Tristaniopsis laurina aka Kanuka

Tristaniopsis laurina, or water gum, is an Australian tree. It is evergreen, keeping its leaves all year. It belongs to Myrtaceae, the myrtle family. Its native range spans Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. It grows by creeks and in gaps in forests. These sites include damp ground where water drains well. The tree grows at a slow pace. Its old scientific name is Tristania laurina.

The listed height is about 49 feet [15 metres]. The source gives a top height of 59 feet [18 metres]. It does not split garden heights from wild ones. The trunk can reach 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres] across. The text gives no width for the full-grown crown. Photo notes record red new growth. They also show fruit that opens to shed seeds. Photos show branches in bloom, but give no bloom season. The text gives no flower colour or leaf shape. It does not say how the bark feels.

Water gum grows in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates. Trees from cooler parts of its range can bear some frost. The source gives no firm lowest temperature or hardiness zone. Choose full sun where you can. The tree also accepts light shade. It grows in a range of moist soils. These include rocky ground and heavy clay loam. Its wild sites have both moisture and good drainage. The evidence does not show how well it copes with drought. It gives no soil pH range.

People plant water gum for its looks within its subtropical range. One photo shows it growing by a road. Wild trees supply wood for use. The dark wood is hard, tough, and close-grained. It is hard to dry, but stays tough once dry. Uses on record include tool handles and gear wheel teeth. These uses draw on the wood's strength, not an edible yield. The source lists no known food or medicinal uses. It lists no known hazards. It gives no specific check of safety for pets.

You can grow new trees from seed. Seeds need no special care before you sow them. Use a loose mix that drains well. Cover each seed as deep as the seed is wide. Most seeds sprout in three to four weeks. Move small seedlings to larger pots before planting them out. The sources name no pests or diseases.