Astrotricha latifolia
broad-leaf star hair
Eastern Australia (New South Wales to south-eastern Queensland)
Overview
Astrotricha latifolia is an upright evergreen shrub or small tree of the family Araliaceae, reaching 6.5–16 feet (2–5 m) tall and 5–10 feet (1.5–3 m) wide. The broad leaves are 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, dark green and smooth above, and densely coated beneath with star-shaped (stellate) hairs that give the underside a rusty to whitish felted surface. Young stems carry the same dense hairs. Small flowers, cream to greenish, are held in large branched panicles above the foliage, mainly in spring and summer. The fruit is a small dry, flattened schizocarp. A. latifolia grows on the margins of rainforest and in moist open forest in eastern Australia, from coastal New South Wales into Queensland, often on richer soils. It needs shelter and steady moisture and is sensitive to hard frost and prolonged drought. The soft-wooded stems are brittle and can break in strong wind.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, on rainforest margins and in moist open forest from coastal New South Wales into south-eastern Queensland, often on richer, sheltered sites.Suggested Uses
Used in rainforest-style and native gardens as a foliage shrub for sheltered, part-shaded positions. Suited to mixed borders and screening on moist, richer soils. Spaced 5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 m) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6'6" - 16'
Width/Spread5' - 10'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to greenishFoliage Description
dark green above, rusty to whitish beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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