Fern-leaved Tamarind

Fern-leaved Tamarind (Sarcotoechia serrata) is a bushy rainforest tree from north east Queensland that slowly reaches about 6m, a size that suits a suburban back yard. Its deep green leaves are arranged like the fronds of a fern, with pastel pink and cream new growth. In autumn it carries pea sized yellow fruits that split open to show shiny red fruits.

Why you'll love it

• Fern like foliage. The leaflets are arranged in a herringbone, with rippled edges, and the fronds weep elegantly.
• Colourful new growth. Young leaves emerge pink, fade to creamy peach and deepen to glossy green, so the tree is colourful through the growing season.
• Autumn fruit. Insignificant flowers give way to yellow fruits that open to show shiny red ones, a small display of colour in autumn.
• A manageable size. At about 6m and growing slowly it stays in scale with a suburban garden.
• A true native. It is related to the tuckeroo and the native tamarind, and it fits naturally into native and wildlife gardens.

Where it works best

A small garden tree. Plant 3m from buildings and boundaries. Its modest height and slow growth suit the back corner of a suburban yard.

Feature planting. Site it beside a path, window or patio where you can watch the pink new growth emerge and the fronds sway.

Native and rainforest gardens. Use it as an understorey tree in dappled shade, with ferns, gingers and other rainforest natives around it.

Growing Fern-leaved Tamarind in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade or dappled shade, in a sheltered spot out of strong wind. It needs a frost free climate, so it suits tropical and subtropical gardens. In gardens that see frost, choose another small tree.

Soil. A rich, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter suits it. Dig in compost at planting time and mulch around the base.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep watering through dry spells afterwards. A slow release fertiliser in spring supports steady growth.

Pruning. It needs very little. Remove dead or crossing branches and let the tree keep its natural, bushy shape.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Fern-leaved Tamarind as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 300mm pots, sold singly. This is a slow growing tree, so the 300mm pot gives a worthwhile head start. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants travel upright and settle best in a sheltered, dappled position. Plant out soon after delivery, water in well, mulch the soil and keep it moist while the roots settle.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse Australian native trees
• Small trees for urban gardens
• Best small trees for small backyards
• Tuckeroo, a related native tree

Common questions

How tall does Fern-leaved Tamarind grow?

About 6m, and it gets there slowly. That makes it a suitable tree for a suburban back yard.

Does it need shade?

It prefers part shade or dappled shade, in a position sheltered from strong wind. Rich, well drained soil and regular water in dry spells keep it growing well.

Can I grow it where there are frosts?

No. It needs a frost free climate and should be protected from frost. In gardens with frost, a hardier small tree is a better choice.