Angophora costata

[fastfeat]

This tree deserves wider use in SoCal. This is the only street planting that I'm aware of--the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Kenilworth Av (off Howard St /W, west of the 210 Freeway) in Pasadena. Given the age of the subdivision, I'm guessing that these trees were planted in the '50s. These were planted in far-too small a parkway (4'), but the trees have remained vigorous despite (apparent) repeated repairs to sidewalks and curbs.

General look of these trees is like a more compact lemon gum (Corymbia citriodora), but with some interesting twists and turns of the branches. Bark is white but ages to purplish before shedding. They seem immune to the psyllids that are currently attacking Corymbia citriodora and C. maculata locally. Capsules are ribbed and somewhat bristly. Seeds sprout readily (like Eucalyptus, Corymbia) but don't escape cultivation here.

Edited November 27, 2009 by fastfeat

[bubba]

Fastfeat, Those are great. Would they grow in Florida?

[fastfeat]

Bubba--

I had a few Angophora costata seedlings at my Loxahatchee nursery, but they never thrived. I think that the high summer rainfall and humidity aren't to its liking.

On the other hand, the somewhat similar and far-more common (in SoCal) Brisbane Box-- Lophostemon confertus, (formerly Tristania conferta)--does very well in FL heat and humidity, but needs neutral to acid soil. Fast-growing in Loxahatchee (in containers), and probably a good choice for the Orlando area. Bark is orange-tinted, habit is likely to be more upright.

`

Young Lophostemon confertus (pic from 'Web):

[Than]

On 11/28/2009 at 4:15 AM, fastfeat said:

Bubba--

 

I had a few Angophora costata seedlings at my Loxahatchee nursery, but they never thrived. I think that the high summer rainfall and humidity aren't to its liking.

 

On the other hand, the somewhat similar and far-more common (in SoCal) Brisbane Box-- Lophostemon confertus, (formerly Tristania conferta)--does very well in FL heat and humidity, but needs neutral to acid soil. Fast-growing in Loxahatchee (in containers), and probably a good choice for the Orlando area. Bark is orange-tinted, habit is likely to be more upright.

`

 

Young Lophostemon confertus (pic from 'Web):

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z93/fastfeat/brisbane-box.jpg

Ancient thread, I know but I'm interested in Angophora costata and Lophostemon confertus. Do you know if they too, like eucalyptus, have toxic leaves, that poison the soil around them? Angophora is related to Eucalyptus so chances are they have similar chemicals in their leaves but I didn't manage to find any info online.