Air-layering a 25' Amherstia nobilis in Ft Lauderdale

[fastfeat]

A couple of weeks ago, I got to do some air-layers (along with Jesse Durko and Ben Appelbaum) on what is quite possibly the largest Amherstia nobilis in Florida.

The tree is pretty close to downtown Ft Lauderdale (close to the water but not on it). The owner has had the property since the early 90s; tree is about that age? Originally, it came originally from Ernesto's Nursery along with several other blooming Brownea, Saraca, Alloxylon flammeum. (Also tried several air-layers on the latter; we'll see...)

Growth has been vigorous over the years with almost no marginal necrosis. I believe that soil was built up from dredging that built the Isles nearby. Not sure the pH, nor his fertilizer program (if any). He's decidedly mild here, rarely hitting upper 30sF.

It is close to 25' tall (needed an 18' ladder to reach the upper branches he wanted air-layered) and will likely be an FPL clearance issue eventually (!!). Last winter it supposedly had over 50 inflorescences. The owner wanted us to concentrate on air-layering upper branches because flowers were harder to appreciate so high up. This tree has also set one seed pod that resulted in one vigorous young seedling. AFAIK, it was pollinated by something flying around Broward, not by hand.

We'll see how successful we were in a few months. Even if we're only marginally successful, was still a kick to get the opportunity to try...
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The slender tree is 23-25' tall and a little difficult to photo with the surrounding dense vegetation:

Note FPL primaries overhead, cable line below treetop:

Ben doing an air-layer:

A couple of the air-layers (foil balls):

Expanding new leaf:

Special rope made especially for supporting Amherstia (doesn't work on other species...):

[Cindy Adair]

I love this tree! I wish you great success! Please let us know.

Mine are still too little for such things, but a friend has a very large one and if you succeed he may want to try it on his tree.

Of course when it blooms I'd never tire of flower photos, although the new leaves are pretty special too. Thanks!

[Palmdude]

Hello

If anyone knows where A. Nobilis can be purchased please let me know

Thanks in advance

Rob

[ariscott]

Good luck. A horticulturist here in Darwin have been doing it with great success rate

Regards,

[Moose]

The Brownea will air layer - just takes awhile.