Tuckeroo / Carrotwood / Beach Tamarind
Botanical Name: Cupaniopsis anacardioides
Family: Sapindaceae
Origin: Australia (coastal QLD–NSW)
Plant Type: Evergreen tree
Overview
A dependable, street-tree-grade native for South Australian gardens. Tuckeroo forms a rounded canopy of glossy dark green leaves (new growth coppery) and in spring (with some winter bloom) bears greenish-yellow/cream flower panicles, followed by bright orange capsules with showy seeds that birds love. Handles coast, heat and dry once established.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 7-8 m H x 4-5 m W
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Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Glossy, rounded leaflets; new growth copper-bronze; neat, rounded crown
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Flowers: Greenish-yellow to creamy-white panicles mainly spring (some winter); decorative orange capsules follow.
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Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure; spring flowers and summer–autumn fruit for colour and wildlife
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Wildlife Value: Nectar and fruit for birds and beneficial insects
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Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant
coastal-tolerant; light–moderate frost (protect young trees)
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Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: ~1 tree per 9–16 m² (3–4 m apart) depending on canopy
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Pet Friendly: Generally considered non-toxic; any plant material may cause mild GI upset if eaten
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best canopy and flowering in sun)
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Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam; tolerates coastal sands and improved clay; lime tolerant. Avoid waterlogging
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Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
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Maintenance: Mulch in spring; formative prune if needed; remove lower shoots to raise canopy; light feed in early spring
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Lifespan: 25-50 years
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Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
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Soil pH: Acid, Neutral, Alkaline — broadly adaptable in good drainage
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Street-tree style feature or boundary screening (not a clipped hedge)
- Avenue planting at 3–4 m centres for cohesive structure
- Great near entries, paths and outdoor living; excellent urban/coastal performer
Why You Will Love It
Fast, reliable and low-maintenance. Tuckeroo brings a lush, glossy canopy, spring flowers and bright fruit for wildlife, with proven coastal, heat and drought resilience once established — a savvy, long-term value tree for SA gardens.
