Tristaniopsis laurina

Tristaniopsis laurina is an evergreen Australian tree with superb black and then beige bark that peels off with age. Not very hardy, it should be reserved for mild climates.

Also called Kanooka in its country of origin, this tree belongs to the large Myrtaceae family, which also includes myrtles, callistemons, and eucalyptus. Its quite twisted branches slowly form a very beautiful small tree with multiple trunks. In its native Australia, it can reach 10 to 15m (33 to 49ft) by the water's edge, but it will be limited under our climates to 6 to 8m (20 to 26ft) after many years, with a spread of 3 to 5m (10 to 16ft). Between May and June, it produces numerous flowers with large bright yellow stamens, near the branches. The evergreen, glossy, lanceolate foliage resembles that of oleander (laurina means "leaves similar to the laurel"). However, its main interest lies in its very beautiful wood, which is almost black when young, then peeling off over the years in subtle shades of beige and olive green that are reminiscent of certain eucalyptus.

Tristaniopsis grows in acidic and well-drained soil, in regions spared by heavy frosts. The foliage suffers below -5°C (23°F), and the tree can wither from -8 to -10°C (17.6 to 14°F). In mild areas, choose a south-facing, well-protected exposure, and you will have a good chance of keeping it.

It will benefit from being placed in isolation as a standalone specimen, as it is a rarity (its growth is rather slow) but one that you will not tire of. You can plant it with other plants from the Southern Hemisphere such as callistemon, eucalyptus, grevillea, lomatia, banksia, or even feijoa.