SEVERAL TYPES OF TULIP TREE

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33815, 11 April 1975, Page 13

SEVERAL TYPES OF TULIP TREE

Reference to the tulip tree can cause confusion because there are several quite different trees which may be so called. Two of the most commonly named trees are the Liriodendron and at least] one of the magnolias — MJ Sonlageana which, to be) more correct, is the tree) tulip. The Liriodendrons belong; to the same family as the; magnoias and are a genus of; only two species but several forms. Liriodendron tulipifera is the most widely I grown tree. Of deciduous I habit, it will take a year or | two to establish itself, but 'then will grow quite steadily; ] to a height in excess of 18] . m. j However, flowering takes ’ at least several years to | occur, even with grafted specimens. The flowers are ’ large and distinctive, green- : ish yellow, with an orange 1 base to each of the six ’ petals. The centre is a tassle ! of conspicuous yellow sta- ’ mens. ■ The leaves, like the , flowers, are a significant ; characteristic of the tree; : they are large Jobed and ; squarish, almost giving the ’ impression of having been | cut to shape. Initially fresh I green in colour, they assume a buttery-yellow hue before 'they fail in autumn. * Unfortunately, it is really ; far too big for consideration 'as suitable in a confined ; area and too attractive a ) subject to grow on a tem- | porary basis, only to pull it lout at a later date. '! Liriodendron tulipifera ■lamwi maruinata is a very

beautiful variegated form, of smaller ultimate size which is less commonly seen form, L. tulipfera fastigiata, form, L. tuilipfera fastigiata, of comparatively columnar ) habit of growth, is even j. more restricted in apparent; J use. If the otehr speices, L.) jichinense, is either available; Jor growing locally, then the’ ’’writer is not aware of it. The tulip tree which' ——— ———

comes from eastern North 1 America will grow in average soils and is very hardy, . but the most handsome specimens seem to be those which receive some shelter from prevailing winds and which are not exposed to .]too dry conditions. Pruning jto shape is rarely if ever ; necessary. Freedom from the I ravages ’of pests and diseases is another virtue.