Handkerchief Trees

One of the most popular trees for tropical gardeners recently is the ‘Handkerchief Tree’ or Maniltoa lenticellata. 

Maniltoa lenticellata - New Growth

This tree is a stunning creature with dense dark green growth and a slight weeping aspect that makes it perfect for creating privacy and shade. However this is not why it is popular, nor is it because of its rapid growth, or its lovely cream coloured flowers. This Maniltoa is popular because of its soft pink new growth, which appears as a 30 to 40 centimetre long tassel or handkerchief. During a growth spurt, it looks like it has had dozens of pale pink handkerchiefs tied to its branches. These pink tassels slowly turn into creamy yellow leaves hanging from the end of a branch, and then finally to the deep green mature leaves.

Maniltoa lenticellata is native to Northern Queensland and is well suited to gardens across Northern Australia. You can expect a well-cared for Maniltoa to achieve 6 metres in height in its first 6 years and it will then slowly increase in height to reach a maxmum of 10 to 12 metres in the wet-dry tropics, with an expected width of 6 to 8 metres. The bad news here is a tree of this size is not something the average suburban garden can handle. The good news is the Maniltoa lenticellata is not the only ‘handkerchief’ tree around.

Browneopsis ucayalina

Browneopsis ucayalina is a small tree with possibly the most spectacular tassel of all the handkerchief trees. This South American tree will grow to approximately 4 metres in our climate, and has been used quite successfully as an indoor plant. It also produces attractive cream coloured puff ball flowers on its trunk which, if fertilised, will develop into a seed pod.

Saraca thaipingensis new foliage

Flower

Saraca thaipingensis - GBDBG

Saraca’s are another species of tree with handkerchiefs, but these are better known for their flowers. There are approximately 20 different Saraca varieties, we are going to look at 2 of them, Saraca indica and thaipingensis. Both of these varieties will grow to 6 metres in our climate (but can achieve greater heights in the true tropics), and enjoy a ‘sheltered upbringing’.  This means they like to be protected from wind and full sun as juveniles, however once established will flourish in full sun.

The Saraca thaipingensis on the right above can be seen at the George Brown Darwin Botanical Gardens (GBDBG) and is a particularly stunning  specimen which has been pruned to around 4 metres. This is a great example of what you can do with some patience and attention to detail. The pruning has resulted in a dense ball of foliage, with stunning shows of yellow, fragrant flowers in the late dry season. The handkerchiefs of this variety form in various shades of pink and are up to 60 centimetres long.

Saraca indica new foliage

Saraca indica flower

Saraca indica has an absolutely stunning flower, and is more likely to flower throughout the year in a warm climate, whereas many other varieties will flower predominately during the 'dry season' or spring and winter.

Long story short, many plants offer stunning foliage changes and interest, and just because its popular, does not mean its the right plant for you. So look around, ask questions, and remember most gardeners love a compliment and are usually happy to answer questions asked after one!