Family
Araliaceae
Botanical Name
MERYTA denhamii
Plant Common Name
Meryta
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
A lush, broadleaf evergreen small tree from subtropical New Caledonia, east of Australia, Denham's meryta has large, coarse glossy foliage of a dark green. While an upright single-stemmed plant when young, it eventually branches to create an irregular but rounded canopy that casts dense shade.
The very long tongue-like leathery leaves get larger with longer daylength and with ample water. Wavy-edged and dark green, they have crinkled texture and prominent yellowed veins. At a quick glance, the clusters of foliage on branch ends makes this tree resemble tropical stinkwood (Gustavia) or fiddleleaf fig (Ficus lyrata) on growth hormone. In midwinter, the flowering occurs. This species is dioecious, meaning plants are either fully male or female in gender as determined by the blossoms. Only the female's greenish five-petaled flowers, when pollinated, will form the globe-like fruit with 12-16 fused berries. In both sexes, the flower clusters occur at the ends of branches nestled among leaves.
Grow Denham's meryta in full sun (in cool summer areas) to partial shade in a moist, deep, fertile soil that has good drainage. It tolerates moderate saltspray winds but is intolerant of cold, even light frosts can be detrimental. Use it as a small accent or foundation tree for shade or as a tropicalesque foliage plant for a mixed border. If healthy, leaves are rarely dropped, making it nice for use around patios and swimming pools. In spacious medians, it is a pleasant small boulevard tree in subtropical regions.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 11
-
Sunset Zone
H2, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
18'-25' / 5.5m - 7.6m
-
Width
18'-22' / 5.5m - 6.7m
-
Bloom Time
Winter, Late Winter
-
Native To
Australia
