Eupomatia spp.

Bolwarra

Eupomatiaceae Eastern Australia and New Guinea

Attracts Pollinators Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Eupomatia spp. is a genus of three species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Eupomatiaceae, native to the rainforests of eastern Australia and New Guinea. The genus belongs to an ancient lineage of flowering plants in the order Magnoliales and lacks true petals. E. laurina grows as a shrub to small tree 3-50 feet (1-15 m) tall, while E. bennettii remains a low understory shrub under 6 feet (1.8 m). Leaves are alternate, simple, glossy dark green, and arranged in flat sprays along the branches. The cream to pale yellow flowers, 0.5-1.5 inches (1.5-4 cm) across, open from a cap-like calyx and present an inner whorl of fragrant, food-rewarding staminodes that draw pollinating weevils. Aromatic fleshy fruit follows, containing many seeds embedded in pulp, and the fruit of E. laurina is edible with a guava-like flavour. Plants grow in shaded, humid forest and need protection from frost and drying wind. Growth is slow, and flowering is reduced in deep shade. The genus is restricted to warm, moist climates and does not tolerate prolonged cold.

Native Range

Eupomatia spp. is native to the rainforests and moist forests of eastern Australia, from Victoria to Queensland, and extends into New Guinea.

Suggested Uses

Grown in rainforest and bush-food gardens, shaded shrub borders, and containers in frost-free climates. E. laurina is grown for its edible aromatic fruit as well as foliage. The low understory species suit shaded courtyards and woodland underplanting.

How to Identify

Recognised by alternate, glossy dark green leaves held in flat sprays and by petal-less flowers that open from a conical cap shed at flowering. Inside, an outer ring of pollen-bearing stamens surrounds an inner whorl of sterile, scented staminodes. The fleshy aromatic fruit is crowned by the persistent remains of the floral parts.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 50'

Width/Spread3' - 15'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, from October to February in the native range, with the cap-like calyx falling as each flower opens. Individual flowers last one to two days and are pollinated by weevils drawn to the scented staminodes. Flowering is sparse on plants in deep shade.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

cream to pale yellow

Foliage Description

glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

4-7 years to flowering

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow in part shade in moist, humus-rich, free-draining soil that does not dry out, conditions matching the rainforest floor of the native range. Hold soil pH from about 5.5 to 7.0 and shelter plants from frost and cold wind. E. laurina tolerates more sun and a wider range of soils than the smaller understory species. Water through dry spells, as the genus has little drought tolerance. A mulch of leaf litter conserves moisture and keeps the roots cool. Outdoor culture is limited to frost-free subtropical and tropical zones 9 to 11.

Pruning

Little pruning is required beyond removing dead or damaged wood after fruiting. The shrubby species can be tip-pruned to keep a dense form. Older stems of E. laurina are thinned to maintain an open framework.

Pruning Schedule

summer