Northern Silky Oak
Origin of name
Family: PROTEACEAE
- Cardwellia in honour of Edward Cardwell
- sublimis meaning “lofty“
Occurrence
Not a local plant. Grows in well-developed rainforest on a variety of soils from about Paluma Range to Mossman.
Needs a well-drained, acid soil in either full sun or part-shade. Responds to extra water in the dry.
Appearance
Large tree (10–30m in forest, much less in cultivation) with long, pinnate leaves of 5-12 leaflets dull green above and brownish below. Masses of cream flower heads (Oct-Jan) cover the upper canopy and lead to large, woody, oblong seed pods with flat, winged, 6-8cm seeds.
Extremely showy when in flower and with flushes of rusty-coloured new growth. Becomes bushy in parks or large garden settings. A highly-valued cabinet timber.
Image coming soon