Tristaniopsis laurina

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Tristaniopsis laurina
Water gum
Tristaniopsis laurina-flowers.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Tristaniopsis
Species: T. laurina
Binomial name
Tristaniopsis laurina
(Sm.) Peter G.Wilson & J.T.Waterh.

Tristaniopsis laurina, the water gum or kanooka, is a tree species native to Australia. It usually grows near the eastern coastline and along the banks of streams, where the trunks and branches tend to be shaped in the direction of the current and give an indication of the flood height.


Tristaniopsis laurina has a slow rate of growth, and usually reaches 15–30 feet (4.6–9.1 m) tall. The tree is multi-branched, and may be pruned to maintain a compact shape. It can grow to be 128 feet (39 m) tall in native habitats.[1]

The flowers are bright yellow and have a distinctive and, to some, unpleasant odour.[2] They attract honeybees as well as small native species of bee. They usually bloom in the late spring or early summer.[3]

Tristaniopsis laurina luscious is an improved form of Tristaniopsis laurina that is suited to Street Trees or garden specimen, it features larger foliage that has a lush appearance. Tristaniopsis laurina luscious was bred by Warren Downes from Downes Wholesale Nursery

Tristaniopsis laurina-tree.jpg


Tristaniopsis laurina is cultivated as an ornamental tree by plant nurseries, for use in gardens and civic landscaping. It is popular, being easy to grow and forming a good shade tree. Many are planted as street trees, especially in Sydney, Australia.

See also[edit]


  1. ^ Floyd, A.G., Australian Rainforests in New South Wales Volume 2 - 1990 ISBN 0-949324-32-9, page 176
  2. ^
  3. ^ "Tristaniopsis laurina (Standard)". San Marcos Growers. Retrieved 2009-04-04. 

External links[edit]