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Mesua ferrea
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Posted by footfullabindiis NT (My Page) on Sun, Feb 11, 07 at 20:39
Has anyone had any experience with this tree? I have just obtained one from a local nursery here in Darwin but not sure what aspect to plant it in. Also interested in what conditions would suit an Amherstia - light shade is what I have been told but I have seen pictures of mature trees right out in the open, so unsure of best aspect. Such a lovely and rare tree I really want to make sure that I give it what it needs to thrive.
Also seeking any info on availability of Magnolia (Talauma) hodgsonii in Australia. Im finding it very hard to get hold of one of these so if anyone has any material available for propagating please let me know.
Happy tropical gardening! |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Mesua ferrea
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| Your tree in question will handle full sun but will need some protection from wind. There is a write up of Amherstia in this recent book.
Margaret Barwick, "Tropical & Subtropical Trees. I have sown seed of one of the native Mesua's if you want me to give you a yell when these have germinated. Cheers from Kris |
RE: Mesua ferrea
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| I heard Mesua ferrea is a slow grower. A friend of mine just planted one, and it is a quite pretty tree with the red/pink new growth. I am planning to get one myself. Amherstia can turn out into a big tree, but it will take a few years. I saw one when I visit Bogor Botanical Garden. It is probably around 10m tall. It is planted in part shade - next to a few big trees (full sun only for a few hours during the day). Did you get Amherstia locally? I am still waiting for mine, hopefully it will be available soon. Although, it is probably better to wait until I got some canopy. I am not sure that magnolia will flower up here. I know the magnolia little gem does... Regards, Ari :) |
RE: Mesua ferrea
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| Wooroonooran - thanks for your tips and i will most definately be keen to try a native Messua. Do you know what species it is and what its requirements are? Ari - I am yet to get an Amherstia. I have one on order through Arnhem Nursery but it wont be available until May/April. I have a rather large African Mahogany that casts shade over half the garden and ataht is where I think I will plant it. The Messua is going under a big Euodia. Some magnolias do flower well here - I have M. coco (not to be confused with Michelia figo 'Coco') with its nodding and night scented white flowers doing extremely well. I have trialed a few other magnolias with varying success. A range of Michelias do well here of course as well. The trick is to find a species that comes from a low elevation tropical region, and there are many species of Magnolia that come from those climates. The real difficulty is sourcing these plants in Australia. Mangletia is closely related to Magnolia and does have evergreen species from tropical and subtropical areas. I have yet to trial those here though so Im not sure how they would do. I would dearly love to try a Tulip Tree (Liriodendron) here in Darwin, but I dont have the space for a tree that large if it did grow in this climate. |
RE: Mesua ferrea
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Mesua larnachiana
Im not sure of its requirements but would expect it would need a semi shady site with ample water
Kris |
RE: Mesua ferrea
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Can anyone please let me know where to buy Mesua ferrea plants or seeds. thank you
regards
Pali |
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