Cupaniopsis anacardioides

An evergreen tree that is relatively new to Israel and originates from Australia and Papua New Guinea. It does well in high temperatures and will also survive short cold spells. As is common with evergreens, it is sensitive to continued cold. It suits all kinds of soil, including chalky and saline, and, as a result, it can be grown nearly everywhere in Israel, except for high mountains due to the continued cold in winter. It even does well in littoral areas. It cannot be on the first line of the coast, but it is absolutely second line salt tolerant.

The tree is considered to be resistant. It requires minimal water once it is established, and it suffers from excess water in poorly drained soil and nutrient-low soil. In its first years, it is recommended to fertilize the tree and particularly to strengthen it iron supplements. The tree’s round-spreading shape and structure are very reminiscent of a carob tree. It is smaller than a carob, of course, and slightly less dense, so it allows more sunlight to penetrate (important when grass or vegetation grows beneath it). It also does not have the dry edges that characterize carob. In the spring, the tree grows clusters of reddish-yellow fruits.

As a compact tree, it is suitable for private gardens, even small ones, and is very handsome alone or in groups in public spaces. Because of the fruit, which appears only in maturity, it is recommended to consider using Cupaniopsis as a sidewalk tree.