Gossia bidwillii
python tree
Eastern Australia (Queensland and New South Wales)
Overview
Gossia bidwillii is an evergreen rainforest tree that reaches 30-65 feet (10-20 m) tall in forest and often stays 10-20 feet (3-6 m) in cultivation, with a dense rounded crown 10-25 feet (3-8 m) wide. The smooth bark is mottled and dimpled in grey, cream, fawn, and brown, peeling in small flakes to give a marbled pattern that suggests python skin, the source of the common name. New growth flushes pink to coppery red before hardening to glossy dark green. The opposite leaves are ovate, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long, with oil glands visible against the light. Small white flowers about 0.3 inch (8 mm) across open in spring and summer, followed by rounded berries that ripen from red to black about 0.3 inch (8 mm) wide. The species grows in subtropical and dry rainforest on basalt and alluvial soils. Growth is slow, and young plants need shade and shelter from frost. The dense habit and small leaves take clipping, though the slow growth rate limits how quickly a hedge fills in.
Native Range
Gossia bidwillii is native to eastern Australia, from central Queensland south to northeastern New South Wales. It grows in subtropical, dry, and littoral rainforest on fertile basalt and alluvial soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as a small shade tree, a clipped or informal hedge, and a screen in subtropical and coastal gardens. Grown in large containers on sheltered patios. Spaced 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) apart for a hedge, wider as single trees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 65'
Width/Spread10' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green; pink to coppery when newGrowing 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
Gossia bidwillii grows in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Young plants need shade, shelter, and steady moisture, while established trees tolerate short dry spells. Cold hardiness is limited to about USDA zones 10-11, with frost damaging young foliage. Growth is slow, so plants hold their shape for years between prunings. A mulch over the root zone keeps the soil cool and moist as it would be in rainforest.Pruning
The dense small-leaved canopy tolerates clipping and can be shaped as a hedge or screen. Light trimming after the main flush of growth keeps plants compact. Slow regrowth means hard pruning is recovered from slowly, so only light, regular cuts are made.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons