Tupidanthus calyptratus

Common Name:
Mallet Flower

Description:
Tupidanthus calyptratus, also known as the Mallet Flower, is a fast-growing tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. It features glossy, palmate leaves that droop gracefully, creating a weeping appearance. The tree produces unique greenish flowers in spring and summer, which develop into mallet-shaped seed pods, giving the plant its common name. In Melbourne's climate, it thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers rich, well-draining soil. While it can grow up to 15 meters tall in its natural habitat, it typically reaches 4–6 meters in cultivation. The Mallet Flower is ideal for creating a tropical ambiance in gardens and can be grown as a specimen tree or in large containers.

Form:

• Tree – Medium

• Tree – Large (in natural habitat)

• Shrub – Large (when pruned)

Mature Size:

• Height:

  • Up to 6 m in cultivation

  • Up to 15 m in natural habitat

• Width:

  • Up to 4 m in cultivation

  • Up to 6 m in natural habitat

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• Greenish

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots (large containers)

• Perennial

• Fast Growing

• Low Maintenance

• Not Frost Hardy

• Attractive Foliage

• Tropical Appearance

Toxicity:

• Toxic to humans and pets if ingested; may cause irritation and swelling

Companion Plants:

• Monstera deliciosa

• Philodendron hederaceum

• Calathea spp.

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• Spathiphyllum spp. (Peace Lily)