Family:
Sapindaceae
Alectryon oleifolius
Western Rosewood
Other Names: Boonaree
Regional Subspecies:
Alectryon oleifolius subsp. elongatus, A. o. subsp. canescems
Occurrence:
Habitat & Site Selection:
In various vegetation communities with sandy soil containing limestone, often in association with Belah. Very well drained soils, with a hot sunny aspect.
Habit:
Small tree 4-8m high, often with a broad greyish crown. Leaves linear-lanceolate and greyish-green. Has inconspicuous and cream to whitish-green flowers (Dec – Mar). Seed black with a red appendage.
Seed Collection:
Feb to Apr.
Propagation:
From seed and cuttings. Sow fresh seed. Germination may be increased by storing seed in the dark and inoculation with soil from around parent plants.
Regeneration:
Tolerates fairly heavy frost. Regenerates from suckers readily, especially if roots are exposed or damaged.
VALUES:
Land Protection:
Useful for soil erosion control in semi-arid areas. Used as a hedge in low rainfall areas. Palatable to all stock and very valuable during drought for forage.