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Description
Elaeodendron Australe, also known as the native olive or soap bush, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Celastraceae family. It is native to Australia and is commonly found in the eastern parts of the country, from Central Queensland to Victoria. This tree has a rounded canopy with a dense foliage that provides a good shade during hot summers. Its bark is smooth and grayish-brown, and its leaves are dark green with a glossy texture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Elaeodendron |
Appearance
The Elaeodendron Australe tree can grow up to 10 meters in height and 6 meters in width. Its leaves are simple, ovate, and approximately 6 to 12 cm long. The flowers of this tree are small and white, and they appear in clusters during spring and summer. The fruit of the tree is a capsule that is approximately 1 cm in diameter and contains one to two seeds. The seeds are surrounded by a fleshy, bright red aril, which is edible and sweet-tasting.
Care Guide
Elaeodendron Australe is an easy-to-grow tree that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you take care of this tree:
- Water: Water the tree regularly during the first few months after planting to establish a good root system. Afterward, water only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a year during spring.
- Soil: Elaeodendron Australe prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This tree grows best in full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Elaeodendron Australe is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Elaeodendron Australe is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from the following:
- Scale insects: These small insects feed on the sap of the tree and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small, circular spots on the leaves. Remove and destroy infected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading.
Habitat
Elaeodendron Australe is native to Australia and is commonly found in the eastern parts of the country, from Central Queensland to Victoria. It is often found in rainforests, woodlands, and scrublands. This tree is also commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Elaeodendron Australe drought-tolerant?
A: While this tree can tolerate some drought, it grows best with regular watering.
Q: Can I grow Elaeodendron Australe in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow this tree in a container. However, make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the tree’s root system, and use well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I prune Elaeodendron Australe?
A: Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape and size. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the tree’s canopy at a time.
Q: Can I eat the fruit of Elaeodendron Australe?
A: Yes, the fleshy aril surrounding the seed is edible and sweet-tasting.
Related Plants
- Elaeodendron jenningsii
- Elaeodendron xylocarpum
- Elaeodendron glaucum
References
- “Elaeodendron australe.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2005/elaeodendron-australe.html.
- “Elaeodendron australe.” PlantNET. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Elaeodendron~australe.
