Alphitonia excelsa
red ash
Overview
Alphitonia excelsa is an evergreen tree native to eastern and northern Australia, reaching 16-82 feet (5-25 m) tall and acting as a fast pioneer in cleared rainforest and open forest. The alternate leaves are 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, dark green and glossy above and densely white-felted on the underside, so the canopy flickers pale when wind turns the foliage. Crushed leaves and bark give off a scent resembling liniment or sarsaparilla. Small cream to greenish flowers about 0.2 inch (5 mm) wide open in branched clusters in spring and summer, followed by rounded black fruit 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) wide that birds feed on. The bark and leaves contain saponins and produce a lather in water, the source of the common name soap tree. The species grows quickly on well-drained soils in warm climates but is frost-sensitive when young. Its eventual size suits larger gardens and parks rather than confined spaces.
Native Range
Native to eastern and northern Australia, from coastal and inland New South Wales through Queensland to the Northern Territory, growing in rainforest margins, open forest, and regrowth on cleared land.Suggested Uses
Planted as a fast shade and pioneer tree in rainforest restoration, and grown for habitat and bird-attracting fruit in warm-climate parks and large gardens. Its quick growth shelters slower species in mixed plantings. Frost sensitivity and eventual size limit use in cool or small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height16' - 82'
Width/Spread13' - 40'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to greenFoliage Description
dark green above, white belowGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight