Angophora leiocarpa
smooth-barked apple
Overview
Angophora leiocarpa is a large evergreen tree of eastern Australia, reaching 50–100 feet (15–30 m) tall with a spreading crown and a straight or slightly crooked trunk. The smooth bark is shed in flakes each year, revealing fresh surfaces in shades of pink, grey, and pale orange. Unlike the eucalypts, its adult leaves are arranged in opposite pairs; they are lance-shaped, 2.5–6 inches (6–15 cm) long, and dull green. Large clusters of creamy white flowers, each with many spreading stamens about 0.6–1 inch (15–25 mm) across, cover the crown in summer. These are followed by ribbed, cup-shaped woody capsules 0.4–0.6 inch (10–15 mm) across. Angophora leiocarpa grows in open eucalypt forest and woodland on sandy and gravelly soils, often on slopes and ridges, from central Queensland into northeastern New South Wales. It is closely related to the eucalypts and spotted gums. The tree drops bark, leaves, and branches and develops a wide root system, which limits close planting near buildings and paving.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from central Queensland into northeastern New South Wales. It grows in open eucalypt forest and woodland on sandy and gravelly soils.Suggested Uses
Angophora leiocarpa is used as a shade and feature tree in large gardens, parks, and rural properties, and in revegetation on sandy soils. Its size and habit of dropping bark and limbs suit it to open spaces rather than small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 100'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in summer, mainly December to February, when masses of creamy white flowers cover the crown. The flowers carry many stamens and draw nectar-feeding birds and insects. Woody capsules develop in the months after flowering and persist on the tree.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dull greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight