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

The standard tool for screening a boundary where there is no width to spare. Planted at 1.5–2.0 m centres it closes into a continuous green wall; at 3–4 m it works as a slim driveway or street avenue. It also holds up as a courtyard specimen, a clipped formal hedge, or a windbreak on a narrow easement. Roots are non-invasive.

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

• Currently standing: 320 trees

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