Tristaniopsis Laurina

Common Name: Water Gum, Kanooka
Scientific Name: Tristaniopsis laurina

Description:

• Type: Evergreen tree or large shrub
• Height: Reaches 20-40 feet tall, with a spread of 15-25 feet; can be pruned to maintain a smaller size
• Leaves: Glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves with a leathery texture; new growth is often tinged with bronze
• Flowers: Clusters of small, fragrant, yellow flowers bloom in late spring to summer, attracting pollinators
• Bark: Smooth, grayish-brown bark that peels in decorative patterns, adding year-round interest
• Growth Speed: Moderate-growing, adaptable to various landscapes

Growing Conditions:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil but adapts to clay and sandy soils; tolerates occasional wet conditions
• Watering: Requires regular watering during establishment; becomes drought-tolerant once mature but appreciates occasional deep watering
• Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 9-11; tolerates mild frost but prefers warmer climates
• Humidity: Performs well in a range of humidity levels; suitable for coastal and inland environments
• Hardiness: Tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soil, making it a resilient choice for urban and naturalized settings

Special Features:

• Glossy foliage, fragrant flowers, and decorative bark make it an attractive ornamental tree
• Low-maintenance and adaptable, ideal for street plantings, parks, or home gardens
• Provides shade and is well-suited to water-wise or native landscape designs