Care of the tree Stenocarpus sinuatus or Firewheel Tree |
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The genus Stenocarpus, family Proteaceae, comprises 25 species of trees and shrubs native to Australasia. Some species are: Stenocarpus sinuatus, Stenocarpus cryptocarpus, Stenocarpus heterophyllus, Stenocarpus salignus, Stenocarpus umbelliferus. Common name: Firewheel Tree. This species is native to Australia. They are slow-growing evergreen trees that reach 20 meters (65.6 feet) in height. The alternate, light green leaves can be lanceolate, lobed or oblong with wavy edges. They produce curious and attractive inflorescences in the shape of a circular umbel formed by tubular flowers of red or orange color and without aroma. It produces dark fruits very similar to those of the Brachychiton genus. They are used in streets, public parks and medium or large gardens as isolated specimens. They are also used as indoor plants in large containers; indoors it's quite likely that they will not bloom but the leaves are very decorative. Stenocarpus sinuatus is a tropical plant that requires full sun or light shade exposure and a frost-free climate (Mediterranean, subtropical and tropical). They resist occasional frosts down to -2 ºC (28.4 ºF). The soil must contain abundant organic matter, be well drained and not be calcareous. Transplantation and planting are done in spring. Water regularly throughout the year waiting until the soil has almost dried out. Adult plants withstand several days of drought. Fertilize in fall with compost or manure. They do not need pruning. They are quite resistant to pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring and by cuttings after flowering or in late summer if they do not flower. New plants obtained from cuttings can take about 4 years to flower (from seed they take twice as long to flower). |
Images of the tree Stenocarpus sinuatus or Firewheel Tree |
 Stenocarpus sinuatus  Stenocarpus sinuatus  Stenocarpus sinuatus  Stenocarpus sinuatus |