Entelea Arborescens

Description

Entelea Arborescens, also known as the whau tree, is a small evergreen tree or shrub native to New Zealand. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and is commonly found in coastal forests and dunes. The whau tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a distinctive grey-brown bark and large, heart-shaped leaves that are velvety to the touch. It produces small, white flowers in spring and summer, followed by woody capsules containing numerous seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The whau tree has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in any landscape. Its grey-brown bark is rough and scaly, and its leaves are large, heart-shaped, and velvety to the touch. The leaves grow up to 20cm long and are a bright green color on top, with a paler underside. The whau tree produces small, white flowers in spring and summer that are 1-2cm in diameter. The flowers are followed by woody capsules that contain numerous seeds. The tree can grow up to 10 meters tall, but can also be pruned to maintain a smaller size.

Care Guide

Whau trees are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips to help you care for your whau tree:

• Water: Whau trees prefer moist soil but can tolerate some drought. Water your tree regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
• Fertilization: Whau trees don’t require much fertilizer, but you can give them a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
• Soil: Whau trees can grow in a variety of soils, but prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: Whau trees prefer full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but may not flower as well.
• Hardiness Zones: Whau trees are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Whau trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few things to watch out for:

• Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
• Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
• Root rot: This can occur if the soil is too wet. Make sure the soil is well-draining and don’t overwater your tree.

Habitat

Whau trees are native to New Zealand and are commonly found in coastal forests and dunes. They can grow in a variety of soils and tolerate salt spray, making them ideal for coastal gardens. Whau trees are also popular for use in landscaping and as street trees.

Question and Answer

Q: Can whau trees be grown in containers?

A: Yes, whau trees can be grown in containers as long as they are given enough space to grow and are watered regularly.

Q: How often should I prune my whau tree?

A: Whau trees can be pruned to maintain a smaller size or shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Q: Are whau trees drought-tolerant?

A: Whau trees can tolerate some drought, but prefer moist soil.

Q: Do whau trees attract wildlife?

A: Yes, whau trees are attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Related Plants

• Abutilon
• Alcea
• Gossypium
• Hibiscus

References

• “Entelea arborescens – whau.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, n.d., www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/entelea-arborescens/. Accessed 10 June 2021.
• “Entelea arborescens.” The Morton Arboretum, n.d., www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/entelea-arborescens. Accessed 10 June 2021.
• “Whau (Entelea arborescens).” New Zealand Tree Register, n.d., www.nztreeregister.org/species.php?id=1004. Accessed 10 June 2021.