Diploglottis australis
native tamarind
Overview
Diploglottis australis is an evergreen rainforest tree reaching 26-50 feet (8-15 m) tall in cultivation and up to 100 feet (30 m) in forest, with a straight trunk and a spreading crown. The large compound leaves are 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) long with 4-12 broad leaflets, each 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long, dull green above and covered with rusty-brown velvety hairs beneath. New growth is densely hairy and bronze. Small greenish to brown flowers are carried in branched sprays up to 16 inches (40 cm) long. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule that splits to reveal seeds wrapped in a bright orange, tangy, edible aril. Growth is slow to moderate, and the tree needs shelter when young. The large soft leaves tear in strong wind, and the tree grows poorly in exposed or dry positions.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, in rainforest from southeastern New South Wales north into Queensland. It grows in subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest, often on rich volcanic and alluvial soils along streams and lower slopes, from near sea level to 3,300 feet (1,000 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as a shade tree in large gardens, parks, and rainforest restoration at 16-26 feet (5-8 m) spacing. The orange aril is used in jams, sauces, and drinks. The large leaves and need for shelter make it unsuited to small or exposed sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height26' - 50'
Width/Spread16' - 26'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in spring, September through November in the native range. The small greenish-brown flowers are easily overlooked. Fruit ripens through summer, and the orange aril is exposed when the capsules split.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish to brownFoliage Description
green with rusty-brown undersideGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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
It grows in full sun to part shade in deep, moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Water regularly to keep the soil moist; the tree does not tolerate drought and drops leaves in dry spells. Young trees need shelter from wind and hot sun, which scorch the large soft leaves. Growth is slow to moderate, often 12-20 inches (30-50 cm) per year in good conditions. It tolerates only light frost and grows in warm coastal and subtropical climates.Pruning
Little pruning is needed beyond removing dead or damaged wood. Lower branches can be removed to lift the canopy of a single-trunked tree. The tree holds a naturally upright shape.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter