Scientific Name: NUYTSIA floribunda
Common Name: West Australian Christmas Tree
Alternative Common Name: West Australian Christmas Tree
Family: Loranthaceae
Height: To about 7m (23′)
Width: To 4m (13′)
Description: A most spectacular evergreen tree with a dark green mass of soft needle-like leaves and masses of brilliant yellow flowers from late October to January. Slow growing, partly-parasitic tree (a member of the Mistletoe family) but will not harm host plants.
Flowers: Brilliant, heavy coverage of golden-orange, honey-scented flowers in late Spring and early Summer. Can take several years to flower for the first time but will flower annually after that.
Soil: Prefers deep sandy soil but can adapt to some other soil types.
Aspects: Drought and frost resistant. Requires full sun to part-shade. Slow growing. Can be pruned to shape.
Habitat: Western Australia from Murchison River to the western end of the Great Australian Bight in sandy or granitic soil in open forest, woodland and heath.
Growing: Sow seeds in plain sand or sterile seed raising mix, as bacteria and fungi in soil can rot seeds before they germinate. Sow individual seeds on soil surface in pots or sow a few together in larger pots or trays. Plant out when seeds sprout. Place in a cool, shaded position. Keep moist. Protect against snails.
Landscape: Open garden positions – among other plants and grasses for hosts.
Cultivation: Germination takes about 28 days. Transplant to open garden and plant a small perennial plant about 20cm (8″) away to become a host as this tree is partially-parasitic. This does not harm or hinder the host plant. Water the young plant well. Water regularly until established then occasionally in driest parts of first Summer.
Seed Starter Required: Recommended.
