Duma florulenta
tangled lignum
Overview
Duma florulenta is a tangled, many-branched shrub reaching 3-10 feet (1-3 m) tall and as wide, forming dense, interlocking thickets of rigid, zig-zagging stems. The greyish-green stems are the main photosynthetic surface; the small leaves, 0.2-0.8 inch (5-20 mm) long, are narrow and often shed in dry periods, leaving the plant looking leafless. Tiny cream to greenish-yellow flowers, about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) across, are borne in small clusters along the stems. Flowering follows flooding or substantial rain rather than a fixed season. The fruit is a small three-angled nut enclosed in a fleshy segment. Plants are long-lived and resprout from the base and roots after fire, drought, or grazing. The species grows on clay floodplains, around inland lakes, and along channels that flood intermittently. It withstands both prolonged inundation and extended drought. Dense stands give nesting sites and shelter to waterbirds and other wildlife.
Native Range
Native to inland Australia, widespread across the arid and semi-arid zones of all mainland states, especially the Murray-Darling and Lake Eyre basins. Grows on heavy clay floodplains, around ephemeral lakes and swamps, and along channels subject to periodic flooding.Suggested Uses
Planted in revegetation of floodplains, wetland margins, and clay or saline sites, spaced 5-10 feet (1.5-3 m) apart. Used as habitat and erosion control on land subject to periodic flooding. Its dense, tangled form suits naturalistic and conservation plantings rather than formal gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to greenish-yellowFoliage Description
greyish-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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