Harpullia pendula

Tulipwood, Harpullia pendula, is one of the most polished of the eastern rainforest natives, a neat, widely spreading crown of glossy green foliage, white flowers in spring, and then the display that has earned it a place in so many Queensland streets: orange-yellow capsules splitting to glossy black seeds through winter.

In the landscape

A classic Brisbane street and avenue tree, comfortable over footpaths thanks to its moderate scale and non-invasive roots, and equally good as a courtyard or lawn specimen where the winter fruit display can be enjoyed at close range. Plant avenue runs at 6–8 m centres.

Growing notes

• Climate: native from northern New South Wales into Queensland; suits tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate zones and tolerates light frost once established
• Evergreen, with a slow to moderate growth rate, it holds its neat form without constant attention
• Soil: sandy, loamy and acidic soils; good drainage preferred
• Mature size in the ground: typically 8–12 m in cultivation with a rounded crown
• Tolerates coastal exposure and urban pollution

This tree

• Currently standing: 64 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