Botanical name:

Homalanthus polyandrus

Common name(s):

Kermadec poplar

About:

This is an uncommon and unique tree native to the Kermadec Islands. It typically grows to a height of 3 to 7 m and features large, heart-shaped leaves that exhibit prominent veining, enhancing its visual appeal. The spikes of tiny flowers rise erect, further contributing to the tree's distinctive and attractive appearance. Interestingly, older leaves may turn a striking reddish-brown in colder weather, adding seasonal variety. This tree requires a shaded and sheltered environment with rich, well-draining soil, and it is notably frost tender. Additionally, it can also be successfully grown indoors as a decorative pot plant. It is important to note that this species can easily be confused with a similar Queensland species, H. populifolius, due to their similarities.

Natural habitat:

A successional species of coastal scrub, forest and upland forest, where it usually forms the under-storey or is a sporadic emergent. Sometimes, as on old slip scars, it may form the main canopy.

Growing environment:

Shade, Salt, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Kermadec Island group, Raoul and Macauley Islands.

Height: 7m

Flowering: 

Throughout the year

Fruiting:

Throughout the year

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Forests & Container’s

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and cuttings, and often naturalises where it has been planted. However, extremely cold sensitive and will not tolerant even a slight frost. Best grown in a warm, sheltered site.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.