Flindersia Brayleyana – Queensland Maple (AN)

Description

Flindersia brayleyana – Queensland Maple

• 8 Seeds

• Bulk available; please inquire.
• Common Name: Queensland Maple
  Botanical Name: Flindersia brayleyana
  Family: Rutaceae

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  Tree Overview:

  Flindersia brayleyana, or Queensland maple, is a medium-sized, evergreen tree native to northern Queensland, Australia. Renowned for its high-quality timber, this species also serves as an ornamental addition to gardens and streetscapes.

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  Key Features:

  • Height: Typically grows to 20–30 meters tall, with a straight trunk.
  • Foliage: Glossy, dark green, pinnate leaves with six to ten leaflets.
  • Flowers: Small, white to cream-colored blooms in summer, forming in dense clusters.
  • Fruit: Woody capsules that split open to release winged seeds, often used decoratively.

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  Uses:

  • Timber: Queensland maple is famous for its decorative cabinet timber, valued in fine furniture making and musical instruments due to its attractive grain and workability.
  • Ornamental: A popular shade tree in tropical and subtropical climates, appreciated for its dense foliage and upright form.
  • Seed Pods: The smooth, woody fruit pods are used for decorative purposes in crafts.

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  Cultivation and Growing Information:

  1. Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, adapting well to humid conditions. It prefers frost-free areas.
  2. Soil: Grows best in well-drained, rich soils but can tolerate sandy or loamy substrates.
  3. Sunlight: Requires full sun to partial shade.
  4. Watering: Regular watering during the establishment phase; once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
  5. Growth Rate: Medium to fast-growing under optimal conditions.

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  Seed Germination:

  • Seed Type: Winged seeds from the woody capsules.
  • Preparation: No special treatment required, but soaking seeds overnight can improve germination rates.
  • Planting: Sow seeds in well-drained seed-raising mix, covering lightly with soil. Keep moist but not waterlogged.
  • Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate within 2–4 weeks in warm conditions.
  • Ideal Temperature: 20–30°C for optimal germination.

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  Care and Maintenance:

  • Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; trim as needed to maintain shape or remove damaged branches.
  • Pests/Diseases: Generally resistant to pests, but monitor for signs of leaf miners or scale insects.

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  Interesting Facts:

  • The timber of Queensland maple has been used in prestigious applications, including crafting furniture for Australian parliament buildings.
  • The pods are often collected and polished for ornamental crafts, adding a unique aesthetic appeal.