Do Eucryphia hybrids produce seeds?

[Diane Whitehead]

I read that seeds of Eucryphia species take a year to mature, so the seed is mature when the tree is flowering.

My trees are hybrids - X nymansensis and X intermedia.  They are extremely tall, though I will be able to reach
the flowers if I climb on the roof.  I would prefer not to do that, especially if these hybrids are infertile.

Has anyone collected seeds from them?

[Maggi Young]

I don't care  whether  those  seeds are  fertile  or  not, Diane - I just  don't  want  you  climbing  on a  roof! Too dangerous by  half. Please  stay safe!

[Diane Whitehead]

Yes, Maggi, I have never been good with heights.

I'll get a long pole pruner instead.

[ArnoldT]

One of my favorite trees although I've never grown it here.  It's not hardy here in N. New Jersey.

The flowers are the source of the wonderful and unique Tasmanian honey, Leatherwood.

I see them on the Forest Farm web page in WA.

[Diane Whitehead]

Yes, the bees love the flowers.  I haven't tried the honey.

I should have thought of growing seeds for the F2 generation back in the 1980s when the tops were still within reach.

I did manage to clip a low branch of flowers with my pole pruner, but there were no seed capsules.  Maybe I need
an older branch.  And a visit from one of my tree-climbing grandchildren.

I have a new hybrid, lucida X milliganii, still tiny and not flowering yet.  I won't let it get away on me.

[ArnoldT]

Diane

do try the honey, it will change your appreciation for the tree.

[Mattb]

I agree with ArnoldT, it’s definitely worth trying, especially if you grow and love Eucryphia. Although I live in Mole Creek, Tas, which is where 1/3 of Tasmanian leatherwood honey is produced, so I’m likely to be biased! It’s a totally unique taste... I love it, but my partner loathes it. I’m happy to send you some Diane, if you like?

Cheers,
Matt

[Diane Whitehead]

Matt,

  Thank you for the kind offer, but the Tasmanian honey is available in Vancouver, so my children will be able to buy me some.