Family:
Sapindaceae
Alectryon oleifolius
Western Rosewood
Other Names: Rosewood, Boonaree, Bulloak Bush, Bullocky Bush, Minga, Cattle Bush, Jiggo
Regional Subspecies:
A. o. subsp. canescens (Rosewood), A. o. subsp. elongatus (Western Rosewood)
Habit:
Small tree, 4-8 m high, often with broad greyish crown. Linearlanceolate, greyish-green leaves. Inconspicuous cream to whitishgreen flowers (Dec-Mar). Black seed with red appendage.
Habitat & Site Preference:
Various vegetation communities with sandy, limestone-containing soil, often associated with Belah. Very well-drained soil, hot sunny aspect. Prefers 300 – 450 mm rainfall in the Riverina.
Seed Collection & Propagation:
Collect seed Feb-Apr. Sow fresh seed, germination improved by dark storage and inoculation with soil from parent plants. Propagate from seed and cuttings. Tolerates frost, readily regenerates from suckers if roots are disturbed.
Values & Uses:
Soil erosion control in semi-arid areas, hedge in low rainfall areas. Palatable to stock, valuable drought fodder.