Cupaniopsis anacardioides
tree

Tuckeroo, Carrotwood, Coastal Tuckeroo, Tuckeroo Tree, Cashew Cupania

Cupaniopsis anacardioides

The Story

Plant Bio

Cupaniopsis anacardioides, commonly known as the tuckeroo, is a dense, rounded, evergreen tree native to coastal and sub-coastal northern and eastern Australia. It develops a spreading canopy of leathery, dark glossy green compound leaves and smooth greyish bark, naturally occurring in littoral rainforests and behind coastal sand dunes.

This species is highly tolerant of salt-laden winds and coastal humidity, making it a reliable windbreak or street tree in exposed maritime conditions. In winter and spring, it produces small greenish-white flowers followed by orange seed capsules that split to reveal bright red arils, which attract fruit-eating native birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides a dense, rounded evergreen canopy with glossy foliage and decorative orange seed capsules.
Practical UsesServes as an excellent windbreak or shade tree in coastal areas due to high salt and wind tolerance.
Ecological BenefitsFlowers attract native bees and pollinators, while the seeds provide food for native birds and fruit-eating fauna.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

590 inches

Width

393 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Plant in a full sun to partially shaded position in well-drained soil, including sand, loam, or clay.
  2. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
  3. Apply a low-phosphorus native slow-release fertiliser in spring to support young growth.
  4. Prune lightly after flowering to shape the canopy or clear lower branches, avoiding heavy cuts into old wood.

Pro Tip

Amateurs often misjudge the eventual canopy spread and plant this tree too close to structures or pathways. Train a clear trunk when young using light formative pruning to manage lateral space, and avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water young trees consistently until their root systems are fully established.
  • Check local council weed declarations before planting, as it can self-sow in some urban bushland contexts.
  • Prune young trees early to establish a clear central trunk if using as a street or shade tree.

Don't

  • Do not plant close to pathways or structures without allowing for a mature canopy spread of up to ten metres.
  • Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as regrowth from old wood is slow and patchy.
  • Do not over-fertilise, as this species requires minimal nutrients once established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Street treeShade treeCoastal windbreakScreening plant

Companion Plants

Alectryon coriaceusJagera pseudorhus Banksia integrifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tuckeroo, Carrotwood, Coastal Tuckeroo, Tuckeroo Tree, Cashew Cupania questions

What zones can Tuckeroo, Carrotwood, Coastal Tuckeroo, Tuckeroo Tree, Cashew Cupania grow in?

Tuckeroo, Carrotwood, Coastal Tuckeroo, Tuckeroo Tree, Cashew Cupania is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Tuckeroo, Carrotwood, Coastal Tuckeroo, Tuckeroo Tree, Cashew Cupania bloom?

Tuckeroo, Carrotwood, Coastal Tuckeroo, Tuckeroo Tree, Cashew Cupania typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tuckeroo, Carrotwood, Coastal Tuckeroo, Tuckeroo Tree, Cashew Cupania need full sun?

Tuckeroo, Carrotwood, Coastal Tuckeroo, Tuckeroo Tree, Cashew Cupania does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Tuckeroo, Carrotwood, Coastal Tuckeroo, Tuckeroo Tree, Cashew Cupania drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tuckeroo, Carrotwood, Coastal Tuckeroo, Tuckeroo Tree, Cashew Cupania handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

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