Parrot tree

How to identify a parrot tree

A medium tree, usually 7 to 15 metres tall, with a broad, spreading canopy that can be wider than the tree is tall. Each leaf is divided into four to six pairs of oval to oblong leaflets about 2 to 4 cm long. In spring it produces branched heads of deep red flowers up to about 12 cm long; the red petals are small and sometimes missing, and the stamens are joined at their base. Bean-like pods 6 to 10 cm long follow. Schotia latifolia, a paler-flowered relative, is sometimes grown too.

Growing a parrot tree in Brisbane

The parrot tree likes full sun and copes with clay, loam or sand, dry spells and light frost, so it handles most Brisbane gardens. It can drop its leaves for a short time in some conditions, so treat it as semi-deciduous. The catch is that it has started to escape: WildNet lists the species as naturalised in Queensland, with herbarium records from several places including the Brisbane area. Keep it well away from bushland, and away from driveways, car parks and pale paving, where dripping nectar will stain.

What to watch out for

Expect a sticky mess under the tree while it flowers: the nectar drips heavily and can stain paving and cars, so avoid planting it over driveways, paths or outdoor living areas. The parrot tree isn't on Brisbane City Council's weed list, but the Queensland Government's WildNet database records it as naturalised in Queensland, including collections from the Brisbane area, and flags it as an environmental weed. Remove seedlings that appear in the garden and don't plant it next to bushland.

• Mess. The flowers drip large amounts of nectar, which can stain paving and cars parked underneath.
• Seedlings. WildNet records it as naturalised in Queensland, with herbarium records that include the Brisbane area, and flags it as an environmental weed.

Pruning and care

Little routine pruning is needed once the tree has a good shape. Train young trees to a single strong trunk by removing competing or crossing branches early, and lift the lower limbs if you need clearance underneath. Water young trees through dry spells until they establish; established trees need little extra water. Pull out any seedlings that come up in the garden. Large limbs over a roof, driveway or power line are a job for a qualified arborist with the right gear.

• Tree pruning
• Tree removal
• Stump grinding