Manitoa lenticellata

A Tree That Flowers Twice — Once in Spring, Once Every Time It Puts Out New Leaves

Maniltoa lenticellata is one of those rare trees that offers two completely distinct spectacles, neither of which you see coming the first time. The spring flowering is the one people expect — creamy, heavily scented powderpuff clusters that fill the air with a sweet fruity fragrance and draw bees, birds and butterflies in numbers. But it is the new growth that truly stops people in their tracks.

Each flush of new leaves emerges as a folded, pendant structure — white and soft pink, hanging in a way that looks for all the world like a flower bud of considerable elegance. As it opens over a few days it unfurls like a clean handkerchief, those pale new leaves reaching up to 50-70cm before gradually hardening to green. On a mature tree putting out multiple flushes simultaneously, the effect rivals any flowering display in the tropical garden. It is the kind of thing that makes visitors reach for their phones before they’ve even asked what it is.

A Tree That Earns Its Place

Native to Far North Queensland, the Torres Strait and New Guinea, Maniltoa lenticellata has the genetics of a tree that knows how to perform in the tropical north. It grows with an attractive weeping form that is best encouraged by a full sun position, reaching a manageable 6-10 metres — substantial enough for a genuine shade tree, restrained enough for a home garden. It handles the clay soils of Townsville with equanimity, performs beautifully on the Cassowary Coast, and has earned its place as a street tree in Tully — which is as good a recommendation as a tropical tree can get.

Fast growing, low maintenance and generous with both its ornamental displays and its wildlife value, it is one of the finest medium-sized native trees available for the tropical and subtropical garden.

Growing Notes

Plant in full sun with a little protection while young to encourage that beautiful weeping habit. Mulch generously around the base, feed regularly with a quality organic fertiliser, and water deeply until established. Once settled it is a remarkably undemanding tree for the performance it delivers.

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