Kuranda tree
ehretia acuminata
Also known as: ["Kuranda Ehretia","Native Dogwood"]
Overview
A small to medium-sized tree native to Australia, known for its attractive foliage and small, white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Ehretia |
| Botanical Name: | Ehretia acuminata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sunny spot, can be container-grown in temperate regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning on young plants.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight, protect from harsh midday sun, place in filtered light during peak summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to diffuse intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures, 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warmth.
Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from cold drafts; maintain consistent warmth for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize during active growth; reduce in winter; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C) and high humidity.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; thin out crowded areas.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, remove dead or diseased wood, maintain desired size.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, use fresh well-draining soil, ensure drainage holes are clear.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure excess water exits the pot, water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage, incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility, ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, cover during frost events, reduce watering in cold.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in excessive heat; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, use diluted fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer), dilute to half strength, avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicEhretia acuminata is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects associated with this plant when ingested or handled by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicEhretia acuminata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicEhretia acuminata is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant has no known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects when ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ehretia acuminata suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces.
Q: Does Ehretia acuminata produce edible fruits?
A: The tree produces small, fleshy fruits, but their edibility is not well-documented and should be approached with caution.
Q: How fast does Ehretia acuminata grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically reaching maturity over several years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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