Family:

Sapindaceae

Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata

Narrow-leaf Hop-bush

(syn. D. attenuata; D. angustissima)

Other Names:

Name Origin:

Dodonaea — after Flemish botanist Rembert Dodoens (1517-85).

viscosa — sticky.

angustissima — from Latin angustus, narrow, referring to leaves.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Widespread. In most areas throughout the region.

Australia:

Mainland states and territories.

Habitat:

In open forests, woodlands and scrubs, on rocky outcrops, drier slopes and sandy sites.

Habit:

Erect shrub to 4 m high. Narrow green leaves 3 – 9.5 cm long.

Site Preference:

Well-drained soil in partial or full sun. Tolerates frost and drought.

Characteristics:

Fast-growing. Lifespan possibly up to several decades. Flowers are as early as two years after germination.

Flowering:

Reddish, spring. Inconspicuous.

Seed Collection:

Mid Oct to early Feb. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or within 3-14 days of maturity. Papery capsules turn from red to tan-brown and become brittle as seeds ripen. Seeds black and firm when ripe. Large quantities easily collected. Retains viability for several years.

Propagation:

From seed (± 212 viable seeds per gram), or cuttings. While untreated seeds germinate, hot water treatment hastens germination, which should take 2-4 weeks.

Regeneration:

From seed, stem and coppice, particularly after fire. Establishes readily when direct seeded.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks, due to multi-stemmed growth.

Land Protection:

Useful understorey in recharge planting. Useful in land rehabilitation such as stabilising sand due to shallow spreading roots.

Wildlife:

Excellent habitat. Good pollen source for moths, butterflies and other insects including colourful beetles. Foliage good refuge for small birds. Fruits and seeds are forage for native birds. Kangaroos and wallabies browse foliage.

First Nations:

Dodonaea leaves used for pain relief. Leaves chewed for toothache (without swallowing the juice). Chewed leaves and juice used in treating stonefish and stingray wounds (usually bound to wound and left for several days).

Ornamental:

Useful in hedges, screening, rock gardens and under trees. Three-angled fruits very colourful and attractive. Prune lightly to promote bushiness.

Other:

Useful drought fodder in some arid areas. Fruiting branches have cut flower potential.