Family:
Sapindaceae
Dodonaea boroniifolia
Fern-leaf Hopbush
Other Names: Small Hopbush, Hairy Hopbush
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
HABIT:
Spreading shrub, usually 2 m high, sometimes 4m. Dark green, pinnate leaves with 3-8 leaflet pairs. Inconspicuous flowers in groups of 2-3 in leaf axils. Seeds with 4 papery wings (10-20 mm long), maturing pink or purplish-red.
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
Hilly areas on shallow sandy soils. Well-drained soils. Prefers dappled shade to full sun. Prefers 300-450 mm rainfall in the Riverina region. Frost hardy and tolerates extended dry periods.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Collect seed Nov-Apr. Propagate from seed or cuttings. Fast growth rate. Available from specialist nurseries.
VALUES & USES:
Very decorative and well-known in cultivation. Useful low-level cover in windbreaks due to multi-stemmed growth. Four-angled fruits are colourful and attractive. Prune lightly to promote bushiness.