Ceratopetalum apetalum
coachwood
Overview
Ceratopetalum apetalum is an evergreen rainforest tree in the family Cunoniaceae, reaching 60-130 feet (18-40 m) tall in the wild and forming a straight trunk with smooth, pale grey bark marked by darker horizontal blotches. The opposite leaves are narrow and elliptic, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, with finely toothed margins, glossy dark green above and paler beneath. Small cream flowers without petals open in spring; after flowering, the green sepals enlarge and turn pink to deep red, colouring the canopy in early summer. Small dry fruits follow within the persistent calyx. The species grows in warm-temperate rainforest and sheltered gullies in eastern Australia, from New South Wales into southern Queensland, on moist, acidic soils derived from sandstone and shale. It favours cool, sheltered, consistently moist sites and is slow-growing. The pale, close-grained timber carries a faint fragrance and is used in cabinetwork, joinery, and turnery. In cultivation it needs a sheltered, moist, frost-protected position and acidic soil; it grows slowly and declines in hot, dry, or exposed sites. Young trees are sensitive to drought and frost.
Native Range
Ceratopetalum apetalum is native to eastern Australia, in warm-temperate rainforest and sheltered gullies from New South Wales into southern Queensland. It grows on moist, acidic soils derived from sandstone and shale, often along creeks and on cool slopes.Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade and feature tree in cool, moist, sheltered gardens and rainforest plantings. Suited to gully and creekside positions with acidic soil. The reddening calyces add colour to shaded gardens in early summer.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 65'
Width/Spread15' - 30'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, around October to November in its native range. The small cream flowers lack petals and are inconspicuous. After flowering, the enlarged sepals turn pink to deep red through early summer, giving the main seasonal colour.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream, calyces turning pink to redFoliage Description
glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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