General Description:

Angophora is a genus of 13 species which are confined to eastern Australia from south-eastern Queensland to Victoria. Angophora is closely related to Eucalyptus and Corymbia. The three genera are known collectively as ‘eucalypts’ and they dominate many Australian landscapes.

The differences between the three genera are:

• The lack of a bud cap (operculum) in Angophora
• Adult leaves opposite in Angophora; alternate in Eucalyptus and Corymbia.

A recent proposal (2024) was published which would see all ‘eucalypts’, including both Angophora and Corymbia,  re-classified to the single genus Eucalyptus. It remains to be seen if this proposal will be widely accepted.  For further information see the Background section of the Eucalypts page on this website.

Angophoras are commonly called “Apples”, because some species have a growth habit similar to that of the apple tree. 

Angophora hispida is a small tree or large shrub which is common on sandstone soils, particularly around the Sydney area. It has heart shaped (cordate) leaves which gave rise to its former name, A.cordifolia. The branches have conspicuous reddish hairs and the new growth is also red/purple in colour. The white flowers occur in summer in large, conspicuous clusters. These are followed by ribbed, cup-shaped fruits containing the seeds which are dispersed when ripe.

This is a hardy plant in a variety of well drained soils. It flowers best in full sun and will withstand moderate frosts once established. The clusters of white flowers make a welcome addition to the garden at a time when flowering of many other plants has ceased.

Propagation is from seed which germinates readily.