Lagunaria patersonii tree: Overview and visual aspects
Lagunaria patersonii, Commonly known as itchy-itchy tree o pyramid tree, is a species of Australian origin highly prized in ornamental gardening for its robustness and spectacular flowering. It is a medium to large tree or shrub that can reach up to 15 meters in height, although under ideal conditions it can develop a dense, pyramidal, and branched canopy.
Su evergreen foliage It is composed of lanceolate or oval leaves leathery in texture. The color of the leaves varies: the upper surface shows a bright dark green and the reverse is generally whitish or grayish greenThese characteristics make the tree's visual presence striking year-round.
Their bell-shaped and tubular flowers, mauve or magenta in color, which can grow to over 6 cm in diameter and emerge mainly during spring and summer. They bear some resemblance to hibiscus flowers, as both belong to the Malvaceae family. The fruits are globular capsules, dark brown when ripe, covered with stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation.
Taxonomy and origin
- Kingdom: Plant
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: Invalid
- Family: malvaceae
- Gender: Lagunaria
- Species: Lagunaria patersonii
Lagunaria patersonii is native to Australia and Norfolk Island, although it is currently cultivated in many regions of the world where the climate allows it, especially Mediterranean and coastal climate areas due to its tolerance to salinity.
Main common names
- Spanish: Pica-pica tree, pyramid tree, Norfolk hibiscus
- Catalan: Pick-pick tree
- In English: Norfolk Island hibiscus
Benefits and uses of the Lagunaria patersonii tree
The main use of Lagunaria patersonii is ornamental, for the beauty of its flowering and the density of its canopy. It is ideal for forming hedges, windbreaks, street rows, parks, and public gardens, and as a single specimen. It can also be grown in large pots, especially in spaces where a constant green presence is desired without losing its attractiveness throughout the seasons.
In coastal areas it is especially appreciated for its high tolerance to environmental salinity. In addition, its wind resistance making it an excellent option for protecting garden areas from ocean currents.
However, it is recommended to avoid planting them in places where people frequently pass by or near children's areas, since the fruits contain stinging hairs which can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes of both humans and domestic animals.
Ideal climate and environmental resistance
Lagunaria patersonii thrives in warm and temperate climates, showing a special adaptation to Mediterranean environments. It is able to withstand long periods of drought once the plant has fully established itself.
- Temperature: It tolerates mild temperatures below zero, even withstanding sporadic frosts of up to -4 ºC, but it does not withstand intense or prolonged cold.
- Salinity: It is one of the most resistant to marine salinity, making it ideal for gardens near the coast.
- Contamination: Its tolerance allows its use in urban environments, where it withstands the pollution of large cities well.
Light and soil requirements
El itchy-itchy tree Needs a exposure to full sun to obtain abundant flowering and remain vigorous, although it can adapt to light semi-shade, although it will not bloom with the same intensity. For more in-depth information on its care, you can also consult Lagunaria patersonii tree care.
As for the soil, Lagunaria patersonii shows a remarkable adaptability:
- Floor type: It grows best in well-drained soils, preferably with a contribution of organic matter, although it can grow in clayey, dry and even poor substrates.
- Sewer system: It is essential to prevent the soil from remaining waterlogged, as the plant does not tolerate excess moisture in its roots.
- PH: It adapts to a wide range of pH, but prefers slightly acidic or neutral soils.
Irrigation and drought tolerance
During the first year after planting, it is essential to provide regular waterings to help the tree develop a strong root system. Once established, Lagunaria patersonii displays a great resistance to drought:
- Irrigation during growing season: Moderate, allowing the top layer of the substrate to dry before watering again. Increase watering frequency in summer if the weather is very hot and dry.
- Watering in winter: Significantly reduce water input during the cold months to avoid root rot problems.
- Mulching: It is advisable to apply a mulch layer organic around the trunk to maintain moisture and prevent the proliferation of weeds.
Fertilization and nutrients
La Lagunaria patersonii It is not demanding in terms of fertilization, but an adequate supply of nutrients will promote better flowering and development:
- Time: Fertilize preferably in spring and summer.
- Type of subscription: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost/mature manure. A light dressing in late winter is sufficient in most situations.
- Frequency: Every two months during the active growth stage, avoiding excess nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage growth that is detrimental to flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
It accepts without problem the training pruning and maintenance, which allows it to be modeled in pyramidal or geometric shapes or simply to remove dry or damaged branches:
- Ideal time: Pruning can be done after flowering or in winter/late autumn, when vegetative activity decreases.
- Objective: Remove dead, diseased, or poorly positioned branches, shape, and ensure the health of the specimen.
- Driving: Always use gloves and clean, sharp tools to prevent the transmission of diseases and protect yourself from the stinging hairs on the fruit.
Multiplication and transplantation
The propagation of Lagunaria patersonii is mainly done by seeds and by cuttings:
- Seeds: Sowing is done in spring, using fresh seeds that have been collected and properly dried. It is advisable to soften them by soaking them for several hours before sowing.
- Cuttings: They can be obtained in early summer by cutting young, semi-woody shoots. Maintain moisture during rooting and apply rooting hormones to improve the success rate.
- Transplant: If grown in a pot, it is advisable to transplant in early spring, ensuring good drainage and a container of adequate size to accommodate growth.
Flowering and fruiting
The flowering of Lagunaria patersonii occurs between the spring and summerThe inflorescences are very striking and attract butterflies and bees. After pollination, the fruit capsules develop, which when ripe and open release seeds covered in stinging hairs.
This characteristic makes the tree popularly known as Pica pica, since the hairs on the fruit produce a prickly sensation and can cause discomfort or pain if handled carelessly. Extreme care is recommended when collecting seeds or pruning fruit-bearing branches.
Animal compatibility, toxicity and precautions
The most problematic parts of Lagunaria patersonii are the fruitsUrticating hairs can affect the skin and mucous membranes of both pets and people. Therefore, it is recommended:
- Avoid planting them in busy public gardens or children's areas..
- Keep pets away in the fruiting season.
- Always wear gardening gloves when working with the tree.
Pests, diseases and resistance
Lagunaria patersonii is a hardy tree to the most common pests and diseases in gardening. However, like all species, it can be susceptible to attack by mealybugs, aphids or mites under stressful conditions or poor location. It may also appear root rot if the soil remains waterlogged.
Prevention consists of:
- Ensure adequate drainage
- Avoid overwatering
- Check leaves and branches periodically
- Apply phytosanitary treatments only if necessary
Growing and landscaping tips
El itchy-itchy tree It is very versatile in gardening:
- Ideal for urban alignments y coastal gardens due to its tolerance to salinity and wind.
- Perfect for formal and informal hedges, plant screens or as a single specimen to provide structure and color to the garden all year round.
- Can be used in large pots on sunny patios or terraces, allowing you to enjoy its flowering in smaller spaces.
- It requires special protection from the cold for young plants and a sunny location to achieve its maximum ornamental value.
La Lagunaria patersonii It combines beauty, resilience, and ease of maintenance, making it one of the most recommended species for Mediterranean, urban, and coastal gardens where other plants would suffer from salinity or wind. By choosing this tree, you'll enjoy year-round greenery, spectacular flowering, and a plant that requires little maintenance to thrive.