Macaranga tanarius

Common Names: Nasturtium Tree, Parasol Leaf Tree, Heart Leaf

This tree is a fast grower from the north that handles Perth gardens well if you give it enough water. It gets its name from the big, round leaves that look like umbrellas. It is perfect if you want a tropical look in a hurry because it shoots up like a rocket. Highly regarded by Indians and Sri Lankans. Leaf used to wrap and cook food.

Features:

Ideal prune height range: 3-6m

pH growing conditions: 5.5 to 7.0

Shade or full sun: Full sun or part shade

Minimum pot year 5: 90L pot

Time to fruit age: Not grown for fruit

These trees are tough and provide heaps of shade with their massive leaves. They produce small green flowers that the bees and birds love. In Perth, they might drop some leaves in a cold winter, but they bounce back fast when the sun comes out. They are great for privacy screens or as a focal point in a leafy backyard.

Interesting Notes:

The leaves can grow bigger than a dinner plate. In some cultures, people use the leaves to wrap food for cooking. It is a pioneer species, which is just a fancy way of saying it is a hard worker that grows fast to protect other smaller plants underneath it.

This tree is a must have for anyone wanting a lush garden without waiting a decade for shade.

Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.

Should be accepted via treebate.

Keywords: Macaranga tanarius, Nasturtium Tree, fast growing shade tree, tropical garden Perth, screening tree