Family: Myrtaceae

The 45 species in this genus of evergreen trees and shrubs are native to tropical, north-eastern Australia, New Caledonia and parts of South-east Asia. Some species are grown for their timber, others as ornamentals. They are unlikely to be available outside their native countries.

Species

X. chrysanthus, golden penda or black penda, from north-eastern Queensland, grows to about 8 m (26 ft) in cultivation, but much taller in its rainforest habitat. It has oval, glossy leaves up to 15 cm (6 in) long. Mature leaves are mid to dark green, while new growth is pinky red. The showy flowers are large, rounded heads of bright, citrus yellow stamens. In their natural habitat, these appear mainly in winter but will be produced at other times in the northern hemisphere.

Cultivation

Outside the tropics and subtropics, grow in an intermediate to warm greenhouse or conservatory, in pots of well-drained, soil-based potting compost. Add some leaf mould if available. Provide good light but shade from direct, strong sun if necessary, to prevent leaf scorch. Water well during the growing season, but reduce in winter. Outdoors grow in full sun or partial shade and well drained, humus-rich soil. Propagate from seed in spring or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with bottom heat for both.

Climate

Zone 10 or tropical.