A handsome, statuesque tree. Due to its size and form the Norfolk Island Pine can provide a good contrast to other landscape elements and is a feature of many Australian coastal towns.
Norfolk Island Pine showing tall, tiered effect.
Origin
Norfolk Island
Description:
Specific epithet refers to the distinction between the juvenile and adult leaves. Juvenile leaves narrow, incurved, generally softer, while adult leaves are rigid, overlapping and lanceolate. Grey-black bark, flaking, deep pink beneath. Branches are held in horizontal whorls of 4-7. Ovoid to globose female cones found in small numbers held upright in the uppermost branches. Growth rate is reported as being fast, however will be dependent on nursery production method, landscape site conditions and after-care maintenance.
Tolerances:
A large tree that can adapt to a range of soil conditions (as long as well drained) and is drought tolerant once established. Moderate tolerance to waterlogged soils. High tolerance of winds also salt laden winds in coastal situations. Not seriously affected by pest or disease.
Root space:
Based on mature size, tree would require approximately 176m2 area or 106m3 root volume. (Crown projection method based on 15m diameter canopy due to narrow form of species).
Availability:
Common.
Uses & management:
The most widely cultivated of the araucarias. Norfolk Island Pine is well suited to coastal situations where, in Australia, it has become an iconic species. Possibly used in coastal towns as landmarks for shipping. Species is suited to urban landscapes, both coastal and inland. Also used as street tree where space allows (Zone of upheaval 4.0m to 5.0m diameter) . Good tree for open space. Norfolk Island Pine can also be used as an indoor plant and is often seen as a Christmas tree.
Prune to central trunk otherwise little pruning is required. Supplemental irrigation to establish trees is essential.
Roots are surface orientated and can lift hard surfaces. Consideration will need to be given to allowing room for both upper crown development and root buttress expansion.
Featured Tree© Tree Logic Pty Ltd 2008
Ref:
Rowell, R. J. (1996) Ornamental conifers for Australian gardens. UNSW Press.
Spencer, R. (1995) Horticultural flora of South-Eastern Australia. Ferns, conifers & their allies. UNSW Press.
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20. July 2009 at 6:59 pm
Hi have noticed that my Norfolk Pine is quite sparsely foliaged at the top with comparison to the rest of the tree, any ideas? others in the area I have also noticed suffer similarily.
Thanks
21. August 2009 at 11:55 am
Katie,
There are several reasons why your may have sparse foliage in the upper canopy however, without having seen the tree I can only offer the following. The appearance of a sparse upper canopy is the typical look of a healthy Norfolk Island Pine, the result of its its natural habit. The trees develop a single trunk around which regularly spaced whorls of branches emanate. The branches are initially short but elongate with age thus providing the classical conical silhouette, a defining feature of the species. So when looking through the canopy of a Norfolk Island Pine the lower portion inevitably appears denser than the upper portion. This is due to due to greater volumes of foliage volumes present on increasingly longer branches the lower down you look.
Conversely, the tree could be under stress that is causing the thinning of foliage in the upper canopy, though unless the stress is common to all trees in the area which you mentioned appeared similar, then it is likely a result of the the natural pattern of growth.
Regards,
James