Contents
Description
Buckinghamia is a magnificent evergreen tree native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Australia. It is also commonly known as the ivory curl tree due to its large clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers that bloom in summer. The tree can grow up to 12 meters in height and is widely admired for its ornamental value.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Pittosporaceae |
| Genus | Buckinghamia |
Appearance
Buckinghamia has a beautiful and unique appearance that is sure to catch your eye. Its leaves are glossy and dark green with a distinctive wavy edge. The tree’s bark is smooth, grey, and slightly mottled. However, the real show-stopper is the flowers, which bloom in large clusters of up to 150. Each flower is around 2.5 centimeters in diameter and has a sweet, heady fragrance that is sure to delight your senses.
Care Guide
To ensure your Buckinghamia thrives, follow these care instructions:Water: Provide regular watering in the growing season, but ensure the soil is well-drained. Reduce watering in winter.Fertilization: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.Soil: Buckinghamia prefers a well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH.Sunlight: The tree needs full sun to thrive.Hardiness Zones: Buckinghamia is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Buckinghamia is relatively disease and pest-resistant. However, the tree may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Buckinghamia is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of eastern Australia, where it grows in rainforests and open woodlands. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Buckinghamia?
A: Water regularly in the growing season, but ensure the soil is well-drained. Reduce watering in winter.Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Buckinghamia?
A: Buckinghamia prefers a slightly acidic soil pH.Q: How tall does a Buckinghamia tree grow?
A: Buckinghamia can grow up to 12 meters in height.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Buckinghamia?
A: Buckinghamia is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11.
Related Plants
- Pittosporum
- Hymenosporum
- Acmena
- Syzygium
- Tristaniopsis
References
- “Buckinghamia.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Accessed 25 August 2021. https://anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2003/buckinghamia-celsissima.html
- “Buckinghamia celsissima.” PlantNet. Accessed 25 August 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Buckinghamia~celsissima
- “Ivory Curl Tree (Buckinghamia celsissima).” Gardening Australia. Accessed 25 August 2021. https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/ivory-curl-tree/9426952
