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Description
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius, commonly known as the Celery Top Pine, is a coniferous tree that is native to the cool temperate rainforests of Tasmania and southeastern Australia. It belongs to the family Phyllocladaceae and is a slow-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 30 meters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Phyllocladaceae |
| Genus | Phyllocladus |
Appearance
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius has a narrow conical shape with dark green foliage that has a feathery texture. The leaves are actually flattened branchlets called phylloclades that are about 1 cm long and 2 mm wide. They are arranged in a spiral pattern on the branches. The tree produces small cones that are about 1 cm long and 0.5 cm wide, which contain the seeds.
Care Guide
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius prefers cool and moist conditions, with well-drained soils. It is best grown in full sun or partial shade. The tree is hardy to USDA hardiness zones 8-10. It is a slow-growing tree that does not require regular fertilization. In terms of watering, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius is generally free of pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is important to keep the soil well-drained to prevent this.
Habitat
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius is native to the cool temperate rainforests of Tasmania and southeastern Australia. It grows in moist and shady areas, often near streams and rivers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Phyllocladus aspleniifolius a fast-growing tree?
A: No, it is a slow-growing tree.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Phyllocladus aspleniifolius?
A: It prefers cool and moist conditions, with well-drained soils. It is best grown in full sun or partial shade.
Q: Does Phyllocladus aspleniifolius require regular fertilization?
A: No, it is a slow-growing tree that does not require regular fertilization.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Phyllocladus aspleniifolius?
A: It is hardy to USDA hardiness zones 8-10.
Related Plants
- Phyllocladus alpinus
- Phyllocladus glauca
- Phyllocladus hypophyllus
- Phyllocladus trichomanoides
References
- “Phyllocladus aspleniifolius.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), www.anpsa.org.au/p-aspl.html.
- “Phyllocladus aspleniifolius.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262173-1.
- “Phyllocladus aspleniifolius.” Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/plants/plant-stories/celery-top-pine
