Firewheel Tree
The first time this stunning tree came to our attention was during a flood in Papua New Guinea. We had to abandon our riverside hut even though it was 3 meters above the river as the river rose through the night. We had just enough time to grab our camera bags and passports and climb the nearest tree to avoid the snakes, floating debris, and muddy water! The river crested within an hour and we then had the time and inclination to inspect the tree we had taken refuge in. Stenocarpus sinuatus or Firewheel Tree is an upright growing evergreen tree that can reach 100 feet tall in its native rainforest habitat but is usually seen as a 25-30 feet tall by 15 feet wide tree when grown in cultivation. It has gray bark with brown young branches and is notable in or out of flower for its very attractive large (6 to 15 inch long) dark green leathery leaves that have wavy margins and are pinnately lobed on young trees. The 1 to 1 1/2 inch long flowers, primarily red or reddish orange with a yellow globular tip, are arranged with 6 to 20 flowers in an umbel that is reminiscent of a red wagon wheel - these 3 inch wide wheels are quite striking and can appear any time of the year but primarily fall and winter here in the northern lattitudes. Despite its more tropical origins, this plant has proven adaptable to a range of climates, tolerating temperatures down to around 25° F and grows well in drier Mediterranean climates with the addition of some supplemental irrigation. It also is tolerant of most soils so long and they are fairly well-drained. Avoid applications of Phosphorus fertilizers. We sell this rare and wonderful tree in 5 gallon containers. Trees are shipped without the pot to save on shipping costs.