I'm amazed at the size of the Olive or some sort of shrub hanging off the trunk. You mention mould on the trunk. This is possibly brought on by this bush hanging off it. I agree with what Paul B3 suggests. You need to find a way of removing/detaching it off as both are not suitable together. The tree fern likes dappled shade and damp conditions, whilst the Olive likes dry and sunny conditions.
I thought that too. On seeing the second set of pictures and from the conditions maggiepetts mentioned, I'm more leaning back to Phillyrea Angustifolia. These shrubs can thrive in semi-shade whereas Olives are much more slower growing. Also, I can see in the leaf axils some small developed flowers. Similar in how Phillyrea grows. Also, they can virtually grow in dusty sandy soils with very little root system.
Oo! That's much closer to it than Mimosa. Now it's morning I've taken another photo of the leaves. The main difference I can see is these have 4/5 vertical 'veins' whereas the photos I can find of the 'false olive' seem to have one central vein? And I don't see any tiny flowers only tiny new leaves.
Thanks for sending in more photos. I must admit, it's caused even more confusion. I agree it is not Olive, nor Phillyrea due to the stripes on the leaves. I have looked into Willows and Bamboos, but unfortunately, I'm not at all clued up with shrubs and trees like this.
There is a small possibility it is an Acacia Longifolia or similar. I have compared bark and leaves a bit more and there are similarities in their leaves and stems. I do hope someone will offer more clues soon.
Whatever it is, I would remove it to save the tree fern! I wonder if glyphosate would work, or would it be able to cross from the root system of the Acacia to affect the tree fern?
You could just cut the Acacia from where is is growing and snip off all regrowth as seen, until it stops. And just leave the roots in situ.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
To be honest, I bought it because it's so unusual and healthy! Yes, the tree fern looks a little sad but I think that's because of where it's been sitting for years.
We are planning to cut back quite a lot of the 'Acacia' to ensure it doesn't over power the fern and to let the front develope but we would like both to survive if possible. If the fern deteriorates then we would remove the 'invader' .
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I'm amazed at the size of the Olive or some sort of shrub hanging off the trunk. You mention mould on the trunk. This is possibly brought on by this bush hanging off it. I agree with what Paul B3 suggests. You need to find a way of removing/detaching it off as both are not suitable together. The tree fern likes dappled shade and damp conditions, whilst the Olive likes dry and sunny conditions.
I thought that too. On seeing the second set of pictures and from the conditions maggiepetts mentioned, I'm more leaning back to Phillyrea Angustifolia. These shrubs can thrive in semi-shade whereas Olives are much more slower growing. Also, I can see in the leaf axils some small developed flowers. Similar in how Phillyrea grows. Also, they can virtually grow in dusty sandy soils with very little root system.
Oo! That's much closer to it than Mimosa. Now it's morning I've taken another photo of the leaves. The main difference I can see is these have 4/5 vertical 'veins' whereas the photos I can find of the 'false olive' seem to have one central vein? And I don't see any tiny flowers only tiny new leaves.
Last edited: 07 September 2017 09:41:23
The leaves are about 3" long.
I should have shown this too! Quite a stripy bark.
Thanks for sending in more photos. I must admit, it's caused even more confusion. I agree it is not Olive, nor Phillyrea due to the stripes on the leaves. I have looked into Willows and Bamboos, but unfortunately, I'm not at all clued up with shrubs and trees like this.
There is a small possibility it is an Acacia Longifolia or similar. I have compared bark and leaves a bit more and there are similarities in their leaves and stems. I do hope someone will offer more clues soon.
Whatever it is, I would remove it to save the tree fern! I wonder if glyphosate would work, or would it be able to cross from the root system of the Acacia to affect the tree fern?
You could just cut the Acacia from where is is growing and snip off all regrowth as seen, until it stops. And just leave the roots in situ.
To be honest, I bought it because it's so unusual and healthy! Yes, the tree fern looks a little sad but I think that's because of where it's been sitting for years.
We are planning to cut back quite a lot of the 'Acacia' to ensure it doesn't over power the fern and to let the front develope but we would like both to survive if possible. If the fern deteriorates then we would remove the 'invader' .