The Native Gardenia is a small evergreen tree originating from the rainforests of northeast Queensland. It is renowned for its deep green foliage, fragrant flowers and edible fruit. Native Gardenia generally reach a height of 3-6 meters, and they are a popular choice for backyard and street planting.
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Native to: Rainforests of northeast Queensland
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Height: 3-10 meters high, 3-5 meters wide, generally reaches 4-6 meters tall in cultivation
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Foliage: Deep green evergreen leaves
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Flowers: Abundance of cream-colored flowers at the end of Spring with a gardenia-like fragrance
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Fruiting Season: Fruit ripens from April to June, edible when softening and turning yellow
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Wildlife Attraction: Attracts nectar-eating and fruit-eating wildlife
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Preferred Conditions: Adaptable, thrives in sunny spot with moist, well-drained soil
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Maintenance: General maintenance, regular watering until fully established
Detailed Description:
Atractocarpus fitzalanii, formerly Randia fitzalinii, commonly known as Native Gardenia, is a charming small evergreen tree native to the rainforests of northeast Queensland. It is renowned for its deep green foliage and edible fruit, making it a popular choice for backyard and street planting. This versatile tree can reach a height of 3-10 meters, providing a delightful presence in gardens and landscapes.
At the end of Spring, Native Gardenia graces its surroundings with an abundance of cream-colored flowers. These flowers emit a pleasant gardenia-like scent, creating a fragrant and visually appealing atmosphere. The blooms also serve as a magnet for various nectar-eating wildlife, enhancing the biodiversity of your outdoor space.
Following the flowering season, fruit begins to appear and ripens from April to June. The fruit is edible and can be enjoyed when it softens and turns a yellow-brown color. The seeds and the flesh are mildly palatable with a very sweet coconut-like taste.
Native Gardenia is adaptable to a variety of conditions, including full shade, but thrives best when planted in a sunny spot with well-drained, moist soil. It requires general maintenance and regular watering until it becomes fully established.
Planting Benefits:
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Visual Appeal: Native Gardenia adds beauty to gardens and landscapes with its deep green foliage and fragrant cream-colored flowers.
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Wildlife Attraction: The gardenia-like fragrance of the flowers attracts nectar-eating wildlife, and the ripened fruit attracts fruit-eating wildlife, enhancing the biodiversity of your outdoor space.
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Edible Fruit: The tree produces edible fruit, offering the opportunity to enjoy its harvest when the fruit softens and ripens. The seeds and the flesh are mildly palatable with a very sweet coconut-like taste. It is also likened to the taste of a Mangosteen fruit.
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Adaptability: Native Gardenia is adaptable to a variety of conditions, making it suitable for different garden settings.
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Low Maintenance: While it requires general maintenance and regular watering during establishment, Native Gardenia is relatively low-maintenance once fully grown.
