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.