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Description
Planchonella Australis, commonly known as the Black Apple or Butter Tree, is a native Australian tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. This evergreen tree can grow up to 20 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark is smooth, light gray to brown, and sometimes flaky. The tree produces small white flowers in summer, followed by yellow or orange fruit that is edible but not commonly eaten by humans.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Genus | Planchonella |
Appearance
Planchonella Australis has a dense, symmetrical crown with glossy, dark green leaves that are elliptical in shape and up to 10 cm long. The leaves have a leathery texture and a prominent midrib. The tree produces small white flowers in summer, which are followed by yellow or orange fruit that is about 2-3 cm in diameter. The fruit has a thin, tough skin and a single large seed, which is surrounded by a sweet, creamy flesh that tastes like a mix of banana and apple.
Care Guide
Planchonella Australis is a low-maintenance tree that thrives in subtropical and tropical climates. Here’s a care guide to help you keep your tree healthy:
- Water: Water your tree regularly, particularly during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year, in spring or early summer.
- Soil: Planchonella Australis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not produce as much fruit.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Planchonella Australis is generally free from major pests and diseases, but it may be susceptible to the following:
- Sooty mold: A fungal disease that causes black, sooty growth on the leaves and fruit. It is often a secondary infection that results from a pest infestation.
- Scale insects: Small, oval-shaped insects that suck sap from the tree, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
- Fruit fly: A pest that lays eggs in the fruit, causing it to rot and drop prematurely.
Habitat
Planchonella Australis is native to the rainforests of eastern Australia, from northern New South Wales to far north Queensland. The tree grows well in subtropical and tropical climates, and prefers well-draining soil in a sheltered position. It is commonly found in lowland and upland rainforest, but can also grow in open forest and woodland.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Planchonella Australis a fast-growing tree?
A: No, it is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach maturity.
Q: Can you eat the fruit of Planchonella Australis?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible, but it is not commonly eaten by humans.
Q: Does Planchonella Australis require much maintenance?
A: No, it is a low-maintenance tree that requires regular watering and occasional fertilization.
Q: Is Planchonella Australis a good shade tree?
A: Yes, it can provide good shade and is often planted for this purpose.
Related Plants
- Planchonella Queenslandica
- Planchonella Echiioides
- Planchonella Nitida
- Planchonella Duclitan
References
- Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). (1995). “Planchonella australis”. Retrieved from http://anpsa.org.au/p-aus.html
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. (2021). “Planchonella australis”. Retrieved from https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/plant-biosecurity/planchonella-australis
- Floyd, A. G. (1989). “Rainforest Trees of Mainland Southeastern Australia”. Inkata Press.
