| The American Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is said to be suitable for the cooler parts of Australia -- fine for Tasmania, Victoria and mountainous parts of New South Wales, but not so good in lowland areas around Sydney and points north. Apparently, stock which was introduced to Australia came from higher or more poleward parts of its extensive range.
However, a southeastern coastal plain race of this species has been identified. It is more tolerant of heat, floods, drought and tropical cyclone winds than regular Liriodendron. The East Central Florida strain --native around Orlando -- is especially distinctive. It grows in an environment which is muggy or steamy all year except on those rare winter cold waves when up to seven degrees of frost can strike. It is recognized by its blunt-lobed leaves with reddish stems. Its yellow autumn dress appears about a month before the winter solstice, and the leaves can stay on until new foliage appears (four weeks or so after the solstice). The flowers are more strongly yellow than in regular Liriodendron, and they bloom well before the spring equinox.
This strain should thrive as far north as Brisbane. To date it has seldom been grown outside of its native area, but it is gradually getting more attention.
-Tony |
Here is a link that might be useful: East Central Florida strain of Liriodendron tulipifera
| Liriodendron tulipifera grows along Liverpool near Hyde Park in Sydney. The cultivar 'Aureomarginatum' -- sold in North America as "Majestic Beauty" -- is also successful in town. But anyone who wants to grow this species in low-elevation parts of Queensland should obtain stock from central Florida. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Repopulation of the Tulip Poplar in Central Florida
