Elaeocarpus grandis Seeds | Blue Marble Tree Quandong
.jpeg "Blue Marble Tree seeds (Elaeocarpus grandis)")
LATIN NAME: Elaeocarpus grandis
COMMON NAME: Blue Marble Tree
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Blue Marble Tree (Elaeocarpus grandis) is a tree in the elaeocarpus family. Blue marble tree bears on its tall, straight trunk with glossy, dark-green leaves with finely toothed edges, new foliage flushing with bronzy pink, and fringed, cream-white flowers followed by striking, bright-blue, marble-like fruits that ripen through the season. Blue fruits hang against dark leaves and catch the eye. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the elaeocarpus family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. In elaeocarpus family, blue-fruited trees have a recognised place in studies of ornamental forest trees, and grand species appears in research on fruit pigments and streamside growth. The practical point for growers is that this plant has been observed in gardens for so long that its behaviour holds few surprises.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Blue Marble Tree has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In warm garden, blue marble tree bears on its branches with blue fruits. Striking fruits hang against dark, glossy leaves and feed birds, timber serves light construction and small wares, and tree makes handsome avenue and shade tree. It grows fast in deep, moist, sunny ground. After the first season it asks for very little beyond a place that suits it.
A tree like this repays patience for decades: it cools and shelters its surroundings, hosts birds and insects, and stores carbon in timber that outlives its planter.
Growing from Seed
Blue Marble Tree is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Blue Marble Tree is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Keep the sowing evenly moist at the start — that is the one real requirement.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Blue Marble Tree often pair it with these related subjects: