Fairchild Botanic Garden

Family: Malvaceae (Mallow)

Distribution: New Caledonia

Life form: Tree

Description: Acropogon bullatus is an attractive tree from New Caledonia, belonging to the Hibiscus family (Malvaceae). As a seedling, its leaves are deeply lobed, but they soon transform into entire, cup-shaped leaves. The tree grows as a tall, narrow pole, reaching 15-20 feet before it begins to branch and widen. Pruning can encourage earlier branching, though it naturally develops an appealing shape on its own. Its flowers, with red centers and yellow margins, are attractive but small and not particularly prominent in the landscape. Cultivated at Fairchild for nearly a decade, this tree has proven resilient, withstanding high winds, cold, and drought without issue. Our oldest specimen has reached about 25 feet. It thrives in full to partial sun and well-draining soil.