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.