WATER GUM

Tristaniopsis laurina

FAMILY Myrtaceae

SYNONYMS

Tristania laurina

ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES

KANUKA

See: all Tristaniopsis

GENERAL INFO

This tree has a dense, rounded canopy that provides excellent shade. Its glossy, dark green leaves are long and narrow, adding a touch of elegance to urban landscapes. In the summer, it produces clusters of small, fragrant yellow flowers that attract pollinators. The bark is smooth and often has a striking, mottled appearance, giving the tree additional visual interest. It is well-suited for planting along streets and in parks, as it can tolerate a range of soil conditions and requires minimal maintenance. This tree is also known for its resilience in both drought and coastal environments.
Native range: AustraliaHorticultural use: Screen or HedgedSchoolyard Use: This tree has glossy, lance-shaped leaves that are ideal for teaching about leaf anatomy and adaptations. Its bark peels in patches, offering a visual lesson on tree growth and bark texture. The small, fragrant flowers attract bees, making it useful for lessons on pollination and local wildlife. The tree's dense foliage provides ample shade, which can be used to discuss the benefits of trees in urban environments.

TREE CHARACTERISTICS

Tree Shape: RoundedFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 40 feetCanopy Width: 15-30 feetGrowth Rate: ~12 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: Spear-shapedLeaf color: GreenFlowers: Showy, FragrantFlower Color: YellowFlower Type: Has male and female reproductive parts in each flower (perfect)Flower Time: Spring or SummerFruit: Small Brown or Red CapsuleFruiting time: Fall or SummerBark Color: Striking, Cream, Dark Brown, Red Brown or Multicolored, Exfoliating, SmoothLitter Type: Dry Fruit

SITE CONDITIONS

Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 15 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 10, 11, 12Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Neutral to Slightly AlkalineSalt Tolerance: High

CONSIDERATIONS

Branch Strength: Medium WeakRoot Damage Potential: LowPotential health issues: No known hazardsDisease and Pest susceptibility: ScalesUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group 1, Approx. cross sectional area 2.09 sq. in.

External Resources

CITE THIS TREE

"SelecTree. UFEI. "Tristaniopsis laurina Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jul 10, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1486 >

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