"What a crazy tree!"

Here's something you probably haven't seen before.  Carmichaelia - the Ribbon Tree - is a fascinating, leaf-less tree from New Zealand with long, flattened branches that function as leaves.  Looking somewhat like a weeping willow at first, this Legume relative is clearly different.  The 2 to 3 foot long "leaves", which botanists call "cladodes", have an unusual, raised pattern.. almost like a tire tread.  When hundreds of these prehistoric-looking cladodes cascade around the tree, the effect is really cool - like something from the dinosaur era!  It's hard to capture the unusual beauty of this tree in pictures, but it is guaranteed to get some comments!  The species name is unknown; it doesn't seem to be any of the named species.  This is a very rare plant - I don't think it is available elsewhere online.

Carmichaelia originates from a mild part of New Zealand, with moderate temperatures all year.  It thrives here in San Francisco, where summers are below 85 degrees (29°C) and winters are frost-free.  I have no information on how it will fare outside that temperature range, so consider it experimental there.  To be safe, i would give it some afternoon shade in warmer areas, and protect it from temperatures below 30 degrees (-1°).  It grows well indoors in a pot, and can be pruned to any height that's convenient.  It likes ordinary, well-draining soil and average watering.  Eventually it grows into a handsome, multi-branched tree about 15 feet tall.  Beautiful, fragrant flowers cover the tree in the spring and summer, followed by fascinating seed pods that defy description!  This is a truly unique plant.

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For growing tips of this plant, click here