Elaeocarpus grandis
blue quandong
Overview
Elaeocarpus grandis is an evergreen rainforest tree reaching 30-35 m (100-115 ft) tall in forest, less in the open, with a buttressed trunk and a layered, tiered branching pattern. The leaves are elliptic to lance-shaped, 8-18 cm (3-7 in) long, glossy green, and turn bright red individually before dropping, so scattered red leaves are present much of the year. Small bell-shaped white to cream flowers about 1 cm (0.4 in) long hang in racemes 5-12 cm (2-5 in) long, with fringed petal margins, opening mainly in spring and summer. The fruit is a round blue drupe 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 in) across with a deeply sculptured stone, ripening through much of the year. Growth is rapid on deep, moist tropical and subtropical soils, often more than 1 m (3 ft) per year when young. The species needs warm, frost-free conditions and ample moisture, and it grows poorly on dry, cold, or exposed sites. The fruit draws fruit-eating birds and flying foxes, which disperse the seed.
Native Range
Native to the rainforests of eastern Australia, from northern New South Wales through coastal Queensland, and extending to New Guinea, growing in lowland and upland tropical and subtropical rainforest on deep, moist, fertile soils.Suggested Uses
Grown as a shade and feature tree in large gardens, parks, and rainforest revegetation, spaced 8-12 m (26-40 ft) apart. The soft, pale timber is used for plywood and light construction. The fruit and red leaves are used in native and bush-food plantings, and the size limits it in small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height100' - 115'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to creamFoliage Description
glossy green with scattered redGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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 in full sun to part shade on deep, free-draining, moist, fertile soil in a warm, frost-free position sheltered from strong wind. Water regularly, especially in dry spells, as the species has high moisture needs and growth slows on dry ground. It is sensitive to frost, which damages young growth and limits cultivation to zones 10-11. The large size and surface roots suit it to large gardens and parks; it crowds confined spaces. Fallen leaves, flowers, and fruit create steady litter. Few serious pests affect it in cultivation.Pruning
Remove lower branches on young trees to develop a clear trunk and shape the canopy. Prune in spring or summer during active growth so cuts heal quickly. The tiered branching forms naturally and needs little corrective pruning once established.Pruning Schedule
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late springsummer