Society for Growing Australian Plants May 2009
PINE RIVERS BRANCH
PLANT OF THE MONTH
Auranticarpa rhombifolia
previously Pittosporum rhombifolium
Diamond Laurel; Hollywood
Origin: This attractive and ornamental tree was previously known as Pittosporum rhombifolium. It is generally found in the drier forests on lower hillsides above watercourses extending from near Bowen to South East Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Form: An upright growing medium size pyramidal tree growing 8 metres tall with a spread of 5 metres. In cultivation it rarely exceeds 5 metres high. It tends to be slow growing initially but once established develops to form a neat, dense mid green canopy.
Foliage: As its botanic name suggests Diamond Laurel has rhomboid or diamond shaped leaves 50 to 100mm long with a toothed margin and a satin like sheen that shines in the sun. The leaves have a parsley like aroma when crushed.
Flowering: In spring and summer Hollywood produces dense clusters of five petalled flowers arrayed attractively almost covering the leaf canopy. Insects, beetles and butterflies are attracted to the nectar laden flowers.
Fruit:
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Auranticarpa is the spectacular fruit display which persists for several months during late summer and autumn to highlight the tree. The fruits are small bright orange pear shaped berries to 10mm which split to reveal 2 or 3 black seeds attractive to birds.
Suitability: Diamond Laurel is a very suitable feature tree for any home garden, park or street establishing well in most soils, but does best in deep, rich well-drained composted soil with adequate moisture. Maximum flower and fruiting display will be triggered in full sun positions. It is a very hardy specimen suited to districts with a low rainfall or subject to moderate frost.
Form: An upright growing medium size pyramidal tree growing 8 metres tall with a spread of 5 metres. In cultivation it rarely exceeds 5 metres high. It tends to be slow growing initially but once established develops to form a neat, dense mid green canopy.
Foliage: As its botanic name suggests Diamond Laurel has rhomboid or diamond shaped leaves 50 to 100mm long with a toothed margin and a satin like sheen that shines in the sun. The leaves have a parsley like aroma when crushed.Flowering: In spring and summer Hollywood produces dense clusters of five petalled flowers arrayed attractively almost covering the leaf canopy. Insects, beetles and butterflies are attracted to the nectar laden flowers.Fruit:
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Auranticarpa is the spectacular fruit display which persists for several months during late summer and autumn to highlight the tree. The fruits are small bright orange pear shaped berries to 10mm which split to reveal 2 or 3 black seeds attractive to birds. Suitability: Diamond Laurel is a very suitable feature tree for any home garden, park or street establishing well in most soils, but does best in deep, rich well-drained composted soil with adequate moisture. Maximum flower and fruiting display will be triggered in full sun positions. It is a very hardy specimen suited to districts with a low rainfall or subject to moderate frost.
INVITATION: If you are interested in learning more about how to grow Australian native plants in your garden we invite you to join us at a forthcoming meeting or outing – you will be most welcome!
7.30pm – third Wednesday each month.
Pine Rivers Community Centre – off Mecklem Street, Strathpine
Subjects for Meetings in the coming months
May 20: Plant identification workshop – how to identify local Eucalyptus
June 17: “Winter in my Garden” – members discussion, show and tell
July 15: Wollemi Pine discovered; Franklin River saved!
August 19: Richmond Birdwing Butterfly in your garden
Sept 16: Spring Specimens from the garden & forest
Outings
May 24: Autumn in a local member’s garden
June 19 – 22: Excursion to the botanic gardens of central Qld
July 19: Freshwater National Park ramble
August 16: Weed workshop – North Pine Country Park
Sept 19, 20 Spring Wildflower Show – Mt Coot-tha Bot Gardens
Contacts for outings
Charlie Nolan 0419 252-774, Bob Bannon 0410 658-256 & Lawrie Smith 0411 228-90
7.30pm – third Wednesday each month.
Pine Rivers Community Centre – off Mecklem Street, Strathpine
Subjects for Meetings in the coming months
May 20: Plant identification workshop – how to identify local Eucalyptus
June 17: “Winter in my Garden” – members discussion, show and tell
July 15: Wollemi Pine discovered; Franklin River saved!
August 19: Richmond Birdwing Butterfly in your garden
Sept 16: Spring Specimens from the garden & forest
Outings
May 24: Autumn in a local member’s garden
June 19 – 22: Excursion to the botanic gardens of central Qld
July 19: Freshwater National Park ramble
August 16: Weed workshop – North Pine Country Park
Sept 19, 20 Spring Wildflower Show – Mt Coot-tha Bot Gardens
Contacts for outings
Charlie Nolan 0419 252-774, Bob Bannon 0410 658-256 & Lawrie Smith 0411 228-90
