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Harpullia pendula

black tulip

Sapindaceae Eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Harpullia pendula is an evergreen rainforest tree in the family Sapindaceae, reaching 25-50 feet (8-15 m) tall in cultivation, with a dense, rounded to spreading crown 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m) wide. The pinnately compound leaves are 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, with four to ten glossy green leaflets each 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long. Small greenish to cream flowers form in hanging clusters in spring and summer; they are followed by paired, two-lobed capsules about 0.8-1.2 inches (2-3 cm) wide that ripen from green to orange. Each capsule splits to reveal one or two shiny black seeds against the orange inner wall, a contrast that gives the tree its common name of black tulip. The species is native to coastal and subcoastal rainforest in eastern Australia, from New South Wales to Queensland. It grows on a range of soils in warm, frost-free to lightly frosted areas and develops a compact shade canopy. In cultivation it is planted as a street and park tree for its dense crown and persistent fruit. Growth is moderate, and young trees are sensitive to hard frost. The hard, close-grained timber is used in cabinetwork and turnery. Falling capsules and seeds can litter paving beneath the tree.

Native Range

Harpullia pendula is native to eastern Australia, in coastal and subcoastal rainforest from New South Wales to Queensland. It grows on a range of soils in warm, frost-free to lightly frosted areas, often along rainforest margins and watercourses.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a street, park, and shade tree in warm-temperate and subtropical gardens. Used as a specimen and avenue tree for its dense crown and orange fruit. Suited to lawns and large beds with room for the spreading canopy.

How to Identify

Identify Harpullia pendula by its pinnately compound leaves with four to ten glossy green leaflets and its dense, rounded crown. Paired, two-lobed capsules 0.8-1.2 inches (2-3 cm) wide ripen from green to orange and split to show one or two shiny black seeds against the orange inner wall. The orange-and-black fruit and glossy compound leaves separate it from Harpullia hillii, which has more leaflets and smaller fruit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 50'

Width/Spread15' - 30'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs in spring and summer, around September to January in its native range. Small greenish to cream flowers form in hanging clusters. Paired orange capsules follow and persist on the tree into autumn, opening to display shiny black seeds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

greenish to cream

Foliage Description

glossy green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

8-15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Harpullia pendula in full sun to part shade in well-drained, fertile soil with regular moisture. Water young trees through dry periods to establish the canopy; established trees tolerate short dry spells. Young trees need shelter from hard frost, which damages new growth. The tree suits warm-temperate to subtropical climates and develops a denser crown in open positions. Mulching and an annual feed support steady growth. Fallen fruit and seeds collect beneath the canopy and may stain paving.

Pruning

Prune young trees to establish a single clear trunk and balanced canopy. Harpullia pendula needs little pruning once formed beyond removal of dead or crossing branches. Light shaping is done after fruiting.