Angophora hispida - Dwarf Apple Gum - 15 Seeds

Myrtaceae - no shipment to Western Australia or Tasmania
 
Angophoras are commonly called "Apples" because some species have a growth habit similar to that of the apple tree.

Angophora hispida is a small tree or large shrub which is common on sandstone soils, particularly around the Sydney area.  It has heart shaped (cordate) leaves which gave rise to its former name, A.cordifolia.  The branches have conspicuous reddish hairs and the new growth is also red/purple in colour.  Flowers are white and occur in summer in large, conspicuous clusters, these are followed by ribbed, cup-shaped fruits containing the seeds which are dispersed when ripe.

In a feature write-up on this species the Australian National Botanic Gardens had this to say:-

"Angophora hispida, the Dwarf Apple or Scrub Apple, with its twisted growth habit, gnarled branches and rough loose bark would make an interesting addition to a garden of Australian character. Its young branches and inflorescences covered with reddish hairs throughout the year heighten its appeal.....The leaves do not have the oily smell of most eucalypts....The flowers of Angophora hispida are rather large with 4-6 in each cyme (the inflorescence) forming a fairly dense terminal cluster. They are typical of so many Myrtaceae genera in that their chief attractive feature is the numerous stamens which form a circular spreading mass. The filaments are white and the anthers yellow.

The flowering period is in January when clusters of creamy white flowers provide a striking contrast against a background of olive green leaves.

The leaves are leathery, heart-shaped and without a stalk while the fruit is a capsule which is distinctly ribbed with five triangular-shaped 'calyx teeth' adhering to their rims.  When ripe the capsule opens suddenly to release three flat seeds, so the tree must be kept under observation if its seed is to be collected.

Although this species is not commonly grown in Canberra it is worthy of cultivation, particularly as a feature specimen in a corner of the garden which is not too exposed.  There are two fully grown specimens of A. hispida in the Australian National Botanic Gardens and no pests or diseases have been apparent.  During the flowering season, colourful beetles are attracted to the nectar-laden blossoms as are numerous birds.

Propagation is from seed which may be germinated in a mixture of coarse washed river sand and perlite.  On planting out, some protection from frost may be necessary until the plant becomes established. The plants will benefit from the application of a complete fertilizer in spring.  If preferred, Dwarf Apple can be kept as a shrub for a number of years by periodic pruning."

This is a hardy plant in a variety of well drained soils.  It flowers best in full sun and will withstand moderate frosts once established. The clusters of white flowers make a welcome addition to the garden at a time when flowering of many other plants has ceased.

Propagation is from seed which germinates readily.

15 premium quality seeds shipped on receipt of cleared funds.