Operculicarya decaryi

[Tracy]

I found this little Madagascar gem a couple of weeks ago and am thinking I will keep it potted.  There is a nice size one in the ground at nearby Quail... Oops there I go again, San Diego Botanical Garden.  Anyone else growing Operculicarya decaryi and care to share knowledge, experience and or photos?  As you can see, mine is in a 1 gallon at this time with the obligatory fast draining soil mix.

[Jerry@TreeZoo]

I planted one in the Deerfield Beach Arboretum close to 20 years ago.  I forget how tall it is.  I think 8' or 10' now.  It is slow, looks like it should have spines (but does not) and appears effortless here.

[Silas_Sancona]

Had one for a few years.. No issues w/ heat or cold here. Growth is slow-ish, but not -at a Snail's pace-. Most growth occurs in the summer when warm. Extra water ( i soak mine once every 6 days ) at that time speeds up growth ( Same w/ Bursera ). Drops most/all foliage in winter. Planted in Turface, Pumice, and grit. Very little or no water while dormant ( in winter )

Pachycormus discolor, which casually looks similar to Operc. decaryi, but originates in Baja, is it's "winter growing"  "Brother from another mother". 

[Peter]

I was just gifted one a few weeks ago-nice size 1g.  I'm considering putting mine in the ground-how large is the one at SD Botanic garden?  Does anyone have experience growing them in ground in Southern California?

[Tracy]

4 hours ago, Peter said:

I was just gifted one a few weeks ago-nice size 1g.  I'm considering putting mine in the ground-how large is the one at SD Botanic garden?  Does anyone have experience growing them in ground in Southern California?

Hi Peter,

The photo below was taken in August 2015 of the one at Quail/San Diego Botanical Garden.  If I remember right, it is up near the top parking lot across from the road that takes you down to the bamboo garden and tropical trees.  This used to be the main parking lot, but now they have you entering down below near the new Conservatory.  I was there a few weeks ago and don't recall it being substantially larger than in this photo, maybe a bit thicker on the main trunk.  I read on one wholesale grower's website that they get larger in habitat than here in California.  If I recall correctly it was on San Marcos Grower's website.

I think these are popular bonsai plants or semi bonsai container plants, which is likely what I will do with mine unless something in the right sun exposure in my garden dies at some point.

[Silas_Sancona]

6 minutes ago, Tracy said:

Hi Peter,

The photo below was taken in August 2015 of the one at Quail/San Diego Botanical Garden.  If I remember right, it is up near the top parking lot across from the road that takes you down to the bamboo garden and tropical trees.  This used to be the main parking lot, but now they have you entering down below near the new Conservatory.  I was there a few weeks ago and don't recall it being substantially larger than in this photo, maybe a bit thicker on the main trunk.  I read on one wholesale grower's website that they get larger in habitat than here in California.  If I recall correctly it was on San Marcos Grower's website.

I think these are popular bonsai plants or semi bonsai container plants, which is likely what I will do with mine unless something in the right sun exposure in my garden dies at some point.

That's not bad for coastal North County ( San Diego ) Thought both the L.A. Arboretum and Huntington had specimens as well in their collections. I'd look through pics taken from both places but that SD card broke/ won't read.  Botanic Wonders in Vista grows them also.

@Tracy Curious if you have ever seen any Frankincense ( Boswellia sacra ) specimens either at S.D. Botanical, the Zoo/ Safari Park. Would think if Operculicarya will grow there, Frankincense should be pretty easy also.

[Tracy]

5 minutes ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Curious if you have ever seen any Frankincense ( Boswellia sacra ) specimens either at S.D. Botanical, the Zoo/ Safari Park. Would think if Operculicarya will grow there, Frankincense should be pretty easy also.

I don't recall seeing them but next time I visit I will check.  SD Zoo in Balboa Park and the SD botanical here in Encinitas seem to straddle great climate zones for a diverse mix of plants.

[Gonzer]

This one is in my front yard, in ground among other crap. Bought as a 4"er from Grigsby's about 10  years ago. Regular haircuts and ample waer.

[Gonzer]

Now THIS one is cool. Brought it over to my next door neighbor's yard cuz it was too big. One gallon size about 16 years ago. Gets normal water. Remember, they're a tree...trees need water. That's my Billbergia 'Hallelujah' next to it. She lets me put a lotta stuff over there.

Edited August 26, 2020 by Gonzer

[Peter]

Thanks guys-great photos.  Will decide over winter what to do for next spring I guess.

[Darold Petty]

Gonzer, what are the broms against the wall in the image background, Tillandsia ?  Thanks

[Gonzer]

On 8/26/2020 at 3:34 PM, Darold Petty said:

Gonzer, what are the broms against the wall in the image background, Tillandsia ?  Thanks

those're giant forms of T. tectorum attached to a large Alluaudia procera. There are a lot more Tillandsias attached to various parts of the house and lattice in that area.