| Family: |
Caesalpiniaceae. |
| Landscape value: |
A superb small tree that is an excellent choice for a landscape where a colourful, elegant, purple-leafed tree is required. This tree is easily adapted as a multi-stemmed or central leader tree depending on requirements. A consistent performer, ideal for small areas. |
| Height: |
5 metres. |
| Width: |
5 metres. |
| Growth rate: |
Slow to moderate. |
| Habit: |
Open and low branching, forming a flat-topped canopy. The young branches have a distinct 'zig-zag' habit. |
| Foliage: |
Large heart-shaped leaves open up in spring to a brilliant eye-catching shade of reddish-purple with a velvety-satin appearance, deepening to purplish-black then fading to purplish-green in summer. Generally exhibits brilliant yellow to orange autumn colours. |
| Flowers: |
Masses of small, pink, 'pea'-like flowers borne in groups along the branches before the leaves appear in spring. |
| Fruit: |
Overseas literature refers to pods 50-80 mm long. Not observed in Australia to date. |
| Bark: |
Dark reddish-brown, becoming rougher and greyer with age. |
| Tolerances: |
Wide range including acid or alkaline soils but is easily stressed and resents prolonged dry or very wet sites. |
| Comments: |
Prefers a moist, deep, well drained fertile soil. Best foliage colour in full sun, but avoid hot, exposed and windy sites. Overseas reports indicate a susceptibility to canker. Has become highly sought-after in recent years. |
