Elaeocarpus eumundi

Elaeocarpus eumundi is the tree specifiers reach for when the plan calls for height without width. It holds a tight columnar frame of broad, shiny green leaves, flushes bronzy maroon on the new growth, and carries clusters of small, sweetly scented cream flowers from late spring into early summer, followed by blue fruit.

In the landscape

Planted at 1.5–2.0 m centres it closes into a continuous green wall within a season or two; at 3–4 m it establishes as a slim avenue. Also used as a courtyard specimen, a clipped formal hedge, or a windbreak on a narrow easement.

Growing notes

Evergreen, with a naturally columnar habit and a moderate to fast rate of growth. It prefers a sandy to loamy, slightly acidic soil with free drainage, and takes full sun or light shade. Tropical heat, coastal exposure and urban pollution are all handled without complaint; light frost is tolerated once the tree is established, though young stock is better sheltered on a cold site. Roots are non-invasive and the crown stays narrow. In the ground it reaches roughly 8–12 m tall on a narrow 3–4 m crown, and it suits Queensland, coastal New South Wales and warm, sheltered parts of Victoria.

This tree

Field-grown ex-ground at Ravensbourne Farm, root-pruned and basket-lifted, delivered and craned Australia-wide, price on application through the Shortlist.