Family:

Araliaceae

Polyscias sambucifolia

Elderberry Panax

(syn. Tieghemopanax sambucifolius)

Ornamental Ash

First Nations Name(s):

Name Origin:

Polyscias — from Greek poly, many, and scias, canopy, umbel, referring to generally large umbels.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted in Munderoo district. Probably also in similar country in surrounding areas.

Australia:

Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas.

Habitat:

Wet or dry sclerophyll forest, open forest, woodland and rainforest. Moist gullies or sheltered slopes.

Habit:

Tall shrub to small tree, to 5 m high.

Site Preference:

Well-drained soils. Tolerates extended wet periods, and shade to semi-shade.

Characteristics:

Highly variable appearance. Fast-growing.

Flowering:

Yellow-green, Nov-Feb. Profuse, but rarely conspicuous.

Seed Collection:

When berries translucent steely-blue and edible.

Propagation:

From seed or cuttings of firm young growth.

Regeneration:

Suckering roots. May form dense colonies.

VALUES:

Land Protection:

Stabilises soils along gullies where it naturally occurs.

Ornamental:

Excellent for shady moist gardens, indoor containers, and for quick-growing screens. Responds to pruning. Remove suckers at ground level.