The Fraser Island Apple is a versatile evergreen tree native to the coastal rainforests and beach scrubs of New South Wales and Queensland. It is highly valued in Australian landscaping for its extremely dense, symmetrical growth habit and its ability to withstand harsh seaside conditions. The leaves are thick, leathery, and a vibrant glossy green, providing a lush, tropical appearance even in challenging environments.
In summer, the tree produces small, fragrant cream-to-yellow flowers that are tucked among the foliage. These are followed by bunches of fleshy, pale yellow to orange fruits. While the fruit is technically edible and was a traditional food source for Indigenous Australians, it is quite tart; however, native birds absolutely love them. This tree is an excellent choice for those looking to create a bird-friendly garden or a solid, wind-resistant screen.
Care Tips
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Position: Thrives in full sun to part shade. It is particularly well-suited to coastal positions as it is highly tolerant of salt spray and strong winds.
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Climate: Best suited to subtropical and warm temperate climates. It is relatively frost-sensitive when young, so it should be protected in cooler regions until it has developed a woody trunk.
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Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy coastal soils and heavier loams, provided there is reasonable drainage.
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Watering: Requires regular watering during the establishment phase. Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant, though it will maintain a denser, lusher canopy with occasional deep watering during dry Australian summers.
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Fertilising: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser or a native-specific feed in early spring to encourage a fresh flush of growth.
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Pruning: Naturally maintains a neat, rounded shape, but it responds exceptionally well to pruning. It can be kept as a tight formal hedge or a small screen by regular clipping.
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Maintenance: Mulching is beneficial to suppress weeds and retain moisture, especially in sandy soils where water drains away quickly.
