Have nearly completed our Conservatory on the south coast of Victoria.
It's 6m tall and faces north and contains 2 in ground planters approx 2.3m X 2.5m.
I want to create a rainforest type setting, with a tree or two and understorey plantings.
The choice for trees are a problem - selection criteria are:
1. Non invasive root system
2. Not too large - at least amenable to pruning to keep at 4-5m tall
3. Aesthetically, would prefer widely branching (rather than tall and thin), but sparse canopy (we like to let some sunlight reach the concrete floor between planters in the cold winters here). Also an interesting trunk/ bark pattern would be great.
4. No great leaf/ flower/ fruit litter as it will be indoors and would create a lot of work.
I suggest Melicope elleryana. The link shows a few images. It has a corky looking bark and the tree is reasonably open, so I think it would suit your criteria.
