And from Australian Nation Botanic Gardens websiteEndemic to NEQ, known only from the mountains north west of Mossman, the Mt Spurgeon-Mt Lewis area and the Bellenden Ker Range. Altitudinal range from 1100-1550 m. Grows in windswept vegetation on high exposed ridges in areas otherwise clothed in mountain rain forest.
Natural History
A very long lived tree in nature. It is sometimes cultivated for its small white flowers but needs cool and moist conditions to do well.
This plant was used in colonial medicine, leaves ad young shoots of all species reputed useful for urinary complaints. Cribb (1981).
It's important when thinking about a rainforest tree what type of rainforest it comes from. Understory plants from subtropical rainforest would need plenty of water and good shade, but trees that form the canopy will need sun from a young age or they will either grow straight up or not grow much at all until given more light. This is from high mountains in a tropical area so should do well in Brisbane if keep moist and out of the hottest area of your garden, but I wouldn't overly shade it either.Cultivation Very adaptable in most soils and aspects. Foliage is very attractive with a compact habit. Plants in cultivation are relatively slow growing and have reached 2 m in five years. This species has only been in cultivation for a few years but is proving a hardy and most attractive shrub. At the summit of Mt Bellenden Ker, where this species is endemic, it forms trees to 13 m with light brown trunks 60 cm in diameter. These are often blown over by cyclones, forming obstacles for the ardent bushwalker. It is uncertain whether the species will reach similar proportions in cultivation.
Sounds like it will tolerate being a bonsai. Any suggestions on pruning? I would really like to repot it into my own mix.Very hardy, handle pruning well. Full sun, moisture but good drainage. Most seen are cutting grown from semi hardwood.
