Elaeocarpus obovatus
hard quandong
Overview
Elaeocarpus obovatus is an evergreen rainforest tree in the family Elaeocarpaceae, reaching 30-65 feet (9-20 m) tall, sometimes taller in forest, with a dense rounded crown and a trunk that may develop small buttresses at the base. Leaves are alternate, obovate and widest above the middle, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, leathery, glossy dark green above and paler below, with shallowly toothed margins; scattered older leaves turn red before falling. Small white flowers about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) long hang in slender clusters along the branchlets, each with fringed petals, opening in spring and early summer. The flowers are followed by round to oval blue-black drupes 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) long with a thin flesh over a hard, sculptured stone. Growth is slow to moderate. The species needs warm, moist, frost-free conditions and grows poorly in dry or exposed sites. Fallen fruit and leaves accumulate beneath the canopy. The hard stones germinate slowly and erratically.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from coastal and near-coastal Queensland into north-eastern New South Wales. Grows in subtropical and dry rainforest, gallery forest along streams, and forest margins on fertile, moisture-retentive soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade and screening tree in subtropical gardens, parks, and rainforest restoration plantings, spaced 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) apart. The fruit draws fruit-eating birds. Slow growth and frost sensitivity limit its use in cool or exposed locations.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 65'
Width/Spread20' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in spring and early summer (September to December in its native range), with the small white flowers hanging beneath the branchlets. Bloom timing varies with temperature and rainfall across the range. Fruit ripens over the following months to blue-black.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green with scattered red leavesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Water regularly and keep the soil moist but well-drained, particularly while trees are young, as the species grows naturally in reliably moist rainforest soils. Plants grow in full sun to part shade, with young trees tolerating more shade than mature ones. Growth is slow to moderate, and trees need shelter from frost and drying wind. Mulch helps retain the soil moisture the roots require. Few pests or diseases affect the species. Fruit drop creates litter beneath the canopy and can stain paving.Pruning
Little pruning is needed beyond removing dead or crossing branches and shaping young trees. Lower branches can be removed to lift the crown where clearance is wanted. The species tolerates light pruning but is slow to regrow.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer