Prumnopitys ladei

The Mount Spurgeon black pine is a rare Australian conifer of ancient lineage, endemic to a handful of peaks on the Atherton Tableland. Prumnopitys ladei forms a dense, conical crown of soft, yew-like sprays in deep green, each new flush breaking bright lime green across the whole tree, quietly architectural, and seldom offered at size. At 7 m and better, these are close to their mature stature.

In the landscape

A refined specimen or formal accent where a conifer's structure is wanted without the coarseness of the exotics, courtyards, lawns, entries and parkland. Trees of this size deliver an established screen or landmark planting immediately; its density suits screening at 2–3 m centres and it takes clipping well. Performs in shade, where few conifers do, and the roots are non-invasive.

Growing notes

Hardier than its rainforest origins suggest, tolerant of moderate frost and of tropical heat, proven through the cold highland winters of our Ravensbourne farm, and suited to Queensland, coastal New South Wales and sheltered Victorian gardens. Evergreen, with slow to moderate growth, in full sun through to shade on most well-drained soils. Matures around 8–10 m tall by 3–4 m wide in the ground, holding its conical form.

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.