Stenocarpus sinuatus

Stenocarpus sinuatus also known as Firewheel Tree is native to the tropical rain forests of Australia.

This upright  slow growing evergreen tree 25 to 30 feet tall by 15 feet wide has gray bark with brown young branches. Shiny and deeply lobed dark green leaves 6 to 15 inches long have a leathery feel , wavy margins. Minimal leaf drop in the winter , which makes this tree an ideal pool side plant.

In bloom the overall appearance of the Stenocarpus  sinuatus  may appear to be glowing with flames. The magnificent a colorful flower display is most prominent  in the fall here in Santa Barbara CA. The individual flower are placed together in a group of 20 and form a structure called an “Inflorescence” who’s overall form is reminiscent of spokes of a red wagon wheel that measure  about 3 inches in diameter.  In Australia it is pollenated by the Australian Honeyeaters who while  drinking  the sweet nectar have their feathers completely covered with pollen. When the Honeyeater moves to another flower and begins to drink the nectar it will transfer the pollen and achieve the pollination , Flying foxes which are a type of bat also drink the sweet nectar. The Australian aboriginal people make a special drink with the nectar of the Firewheel Tree.

Despite the Stenocaprus sinuates tropical origins it will adapt to a range of climates tolerating temperatures down to 25 degrees F. and drier Mediterranean climates with the addition of some supplemental irrigation.

Plant in full sun to partial shade.

We are offering a well-established plant 12 to 20 inches tall