Handflower Tree Asterotrichion discolor

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Asterotrichion discolor, commonly known as handflower tree, is distinguished by its unique and attractive appearance. This plant typically presents itself with leathery leaves that are large and broad, adding an almost tropical feel to the landscape. The leaves are deep green on the top surface, contrasting with a paler, sometimes fuzzy underside, which has fine hairs giving the plant its name. During its flowering season, the handflower tree produces unusual flowers, which are hand-shaped, accounting for its common name. These flowers are creamy-white to pale pink and dangle elegantly from the tips of the branches. The blossoms feature narrow petals radiating from a central point, much like fingers from a palm. After the flowering period, the plant may produce fruit, which are typically inconspicuous. The overall appearance of the handflower tree is one of lush, dense foliage interspersed with its distinctive flowers. Its foliage and unique blossoms can give any garden or landscape a striking visual interest, and it's often chosen by gardeners and landscapers for its ornamental value. The plant's structure and leaf arrangement provide a textural contrast when paired with other plants in a garden setting.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Proteaceae
- Synonyms
  Harsh Hakea
- Common names
  Haloragodendron discolor, Haloragis aspera var. longifolia, Haloragis spinulosa, Haloragis tetragyna.
Toxicity
- To humans
  To the best of my knowledge, there is no widely recognized common name for Asterotrichion discolor, and I do not have information on toxicity specific to this plant for humans. Without specific data on this species, no definitive statement on its toxicity and possible consequences of ingestion can be provided.
- To pets
  Similarly, for Asterotrichion discolor, there is no widely known common name, and information specific to its toxicity for pets is not available. Without concrete data, no assessment of its toxicity and the potential symptoms of poisoning can be made for pets.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Varies
- Height
  3 feet (0.91 meters)
- Spread
  2 feet (0.61 meters)
- Plant type
  Shrub

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Asterotrichion discolor, commonly known as the Harakeke or New Zealand flax, has striking foliage and flowers that enhance garden aesthetics.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides shelter and food for native bird species and insects.
- Erosion Control: Strong root system helps stabilize soil in garden landscapes and natural environments.
- Drought Tolerance: As a hardy plant, it requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little upkeep beyond occasional pruning, therefore it is ideal for low-maintenance gardening.
- Cultural Significance: Holds importance in Māori culture for traditional weaving and as a symbol of their heritage.
- Sustainable Resource: Used for weaving baskets and mats, offering a renewable resource for crafts and practical items.
- Windbreak: Can be planted as a natural windbreak to protect more delicate plants and reduce wind erosion.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- The leaves of the leatherwood can be used to create a natural dye for textiles, providing a range of earthy tones when processed correctly.
- In horticulture, leatherwood is valued for its unique foliage and can be cultivated as an interesting specimen for gardens and parks.
- Woodworkers may value leatherwood for its timber, using it in the crafting of small wooden items such as decorative boxes or inlays.
- The bark of leatherwood can be used in traditional crafting for basket weaving, offering durability and a unique texture.
- The plant is sometimes incorporated into educational programs for botany students to study rare and endemic plant species.
- As an ornamental plant, leatherwood is used in landscaping to create contrasts with its distinct leaves against other garden plants.
- The leatherwood's aesthetically appealing bark can be used as a natural decorative element in terrariums and vivariums.
- Its resistance to certain pests can be utilized in companion planting to help protect more sensitive plants in the garden.
- Florists may use dried branches of leatherwood to add an exotic flair to their flower arrangements.
- Culinary experimentation could involve using the leaves as a flavoring agent for specialty dishes, although this is not a widespread practice.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Endurance: Because the Asterotrichion discolor, commonly known as Star Hair, can withstand various environmental conditions, it symbolizes the ability to endure challenges and persist through difficulties.
- Diversity: The Star Hair plant, found in diverse habitats, represents the beauty and strength found in diversity and adaptability.
- Mystery: With its unique appearance and less common recognition, the Star Hair carries a sense of mystery, symbolizing the unknown and the less explored paths in life.
- Protection: The tough foliage of the Star Hair provides shelter and protection to a variety of small insects and fauna, symbolizing safety and refuge.

💧

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
The plant commonly known as Handflower-tree should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This might equate to watering approximately 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions, every 1 to 2 weeks. It's important to provide enough water to moisten the root zone without waterlogging the soil. In the warmer seasons or dryer climates, watering frequency may need to increase. During the winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.
Light
Handflower-tree prefers a spot that receives full to partial sunlight. The ideal location would be a south- or west-facing window for indoor plants, while ensuring it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid harsh direct sunlight in the peak summer months which can lead to leaf scorch.
Temperature
The Handflower-tree thrives in temperatures ranging from 50 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive short periods outside this range but should not be exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the plant in a spot where the temperature is consistently within this ideal range to ensure healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning the Handflower-tree promotes healthier, more compact growth and prevents legginess. Prune lightly throughout the growing season to maintain the desired shape. The best time for significant pruning is in the early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches whenever noticed to keep the plant in good health.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Handkerchief Tree, or Asterotrichion discolor, prefers a well-draining soil mix with a moderate amount of organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat, and perlite. The ideal soil pH should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from about 6.0 to 7.0, to support optimal growth and health of the plant.
Repotting
The Handkerchief Tree should be repotted approximately every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. This slower-growing plant does not need frequent repotting, allowing the roots to comfortably fill the pot.
Humidity & Misting
The Handkerchief Tree thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. If the air is too dry, especially in indoor environments, using a humidifier or regularly misting the plant can help maintain appropriate humidity conditions.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright, indirect light and keep away from cold drafts.
- Outdoor
  Grow in dappled sunlight, sheltered from harsh weather.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
As a perennial, the common name Marble Leaf (Asterotrichion discolor) begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in suitable conditions. The seedlings establish a root system and produce juvenile leaves, which differ in shape from mature leaves. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, producing the characteristic marbled leaves and strong stems. After reaching maturity, which may take several years, Marble Leaf produces flowers, usually in the form of small, inconspicuous spikes. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fruit that carry seeds, which are then dispersed to start a new cycle. Marble Leaf also spreads vegetatively through local rhizome growth.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Asterotrichion discolor, commonly known as Lord Howe Island Lace Plant or Mountain Lacebark, is through the use of seeds. Typically, these seeds are sown in springtime, when the temperature is temperate and the risk of frost has passed, providing an encouraging environment for germination. Sowing involves scattering the seeds lightly on top of a well-draining seed starting mix and gently pressing them into the soil without covering them, as they require light for germination. Consistent moisture is maintained, but overwatering is avoided to prevent rot. A warm and humid microenvironment can be created by covering the tray with clear plastic until the seedlings emerge, which could take several weeks. Once the seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, they can be gently transplanted into individual pots to continue their growth before eventually being moved outdoors to their final location.