Anopterus glandulosus
Tasmanian laurel
Overview
Anopterus glandulosus is an evergreen shrub to small tree endemic to Tasmania, usually growing 3–13 feet (1–4 m) tall and occasionally taller in sheltered forest. It has an upright habit with glossy, dark green leaves 2.5–6 inches (6–15 cm) long, narrow and leathery, with finely toothed margins, clustered toward the branch tips. In spring it produces upright clusters of bell-shaped flowers, each about 0.4–0.6 inch (10–15 mm) long, white to pale pink with six petals. The flowers are held in racemes above the foliage. Rounded seed capsules follow and split to release winged seeds. Anopterus glandulosus grows in the understorey of cool, wet eucalypt forest and rainforest, along streams, and in moist gullies, often on acidic peaty soils in high-rainfall areas. It needs cool, moist, sheltered conditions and shade, and does poorly in heat, drought, or exposed sites. It grows slowly and is suited to cool-climate shade gardens.
Native Range
Endemic to Tasmania, Australia. It grows in the understorey of cool, wet eucalypt forest and rainforest, along streams and in moist gullies on acidic peaty soils.Suggested Uses
Anopterus glandulosus is grown as an understorey and shade shrub in cool-climate, woodland, and fern gardens with moist acidic soils. Its tolerance of shade and damp ground suits it to sheltered positions beneath taller trees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 13'
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, mainly October to December, when upright clusters of white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers rise above the foliage. Flowering can be lighter in shaded or cooler sites. Seed capsules develop over summer and split to release winged seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale pinkFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Anopterus glandulosus grows in part to full shade on moist, acidic, humus-rich soils with reliable rainfall and good drainage. It needs cool, sheltered conditions and steady moisture, and does poorly in heat, drying winds, or full exposure. The plant is suited to cool-climate and mountain gardens and is difficult to grow in warm or dry regions. It grows slowly and is helped by a mulch of leaf litter over the roots. Frost is tolerated, but prolonged dryness damages the foliage and roots.Pruning
Light pruning after flowering keeps the shrub compact and shapes its upright form. Spent flower clusters can be removed to tidy the plant. The species recovers slowly from heavy cutting, so pruning is kept light.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons