Harpullia pendula - Tulipwood Tree

Harpullia pendula 

Harpullia pendula also known as Mogun-Mogun or Queensland Tulipwood is a stunning small to medium Australian native rainforest tree renowned for its distinctive bronze-green new growth on a rounded canopy, ornamental bright orange berries with black centres, and exceptional performance as a street tree and shade specimen.

This remarkable native delivers year-round evergreen interest, wildlife-attracting capability, and urban-friendly performance.

Growth Size: Usually under 6m tall x 4m w in urban gardens.  Can reach up to 10m + in shady rainforests

Positioning: Full sun in well drained soil

Temperament: Frost sensitive and drought tolerant once established

Perfect for: Street tree, bird and butterfly attracting, shade tree

Growth Rate: Fast

Key Features

The most visually striking characteristic is the continuous emergence of bronze-green new foliage that contrasts beautifully with the glossy dark green mature leaves. This dynamic colour transformation creates year-round visual interest and sophisticated ornamental appeal. The bronzey new growth catches light and creates visual texture throughout the growing season.

Summer flowers are followed by an abundance of bright orange berries with distinctive black centres — a striking dual-tone display. The ornamental berries create spectacular seasonal interest and attract native birds and butterflies. The colourful fruit display extends visual appeal across multiple seasons.

Urban-Friendly Performance - This tree is highly valued as a street tree by councils and urban planners due to its compact size, non-invasive root systems, toughness in challenging urban conditions, salt tolerance for coastal locations, and drought tolerance once established. The well-behaved growth habit means it won't damage pavement or buildings.

Wildlife & Pollinator Attraction

The flowers attract native butterflies including the Cornelian butterfly, while the berries attract native birds seeking food sources.

Size & Growth

Growth size is usually under 6m h x 4m w in urban gardens.

Fast-growing performance ensures rapid establishment.

In nature can reach up to 25m but adapts beautifully to garden cultivation.

Perfect Uses

> Street tree

> Shade trees

> Feature canopy tree

> Native gardens for bird and butterfly-attracting

> Coastal plantings

> Screening

Why Choose Harpullia pendula

> Fast Grower

> Non-invasive root systems

> Exceptional urban suitability

> Wildlife-attracting properties

> Drought tolerance

> Coastal salt tolerance

> Low-maintenance