Graptophyllum ilicifolium

[MattA]

Yet another new native for me to play with, I picked up 3 of these in 6" pots from chuck out stock at a local nursery. I was given one about 15yrs ago & planted it in my parents garden where it has grown into a stunning small tree of about 2.5mtrs tall with a beautiful pyrimidial shape, the branches form natural foliage layers like we aim for in bonsai. Spectacular in flower & setting lots of seed. I have repeatedly tried to get one of these growing, collecting some of the many seedlings that come up around it, trying to germinate seed & strike cuttings, all to no avail.

I have looked around the net but cant find any information on growing them apart from the following.

From the ANPSA website ...
A native from dry rainforest known to occur only in the Eungella region to the west of Mackay, Queensland. Listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act*

Graptophyllum ilicifolium is a medium shrub 3-5m high found in fairly dry rainforest areas or along creek banks. Leaves are broadly egg-shaped or oval, to 5cm x 3cm, with toothed margins. They are borne alternately on the stem but opposing the leaf is a flower cluster usually accompanied by a small leaf bract which has the appearance of a dwarf leaf. If the flower does not develop (or after it has fallen) the leaf and bract appear to be opposite leaves of differing sizes.

Bright scarlet flowers occur in spring and early summer and are borne in pairs or clusters along the stems, opposite the leaves. They are tubular, about 3cm in length. Seed capsules are club shaped, dry and woody and contain 2 seeds.

G.ilicifolium is an attractive plant which is becoming more common in cultivation. It is fairly quick growing in warmer climates but may be slow in cool temperate areas. The species prefers light shade for best results. Judicious pruning will maintain a bushy habit and promote prolific flowering. This species would quite probably be suitable for tub growing.

Propagation is easy from cuttings and seed also germinates well from fresh seed.
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I am hoping there is someone else around the forum who has tried or has one of these & can maybe give me some more information on growing them as bonsai (there is nothing out there)...

Matt

Ps Pics to come...