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Description
Elaeocarpus Angustifolius, also known as the Blue Quandong Tree, is a tall and evergreen tree that is native to the rainforests of the Eastern Australian states. It is a large tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The tree has a straight, cylindrical trunk, and its crown is made up of large, dark green leaves that are around 20 cm long and 5 cm wide. The tree produces small, white flowers in clusters that turn into blue, edible fruit that is approximately 3 cm in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Oxalidales |
| Family | Elacocarpaceae |
| Genus | Elaeocarpus |
Appearance
The Blue Quandong Tree has a tall and slender appearance, with a straight trunk and a large and dense crown. The tree can grow up to 40 meters tall, with a diameter of up to 1 meter. Its leaves are large, dark green, and glossy, measuring around 20 cm in length and 5 cm in width. The tree produces small, white flowers in clusters that bloom in spring and summer, which turn into blue, edible fruit that is approximately 3 cm in diameter. The fruit contains a large seed that is surrounded by a thin layer of sweet, edible flesh.
Care Guide
Water: The Blue Quandong Tree requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry months. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot.Fertilization: The tree benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.Soil: The Blue Quandong Tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The tree prefers partial shade to full sun and can tolerate a range of light conditions.Hardiness Zones: The Blue Quandong Tree grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Blue Quandong Tree is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is kept too wet. Additionally, the tree can be affected by leaf spot, which is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves.
Habitat
The Blue Quandong Tree is native to the rainforests of the Eastern Australian states, including Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It prefers to grow in moist and well-draining soil and can be found growing in the understory of the rainforest.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Blue Quandong Tree drought-tolerant?
A: While the tree can tolerate some drought, it prefers to be kept moist and does not do well in prolonged periods of dryness.Q: Can the Blue Quandong Tree be grown in a container?
A: It is not recommended to grow the tree in a container, as it requires a large amount of space to grow.Q: Is the fruit of the Blue Quandong Tree edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and has a sweet and tangy flavor.Q: How fast does the Blue Quandong Tree grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 1 meter per year under ideal growing conditions.
Related Plants
- Elaeocarpus Decipiens
- Elaeocarpus Eumundi
- Elaeocarpus Grandis
- Elaeocarpus Reticulatus
References
- “Elaeocarpus angustifolius.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp11/elaeocarpus-angustifolius.html.
- “Elaeocarpus angustifolius.” PlantNet. Accessed September 27, 2021. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Elaeocarpus~angustifolius.
- “Elaeocarpus angustifolius.” North Carolina State University. Accessed September 27, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/elaeocarpus-angustifolius/.
