Cryptocarya microneura
murrogun
Overview
Cryptocarya microneura is an evergreen rainforest tree reaching 20-50 feet (6-15 m) in its native subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest, though cultivated specimens often stay 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m). The canopy is dense and rounded, carried on a single trunk with grey-brown bark. Leaves are alternate, elliptic to lance-shaped, 1.6-3.1 inches (4-8 cm) long, glossy dark green above and dull pale green beneath, with finely reticulate venation that gives the species its epithet. New growth emerges pale green to bronze. Cream to greenish flowers, each about 0.1 inch (3 mm) across, are carried in branched axillary clusters from spring into early summer. These are followed by rounded fleshy drupes 0.4-0.5 inch (10-13 mm) in diameter that ripen from green through red to black, each holding a single seed. Birds eat the fruit and disperse the seed. The species grows in shaded, humid positions on moist, fertile soils, and has low tolerance of frost, prolonged drought, and exposed windy sites. In cultivation it is used as a screening or shade tree in frost-free gardens, and its slow growth rate restricts its use where quick cover is needed.
Native Range
Cryptocarya microneura is native to eastern Australia, occurring in subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest from southeastern Queensland south through eastern New South Wales. It grows in moist gullies and on basaltic and alluvial soils, generally below 3,300 feet (1,000 m).Suggested Uses
In frost-free gardens C. microneura is grown as a small shade or screening tree and as a mid-canopy species in rainforest-style plantings. The ripe fruit draws fruit-eating birds. Slow growth and frost sensitivity confine its use to sheltered, warm-climate sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 50'
Width/Spread13' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Cream to greenish flowers appear from September to December in small clusters within the leaf axils. Each flower is about 0.1 inch (3 mm) across. Fruit develops over the following months and ripens from late summer into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cream to greenishFoliage Description
Glossy dark green above, pale green beneathGrowing 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
Grow C. microneura in dappled to partial shade, especially while young, though established trees accept more sun in humid climates. Plant in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and keep moisture consistent, as the species has low tolerance of prolonged drought. It grows in USDA zones 10-11 and is damaged by frost below about 28F (-2C). Mulch the root zone to keep it cool and apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring. Growth is slow, and plants may take several years to form a dense canopy.Pruning
C. microneura needs little pruning and develops a naturally rounded canopy. Remove damaged or crossing stems in summer after fruiting. Plants tolerate light shaping for hedging or screening but respond slowly.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons