Holy grail Tree, Gigasiphon macrosiphon

[Gtlevine]

Gigasiphon macrosiphon from Tanzania is almost extinct. Only flowering tree outside Africa is Fosters Botanical Garden where seed usually is eaten by bugs or rots quickly, thus no new plants. I was fortunate to get one and it is blooming now. Flowers are a whopping 9" across and plant has big beautiful leaves that flush red.

[trioderob]

Gary-

You don't start many threads - but when you do they are epic.

Edited August 8, 2014 by trioderob

[Gtlevine]

Thanks Rob.

Most people don't know this but I actually like tropical flowering much more than palms, so having such a rare tree actually flowering in my yard is epic for me. I will update with another photo when the other buds open on the tree. It is crazy to see these massive flowers on this small tree of mine which is only about 6 feet tall right now.

[Hammer]

Wow!!!! So cool.

[The Silent Seed]

Great going!!! Be sure to try and get some seeds from it! Never even heard of this one before. Purty!

[palmislandRandy]

Awesome flower. Congrats & thanks for sharing.

-Randy

[Moose]

I'm not a big flowering tree kind of person but I got to admit that one is most impressive. Is it conducive to thriving with your rain fall or does it need supplemental irrigation ?

[DoomsDave]

That certainly is impressive.

How about picture of a person next to the tree for scale?

[Silas_Sancona]

Have seen flowers off this species once, and have been looking for it since. Great pictures Gary.. Curious, How is your Hand Basin Oak looking this year??

-Nathan-

[LJG]

A little history about this plant for those interested. I bought this plant from Leon at XOTX in Hollywood in 2008. He only got a few to germinate and wanted a fortune for the few he sold. I was buying a few hundred dollars of plants so he agreed to sell me his last. I paid around $200 for a 4 in small band!! I grew it up in my greenhouse for a few years and planted it in 2010. For two years it just would not grow no matter what I did. Since no one I know had this plant in the ground I couldn't figure out if it was me or perhaps it is one of those trees like a Delonix that is just outside its comfort zone. So in 2012 I gave it to a guy that I know would have success. When Gary dug it up it had hardly any roots. So I doubt that particular planting would have lived here. Of course once at Gary's the thing grew. It is so awesome seeing rare plants end up in the right place for them to succeed and potentially distribute.

For a flowering tree collector, this really is one of the Holy Grails. It flushes beautiful new red growth, has a monster flower (related to Bauhinia as you can see in flower) and makes a beautiful tree when mature.

[_Keith]

A little history about this plant for those interested. I bought this plant from Leon at XOTX in Hollywood in 2008. He only got a few to germinate and wanted a fortune for the few he sold. I was buying a few hundred dollars of plants so he agreed to sell me his last. I paid around $200 for a 4 in small band!! I grew it up in my greenhouse for a few years and planted it in 2010. For two years it just would not grow no matter what I did. Since no one I know had this plant in the ground I couldn't figure out if it was me or perhaps it is one of those trees like a Delonix that is just outside its comfort zone. So in 2012 I gave it to a guy that I know would have success. When Gary dug it up it had hardly any roots. So I doubt that particular planting would have lived here. Of course once at Gary's the thing grew. It is so awesome seeing rare plants end up in the right place for them to succeed and potentially distribute.

For a flowering tree collector, this really is one of the Holy Grails. It flushes beautiful new red growth, has a monster flower (related to Bauhinia as you can see in flower) and makes a beautiful tree when mature.

Cool plant, cooler story.

[Gtlevine]

I would like to add to what Len said. Len is a great friend so i of course appreciate him passing this plant off to me to give it a try. When i got it from Len i kept it in a pot for six months to re root it, then i planted it and it never looked back. After observing this plants growth habit and reading about it over the web, i believe this should be a hardy plant well suited to most of Southern California. It comes from Tanzania and Kenya at some elevation. I studied the weather maps and it appears to be climate only slightly warmer than so cal. It does not drop its leaves in the winter and begins growing early spring. Flowering is not delayed, matching the cycle in habitat. I believe it just did not like that particular spot Len had it planted. I will post a picture of the complete plant when more flowers open. I hope i can produce seed, it is unlikely we will be able to get any more of this species into cultivation. One more thing, i noticed the flowers have a nice scent as well.

Thanks again Len, and glad other enthusiast liked this tree as much as I do.

[Gtlevine]

Have seen flowers off this species once, and have been looking for it since. Great pictures Gary.. Curious, How is your Hand Basin Oak looking this year??

-Nathan-

Yes, my Quercus tarahumara is awesome! Its about 20' now, but still no Acorns.

[Gtlevine]

I'm not a big flowering tree kind of person but I got to admit that one is most impressive. Is it conducive to thriving with your rain fall or does it need supplemental irrigation ?

Moose it does need supplemental irrigation in the summer, but by no means a guzzler.

[BS Man about Palms]

A little history about this plant for those interested. I bought this plant from Leon at XOTX in Hollywood in 2008. He only got a few to germinate and wanted a fortune for the few he sold. I was buying a few hundred dollars of plants so he agreed to sell me his last. I paid around $200 for a 4 in small band!! I grew it up in my greenhouse for a few years and planted it in 2010. For two years it just would not grow no matter what I did. Since no one I know had this plant in the ground I couldn't figure out if it was me or perhaps it is one of those trees like a Delonix that is just outside its comfort zone. So in 2012 I gave it to a guy that I know would have success. When Gary dug it up it had hardly any roots. So I doubt that particular planting would have lived here. Of course once at Gary's the thing grew. It is so awesome seeing rare plants end up in the right place for them to succeed and potentially distribute.

For a flowering tree collector, this really is one of the Holy Grails. It flushes beautiful new red growth, has a monster flower (related to Bauhinia as you can see in flower) and makes a beautiful tree when mature.

Hahaha What a small world... I believe I was WITH Len when he bought those back then...and I saw the struggle... fast forward to Wednesday I happened to be near enough Gary to stop for an impromptu visit... as we walked around I glanced over I saw that and thought to myself "that looks like a Gigasaphon".. never knowing the rarity or what had transpired since Len got it!

Good on you Gary and Len

[LJG]

A little history about this plant for those interested. I bought this plant from Leon at XOTX in Hollywood in 2008. He only got a few to germinate and wanted a fortune for the few he sold. I was buying a few hundred dollars of plants so he agreed to sell me his last. I paid around $200 for a 4 in small band!! I grew it up in my greenhouse for a few years and planted it in 2010. For two years it just would not grow no matter what I did. Since no one I know had this plant in the ground I couldn't figure out if it was me or perhaps it is one of those trees like a Delonix that is just outside its comfort zone. So in 2012 I gave it to a guy that I know would have success. When Gary dug it up it had hardly any roots. So I doubt that particular planting would have lived here. Of course once at Gary's the thing grew. It is so awesome seeing rare plants end up in the right place for them to succeed and potentially distribute.

For a flowering tree collector, this really is one of the Holy Grails. It flushes beautiful new red growth, has a monster flower (related to Bauhinia as you can see in flower) and makes a beautiful tree when mature.

Hahaha What a small world... I believe I was WITH Len when he bought those back then...and I saw the struggle... fast forward to Wednesday I happened to be near enough Gary to stop for an impromptu visit... as we walked around I glanced over I saw that and thought to myself "that looks like a Gigasaphon".. never knowing the rarity or what had transpired since Len got it!

Good on you Gary and Len

Yeah. You were on that trip to XOXT. I think you stated a thread about your Ficus soon after we got back.

[Justin]

Very cool, Gary. I got some cool stuff from Xotx, but nothing quite that impressive, or rare.

[DoomsDave]

Is XOTX still around? Anyone buy anything from them lately?

[fastfeat]

Is XOTX still around? Anyone buy anything from them lately?

XOTX is still kicking, but I haven't been in there for some time. Leon recently returned from a trip to the Colombian highlands; made it out with plants and without bullet holes...

[Eric in Orlando]

Very nice, glad to see yours flowering! I'm waiting for ours to flower. It is a slow grower. It was planted in spring of 2005. It survived the winter of 2009-10 with no damage. It is about 7ft tall now. I love the color on the new growth.

[CLINODAVE]

I have seen and admired that tree many times at Foster Gardens in HNL, but had no idea just how rare it is. Nice going!

[popper1]

Gary-

I FINALLY was able to get one seed from the tree at Foster's, introduced parakeets LOVE the seed and eat them all before they can mature. I was wondering how long it took the tree to get to blooming size. It is a beautiful tree in itself, the red emerging leaves are great.

David

[Hillizard]

On 8/8/2014, 9:22:30, Gtlevine said:

Gigasiphon macrosiphon from Tanzania is almost extinct. Only flowering tree outside Africa is Fosters Botanical Garden where seed usually is eaten by bugs or rots quickly, thus no new plants. I was fortunate to get one and it is blooming now. Flowers are a whopping 9" across and plant has big beautiful leaves that flush red.

 

Gtlevine: Do you have more recent pictures of your Gigasiphon? Would love to know how it's doing. 

[Cindy Adair]

I missed this topic before, so glad to see it now. I don't recall ever seeing even the word Gigasiphon! Beautiful flower and interesting story, thanks!

I was on the Miami Rare Flowering Tree Society website last night contemplating joining.

Just this morning I was also thinking that instead of a future PR palm tree society, I could start a PR tree club, to include those of us who embrace (sometimes literally for photos) all trees.  

Maybe topics and field trips here and afar and give aways to interest lovers of ornamental and fruit trees, as well as palms, could have a large enough membership to stay alive in small PR.

And maybe some of you would come and join in on a field trip? Sorry for the diversion caused by afternoon rain and free wi fi.

I too would enjoy an update about the Gigasiphon!

 

[Mandrew968]

Maybe its the relation to such a common plant as Bauhinia, but it doesn't really do a whole lot for me. The flower looks like a plumeria and those don't do anything for me either...  

[Hillizard]

2 hours ago, Cindy Adair said:

I missed this topic before, so glad to see it now. I don't recall ever seeing even the word Gigasiphon! Beautiful flower and interesting story, thanks!

I was on the Miami Rare Flowering Tree Society website last night contemplating joining.

Just this morning I was also thinking that instead of a future PR palm tree society, I could start a PR tree club, to include those of us who embrace (sometimes literally for photos) all trees.  

Maybe topics and field trips here and afar and give aways to interest lovers of ornamental and fruit trees, as well as palms, could have a large enough membership to stay alive in small PR.

And maybe some of you would come and join in on a field trip? Sorry for the diversion caused by afternoon rain and free wi fi.

I too would enjoy an update about the Gigasiphon!

 

Cindy: IMHO there're never enough tree photos of high quality online, whether of tropical or temperate species. Just like some endangered palms, Gigasiphon is avoiding extinction where it grows naturally, due to deforestation and the consumption of seedlings by livestock. In the near future it may only survive in botanical gardens, perhaps someday at one in PR too? http://globaltrees.org/threatened-trees/trees/gigasiphon-macrosiphon/

[Cindy Adair]

On June 28, 2017 at 5:06:50 PM, Mandrew968 said:

Maybe its the relation to such a common plant as Bauhinia, but it doesn't really do a whole lot for me. The flower looks like a plumeria and those don't do anything for me either...  

Growing up in cold Virginia both the many different Bauhinias and Plumerias are not boring to me. Now perhaps I have grown enough hollies and dogwoods.

 I would be most happy to try to grow this rare endangered gigasiphon if one were to come my way. 

What a name, that sounds more like a dinosaur to me.

[Mandrew968]

10 hours ago, Cindy Adair said:

Growing up in cold Virginia both the many different Bauhinias and Plumerias are not boring to me. Now perhaps I have grown enough hollies and dogwoods.

 I would be most happy to try to grow this rare endangered gigasiphon if one were to come my way. 

What a name, that sounds more like a dinosaur to me.

I hear you Cindy. Sounds like you understand Bauhinia is my kinda dogwood...

[Loxahatchee Adam]

Here are my 3 Gigasiphon growing (Amherstia underneath)

 

[Mandrew968]

Adam, glad they are getting into the right hands!

[Hillizard]

21 hours ago, Loxahatchee Adam said:

Here are my 3 Gigasiphon growing (Amherstia underneath)

 

Awesome! Where did you get the seeds and/or plants of Gigasiphon? I understand they're next to impossible to find. 

[Plantsman05]

Hello guys! Gigasiphon is one of my most wanted plants to see and grow.  Anyone knows where I can find mature trees of gigasiphon in east coast USA, probably Florida, so I can collect some seeds of it?  Or do you know any nursery which sells its seeds worldwide?  Plus the same about chiranthodendron and kokia drynarioides. Thank you. 

Edited May 30, 2020 by Plantsman05

[300LW]

I first became aware of this species while visiting Foster Gardens in 2004 where I met a retired 86 y. o. Belgian monk that was looking for the tree.  He said that he'd spent most of his career in Africa collecting plant specimens for the University of Leiden and had come to Hawaii just to see this tree.  He believed it to be the last one in to exist but I've since learned that there are others in botanical gardens around the world as well as a few remaining in the wild.

We usually visit HI in early summer and I could never find any seeds as the seed pods were always decimated by birds but we went in mid November of last year and was rewarded with four seeds.  Three germinated and I'm anxiously waiting for them to get big enough to move them from starter pots to something more long-term.  The first one popped out of the soil about a month ago but it's been slow.  I've never had a sprout take so long to just stand up.

This photo was taken this morning.

[Kailua_Krish]

21 hours ago, 300LW said:

I first became aware of this species while visiting Foster Gardens in 2004 where I met a retired 86 y. o. Belgian monk that was looking for the tree.  He said that he'd spent most of his career in Africa collecting plant specimens for the University of Leiden and had come to Hawaii just to see this tree.  He believed it to be the last one in to exist but I've since learned that there are others in botanical gardens around the world as well as a few remaining in the wild.

We usually visit HI in early summer and I could never find any seeds as the seed pods were always decimated by birds but we went in mid November of last year and was rewarded with four seeds.  Three germinated and I'm anxiously waiting for them to get big enough to move them from starter pots to something more long-term.  The first one popped out of the soil about a month ago but it's been slow.  I've never had a sprout take so long to just stand up.

This photo was taken this morning.

 

Thats pretty amazing you were able to find seeds. Its notoriously difficult to propagate that tree because of the stupid indian ring necked parakeets that eat all the seeds in Honolulu. Thats why they aren't more common here even though the tree flowers heavily. A few years ago they tried putting wire cages around it but not sure what happened with that.

[tinman10101]

i googled and found this.  this is so great to see:

[300LW]

Two saplings still alive but no new growth for the past month or so.  Any care recommendations such as light and moisture requirements or preferred pH?

[Hillizard]

Good news for fans of Gigasiphon macrosiphon ...

https://hawaiinews.online/propagation-of-critically-endangered-tree-continues-amid-global-pandemic/

[Navarro]

increible 😳 enhorabuena a todos los que tenéis la suerte de tener esa joya ,yo seguiré esperando a que hayan semillas a la venta .para cuando las tenga que temperaturas mínimas os ha soportado?

[RiSpain]

Es impresionante,me encanta que te haya florecído . Ojalá puedas reproducirlo!

[Hillizard]

From one online source about the temperature minimum requirements for growing Gigasiphon macrosiphon: USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) and USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

De una fuente en línea sobre los requisitos mínimos de temperatura para el cultivo de macrosifón Gigasifón: USDA Zona 10b: a 1.7 ° C (35 ° F) y USDA Zona 11: por encima de 4.5 ° C (40 ° F)