting fruit, some better than others.
Fruit from a good variety will be large with small seeds, it will also be sweet.
The best method of Propagation is from the better tasting plants by cuttings, rather than from seed.
Summary
- Botanical Name – Atractocarpus fitzalanii
- Common Names – Native Gardenia, Yellow Mangosteen.
- Position – Full sun to Part shade.
- Soil – Humus rich, moist and well drained.
- Height – Will reach around 8 metres, often less.
- Spread – Will spread to around 4 metres.
- Growth rate – Medium
- Foliage – Mid green, glossy and attractive.
- Flowers – White and star shaped.
- Flowering period – Spring
- Drought tolerant – Yes once established, better in moist soils.
- Frost tolerant – Light frost only.
Species and varieties
- Randia chartacea.
- Randia benthamiana.
The Native Gardenia is available for sale from the following participating Nurseries.
300 Oxley Drive Coombabah QLD 4216
Located on the north end of the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay. The 6 acre site is home to Queensland's biggest & best garden centre. Selling in volume direct to the public. Focus on top quality both in our plant & pot ranges.
www.rossevansgardencentre.com.au