Water gum or Kanooka Gum
Tristaniopsis laurina, is commonly known as the ‘Water Gum’ or ‘ Kanooka Gum’. It is a widely used street. screening and shade trees. Often called “Water Gum” however it is not actually a eucalyptus.
An evergreen shrub to small tree with good glossy foliage and attractive bark it can make a good screening tree or street tree. A hardy alternative to a number of exotic trees. It tolerates frost and is reasonably drought tolerant as well.
Tristianopsis laurina are native along the east coast from Southern Queensland through to Gippsland in Victoria.
In its natural habitat Tristianopsis laurina can grow to almost 18m, in cultivation as a street tree or specimen tree a height of 8-10m with a spread of 4m is more usual.
A feature is the masses bright yellow flowers in summer. Although reasonably drought tolerant this is a species that does appreciate some water in extended dry periods.
This is a plant that has earned itself a place in landscapers eyes as an ideal street tree or specimen tree.
Care
This is a tree that grows well in a range of soil conditions. It will grow in part shade however it is better where it gets a good amount of sun.
Pruning is easy which makes it a favourite in street plantings.
Information
- Species – Tristaniopsis laurina
- Common Name – Water Gum, Kanooka
- Cultivars –
Luscious is a bushier form with larger foliage. Excellent screening plant.
Variegata Green and yellow variegated foliage.
Burgundy Blush has very attractive new foliage, pictured. - Common Name – ‘Water Gum’ or ‘ Kanooka Gum’
- Growth Habit – Upright with a bushy crown
- Growth Rate – Medium
- Soil – Humus rich moist
- Sun – Full Sun to part shade
- Water – Water well through first two summers. Regarded as drought tolerant in good soils once established.
- Landscaping Uses – Used as a street tree and as a shade tree. Also useful as a large screening tree.
- Pruning – Generally pruned to a single leader when young. Can also be pruned to shape if required.
- Propagation – From seed or from cuttings.
- Container growing – Generally not suited to containers over a time.
- Frost tolerant – Yes.
Tristaniopsis laurina is available for sale from the following wholesale nurseries.
1750 Westernport Rd Heath Hill VIC 3981
Australias largest grower of semi advanced native and deciduous trees. .9 - 2.6mts high. Supplying councils, developers and landscapers. Includes Acacia implexa, acacia melanoxlylon.
www.dream-time.com.au
111 Stanhope Road Theresa Park NSW 2570
Offering a variety of sun hardy Australian natives and exotic trees, shrubs, groundcover's and perennials from semi advanced through to super advanced and semi-mature stock.
www.downesnursery.com.au
146 Dignams Crk Rd via Narooma NSW 2546
Tubestock - [50mm forestry tubes and 70mm supertubes] specializing in Bush Tucker Plants , Natives indigenous to the NSW South Coast , Permaculture Plants - Fruits, Nuts & Berries .
www.southcoastflora.com.au
1870 South Gippsland Hwy Cranbourne Vic 3977 - email:sales@faceysnursery.com.au
Growers of a wide range of native & exotic trees, shrubs, ground covers and climbers in 14cm pots Promotional & PBR Lines and garden hardy favourites. Supplying all states. www.faceysnursery.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au